With the rise of high-resolution photos, videos, and large files, having an external solid state drive (SSD) is crucial for extra storage, speedy transfers, and data protection. But with so many SSD externals on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here, we compare the top external SSDs to help you pick the perfect model for your needs and budget.
What Should You Look for in an External SSD?
When shopping for an external SSD, there are several key factors to consider:
- Storage capacity – How much data do you need to store? Look for drives with at least 500GB of space.
- Speed – Faster SSDs have higher read/write speeds measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Aim for at least 500 MB/s.
- Connectivity – Most SSD externals use USB connections. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and Thunderbolt 3/4 offer the fastest transfer speeds.
- Durability – Look for SSDs with rugged, shockproof designs if you’ll be traveling with it.
- Security – Some SSDs have encryption and password protection to safeguard your data.
- Portability – Compact, slim SSDs are easy to slip into a bag or pocket.
The Best External SSDs
Samsung T7 Touch
The Samsung T7 Touch hits all the right notes as one of the best overall external SSDs on the market. It has a sleek and compact design with an aluminum unibody construction that feels ultra-premium. Weighing just 58 grams, it’s super portable and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
In terms of performance, the T7 Touch is blazing fast with read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s. It uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection over a Type-C port for speedy 10Gbps transfers. The T7 Touch is available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, so you can choose the right amount of storage for your needs and budget.
What makes the T7 Touch stand out is the added fingerprint scanner for an extra layer of security. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and you can register up to 4 fingerprints. The LED square indicates the drive’s status at a glance.
The T7 Touch works across PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more. Despite the premium performance, it’s priced affordably starting at around $115 for 500GB. Overall, it hits the sweet spot of speed, security, design, and value.
Western Digital My Passport SSD
The Western Digital My Passport SSD is one of the best external SSD options for its fast speed, slick design, and durability. Designed to work well with PCs and Macs alike, this SSD comes formatted for Windows but can be easily reformatted for macOS.
Transfer speeds go up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write when using the faster USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. It’s Bus-powered for easy use without an external power source. Compared to older USB 3.0 drives, the My Passport SSD is nearly twice as fast at half the price per gigabyte.
This SSD features a stylish, compact form factor that fits in the palm of your hand and comes in fun color options like blue, red, gold, and silver. It has a durable metal design that can withstand drops of up to 6.5 feet. The ridged texture also provides a secure grip.
In terms of capacity, it ranges from 500GB to 2TB so you can pick the right storage amount. Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption help keep your data secure. Overall, the My Passport SSD hits all the right notes for a fast, portable external SSD.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD lives up to its name as a durable and speedy external SSD perfect for photographers, videographers, and creative professionals. With read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s, it delivers blazing fast transfers of high-res photos and footage.
It uses the cutting-edge USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and Type-C connection. With up to 2TB of high-capacity storage, you get ample room for all your media files and projects. What makes the SanDisk Extreme stand out is its ruggedness. With an IP55 rating, it’s dust- and water-resistant as well as shockproof.
The durable silicone shell provides extra protection from drops and falls. It also has a carabiner loop so you can securely attach the drive. The SanDisk Extreme has 128-AES encryption and can work across PC, Mac, Android, gaming consoles, and more. While not the cheapest, it provides unbeatable performance and protection.
Samsung X5 Portable SSD
The Samsung X5 Portable SSD is one of the fastest external SSDs money can buy. It uses cutting-edge Thunderbolt 3 technology over a Type-C connection to deliver read speeds up to 2,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,300 MB/s. That’s up to 5x faster than typical SATA SSDs!
With its ultra-slim, magnesium alloy body, the X5 has a premium feel in a compact package. It streamlines high-res video editing and processing thanks to the blazing 40Gbps bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3. The low profile design prevents overheating and thermal throttling even under heavy use.
Capacities range from 500GB to 2TB. The X5 Portable SSD is a good fit for media creators who want the fastest speeds possible for working with high-res content. Just keep in mind that you need a compatible Thunderbolt 3 port to tap into the full performance. It’s also on the pricey side, but delivers unmatched speeds.
Crucial X8 Portable SSD
The Crucial X8 Portable SSD delivers fast performance in a slim and rugged package. With read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen2, it’s over 7x faster than a standard portable hard drive. The speed comes courtesy of the advanced NVMe technology packed into this compact SSD.
Despite the small footprint about the size of a credit card, the X8 is remarkably durable. It’s drop-proof up to 7.5 feet and temperature proof, surviving extreme heat and cold. The anodized aluminum unibody core adds stability as well as heat dissipation. Integrated magnets on the case provide convenient cable management.
With capacities from 500GB to 2TB, you get ample room for photos, videos, and documents. It works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One with plug-and-play compatibility. Reasonable pricing makes this a great value for an everyday carry SSD.
Seagate Barracuda Fast SSD
The Seagate Barracuda Fast SSD is aptly named for its blazing transfer speeds and affordable price. It uses the USB-C connector and USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface to deliver read and write speeds up to 540MB/s. While not as fast as pricier NVMe SSDs, it’s a solid real-world performer.
Housed in a lightweight, shock-resistant chassis, the Barracuda Fast SSD is all about portability. Its green LED lights indicate activity. Capacities range from 500GB to 2TB. Along with fast speed, you get Seagate’s reliable reputation and included data recovery services if anything goes wrong.
File drag-and-drop is easy for Windows and Mac computers. The reversible USB-C cable tucks away neatly into the drive casing. Overall, it’s a great budget-friendly option for adding secure external storage, though serious creative pros may want a faster NVMe drive.
OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C SSD
The OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C SSD is a top choice for Apple users who want a durable and fast external SSD. As a “build your own” drive, you can pick the SSD capacity suited for your needs, from 240GB to 2TB. The slim aluminum housing matches your Mac aesthetic while providing protection.
Thanks to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it delivers real-world speeds up to 980MB/s. That’s fast enough for Time Machine backups, quickly transferring projects, or editing multicam video using a USB-C port. The Envoy Pro EX works interchangeably with Thunderbolt 3 and USB ports across Macs, PCs, iPads, Chromebooks, and more.
Packing an SSD into the slim, fanless Envoy Pro EX enclosure results in a dependable drive without performance throttling. While you pay a premium for the enclosure, flexible capacity and Apple-friendly design make it worth it for Mac users.
G-Technology ArmorATD Rugged Portable Hard Drive
The G-Technology ArmorATD is a rugged portable hard drive that provides ample storage, fast USB 3.0 speeds, and serious durability. It meets military standards with triple-layer shock resistance for drops up to 3 meters. A durable aluminum enclosure further protects the drive inside from crush and dust.
While not as speedy as the latest SSDs, it still delivers up to 140MB/s transfer rates. Use the built-in USB-C port or included cables to connect to USB 3.0/2.0 computers. The ArmorATD is compatible with both Windows and macOS out of the box and includes helpful backup software.
Storage capacities range from 1TB to 5TB, so you can get plenty of space. Overall, the ArmorATD is a great external hard drive for content creators and field workers who need portable storage that can withstand bumps, dust, rain, and pressure in harsh environments.
LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle
The LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle offers an ideal blend of performance, protection, and ample capacity. It features two internal hard drives with capacities up to 8TB. Using the included software, you can configure the drives for faster RAID 0 striping or more redundant RAID 1 mirroring.
The Rugged RAID delivers speeds up to 250 MB/s via the USB-C port. It can survive drops from 1.2m and has dust, water, crush, and shock resistance meeting military standards. The front door provides quick access to the drives and convenient cable management.
Easy setup gets you working quickly across Mac, Windows, iPads, and Thunderbolt 3 computers. This drive can take a beating while delivering fast access to your footage and projects in the field or on the go. For maximum capacity and protection, the LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle is a top choice.
Choosing the Right SSD: Capacity, Speed, and Use Case
With so many fast, portable external SSDs on the market, which one is right for your needs? Consider these factors:
Capacity
How much storage do you need? For everyday files and projects, 500GB to 1TB is usually enough. For professional photo and video work, step up to 2TB for extra room.
Speed
Faster read/write speeds of at least 500MB/s help workflows with large files. Top-tier SSDs boast 1,000+ MB/s. Thunderbolt 3 SSDs offer the fastest speed if your device has a compatible port.
Use Case
Standard external SSDs are great for everyday storage and travel. Rugged drives add shock/dust/water protection for outdoor use. Consider enhanced security features if storing sensitive data.
Budget
External SSD prices range from around $100 for 500GB up to $700+ for high-capacity, cutting-edge models. Determine how much storage you need and your must-have features.
Our Recommendations
For most users, we recommend the Samsung T7 Touch as the best overall SSD with its fast speed, security, compact design, and reasonable cost. The fingerprint unlock is a handy bonus feature.
The Western Digital My Passport SSD is also an excellent portable SSD option with its blend of speed, software, and stylish design in a durable yet affordable package.
For maximum durability, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD can withstand dust, water, drops, and bumps while delivering great performance.
Mac users who want top speed for pro video workflows will benefit from the OWC Envoy Pro EX with its Thunderbolt 3 compatibility and flexible custom SSD capacity.
Overall, choosing the best external SSD means factoring in your storage needs, speed requirements, durability preferences, and budget. Any of the models listed here will serve you well and boost your workflows with fast, portable solid state storage.
