Wireless storage devices have a fundamental quality that makes them stand out from other external solutions, and that is that they can create their own network without cables, which greatly facilitates access to the data they contain, collaboration with third parties or uploading files. Today we update the buying guide for this type of product, offering you the best offers available and those details to take into account for your choice.
The offer of storage solutions is one of the largest in the technology market in response to an increase in data to handle that does not stop growing. If SSDs today absolutely dominate internal storage and others such as NAS have special advantages, in external storage the offer is even broader, from a simple USB flash drive to removable solutions such as microSD.
Wireless storage is another of those included in this group and as we said it has a big difference compared to the rest: they are capable of creating their own wireless network which devices within reach can access remotely and securely with a password.
Its advantages are undoubted as they allow us to store content that we can access at any time and place and from multiple devices connected at the same time without the need for any type of wiring or power networks. A good way to create own private cloud 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 mobile phones or tablets, and also cameras. The possibility of access from several computers simultaneously is another of its advantages and it is a feature that we cannot achieve with external cable storage solutions. Also, they usually include a battery to offer autonomy in mobility that oscillates between certain models, but offers at least a few hours of activity.
Of course, can also work with wiring when needed, because they include a port for charging and data transfer, and some models, slots for microSD cards, USB ports or Ethernet LAN connectors to increase their versatility of use.
Its primary use is data backup and backup on the fly to and from any device we connect to your network, effectively expanding the storage capacity of those devices. Its use in photography is also highlighted now that 4K devours capacity at a fast pace. For field tasks, you carry it in your backpack and the backup of content is done on the go and wirelessly without any complications.
Another function of wireless storage devices is as media server. The best models include a range of built-in capabilities to do so, working with smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streamers like Chromecast, and services like Plex. You simply join the wireless storage device to the network and all stored media content can be played on the entertainment center on screens like a smart TV.
As for its design, it is increasingly slimmer and its dimensions and weight are reduced, taking advantage of solid state drives as a base. Note that some models include rugged cases for use in commercial or industrial settings or simply as protection of the unit against bumps or falls, not uncommon in mobility. Finally, note that they can also charge devices such as smartphones or cameras through their built-in battery if the user needs it at any time.
To assess before purchase
Wireless external storage is a specialized format and therefore not as much on offer as other wired solutions (or punctured) where you can find almost anything you want in formats based on hard drives or NAND flash memories like those used by SSDs.
Some of the features to consider are:
- If they use hard drives or SSDs as internal drive.
- The interface used and the physical ports of connection.
- The version of Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth they use.
- The autonomy they offer.
- The degree of resistance they offer.
- The support of the manufacturers in guarantee and software.
- storage capacity.
The cost per Gbyte of these units is slightly higher than standard external cable storage solutions due to the greater number of components that they include, such as the battery or the wireless chip, their undoubtedly greater potential for use and the smaller offer available. We leave you 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 review that includes solid state drives to increase performance while limiting size and weight. It creates its own Wi-Fi ac wireless network, can connect via cable via a USB 3.0 port and has a microSD slot for direct loading from the card. Its chassis is protected against bumps, scratches and falls up to 1 meter and it 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 will surely get the best unit that you will find in this market segment due to its characteristics:
- 250 GB: 287 euros.
- 500 GB: 345 euros.
- 1TByte: 434 euros.
- 2Tbytes: 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 its internal storage. Of the rest of the features, it retains its own Wi-Fi ac wireless network, it can be connected by cable through a USB 3.0 port, a microSD slot for direct charging from the card and a 6,700 mAh battery for 10 hours of autonomy.
The use of hard drives can reduce performance in data transfer, but it makes the series significantly cheaper while increasing storage capacity:
- 1TByte: 165 euros.
- 2Tbytes: 154 euros. (Current Hot Sale)
- 3Tbytes: 228 euros.
- 4Tbytes: 269 euros.
SSK Wireless Hard Drive. Based on hard drives, you can store data and access them wirelessly with a 300 Mbps network, via cable through a USB 3.0 port and also in the local network through the included Ethernet LAN connector. It also has a built-in 3800 mAh lithium polymer battery, which can be used for the same or recharging other mobile devices.
It is available in two storage capacities and if you are looking for economy there is little of its cheaper type:
- 1TByte: 109 euros.
- 2TByte: 149 euros.
SanDisk Connect WirelessStick. In a pendrive-type size and design, it can be connected to devices through the USB port, but also wirelessly, which is the proposal that interests us in this article. It has its own battery (we don’t know its capacity, but it must be very little due to its format) and it’s 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 that 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 to up to 10 connected devices at the same time. It also has USB ports for cable 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 a storage capacity of 1 Tbyte currently on sale 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.
