Wireless storage devices have one fundamental quality that sets them apart from other external solutions and that is that they can create their own wireless network which greatly facilitates access to the data they containthe collaboration with third parties or the uploading of files. Today we update the buying guide for this type of product by offering you the best offers available and the details to take into account when making your choice.
The offer of storage solutions is one of the largest in the technology market in response to an ever-increasing increase in the amount of data to be managed. If the SSD today absolutely dominate the internal storage and others such as NAS have special advantages, in external storage the offer is even wider, from a simple USB flash drive to removable solutions such as microSD.
The wireless storage is another of those included in this group and as we said has a big difference compared to the rest: they are able to create their own own wireless network which devices within range can access remotely and securely with a password.
Its advantages are undoubted since they allow storing content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere and from multiple devices connected at the same time without the need for any wiring or power networks. A good way to create a private cloud of your own and under control.
Why wireless storage is so useful
Although they work with any computer that has access to your network, it shows its usefulness to connect from mobile devices such as mobiles or tablets, and also cameras. The ability to access from multiple computers simultaneously is another advantage and is a feature that we cannot get with wired external storage solutions. In addition, they usually include a battery to provide mobile autonomy which varies from model to model, but offers at least a few hours of uptime.
Of course, can also operate with wiring when needed, because they include a port for charging and data transfer, and some models, microSD card slots, USB ports or Ethernet LAN connectors to increase their versatility of use.
Its primary use is the data backup and backups on the fly to and from any device we connect to its network, effectively expanding the storage capacity of those devices. It also stands out for use in photography now that 4K is devouring capacity at a rapid pace. For field tasks you carry it in your backpack and the backup of content is done on the fly and wirelessly without any complication.
Another function of the wireless storage devices is as media server. The best models include a range of built-in capabilities for this, working with smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streamers such as Chromecast and services such as Plex. You simply attach the wireless storage device to the network and all stored media content can be played on the entertainment center on screens such as a smart TV.
As for its design, it is increasingly stylish and its dimensions and weight are reduced by taking advantage of solid-state drives as a base. It should be noted that some models include rugged enclosures for use in commercial or industrial scenarios or simply to protect the unit from shocks or falls, not uncommon in mobility. Finally, it should be noted that they can also charge devices such as smartphones or cameras through their integrated battery if the user needs it at some point.
To evaluate before purchase
Wireless external storage is a specialized form factor and therefore there is not as much choice as other wired solutions (or pinned) where you can find almost anything you want in formats based on hard disk drives or NAND flash memories such as those used by SSDs.
Some of the features to evaluate are:
- If they use hard disks or SSDs as internal drive.
- The interface used and the physical connection ports.
- The version of Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth they employ.
- The autonomy they offer.
- The degree of resistance they offer.
- The manufacturers’ warranty and software support.
- Storage capacity.
The cost per Gbyte of these units is slightly higher than the standard wired external storage solutions due to the greater number of components included, such as the battery or the wireless chip, their undoubtedly greater potential for use and the smaller range available. Here are some of the most interesting models.
Wireless storage offer (June 2022)
WD My Passport Wireless SSD. One of the great references in the wireless external storage sector. An outstanding unit that we had the opportunity to analyze that includes solid state drives to increase performance and limit size and weight. It creates its own Wi-Fi ac wireless network, can be connected by cable via a USB 3.0 port and has a microSD slot for direct charging from the card. Its chassis is protected against shocks, scratches and drops up to 1 meter and has a 6,700 mAh battery for 10 hours of autonomy.
It is available in various storage capacities and is not economy grade. In exchange you get probably the best unit you will find in this market segment in terms of features:
- 250 GB: 287 euros.
- 500 GB: 345 euros.
- 1 Tbyte: 434 euros.
- 2 Tbytes: 549 euros.
WD My Passport Wireless Pro. Very similar in concept and design to the previous one, but with a fundamental change and that is that it uses hard drives instead of SSDs for internal storage. Of the other features it retains its own Wi-Fi ac wireless network, can be connected by cable via a USB 3.0 port, a microSD slot for direct charging from the card and 6,700 mAh battery for 10 hours of autonomy.
The use of hard disk drives may reduce data transfer performance, but it makes the series significantly cheaper while increasing storage capacity:
- 1 Tbyte: €165.
- 2 Tbytes: 154 euros (Great current offer)
- 3 Tbytes: 228 euros.
- 4 Tbytes: €269.
SSK Wireless Hard Disk Drivebased on hard drives, it can store and access data wirelessly with a 300 Mbps network, via cable through a USB 3.0 port and also on the local network through the included Ethernet LAN connector. It also has an integrated 3800 mAh lithium polymer battery, which can be used for the same or recharge other mobile devices.
It is available in two storage capacities and if you are looking for economy there is little of its kind cheaper:
- 1 Tbyte: 109 euros.
- 2 Tbyte: 149 euros.
SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick. In a size and design pendrive type, you can connect to devices via USB port, but also wirelessly which is the proposal that interests us in this article. It has its own battery (we do not know its capacity, but it must be very little for its format) and is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices.
It is available in storage capacities from 16 to 256 Gbytes, although not all of them are available. Perhaps the most interesting is the one we recommend, the 200 Gbytes for 81 euros.
Muvit I/O MIODDUW1. Very similar to the SSK model, it uses 2.5-inch hard drives for internal storage and creates its own wireless network with 300Mbps data transfer for connection with up to 10 devices connected at the same time. It also has USB ports for wired connection, Ethernet LAN port and its own battery.
Like the previous ones, it is compatible with PCs (Windows, Mac and Linux) and iOS and Android mobiles, and is available with 1 Tbyte storage capacity currently on offer for 99 euros.
Note: This selection contains some links from our affiliates, but none of the products included have been proposed or recommended by them or their manufacturers, but chosen at our own discretion.