As a photographer or photo editor, having a fast and reliable external SSD (solid state drive) is crucial for managing and editing high-resolution photos and video files. With data transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional external hard drives, external SSDs allow for much quicker loading, editing and saving of large image and RAW files. But with so many external SSD options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here we review the top external SSDs for photo editing and help you find the perfect one for your needs and budget.
What to Look for in an External SSD for Photo Editing
When shopping for an external SSD for photo editing, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Read and write speeds – Faster read/write speeds allow for quicker transfer of files and improved workflow. Look for a drive with sequential read/write speeds of at least 500MB/s.
- Connection interface – Most newer external SSDs use USB 3.2 Gen2 or USB-C connections for fastest transfer speeds. Make sure your computer also has compatible inputs.
- Storage capacity – Look for drives with at least 500GB to 1TB or more to have room for all your photos, videos and other projects.
- Durability – Since external SSDs lack moving parts, they are generally more resistant to drops and vibration. Get one with solid construction.
- Security – Some external SSDs offer password protection and built-in hardware encryption to keep your data safe if the drive gets lost or stolen.
- Warranty – A longer warranty is a bonus for protecting your investment. Look for 3 years or more.
Keeping these features in mind will help you select the right external SSD for smooth photo editing workflows.
The Best External SSDs for Photo Editing
Samsung T7 Touch
The Samsung T7 Touch hits all the right notes as one of the best overall external SSDs for photo and video editing. It combines fast transfer speeds, ample capacity and added security features in a sleek, compact metal case.
- Read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity
- 500GB to 2TB capacities
- Shock and drop resistant up to 6 feet
- Embedded fingerprint scanner for security
- Compatible with Windows, Mac and Android
- 3 year warranty
The fingerprint unlock feature offers an easy way to protect your valuable images and files. And Samsung’s portable, durable design means you can take this speedy external SSD anywhere without worry.
SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD
Boasting top-tier speeds in a compact, rugged body, the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is ideal for travel and outdoor photo shoots.
- Up to 2,000 MB/s read/write
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connectivity
- 500GB to 4TB capacities
- IP55 dust/water resistant
- Withstands drops from up to 2 meters
- 5 year limited warranty
Its blazing fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface keeps pace with even the most demanding photo editing tasks. And the durable, rubberized casing can withstand dusty or wet environments, making it perfect for using on-location.
G-Technology G-Drive Mobile Pro SSD
The sleek, stylish G-Technology G-Drive Mobile Pro SSD delivers excellent performance and pro-friendly features for photo editing.
- Up to 2,800 MB/s read/write
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Durable aluminum housing
- Up to 2TB capacity
- 5 year limited warranty
Offering some of the fastest speeds of any portable SSD thanks to Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity, it’s designed to handle even 8K video editing smoothly. The aluminum casing dissipates heat efficiently during intensive work sessions.
WD My Passport SSD
The WD My Passport SSD is a reliable, compact external SSD with great value. It offers fast transfers and plenty of space in a slim, metal case.
- Up to 1,050 MB/s read/write
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- 256GB to 2TB capacities
- Drop resistance up to 6.5 feet
- Hardware encryption
- 5 year limited warranty
WD’s sleek, tapered design easily fits in your pocket or bag for taking anywhere. And with password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your precious photos and files are secure across devices.
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro combines extreme durability with high-end performance.
- Up to 2,800MB/s read/write
- Thunderbolt 3
- Up to 2TB capacity
- Drop, crush, and water resistant
- 5 year warranty with data recovery
Built to withstand even the most demanding environments with its shock, drop and water resistant design, this external SSD delivers outrageous speeds via Thunderbolt 3. It’s the premium choice for location shoots and adventure photographers.
Benefits of Using an External SSD for Photo Editing
Using an external SSD for your photography workflow provides a number of advantages over traditional external hard disk drives (HDDs):
Faster transfer speeds
The solid state memory inside SSDs allows for much faster read and write speeds compared to mechanical HDDs. Photos, videos and RAW files copy and transfer almost instantly so you can jump right into editing.
Improved workflow efficiency
Those blazing fast speeds make a huge difference when importing and exporting tons of large image and video files. An external SSD will save you hours of time over the course of a project.
More reliable performance
Since SSDs have no moving parts, they are more resistant to damage from drops, vibration or shaking. You don’t have to worry as much about corrupted files.
Smaller and lighter
External SSDs like the ones featured above are typically much more compact and portable than external HDDs with the same capacity. Having a lightweight drive makes it easier to transport large photo libraries.
Better editing experience
Working with RAW and high-megapixel photos requires moving around tons of data. External SSDs load and save files instantly, which improves editing response times and allows working more smoothly.
Tips for Using an External SSD for Photos
To maximize the potential of your external SSD for photo editing, keep these tips in mind:
- Use the fastest port available – Connect to USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C or Thunderbolt ports for optimal transfer speeds.
- Keep it close to computer – Minimize cable length for quickest access times.
- Use one SSD for current projects – Store only the files you are actively using on the SSD, archive the rest.
- Utilize cloud backups – Cloud storage acts as a second backup of your important images.
- Encrypt confidential images – Use password protection and encryption for any private client photos.
- Eject properly – Always eject the external SSD safely before unplugging it to prevent data loss.
- Handle with care – Avoid excessive shocks, drops or vibration to extend the life.
External SSD vs. HDD for Photo Editing
Compared to traditional external hard drives, external SSDs offer a clear advantage for photo editing and managing image workflows:
| External SSD | External HDD | |
|---|---|---|
| Read/Write Speeds | Up to 2,800MB/s | Up to 200MB/s |
| Durability | More shock/drop resistant | Can fail due to impacts |
| Portability | Smaller/lighter | Bulkier |
| Cost | More expensive per GB | Cheaper per GB |
While HDDs can offer more storage capacity for the money, their slower speeds and mechanical fragility make SSDs the preferred choice for photo editing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are external SSDs worth it for photographers?
Yes, external SSDs are absolutely worth it for photographers who work with high resolution images and large file sizes. The faster speeds compared to HDDs can seriously improve workflow efficiency when importing and editing photos.
How much storage do I need on an external SSD?
As a photographer, it’s recommended to get an external SSD with at least 1-2TB of storage. This gives you plenty of capacity for saving RAW files, edits, and exports especially when working with high megapixel counts.
Should I get an internal or external SSD?
For a photography workflow, an external SSD is generally the better choice, as it allows you to quickly move the drive between computers and locations. External SSDs are ideal for transporting and editing on the go.
Is USB-C faster than Thunderbolt for SSDs?
Thunderbolt 3 connections (up to 40Gbps) usually allow faster potential SSD speeds than USB-C Gen 2×2 (up to 20Gbps). However both offer far faster speeds than regular USB.
Do I still need a backup HDD if I use an SSD?
Yes, it’s smart to still use an external hard drive or cloud backup in addition to an external SSD. This provides another layer of file protection in case anything happens to the SSD.
Conclusion
Upgrading to an external SSD can make a dramatic difference in editing and managing photo files compared to slower external hard drives. Their combination of fast transfer rates, compact size and added durability make external SSDs like the Samsung T7 Touch, SanDisk Extreme Pro, G-Technology G-Drive Mobile Pro and others featured here perfect choices for photography workflows.
With external SSD prices coming down while capacities keep going up, there’s never been a better time for photographers to leverage the speed and reliability of solid state storage. If you’re ready to take your photo editing and workflow to the next level, choose one of these top-rated external SSDs to realize the performance benefits first-hand.