In most cases, the file transfer speed is limited by the disk speed, not the USB interface. Note: USB-C equipped drives don’t necessarily offer faster speeds than their USB 3.0 counterparts. A bonus, since they lack any moving parts, accidentally bumping the drive during transfer won’t corrupt files. And their simple construction also gives them faster speeds, giving you immediate access to your data. While SSDs (Solid-state Drives) have fewer moving parts making them more durable without needing bulky shock absorbers. The biggest consideration here is that traditional hard drives use mechanical parts, making them more susceptible to damage when dropped. In total, there are seven things to look for when shopping around. Before we dive in, let’s cover a few essential aspects to considering when looking at a hard drive.