World Backup Day: 5 essential SSDs and HDDs for secure storage

Because backups aren’t just smart—they’re essential!

Years of photos, important files, or your favourite playlists—are gone in an instant. No warning, no recovery. That’s where SSDs matter.  With World Backup Day approaching, we’ve picked standout SSDs across categories. Some push the limits of portability, others can take a beating, and a few bring a touch of quirkiness.

High-capacity pick: WD My Passport | ₹15,499.

Western Digital has added a 6TB option to its WD My Passport portable HDD lineup, now available in India. It’s the brand’s highest-capacity 2.5-inch portable HDD, offering plenty of space for gamers, professionals, and everyday users needing reliable storage.

The My Passport Ultra brings USB-C connectivity, a metal design, and a slim, travel-friendly build. It’s ready to roll out of the box and comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added security. Plus, with a range of colours, there’s a style to match every setup. You can check it here.

Pocket-sized power: Lexar SL500 Portable SSD | starts at ₹13,000

 This is what Lexar calls its thinnest SSD to date. At 4.8mm thick and barely larger than a credit card, it’s a sleek, aluminium-clad reminder that World Backup Day isn’t just about cloud storage. Speed matters, and with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 tech, you’re looking at 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write speeds. Apple users get an extra perk – direct Apple ProRes 4K recording at 60fps with Lexar’s magnetic kit. And, because backups should be seamless, it works across Windows, macOS, Android, gaming consoles, and cameras—all with 256-bit AES encryption via Lexar’s DataShield software.You can check it here.

Speedy storage for creators: WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD | starts at ₹3199

This SSD is built for creators and professionals tackling heavy-duty workflows—think multi-stream 4K editing, high-res imaging, and pro-level audio production. With PCIe Gen 4 tech and nCache 4.0, it’s tuned for speed and endurance, while support for AI Data Cycle Stages 4 and 6 means AI-powered content creation gets a boost. It’s 24% faster than its predecessor, hitting 5,500MB/s read speeds, and packs up to 4TB of storage. The WD Blue SN5000 brings reliable performance with up to 1,200 TBW durability. You can check it here.

Battle-ready backup: Lexar Armor 700 SSD | starts at ₹14,000

Claimed as the brand’s most rugged SSD yet, thsi SSD features an IP66 rating for water and dust resistance and survives drops from up to 3 meters. Speed isn’t sacrificed for durability either. With read/write speeds of 2000MB/s and an advanced thermal control system, it keeps up with demanding workflows. Plus, it plays nice with PCs, Macs, iPhone 15 Pro series, Android devices, and next-gen consoles. Security is tight with 256-bit AES encryption via Lexar Data Shield, ensuring your files stay protected. And with up to 4TB of storage, it’s ready to lock down your data. You can check it here.

Funky flash storage: Sandisk Fortnite banana SSD | start at £79 (approx. ₹8,351)

This SanDisk SSD gets its design straight out of Fortnite—it’s shaped like Peely, the fan-favourite banana character. This themed launch includes both a Portable SSD and a USB Flash Drive, each sporting Peely’s signature face. The SSD, with a handy blue carry loop, comes in sizes up to 2TB and delivers read speeds of up to 800MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2. It’s compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Macs, and PCs, and includes a Fortnite pickaxe code. 

SanDisk’s limited-edition Fortnite USB Flash Drive also brings an exclusive in-game wrap. It uses a USB-A connector—ideal for current-gen consoles—and offers read speeds up to 130MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 1. Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, pricing starts at £7.99 (approx. ₹844). You can check it here.