Are you getting that low drive space warning again? Or has your external drive stopped working and now all of your important files are gone? Well, it has happened to almost everyone. And, that is the time when you start thinking: ‘Should I buy an external drive or try cloud storage?’
Well, to be honest, storage is a big deal today. We all have tons of files, photos, work documents, movies, backups, and much more. Previously, people used to buy external hard drives and spend hours moving files.
But now, cloud storage is becoming more popular, thanks to technology. Instead of keeping files on your device, you upload them on the cloud through the internet and access them from anywhere, anytime.
You just need to have a stable and secure internet connection for that. If you are looking for one, we recommend checking out plans from Verizon Internet as they offer plans that can fulfill your internet needs.
Although cloud storage is easy and doesn’t take physical space, you need the internet. Also, many cloud services charge money if you need more space.
On the other hand, External storage like SD and SSD cards gives you full control of your files, and no internet is needed. But they can break, get lost, or stop working. You never know.
So, which is better for you? Let’s figure that out in this piece to help you choose the best option!
Security
Champion: Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is a clear winner as far as providing security is concerned.
Many cloud services, just like Sync.com, use AES 256-bit encryption, which is super strong and makes it really hard for hackers to break in. Even if someone tries guessing your password a million times, it won’t work.
Furthermore, cloud storage like MEGA has TLS/SSL encryption, which keeps your files safe while they move from your device to the cloud. So no one can steal them on the way.
Another big plus is that your files don’t just sit in one location. Cloud companies save them on many servers– even in different countries. So even if one server crashes or there’s a disaster, your files remain safe.
European cloud storage even encrypts files before they upload, so nobody else can read them. Also, two-factor authentication makes them extra safe.
On the other side, External drives have problems. They can get lost, stolen, or broken. Hard drives? Super fragile. Drop them once, and your data is gone. Even SSDs, which are stronger, can still get lost.
And if your drive dies, the warranty gives you a new one, but what about your lost files? Gone. Also, if you don’t lock your drive with encryption, anyone who finds it can see your stuff.
Cost
Champion: Depends on Needs
When it comes to pricing, the best option depends on your needs.
If you just want to pay once, sit back, and relax– an external hard drive is the way to go. You buy it once, and that’s it; no monthly fees.
A 1TB SSD does not cost a lot. So, if you don’t need a lot of storage, it’s a good deal. But if your drive breaks, you lose your data, and file recovery can cost a lot of money. Also, bigger drives cost more, so if you need a lot of space, the price adds up.
Cloud storage, on the other hand, works on a subscription. You pay every month or year, but you also get extra features. Most cloud providers give some free storage, like Google Drive’s 15GB.
But if you need more, you have to upgrade by paying more money. The good thing is cloud storage lets you scale. If you suddenly need more space, you just upgrade.
So, if you want a one-time purchase and don’t want to expend later, go for an external drive. But if you need flexible storage, cloud storage is the better option.
Real-time Updating
Champion: Cloud Storage
Cloud storage reigns supreme when it comes to easy accessibility.
As long as you have internet, you can get to your files from anywhere, whether on your phone, laptop, or even a work computer.
Just log in through a browser or use an app, and your files are there. Some services, like Google Photos, even let you access files offline. Moreover, Cloud storage makes syncing super easy. Services like Dropbox automatically update files, so you always have the latest version. If you change a file on one device, it updates everywhere.
On the flip side, external hard drives are more limited. You have to plug them into your computer to access your files. If you don’t have the drive with you, you can’t open anything. They also don’t sync automatically. You have to copy and paste files manually, which can take time.
Key Points…
Choosing between cloud storage and an external hard drive totally depends on your needs. Cloud storage is better for accessibility, automatic syncing, and easy sharing.
External hard drives, on the other hand, offer a one-time cost and offline access. If you need flexibility and backups, go for cloud storage. If you prefer upfront payment and simplicity, choose external storage. See what you need!
