Should you choose a USB flash drive or an external hard drive to store data?

When looking for external storage solutions, the two most popular options that users choose today are USB flash drives and external hard drives.

Both use a USB interface to connect to a computer or phone, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of data storage capacity that influence the user's decision.

USB flash drives and portable hard drives have their own pros and cons

PHOTO: USB Memory Direct

First is the USB flash drive, a compact storage device that uses flash memory modules and has a built-in USB connector. With no moving parts, USB flash drives are highly durable against drops and impacts. In contrast, external hard drives are larger, often do not have a built-in USB port, and rely on a USB cable. With an electromechanical structure, external hard drives use magnetic disks to store data, so they are less durable in the event of an accident.

In terms of data transfer speeds, both USB flash drives and external hard drives depend on a number of factors, including the USB version and the quality of the components. When comparing a newer USB flash drive to an external hard drive with the same USB port, USB flash drives are typically faster because they don’t require spinning disks. However, external hard drives are more reliable for long-term data storage, while USB flash drives have a limited write cycle and are susceptible to wear over time.

Which storage option is right for you?

If you need a small, portable device that can transfer data quickly, a USB flash drive is ideal. However, if you need more storage, an external hard drive is a better solution, with capacities of up to 28TB from reputable brands. Although external hard drives are less portable due to the need for an external power source, their cost per GB is often cheaper than USB flash drives.

In addition, it is impossible not to mention external solid-state drives (SSDs), which use flash memory chips to provide fast speed and high durability. However, external SSDs are usually only suitable for high-end storage needs and are not a popular choice for ordinary users.

In short, choosing between a USB flash drive and an external hard drive depends on the user's needs, from portability to storage capacity and cost.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nen-chon-o-flash-usb-hay-o-cung-ngoai-de-luu-tru-du-lieu-185250829180739393.htm