Comparison: The Best External Drives for Storing Your Plex Media Library

Introduction: The Drive to Greatness

Storage is the heartbeat of any Plex Media Library. Whether you’re archiving your vast collection of movies, TV shows, music, or personal videos, the need for robust and reliable storage solutions transcends the basic. To match the grandeur of your digital empire, you need more than just a basic drive; you need the best. This article meticulously compares the crème de la crème of external drives to ensure your media vault runs smoothly. Buckle up, Plex aficionados, for a high-octane dive into the world of external drives.

Decoding Drive Types: HDD vs SSD vs NAS

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)

When it comes to sheer volume, HDDs are the juggernauts. These mechanical beasts offer large storage capacities at relatively lower costs. However, the mechanical parts make them susceptible to wear and tear, and their read/write speeds fall behind their modern rivals. For those on a budget seeking ample storage, HDDs often serve as the cornerstone.

Solid State Drives (SSDs)

SSDs are the Ferraris of the storage world—blisteringly fast but often pricier. Leveraging flash memory, SSDs deliver significantly quicker read/write speeds compared to HDDs. No moving parts mean greater durability and lesser chances for mechanical failure, but you’re also paying a premium per gigabyte. If speed and reliability are your prime directives, SSDs are your go-to weapon of choice.

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

For those seeking a network-based solution superior in scalability and versatility, NAS units stand unrivaled. These storage devices connect through Ethernet and offer the added benefit of being accessible across various devices on the same network. Advanced features like RAID configurations add layers of reliability and performance, making NAS devices the stalwart guardians for vast and dynamic media libraries.

Capacity Considerations: How Much Space is Enough?

Estimating Your Media Library Size

The first step in your storage quest is to estimate your media library’s current and future size. A modest setup may require only a few terabytes, while cinephiles and audiophiles with 4K videos and high-resolution audio might need considerably more. Video quality, number of copies and backups, and future acquisitions are crucial factors in this calculation.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

No one enjoys running out of space. Anticipating your future needs and opting for a larger drive or a solution that allows for easy expansion can save you from unpleasant surprises. NAS solutions often allow drive swapping or expansion, giving you longevity and adaptability. Always aim for a bit more than you think you’ll need—not just for today, but for the binge-worthy tomorrows.

Speed Matters: Data Transfer Rates and Plex Performance

Read/Write Speeds

In the Plex universe, time is of the essence. Faster read and write speeds ensure that your media loads quickly and streams without a hitch. SSDs generally offer superior performance, often reaching speeds several times those of HDDs. Faster drives mean less buffering, quicker uploads, and an overall smoother experience.

Plex’s Streaming Needs

Plex thrives on efficient, high-speed data access. Your drive’s read speed will influence how quickly Plex can access and stream content, especially when multiple users or devices are involved. An SSD or a high-speed NAS can drastically reduce buffering times and offer seamless playback even for high-definition content.

Reliability and Durability: Keeping Your Library Safe

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)

Reliability is non-negotiable. MTBF rates provide an estimate of a drive’s longevity and reliability. SSDs often boast higher MTBF rates compared to HDDs, making them a more resilient choice. However, NAS systems with RAID configurations can offer redundancy that protects your data even in the event of a drive failure.

Shock Resistance and Build Quality

Your media library is a treasure trove; its protection is paramount. SSDs generally offer better shock resistance due to the absence of moving parts. However, some HDDs are built robustly to withstand daily wear and tear. For NAS systems, the enclosure quality and internal drive protections are pivotal in ensuring longevity and data security.

Connectivity Options: USB, Thunderbolt, and Ethernet

USB 3.0/3.1/3.2

USB remains a ubiquitous and straightforward choice for external drives. USB 3.0 and its successors offer significant speed improvements over their predecessors, making them suitable for media streaming. These options provide plug-and-play simplicity that caters to a range of devices.

Thunderbolt 3/4

Thunderbolt connections are the epitome of speed, outpacing even the fastest USB types. They provide swift data transfers and support high-resolution media streaming flawlessly. Ideal for those who demand top-tier performance, Thunderbolt drives cater to professionals and serious enthusiasts alike.

Ethernet for NAS

NAS drives thrive on Ethernet connections, offering network-wide accessibility and enhanced transfer speeds. Through gigabit Ethernet or even faster technologies, NAS units allow for seamless, uninterrupted access to your media from any network-connected device, providing the versatility that sets them apart from traditional external drives.

Top Drives in the Market

Western Digital My Book

• Capacity: Up to 14TB
• Type: HDD
• Strength: Affordability and large capacity
• Weakness: Slower speeds compared to SSDs

Seagate Backup Plus Hub

• Capacity: Up to 14TB
• Type: HDD
• Strength: Extra USB ports for peripherals
• Weakness: Moderate speeds

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

• Capacity: Up to 2TB
• Type: SSD
• Strength: High speed and portability
• Weakness: Higher cost per gigabyte

Synology DiskStation DS220+

• Capacity: Depends on installed drives, expandable
• Type: NAS
• Strength: Scalability, RAID support, network connectivity
• Weakness: Initial setup complexity and cost

User Experience: Ease of Use and Setup

Plug-and-Play

Most external drives offer straightforward plug-and-play functionality, making setup a breeze. Whether you opt for HDD, SSD, or a NAS solution, the best drives minimize setup friction, letting you dive into the Plex experience with minimal downtime.

Compatibility with Plex and Other Devices

Compatibility matters; your drive should seamlessly integrate with Plex and other devices you use regularly. Most external drives support various operating systems and are easily recognized by Plex servers, ensuring your setup and daily use remain hassle-free.

Conclusion: Making the Ultimate Choice

Selecting the perfect external drive for your Plex Media Library isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. It involves balancing capacity, speed, reliability, connectivity, and future needs. Whether you lean towards the robust capacity of HDDs, the blazing speeds of SSDs, or the versatile scalability of NAS, the best drive aligns with your unique demands and elevates your Plex experience to unparalleled heights.