I don't need to backup large amounts of data.
Presently I am using a Sandisk 32GB flash drive. In terms of storage space its more than enough. I use Grsync to run incremental backups.

Some 5 years back I had purchased a WD MyPassport 500GB external HDD. It went bad after just 2 years. Since then I have always avoided purchasing external spinning disks.

External SSDs are not within my budget atm.

I just need to know one thing. In your opinion is using the 32GB Sandisk USB flash drive for data backup a good idea in the long run?

The most important data in my case is my KeePassXC database.
I back it up both on the Sandisk & MEGAsync.

Personally, I use a combination of spinning disks and cloud storage for long term backups. Others may disagree but that's my strategy. I have nothing but an opinion on this but I have had flash media go bad. Drives fail too but my NAS gets backed up to another spinning drive I normally keep offline. Anything sensitive gets encrypted in an archive and pushed to the cloud so I have off site.

If you are doing both cloud AND flash media, it's probably fine. I just wouldn't only use flash media. My .02.

I have heard that flash storage can lose the charge in the storage cells over time when not plugged in, so you can lose all the data. Flash storage, including USB and SSD, are not designed for long-term off-line storage.

As long as you are plugging it in regularly and periodically reading the data it should be fine. I don't use Gsync, so not sure if it has a verification option. Your main worry is the old data on it that does not change losing charge in the storage cells. I think periodic reads of the data will recharge the cells, but not sure about that might only get charged during a write.

I backup once a week & yes Grsync has verification capability (please see attachment)

Attached Thumbnails

 

For the long run? No...flash drives don't level well and tend to wear out a LOT faster than SSD's. And an external SSD isn't expensive...a 120GB SSD drive can be found for about $20 and an external USB drive case is also less than $20. More space, better speed, and MUCH longer life.
https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-120G...dp/B01N6JQS8C/
https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Enclos...dp/B07D2BHVBD/

@TB0ne
Please don't use Amazon.com instead use Amazon.in
You will realize that when converted to Rupees they are not that cheap anymore.
But dont think you are wasting your time. I will bookmark the product & buy it when budget permits.

I use USB flash to backup and I've had one failure. Obviously the secret is to have two and use them turn and turn about. And be ruthless — if the thing gives trouble, don't bother with fsck or reformating — chuck it out.

My no1 is the flash drive & megaSYNC is serving as no2.

So the drive is $24 instead of $20, and an external drive case for USB is $6 (currency conversion as of this morning; 1,811 rupees and 409 rupees respectively)....certainly doesn't seem that much more expensive.

And what was the price of the disposable flash drive you bought?? Seeing some for $6 to $23 (459 or 1,699 rupees).

NO Visit amazon.in & see the prices.
Here is the link for you >>> https://www.amazon.in/s?k=external+ssd&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

For 1,811 rupees I will get a 128GB Sandisk flash drive not a SSD.

This is the least expensive one >>> https://www.amazon.in/Samsung-500GB-...0042825&sr=8-3

It costs 6000 rupees.

This is my flash drive >>> https://www.amazon.in/SanDisk-Cruzer...s%2C429&sr=8-1

The wikipedia page on longevity says the flash memory endurance is not so important.
This is because the 'the USB connector hardware is specified to withstand only around 1,500 insert-removal cycles'.
So if you insert-remove the flash drive once every day - it will last you 4 years.
But if you insert-remove once a week - then it'll last 29 years.

The flash memory chip where the data is stored gets worn away with every write-erase cycle.
So if you use it for read-only - this should mean the flash drive doesn't get worn away.

I have a password file which I store on a hdd, usb flash and usb ssd.
So backing up on more than one device should give more peace of mind.

This is really good news.


This part is not good coz in order to backup data I have to write. Can't use it as read only.


Besides the flash drive I store my password database on megaSYNC.

I did, did you?? I specifically mentioned a 120GB SSD...NOT 500, so you're not comparing the same things are you?? And what do you call this, for 1,803???
https://www.amazon.in/WDS120G2G0A-12...0045253&sr=8-1

And the case, for 389:
https://www.amazon.in/Frndzmart-Exte...0045334&sr=8-8

Want to try again??? And you can find even CHEAPER 120GB drives, and still cheaper at 80GB or 60GB....which is still far more than you have now.
So as said, they vary but not far from the $6 mentioned previously.

And did you actually read the longevity piece on Wikipedia??? Notice that they say the higher end ones (which you're not using) have better read/write longevity. And while you can insert it XX times, bear in mind that sync'ing/writing data, modifying files, etc., ALSO counts against the life of the drive. And the 1500 figure mentioned is for the PHYSICAL CONNECTOR on the drive...NOT the memory/contents of it.

The arguments about price just aren't there, when you base them on the need for longevity and versatility.

My main backup is kept on an external 3.5" 500GB HDD, secondary backup is on a 2.5" 500GB HDD.

My regular desktop SBC computer, (Raspberry Pi 4B or 400), uses a 2.5" 320GB HDD, other computer SBCs use various pendrives/mSDHC/SSD, of between 4GB & 64GB, whilst my 2 laptops use 250GB HDDs.

(In storage is my old micro Intel desktop, it has a 240GB mSATA SSD, but if I use it, I have cables all over my desktop, very untidy. )

@TB0ne
Now I understand what's causing all the confusion about the price.
On Amazon.in I searched for "external SSD". You looked for internal SSD & a case for it.