Best External SSD of 2025

"I find the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD to be an excellent choice for my storage needs. With transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s, it’s perfect for backing up large files or editing high-resolution videos on the go. Its compact design makes it ultra-portable, and the durable build ensures it withstands bumps and drops. I highly recommend it to photographers and videographers!"

"I recently got the 2TB variation and it’s exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a Doomsday backup that fits in my everyday carry bag. This device is super easy to use across Mac and Windows. The encryption setup was quick, and I appreciate the included adapter. Overall, I highly recommend it, though it is a bit pricey unless you find a deal."

"I bought this SSD to replace an older drive. While it works perfectly on my Sony A90K, it struggles with my Sony A80J, freezing frequently. However, I still give it five stars because I believe the issue lies with the TV, not the drive itself."

"I love the small and sleek design of this SSD. Using it with my MacBook Pro 14, I appreciate the fast transfer speeds and reliability. I can easily carry it in my pocket or briefcase. While I haven't had it long, I own several others (4TB, 2TB, and 1TB) for photography, and they have all performed flawlessly."

"The SAMSUNG SSD T7 is incredibly fast! I've experienced read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s, allowing me to transfer a 50GB file in under a minute. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting perfectly in my pocket. Plus, it's built to last, as it's drop-resistant from 6 feet and water and dust resistant. With its stylish design and AES 256-bit hardware encryption, I'm very pleased with my purchase."

"I've found the Samsung T9 Portable SSD 4TB to be a fantastic investment for anyone in need of speed, reliability, and storage. I stumbled upon it during a sale on Instagram, and after several weeks of use, I can confidently say it's worth every penny. The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface delivers lightning-fast performance, making game load times and heavy software operation seamless. With 4TB of storage, I never worry about running out of space, making it an ideal choice for both professionals and gamers."

"The SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB has truly elevated my digital storage experience. The blazing-fast speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s read and 2,300 MB/s write make transferring large files effortless. Whether I'm editing videos or working on demanding applications, this SSD ensures smooth performance. Plus, its robust security features give me peace of mind knowing my sensitive data is protected. I highly recommend it for anyone needing reliable and high-performance storage on the go."

"I have to say, this is the best SSD I've ever bought. It's LIGHTNING FAST and incredibly consistent, whether I'm backing up files or transferring data. I couldn't recommend this drive more—I'm absolutely loving it!"

"I find the SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD to be impressive. The performance and build quality are exceptional. With speeds up to 2000MB/s, transferring large files, like 4K videos, is incredibly fast. The USB-C and USB 3.2 compatibility make it easy to connect to both my laptop and desktop. Its rugged design gives me peace of mind for on-the-go use. It's hard to find any downsides, but I believe the premium price is worth it for such speed and reliability."

"I love how reliable, lightweight, and lightning fast this drive is. It's compact and has a high capacity, making it perfect for my needs. I just wish it were a bit more affordable so I could buy another one!"

"After reading reviews, I think some users may not be testing the drive correctly. If you want to achieve its advertised speeds, using a true Thunderbolt 3 port is essential. I have a Windows PC and noticed that when transferring large files, I started at 1.7GB/s, dropping to about 915MB/s. It seems this drive can perform close to its specs, but various factors can affect speed. Still, I'm satisfied because I get about 1 second per GB throughput."

"I’ve been using the Western Digital 2TB Elements SE Portable SSD for quite some time and it's a fantastic storage solution. It's lightweight, fast, and makes file transfers a breeze. I highly recommend it for anyone needing extra storage!"

"My experience with this external hard drive has been very positive. I've had it for over 4 years without any data loss or issues. It's also smaller than my iPhone, making it very convenient."

"This hard drive is excellent quality. It transfers files quickly from my computer and is perfect to store my data safely. I find it very useful, especially since my laptop has a small hard drive."

"I've been using the SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD for my web and graphics design projects, and it has been an absolute game-changer. With blazing-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s, this SSD significantly reduces load times and allows me to work seamlessly with large files. Its Thunderbolt 3 interface ensures that I get maximum performance, and the USB-C compatibility is incredibly useful for moving between different workstations. The ruggedness and IP68 dust and water resistance give me peace of mind, making it easy to carry my entire work portfolio wherever I go. In summary, this SSD is an excellent investment for anyone in web or graphics design."

"I bought this SSD for backup and music production. When it works, it’s incredibly fast and tiny. However, I've faced constant issues with it being spontaneously ejected from my computer despite using the provided cable. I reached out to customer support but haven't heard back. It's frustrating, especially as I've experienced overheating issues when it works. I'm very disappointed with the performance and customer service and regret not going for a more reliable option."

"The performance of this SSD is virtually the same as my internal SSD. I primarily use it for storing and running virtual machines, and I’m impressed with how quickly it boots and shuts down. It stays cool when the computer is asleep, but it does run warm when active. Durability is still something I need to assess over time, but so far, I’m satisfied."

"I recently got the 2TB Portable SSD, and it has really surpassed my expectations. The super-fast transfer speed stands out—transferring large files like 4K videos is so much quicker than my old hard drive. It's incredibly easy to use; just plug it in and it works with both Windows and macOS. Plus, it's lightweight and compact, making it perfect for transporting large amounts of data."

"I bought the previous version last year and can't believe how much smaller this one is. It works perfectly! While it does heat up during large file transfers like video copying, its speed is impressive for live working in Logic Pro and photo editing programs. As an SSD with good transfer speeds, this device is fantastic!"

"We started using the SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD in our workshop, and it's been incredible. With speeds up to 800MB/s and compatibility with USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2, it allows for quick transfers and storage of large files. Its compact and durable design makes it easy to carry, and it's really enhanced our workflow."

"I really appreciate the direct USB-A compatibility of this SSD. It fits perfectly into my ports without any extra cables. However, I noticed that it can overheat quickly during large file transfers, so I used a fan to keep it cool."

"I benchmarked this SSD using CrystalDiskMark and found that it meets the advertised speeds quite well. While it performs great for smaller transfers, I did experience a drop in speed when transferring larger files, as it ran out of cache. Still, it offers great value for the price."

"I received this USB thumb drive today and was impressed by how quickly it transferred 166GB in just 15 minutes. I definitely plan to recommend it to others and might purchase another one myself."

"I recently got the Samsung T7 Shield SSD for my Blackmagic Pro 6K camera, and my experience has been amazing. Although the first unit arrived dead on arrival, the replacement was hassle-free, and the second one worked flawlessly. Its fast read and write speeds significantly improved my workflow, making it ideal for high-resolution footage. Plus, its robust design is perfect for outdoor shooting. I highly recommend it to any professional needing reliable storage!"

"I bought the Samsung T7 Portable SSD, and I'm absolutely thrilled! The speed is incredible, with read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of 1,000 MB/s. Transferring large files has become so quick and easy. Not only is it lightweight and stylish, but it also offers AES 256-bit hardware encryption for my sensitive data. I've used it across various devices without any issues. It's definitely a must-have for anyone seeking reliable storage!"

"As a law officer, I need dependable tools, and the Samsung External Hard Drive is exceptional. It's compact and durable, transferring files at impressive speeds. I appreciate the robust encryption features that keep my sensitive data secure. With plenty of storage for everything from case files to personal files, it's a reliable companion for my work. This hard drive is efficient and worth every penny!"

"As someone who handles massive amounts of data, the Kingston XS2000 1TB portable SSD has been a game-changer. I can carry my entire content library anywhere without the hassle of bulky external hard drives. The lightning-quick speeds are phenomenal, making my workflow so much more efficient. Plus, it works seamlessly on both Mac and Windows. This drive is worth every penny!"

"Having used Kingston products for over 15 years, I can confidently say they are high quality. My first flash drive still works perfectly, and every Kingston product I've purchased has been reliable and fast. It's clear they use top-notch materials, and I trust them wholeheartedly."

"I bought the Kingston XS1000R 2TB SSD, and it's truly impressive. The transfer speeds are incredible, reaching up to 1050MB/s. It's compact and fits easily in my pocket, making it perfect for travel. The build quality is excellent, and it works right out of the box with no setup hassle. I can't find any downsides—this SSD is an excellent choice for anyone needing reliable storage!"