Best External SSD for PC of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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External SSDs for PCs are a great way to expand storage capacity and improve system performance. These compact and portable drives use solid-state technology for faster data access and transfer speeds compared to traditional hard drives. With capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB, users can store large amounts of data, including documents, photos, videos, and games. Some models feature advanced security features, such as password protection and hardware encryption, to keep sensitive data safe. Whether for work or leisure, an external SSD is a reliable and convenient storage solution for any PC user.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD Cover #TOP 1
Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD Cover #TOP 2
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD Cover #TOP 3
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 External SSD for PC

Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD

MU-PC2T0T
Titan Gray
Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD Cover
Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray

The Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD is a high-speed external solid-state drive that offers incredible performance and convenience. With transfer speeds nearly 9.5 times faster than traditional hard disk drives, this SSD can read up to 1,050 MB/s and write up to 1,000 MB/s when connected to USB 3.2 Gen 2 supported devices. It also comes with a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, perfect for students, professionals, and gaming enthusiasts. The included USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A cables ensure optimal performance, and Samsung recommends downloading the latest firmware update using the included software. With its compact and portable design, the Samsung T7 2TB SSD is the ideal choice for those who need fast and reliable storage on the go.

What We Like
Fast transfer speeds
Lightweight and portable
Reliable performance
Large storage capacity
Durable aluminum casing
#TOP 2

Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD

LES3XXX001T-RNSAU
Silver
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD Cover
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD, PSSD Up to 1050MB/s Read, 1000MB/s Write, External Solid State Drive Compatible with iPhone 16/15 Series/Mac/PS5/XBOX/Laptop/PC, Silver

The Lexar ES3 Portable SSD offers fast file transfers with USB 3.2 Gen 2, allowing you to quickly move large files with speeds up to 1050MB/s for reading and 1000MB/s for writing. This makes your work more efficient and saves you time. It works with a wide range of devices, including the latest iPhone 15 series, Android phones, laptops, gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox, and more, giving you great flexibility. Its slim, lightweight metal design fits easily in your pocket, making it perfect for carrying your data on the go. Plus, it includes encryption software to keep your files safe and secure.

What We Like
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 transfer speeds
Wide device compatibility
Compact, lightweight design
256-bit AES encryption

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

CT1000X10SSD9-02
Blue
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02

The Crucial X10 Portable SSD offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for creators, students, and gamers who need quick access to their files. Its durable design means you can take it anywhere, as it’s built to resist dust, water, and drops up to 9.8 feet, so you don’t have to worry about damage on the go. This SSD connects easily to a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles, giving you flexibility and convenience. Plus, with 1TB of storage, you have plenty of room to save your important photos, videos, games, and backups securely.

What We Like
Blazing fast file transfers
Compact and portable design
Reliable performance
Large storage capacity
Cross-platform compatibility
#TOP 4

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD

MU-PE4T0S/AM
Black
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD Cover
Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MB/s, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant, for Content Creators - Black

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield is a rugged and durable portable SSD that is perfect for photographers, content creators, and gamers. With its IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, this SSD can withstand tough conditions. The high-speed transfer capabilities of USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology allow for quick file transfers, making it ideal for editing directly from the drive. The advanced outer elastomer and rugged design provide extra durability, even with a 9.8-foot drop. It is compatible with various devices, including PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles. The T7 Shield also offers a stylish and sleek design with a rubberized grip to prevent slips. Choose from different storage capacities and color options to suit your needs.

What We Like
Fast transfer speeds
Rugged and durable design
Portable and compact size
Wide device compatibility
Reliable data storage
#TOP 5

SSK 1TB USB Drive

SSK
SD301
Grey
1 TB
SSK 1TB USB Drive Cover
SSK 1TB USB Drive,External SSD Fast 550MB/s 2-in-1 Dual-Drive Type C+ A USB3.2 Gen2 Solid State ThumbDrive SSD-Stick for iPhone 15/16/PS4/Android Phone/Tablet/Windows/Mac

The SSK 1TB USB Drive is a high-speed external SSD that offers a convenient and efficient way to transfer data between devices. With its dual USB Type C + USB A ports, you can easily connect it to your smartphone, tablet, computer, car audio system, smart TV, and more. This allows you to free up space on your devices or quickly move pictures and movies. The SSK USB Drive boasts ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 550mb/s read and 520mb/s write, making it 10 times faster than traditional USB 3.0 drives. It is also plug and play, requiring no software installation, and is made of high-grade zinc alloy material for excellent shock resistance and heat dissipation. With its universal compatibility, you can use it with various devices and operating systems. Overall, the SSK 1TB USB Drive provides a reliable and efficient solution for all your data storage and transfer needs.

What We Like
Fast file transfer speed
Sturdy metal build quality
Dual USB-A and USB-C
Wide device compatibility
Generous storage capacity
#TOP 6

Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD

LES5XXX001T-RNWNU
Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD Cover
Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible w/MagSafe, USB-C Smartphones, iPhone 15/16 or Above, PC, Mac, Supports Apple ProRes & Samsung Pro Video, Silver (LES5XXX001T-RNWNU)

The Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD offers fast file transfers with speeds up to 2000MB/s, so you can move your data quickly and keep your workflow smooth. Its MagSafe-compatible design lets you easily attach the drive to your compatible smartphone, making it convenient to carry and use on the go. If your device doesn’t have a magnetic surface, the included metal ring accessory lets you create one for easy attachment. This drive also supports high-quality video recording formats like Apple ProRes at 4K 120FPS and Samsung Pro Video at 8K 30FPS, making it a great choice if you work with professional video. Plus, the free Lexar App helps you back up your media automatically and expand your mobile storage with ease.

What We Like
Fast 2000MB/s transfer speeds
MagSafe-compatible magnetic design
Supports Apple ProRes & Samsung Pro Video
Free Lexar App for backup
#TOP 7

Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD

CT4000X10PROSSD902
Black
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - ‎CT4000X10PROSSD902

The Crucial X10 Pro SSD is a powerful and versatile external solid-state drive that offers exceptional performance and durability. With read and write speeds of up to 2,100/2,000MB/s, you can edit directly from the drive, making it perfect for creative professionals. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, PC, Linux, PlayStation, and Xbox gaming consoles. The X10 Pro is also dust and splash-proof, with an IP55 rating, and can withstand drops from up to 7.5 feet/2 meters. Additionally, it provides security for your sensitive data with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Designed with a sleek and compact form factor, the X10 Pro is made of anodized aluminum with a rubberized soft-touch base, making it both durable and stylish.

What We Like
High-performance
Wide compatibility
Durable and rugged

SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD

SSK
SD500
Grey
SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD Cover
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

The SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD is a high-performance solid state drive with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speed. It features a portable design made of 2mm thick aluminum alloy material, with excellent shock-proof, anti-vibration, waterproof, and dustproof functions to protect your data. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and includes USB C to A cable and USB C to C cable, making it suitable for use with USB C smartphones, PS5, Xbox, laptops, and MacBook.

What We Like
High-performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speed
Portable design made of durable materials
Compatible with various devices and includes two types of cables
Excellent shock-proof, anti-vibration, waterproof, and dustproof functions
#TOP 9

Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD

CT4000X9PROSSD902
Gray
Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC and Mac, for Professional Creators, Silver - ‎CT4000X9PROSSD902

The Crucial X9 Pro SSD offers fast data transfer speeds up to 1050MB/s, which helps you quickly access and save large files, making your workflow smoother. Its rugged design is built to handle tough environments, protecting your data from water, dust, and drops up to 7.5 feet, so you can confidently take it anywhere. This portable drive connects easily with various devices like Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, and gaming consoles, ensuring compatibility for all your needs. Plus, it includes extra features like a lanyard loop and password protection to keep your data secure on the move.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Durable and water-resistant
Wide device compatibility
Secure password protection
#TOP 10

SanDisk Creator Pro 4TB Portable SSD

SDSSDE81C-4T00-G25
Blue
SanDisk Creator Pro 4TB Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 4TB Creator Pro Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s, for Laptops and Computers, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, 1 Month of Adobe Creative Cloud Included - SDSSDE81C-4T00-G25

The SanDisk Creator Pro SSD is designed to boost your creative workflow with fast and reliable performance. You can quickly back up and access large files thanks to its impressive read speeds of up to 2000MB/s, saving you valuable time. It offers strong protection with drop resistance up to three meters, so you don’t have to worry about accidental falls. Plus, its IP65 rating means it can handle water and dust exposure, making it a durable choice for on-the-go use. As a bonus, you get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud to help you start creating right away.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Drop protection up to 3 meters
Water and dust resistant (IP65)
Includes Adobe Creative Cloud trial
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do external SSD work on PC?

Snag one of the best USB Type-C SSDs for game storage on a PC or console. Opting for one of the best external SSDs around is one of the most important investments you can make in this tech-dominated life. It's the ultimate utility that fits in your back pocket.

2. Can I use external SSD for Windows?

Thanks to the speed of USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 connections, it's now possible for an external hard drive to match the read and write speeds of an internal drive. Combine that with a proliferation of external SSDs, and for the first time, running Windows off an external drive is viable.

3. Will an external SSD make my PC faster?

Adding a solid-state drive (SSD) is the single biggest hardware change you can make to speed up a laptop. It makes everything faster; booting up, shutting down and launching apps will all occur in the blink of any eye when compared to traditional hard drives.

4. Is SSD good for external drive?

If you don't need terabytes of storage and you often travel with your drive, a portable SSD is worth paying extra for. A portable SSD will also be much faster at reading and writing lots of data.

Editor's Notes

During our external ssd for pc research, we found 24 external ssd for pc products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 285,038 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external ssd for pc list. We found that most customers choose external ssd for pc with an average price of $285.81.

The external ssd for pc are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external ssd for pc, including Samsung, Lexar, Crucial, SSK, Sandisk. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.