External SSDs now outpace internal drives as prices plummet and SATA fades
The storage market is undergoing a major shift as external SSDs become the go-to choice for most users. Prices for these drives have dropped sharply, closing the gap with internal models. Meanwhile, older SATA technology is fading out, pushed aside by faster and more compact alternatives.
For years, internal SSDs were the cheaper option, but production changes have levelled the playing field. Major manufacturers like Samsung and Micron are cutting back on NAND flash production, focusing instead on DRAM. This shift has driven down prices, making external SSDs far more affordable than before.
At the same time, SATA drives are disappearing from consumer shelves. Stagnant production costs and shrinking demand have made them unprofitable. Motherboard makers are also phasing out SATA ports, favouring smaller designs with high-speed NVMe slots. This leaves SATA technology mostly in corporate and industrial settings, where compatibility and lower performance needs keep it relevant.
The rise of external SSDs is changing how people expand storage. Users no longer need to open their devices to add memory—external drives now offer the same speed and reliability. By 2025, Samsung, Western Digital, SK hynix, and Kioxia will dominate the stock market, with Samsung and Western Digital likely staying on top.
Speed, portability, and ease of use are now the key selling points. External SSDs are set to lead the consumer market, offering a simple and efficient way to boost storage without sacrificing performance.
The decline of SATA and the push for faster, more mobile storage mark a turning point in the industry. External SSDs are now the practical choice for most laptop and PC users, combining affordability with high performance. With leading brands already controlling the supply chain, this trend is expected to accelerate in the coming years.
