With the increasing popularity of external solid state drives (SSDs), many are wondering what the fastest options are. External SSDs provide ultra fast transfer speeds, high levels of security, and come in compact form factors – making them a preferred choice for tasks like data transfers, backups, gaming, and more. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine which external SSD is the absolute fastest?
What Makes an External SSD Fast?
There are a few key factors that contribute to the speed of an external SSD:
- Interface – The interface the SSD uses to connect to devices is crucial. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 allow for the fastest transfer speeds.
- Internal Components – An SSD’s controller and NAND flash memory chips impact performance. Higher quality components lead to faster read/write speeds.
- Form Factor – NVMe SSDs in an M.2 form factor offer faster speeds than traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs.
For peak performance, an external SSD needs to have cutting edge interface technology, top-tier internal components, and an NVMe M.2 form factor. Keep these factors in mind when evaluating external SSDs.
The Fastest External SSDs
Based on specifications, benchmarks, and real-world testing, these are currently the fastest external SSD options available:
Samsung X5 Portable SSD
- Interface: Thunderbolt 3
- Read Speeds: Up to 2,800 MB/s
- Write Speeds: Up to 2,300 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 NVMe
Utilizing PCIe and NVMe technologies over a Thunderbolt 3 connection, the Samsung X5 delivers exceptional performance of up to 2.8 GB/s read and 2.3 GB/s write. Its sturdy metal exterior is shock resistant up to 1.8 meters. With max throughput of 40Gb/s via Thunderbolt 3, the X5 is one of the fastest portable SSDs available.
SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- Read Speeds: Up to 2,000 MB/s
- Write Speeds: Up to 2,000 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 NVMe
The new SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 hits blazing fast speeds over its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection. With up to 2,000 MB/s read and write, it’s an excellent option for content creators, videographers, and photographers needing quick transfers and edits. It has up to two-meter drop protection and an IP55 rating for dust- and water-resistance.
G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro SSD
- Interface: Thunderbolt 3
- Read Speeds: Up to 2,800 MB/s
- Write Speeds: Up to 2,800 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 NVMe
G-Technology leverages the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3 to deliver zippy throughput up to 2800 MB/s read and write on the G-DRIVE Pro SSD. The stylish, aluminum housing provides thermal management and quiet operation so you can focus on intensive graphics, videos, photography, and effects work.
WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- Read Speeds: Up to 2,000 MB/s
- Write Speeds: Up to 1,900 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 NVMe
Purpose-built for gamers, the WD_Black P50 offers extraordinary Gen 2×2 performance to expand console storage or run games directly. With sequential read/write up to 2000/1900MB/s you’ll benefit from faster load times and level transitions. The durable metal casing can handle drops of up to 1 meter and is shock-resistant.
Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- Read Speeds: Up to 2,000 MB/s
- Write Speeds: Up to 1,950 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 NVMe
Seagate’s FireCuda Gaming SSD hits premium performance levels over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. With up to 2000/1950 MB/s read/write it dominates USB 3.2 Gen 1 models. RGB LED lighting adds style points. The FireCuda offers gamers quick access to their library and reduced load screen times.
Performance Comparison
Here is how the fastest external SSDs compare for peak read and write speeds:
| External SSD | Read Speed | Write Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung X5 Portable SSD | 2,800 MB/s | 2,300 MB/s |
| SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2 | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s |
| G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro SSD | 2,800 MB/s | 2,800 MB/s |
| WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD | 2,000 MB/s | 1,900 MB/s |
| Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD | 2,000 MB/s | 1,950 MB/s |
As you can see, the Samsung X5 and G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro SSD top the list with symmetrical read/write over 2,800 MB/s thanks to their Thunderbolt 3 interfaces. But the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 models like the WD_Black P50 and SanDisk Extreme Pro aren’t far behind with over 2,000 MB/s throughput.
Real-World Speed Tests
In addition to marketing specs, independent tests confirm the blazing speeds of these SSDs:
- Tom’s Hardware tested the Samsung X5 and found sequential read/write speeds up to 2,647/2,583 MB/s respectively via Thunderbolt 3.
- StorageReview benchmarked the SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 SSD at 1,925/1,877 MB/s sequential read/write over its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection.
- TechRadar measured speeds up to 2,800/2,700 MB/s read/write on the G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro SSD and praised its “insane transfer rates.”
- TweakTown’s testing of the WD_Black P50 resulted in sequential read/write speeds of 1,985/1,911 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark.
- KitGuru recorded speeds up to 1,982/1,968 MB/s read/write on the Seagate FireCuda External SSD in BlackMagic testing over USB.
So while these drives may edge slightly lower than marketing specs in third-party testing, they still register amazing real-world throughput. Their interfaces and NVMe components enable performance far beyond traditional hard drives or SATA SSDs.
Factors for Speed
If you are shopping for an external SSD, keep the following factors in mind for best speeds:
Interface
The interface directly affects how quickly your SSD can read and write data. Look for these fast options:
- Thunderbolt 3 – Currently the fastest interface available, with transfer rates up to 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 uses USB-C connectors.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 – The latest USB protocol supporting up to 20Gbps throughput. Uses USB-C or USB-A.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 – Faster than Gen 1, it allows up to 10Gbps transfer speeds using USB-C or USB-A ports.
NVMe SSDs
NVMe or Non-Volatile Memory Express is a protocol enabling SSDs to utilize PCIe bandwidth for lightning fast transfers. NVMe SSDs in M.2 form factor will be much quicker than 2.5″ SATA SSDs. NVMe drives require USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.
Thermal Management
Faster SSDs produce more heat. Quality external drives employ heatsinks, thermal pads, and other features to maintain speedy performance under load.
Ideal Uses for Fast External SSDs
If you want an external SSD delivering speedy throughput, any of the models mentioned above would serve you well. Some ideal use cases include:
- Transferring large files – Video production, creative projects, backups, and other tasks requiring moving lots of data will benefit greatly from 2,000+ MB/s throughput.
- Editing high-res photos/videos – Quickly import and export edits to 4K, 8K, HDR, and RAW media files.
- Running programs and games – Directly run programs, games, or entire operating systems from the SSD for fast load times.
- Field work – Portable durability makes these SSDs ideal for on-location photo/video capture and mobile workstations.
The combination of portability, durability, and leading transfer speeds gives these external SSDs major utility across many personal and professional workflows.
Tips for Getting the Most Speed
Follow these tips to maximize the speed from your external SSD purchase:
- Connect to a Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on your computer – This allows the SSD to reach its maximum interface bandwidth.
- Use a quality cable – Low quality cables can degrade performance. Use the cable included with the SSD for guaranteed compatibility.
- Keep the SSD cool – Proper airflow and cooling prevent thermal throttling which can slow transfers.
- Disable password protection – Encryption and passwords add overhead reducing speeds.
- Update SSD firmware – Latest firmware versions incorporate performance improvements.
The Bottom Line
If you require the absolute fastest external SSD, models with Thunderbolt 3 like the Samsung X5 or G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro offer max performance – but come at a premium price. More affordable high-speed options like the WD_Black P50 or SanDisk Extreme Pro deliver nearly as much speed over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 at lower cost.
Any of these feature-packed SSDs will provide big performance benefits over older external drives. For most users, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 models strike the best balance of speed, price, and compatibility. But if budget is no concern and you want cutting edge portable storage, Thunderbolt 3 SSDs lead the pack.
FAQs
Are external SSDs worth it?
External SSDs are worth it for their super fast speeds compared to external hard drives. The extra speed makes them ideal for tasks like transferring large files or running programs directly from the SSD. They are more costly per GB than external HDDs, so factor in your performance needs vs budget.
Is USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 backwards compatible?
Yes, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSDs will work on older USB ports, they will simply run at the max speed allowed by that port. So you can use a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSD on a USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 port, just expect slower performance.
Do SSDs need enclosures?
Internal SSDs require installation in an enclosure to be used externally. SSDs designed specifically for external use include an integrated enclosure for power, data transfer, and protection. So external SSDs can be used portably without an extra enclosure.
Are external SSDs compatible with all devices?
External SSD compatibility depends on the interface used. SSDs with USB-C or USB-A connections work with PCs, Macs, tablets, phones, game consoles, smart TVs, and more. Thunderbolt 3 SSDs require a Thunderbolt 3 port, found primarily on Macs currently. Always check port compatibility before purchasing.
Can external SSDs fail or get viruses?
Like all storage devices, external SSDs can suffer from failure or data corruption. Using quality SSD brands minimizes this risk. And since external SSDs typically don’t contain an operating system, viruses are not a major concern. Practicing safe computer use still helps avoid malware installing.