Cloud Storage vs. External Hard Drive
An in-depth look at the pros and cons of auxiliary storage
After several years, the debate between cloud storage and external hard drives rages on and remains a hot topic within the tech community. Enthusiasts often take hard stances defending their storage medium of choice with a “do or die'' mentality, citing a laundry list of reasons why “X is better than Y.” But saying one system is definitively better is cause for concern, as both methods fulfill very similar but separate roles. Here at Amaryllo, we’ve made a breakdown to measure how these two stack up against one another based on category.
Accessibility
Cloud Storage: Cloud storage makes it easy to access content from virtually anywhere as long as a Wifi connection or data plan is available. This makes retrieving content not only convenient, but also vital for those constantly on the move or alternating between devices.
External Storage: External hard drives may require a physical connection to operate properly, but are still quite portable for those on the go (until you get to larger options). Most hard drives connect quickly and easily to a PC or laptop, but often aren’t intended for use with phones or tablets.
Verdict? Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage checks all the boxes as an accessible storage method and is ideal for those on the go who don’t want to carry around a separate device. Granted, cloud storage can’t be used without internet access, but most modern devices nowadays have access to WiFi and 5G.
Security
Cloud Storage: Cloud storage has multiple safeguards to protect against security threats, first and foremost being that there is no physical device to steal. In the case of virtual threats, most reputable cloud storage providers use 256-bit encryption and additional methods to prevent unwanted eyes from accessing private material.
External Storage: External storage is relatively safe, as long as the owner doesn’t have a habit of losing their belongings. In most cases, External storage devices can be kept safely at home or the office where chances of theft are drastically reduced, but that makes it much less convenient.
Verdict? Cloud Storage
Again, cloud storage wins the round here as it’s easier protecting and maintaining something that doesn’t have a “physical” footprint. The chances of a hard drive being stolen or damaged will only increase over time.
Synergy
Cloud Storage: Synergy is where the beauty of cloud storage really shines. Teams can utilize the cloud to collaborate and organize documents, stay up to date on projects, and contribute in real time on a remote platform. Some cloud storage plans allow multiple team members to share storage under a single account. This all adds up to enable more productive work regardless of time or distance.
External Storage: If you’re using external storage, it probably isn’t being used for exchanging files and documents with friends, family or coworkers on a regular basis. External hard drives are effective for intense data transfer, but are very poor for collaboration.
Verdict? Cloud Storage
If it wasn’t already obvious, cloud storage is the clear winner here. The ability for multiple users to update and share content simultaneously online is heaps more useful and efficient than passing around an external device.
Speed
Cloud Storage: Uploading and downloading content from the cloud has come a long way since its inception, but is still limited by connection speed. Some cloud storage services like