Best Portable Travel Discs

But the backup is useless if the hard drive you selected does not differ in reliability. Most external HDD and SSD are fragile, they are intended for accurate appeal in domestic and office conditions. Falls, blows, rain, dust and other troubles, without which no working trip is not bypass - their sworn enemies.

Fortunately, there are drives designed with severe reality. Some models are equipped with basic protection from falling, others are not terrible and more serious tests like dust storms and full immersion in water.

The protected external disk does not necessarily look like a heavy brick. Many models have a lightweight and compact performance, they do not need much space in hand baggles. A pleasant bonus is fast speed. With one such accessory, you can create backup copies of huge video files in less than a minute.

The main question when choosing a hard disk - on what type of stop. The choice involves two options: traditional HDD with rotating plates and modern solid-state SSD. SSD is less, it is easier, more reliable and much faster, but for these advantages will have to give a considerable amount.

Below you will find seven portable drives from different categories - from budget versions to high-performance. We included a disk that does not require physical connection to a computer. It will be the perfect companion in rich trips, where you can't take a laptop with you.

Most of the models have different tanks. If you liked the characteristics, but did not suit the capacity or price, look for another modification.

How reliable is the hard drive?

If you observe the operating conditions, the Winchester will last for many years. The main thing is not to drop it and do not shake. Any careless action can cause a malfunction, so it is better not to choose for active connectors and work in transport.

What is better suited for long-term data storage - SSD or HDD?

SSD is considered more durable than hard drives, for one simple reason - there are no mobile elements within them. However, HDD is better suited for continuous backup storage. The fact is that without a periodic connection to PC, solid-state drives lose the charge that is necessary to determine the bits in memory. Of course, this process takes place not in one day and not even in one month, but if you plan to store on the backup drive for several years, you risk losing part of the data.

Special attention requires the process of connecting / disconnecting SSD from a computer: a sudden feed break may damage the flash memory cells.

As for hard drives, these features are not typical. Their resource is ten years old, so that the hard drive can quietly lie on the shelf for years and not lose a single file.

The disadvantages of Winchesters include their vulnerability to temperature drops, magnetic interference and adverse weather phenomena. It is necessary to store them in a warm, not too wet room.

SSD, on the contrary, temperature and moisture are not afraid. They are recommended to choose even if you need a frequent connection to a computer. Just do not forget that stable power supply is required and it is impossible to dramatically turn off when active files are activated. Save the capacity can be refused to edit private editing and overwriting data.

Why can the Winchester be broken?

There are plenty of causes by which the hard disk may refuse. First of all, this inappropriate storage and operation conditions is the inconsistency of the recommended temperature regime, excessive humidity, magnetic interference, water. Also plates are damaged from drops and vibrations.

Best secure drives

OWC Envoy Pro EX Thunderbolt 3

• Size: 6 x 21 x 12.5 cm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 1 TB
• Connector: Thunderbolt 3
• Speed: to 2800 MB / s
• Protection: MIL-STD810G, shock absorbing bumper

Check Price

North American brand Other World Computing specializes in the release of storage devices and premium class accessories for Mac and Windows. The Envoy Pro EX Thunderbolt 3 model is a solid-state drive in a hardened housing that is suitable for activities related to photography, video filming and writing music. Thunderbolt 3 and NVME technologies are unambiguous plus, since it is implemented by an increased data transfer rate.

The disk is characterized by impeccable assembly, it complies with the security standard of the MIL-STD810G. Since this is a solid-state drive and there are no mobile mechanisms in it, it can be called practically without failure in domestic conditions. It is not enough to put it in marching backpack : blows and vibration will turn off the amorticating bumper.

Benefits:

Disadvantage:

LACIE RUGGED SSD

• Size: 9.7 x 6.5 x 17 cm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Connector: USB 3.1 Gen2 ( USB C )
• Speed: 1050 MB / s
• Protection: IP67, shock-absorbing housing, AES Encryption -256

Check Price

Lacie is considered one of the best manufacturers of durable drives, and the Lacie Rugged SSD model is Good balance between reliability, characteristics and price. It is also an excellent choice if in priorities durability and privacy.

Let's see what numbers say. In this SSD, the IP67 dust / moisture protection standard is implemented, which implies full protection against small particles and the possibility of a short immersion into water (up to 1 meter for a period of not more than 30 minutes). The hull of the drive withstands the drop from three-meter height and pressure to 1800 kg (approximate weight of the car).

Performance corresponds to a high level. The maximum speed is 1050 MB / s. This is a good indicator, with him you will spend more time at work with files than waiting, when they are finally copied. Data security provides AES-256 integrated hardware encryption.

Advantages:

Disadvantage:

Silicon Power ARMOR A30

• Size: 13.4 x 8.7 x 1.9 cm
• Type: HDD
• Capacity: 1 TB
• Connector: USB 3.0 ( USB-C )
• Speed: 120 MB / s
• Protection: MIL-STD-810G, shock absorbing inserts

Check Price

The first two models belong to SSD. It is time to consider another type of drives, namely HDD. Silicon Power ARMOR A30 is the most durable of inexpensive hard drives. It is encased in a rubberized housing that provides reliable protection against unpleasant incidents at home and on the go.

MIL-STD810G is present in specifications. It indicates that the disk is not afraid of falling from a height of up to 3 meters (approximate height of the first floor balcony), as well as vibration. The Armor A30 fits easily into your pocket and is great for travel.

Its maximum capacity is 2 TB. This is not the limit, but sufficient for storing large files and backups. The disk is equipped with a modern connection interface. With the included USB-C and USB-A cables, you can connect to any computer or laptop without too much fuss.

Benefits:

Drawback:

CalDigit Tuff Nano

​​

)
• Size: ‎17 x 14.9 x 2.5 cm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 512 GB
• Connector: USB 3.2 Gen2 (USB-C)
• Speed: 1055 MB/s
• Security: IP67, MIL-STD-810G

Check price

Are you looking for a compact, reliable and high performance storage solution? Take a look at this model. At 2.5 cm thick, CalDigit Tuff Nano weighs 180 g and has a high level of strength.

The IP67 standard indicates that rain and submersion to a depth of 1 meter for half an hour will not harm this SSD in any way. It is also able to survive drops from up to 3 meters without any consequences, which makes it much more durable than cheaper alternatives with the same capacity.

Performance does not disappoint: the speed reaches 1055 MB / s, the memory capacity is up to 1 TB. Owners of Apple portable PCs can use them immediately after purchase: the solid state drive is pre-formatted for MacOS. Windows compatibility is also present.

Benefits:

Disadvantage:

SANDISK EXTREME PRO Portable SSD

• Size: 9.6 x 4.9 x 8 cm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: to 2 TB
• Connector: USB 3.1 Gen2 (USB-C)
• Speed: 1050 MB / s
• Protection: IP55, protection against beats

Check Price

Another good and inexpensive option for Apple computers. It is equipped with a USB-C port with a data transfer rate of 1050 MB / s, which will be a good help when working with photos and video straight from the drive and copy files without long delays.

It is designed for creative people who are in constant motion. The compact aluminum case with a silicone coating and carrying loop successfully passed a test test from the height of human growth (1.8 m), transfers the crude and dusty environment, which makes it ideal for work in extreme conditions where quick file transfer is required.

WD has an improved version of this model - SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD with a speed of up to 2000 MB / s, however, we do not recommend purchasing it for computers on MacOS, since Thunderbolt 3 ports have a speed limit of 1050 MB / s (corresponds to USB 3.1 Gen 2). To use such a storage device, a laptop is required or a PC with USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 2 interface.

Advantages:

Disadvantage:

Lacie Rugged Mini

• Size: Width 8.6 mm
• Type: HDD
• Capacity: to 5 TB
• Connector: USB 3.0
• Speed: 130 MB / s
• Protection: from shock, pressure and moisture

Check the price

If you are accustomed to stable and durable products, pay attention to the goods of the Lacie brand. The HDD Rugged Mini series is an excellent example of how the portable hard disk should be.

The series presents options with a capacity from 1 to 5 TB. The most spacious replaced several drives and get rid of the need to buy new ones. Of course, performance and nearly stood with SSD, but for your class this disc is not bad.

Everything is present in it, for which buyers appreciate Lacie. Shockproof dust / waterproof housing is a need for amateurs of outdoor activities and photographs in nature. Rugged Mini withstands the drop from a height from one and a half meters and pressure up to 900 kg. If you are inappropriate to drop the disk, sit on it or throw on the bottom of the backpack, nothing terrible will happen. Lacie Rugged Mini is able to transfer and much more serious load.

Advantages:

Disadvantage:

WD G-Technology ARMORATD

• Size: 13 x 8.7 x 2.1 cm
• Type: HDD
• Capacity: to 5 TB
• Connector: USB 3.1 (USB-C)
• Speed: 140 MB / s
• Protection: IP54, amortic inserts, silicone bumper

Check Price

G-Technology Armoratd - one of the most impenetrable hard drives from all that are on sale today. It has three of the two layers of physical protection: an aluminum case, internal shock absorbers and shockproof bumper around the perimeter. According to the test results, the disk withstands pressure up to 450 kg and drop from 1.2 meters to the concrete floor.

Armoratd is not impressive in speed - only 140 MB / s. However, this deficiency compensates for a large capacity and price for 1 TB of data. He is ready to work in MacOS and Windows environments without unnecessary actions from the user.

Advantages:

Disadvantage:

Silicon Power A60

• Size: 85.9 x 23.2 x 138.5 mm
• Type: HDD
• Capacity: 1000 GB
• Connector: USB-A
• Speed: 500 MB / s
• Protection: IPX4 + Basic Defense Protection

Check Price

Approximately the price as the usual portable disk, you can purchase a more durable Silicon Power A60.

Along with the protection against IPX4 spray, a durable rubberized case saves the drive from physical influences. Actual performance at a high level: recording speed up to 500 MB / s, there is support for USB 3.1 Gen 1.

The manufacturer provides a three-year warranty on this thin light. But it is worth remembering that its conditions apply only to the disk components themselves, and not on the saved data.

HDD is equipped with a short Cable USB A / USB A - for it, a system of holders is provided on the housing.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

TRANSCEND STOREJET M3

• Size: 80.8 x 16.1 x 129.5 mm
• Type: HDD
• Capacity: 1000 GB
• Connector: USB-A
• Speed: 500 MB / s
• Protection: Base from drops

Check Price

If in priority protection is precisely from drops, and not from water, then choosing between Silicon Power A60 and Transcend StoreJet M3, it is more logical to stay on the second.

Shockproof Rubber Case and Improved Suspension System Guaranteed The contents of the drive from non-accurate circulation.

The disk has support for USB 3.1 Gen1 5 GB / s, compatibility with USB 2 ports for old computers, and the maximum speed of rotation of the plates is 5400 rpm. The software has a backup function. It starts in one touch using the selected button.

Compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux, this disc is a reliable universal data warehouse for travelers.

Advantages:

Disadvantage:

G-TECHNOLOGY G-Drive R

• Size: 94 x 51 x 15 mm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Connector: USB-C
• Speed: 560 MB / s
• Protection: IP67 + protection against drops from a height of 2.7 m + Protect against pressure by force to 450 kg

Check the price

The protected level of the base level from non-beams is better than nothing. But for protracted hiking and active movement, it is not enough.

Solid-state drives do not contain moving parts, so they are easier to carry strikes. But the G-DRIVE R line is capable of greater. The disk withstands the dive into the water by 1.5 meters, drop from 2.7 meters onto a carpet coating concrete and a pressure force of 450 kg. About dust with dirt and not worth mentioning.

SSD is not only stronger, but also faster hard drives. In combination with support for USB 3.1 Gen 2 G-Drive R can transmit data at a speed of up to 560 MB / s. Due to this feature, it can be recommended to videographers and professional photographers who need to quickly move large amounts of data.

Benefits:

Drawback:

Toshiba Canvio Connect II

• Size: 78 x 109 x 14 mm
• Type: HDD
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Connector: USB-B
• Speed: 500 MB/s
• Protection: basic fall protection

Check price

Toshiba Canvio Connect II with a maximum capacity of 2 TB is not a simple storage device. At a very affordable price, it offers several premium features.

Free 10 GB on PogoPlug Cloud storage for disc purchasers. Access to it is configured through the PogoPlug mobile or desktop application. There you can also configure remote access to the file system of a PC or laptop.

The disk is supplied in NTFS format, inside it there are drivers for reformatting to HFS + under OS X or universal exFAT.

Benefits:

Weaknesses:

Samsung T5

• Size: 57.3 x 10.5 x 74 mm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 1000 GB
• Port: USB-C
• Speed: 540 MB /s
• Protection: 2m drop protection

Check price

Samsung's line of sleek portable SSDs has become a favorite of many. The latest T5 is not to be missed.

Bright miniature disk, small as a packet of business cards, well prepared for survival in harsh conditions. From the water and dust it will have to be left, but the fall from 2 meters it will survive without loss.

Data operation It leads at a maximum speed of 540 MB / s. But to enjoy the advantage of speed, you need a computer with a USB port line 3.1 Gen 2 10 GB / s.

In addition to the reinforced design, T5 has hardware encryption and built-in protection password. The kit includes cables with USB-C and USB-A connector. Manufacturer's warranty - 3 years.

Samsung T5 It is worth choosing if you are ready to sacrifice waterproof in favor of high performance.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

SanDisk Extreme Portable

• Size: 49.5 x 8.8 x 96.2 mm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Connector: USB-C
• Speed: 550 MB / s
• Protection: IP55 + protection against falling from 2 meters

Check the price

In this relatively inexpensive portable SSD, speed and durability are combined.

SanDisk Extreme Portable is not the smallest portable SSD, but it fits out the palm of the palm, which cannot be said about most external drives. The actual data transfer rate corresponds to the stated level manufacturer.

This disk will solve a drop from a height of 2 meters. The IP55 protection class provides resistance to moisture and dust, but it is still better to take care of the disk and from the other - it is not provided for full insulation.

Of the three portable SSD described above for the most extreme conditions, it is worth choosing a G-Drive G-Technology R. SAMSUNG T5 is perfect for trips. And SanDisk Extreme Portable will come out unsubstituted from the grooved backpack and serves the rude appeal.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

WD My Passport Wireless SSD

• Size: 135 x 30 x 135 mm
• Type: SSD
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Connector: USB-A
• Speed: 500 MB / C
• Protection: From falling from 2 meters

Check the price

The overwhelming majority of portable drives require connections to a computer. But there are also such models that can be used without large electronics. They will fit first of all video edges and photo reporters for business trips to remote area. Such drives carry out data transfer to their memory through a slot for SD cards or wireless method.

WD My Passport Wireless - Premium Equipment. It is resistant to physical damage and vibration. From shocks and drops, it protects the removable rubber bumper.

To copy files inside the drive, a USB port and a device for reading SD cards are provided. Copy starts automatically either by pressing the button. In default settings, copy only new files, and not the creation of duplicates.

Wireless communication with a smartphone, a camera or another device is carried out through Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz). Bilateral Synchronization Between the smartphone application and the drive allows you to create backup copies on the phone on the disc, and copy files with SSD to the mobile device memory.

In the presence of a computer, the possibility of working with the disk is expanding. File transfer rate via USB reaches 500 MB / s. The disk is suitable for use in Windows and MacOS.

Autonomousity My Passport Wireless is 10 hours. Built-in battery can be used to recharge smartphones and other USB devices. The disc is also capable of functioning as a media server by transmitting streaming video over a wireless connection. Among other things, it can serve Amplifier Wi-Fi of the signal.

The drive is cumbersome, which is rare for SSD. Given its price, surprises the absence of USB-C interface and full waterproof. Nevertheless, it practically does not have competitors.

Benefits:

Weaknesses: