Best Portable External SSD of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Portable external SSDs are compact and lightweight devices that provide users with a highly efficient way to store, transfer and access large volumes of data. These devices are designed to be easily transported and are ideal for professionals who need to work remotely or travel frequently. With their lightning-fast read and write speeds, portable external SSDs are perfect for gaming, video editing, and other demanding applications. They often come equipped with advanced security features like password protection and encryption to safeguard sensitive data. Overall, portable external SSDs are a must-have for anyone who values speed, portability, and reliability in their data storage solutions.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure Cover #TOP 1
SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD Cover #TOP 2
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD Cover #TOP 3
SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Portable External SSD

SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure

MU-PC1T0T
Titan Gray
SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure Cover
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray

The Samsung Portable SSD T7 1TB is a reliable and speedy external solid state drive that offers easy and secure data storage. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology and PCIe NVMe technology provide read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, making file transfers a breeze. The T7 is shock-resistant and can withstand drops from up to 6 feet and its aluminum unibody construction ensures durability. Additionally, its advanced thermal solution ensures optimal temperature control even at fast speeds. The T7 is compatible with various devices and comes with software to help set up a password, get firmware updates, and download the mobile app for Android devices, making it a great option for students, professionals, and gamers.

What We Like
Light and compact design
Fast read/write speeds
Strong and secure construction
#TOP 2

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
Black
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a high-capacity drive that delivers NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. It is designed to endure tough conditions with up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. The Carabiner loop makes it easy to attach to your belt or backpack, and it comes with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your content secure. The device is compatible with a range of USB Type-C smartphones, making it easy to back up mobile content.

What We Like
Fast NVMe solid state performance
Durable and resistant to drops, water, and dust
Handy Carabiner loop for easy attachment

SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD

MU-PK2T0G/WW
Gray
SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD Cover
SAMSUNG T9 2TB, Portable SSD, up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) NVMe, Rugged, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, External Solid State Drive (MU-PK2T0G/WW) Gray

The SAMSUNG T9 SSD is designed to enhance your creative workflow with impressive speeds of up to 2,000MB/s. You can quickly load, edit, and transfer files, making it ideal for photographers and content creators. Its advanced thermal guard technology ensures that the drive remains cool during intensive tasks, preventing overheating. Additionally, the T9 offers broad compatibility, allowing you to connect it to desktops, cameras, or gaming consoles effortlessly. With its durable build, it’s built to withstand frequent use across multiple devices, ensuring reliability for all your storage needs.

What We Like
High-speed performance
Effective heat management
Wide compatibility
Durable design

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 5

SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD

SDSSDE30-2T00-G26
Black
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-2T00-G26

The SanDisk Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers fast read speeds of up to 800MB/s. With its compact and portable design, it is perfect for users who are always on the go and need a storage solution that seamlessly fits into their mobile lifestyle. In addition, this durable drive can withstand drops of up to two meters, making it ideal for adventurous users. The tough rubber hook allows for easy attachment to a belt loop or backpack, providing extra peace of mind. With SanDisk, a trusted brand among professional photographers, you can rely on this portable SSD to handle your storage needs.

What We Like
Fast performance
Durable and rugged
Portable and compact
#TOP 6

Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD

MU-PE2T0R/AM
Blue
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD Cover
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Rated, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, External Solid State Drive (MU-PE2T0R/AM, 2022), Blue

The Samsung T7 Shield is a durable and fast external solid-state drive that's perfect for photographers, content creators, and gamers. With an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, this rugged PSSD is built to endure. Its high-tech rubber exterior with Dynamic Thermal Guard controls heat to maintain steady performance for even giant projects. Transfer massive files in seconds with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe achieving up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s sequential read/write speeds. Edit directly from the drive and shoot on location with confidence, knowing your data is securely resistant against water and dust. Compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more, the T7 Shield comes with USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added convenience. Available in 1TB or 2TB with stylish colorways of blue, beige, or black, the T7 Shield is the perfect choice for anyone who needs colossal space in a durable yet stylish package.

What We Like
Durable and rugged
High-speed transfer
Water and dust resistant

Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD

CT1000X9SSD902
Black
Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD - Reads up to 1050MB/s - Lightweight and Small Storage for backups, Videos and Photos with Mylio Photo Management Offer - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 - External Solid State Drive

The Crucial X9 SSD offers impressive speed with read rates reaching up to 1050MB/s, making it ideal for transferring large files or editing 4K videos efficiently. With a generous 1TB of storage, you can easily keep your PS5 games, high-resolution photos, and important documents all in one place. This portable drive is compatible with various devices, including Xbox and Mac, and comes with a USB-C cable for quick connections. Additionally, its compact and durable design ensures it can withstand drops and resist water and dust, providing peace of mind for users on the go.

What We Like
High-speed file transfers
1TB ample storage
Broad device compatibility
Durable and portable
#TOP 8

SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD

SDSSDE81-1T00-G25
Black
SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-1T00-G25

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a powerful external solid state drive that delivers up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds. Its forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink, ensuring higher sustained speeds. The drive is designed to withstand any adventure with up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. It also includes password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep private content safe. Compatible with desktop and laptop devices.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds up to 2000MB/s
Durable aluminum chassis with up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance
Included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption

WD 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD

WD
WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN
Black
WD 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD Cover
Western Digital 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac - WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN

Looking for a portable SSD that is fast, affordable, and reliable? Look no further than the WD 2TB Elements SE. With read speeds up to 400MB/s, you can move large files quickly and easily, making it perfect for personal, gaming, or business use. Its compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters make it the perfect drive to take with you wherever you go, and its plug-and-play functionality means it's ready to use right out of the box. Compatible with PC, Mac, and other devices, the WD 2TB Elements SE is a dependable and convenient choice.

What We Like
Fast read speeds up to 400MB/s
Compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters
Plug-and-play functionality for easy use
Compatible with PC, Mac, and other devices
2TB digital storage capacity
#TOP 10

ORICO B5PLUS 256GB Portable SSD

B5PLUS-256GB
256GB
ORICO B5PLUS 256GB Portable SSD Cover
ORICO Portable SSD 256 GB with 2 in 1 USB C Cable, External Solid State Drives, Up to 460MB/s, Status Indicator, Reliable Storage for USB-C Smartphone, Tablet, PC - B5PLUS

The ORICO Portable SSD offers a fantastic way to boost your device's storage capacity, making it ideal for photographers and videographers who need extra space. You can enjoy incredibly fast data transfers of up to 460MB/s, allowing you to share your photos and videos in no time. Its compact design, measuring just 2.44 by 2.72 inches and weighing only 0.9 lb, means you can easily take it anywhere without the bulk of traditional hard drives. Plus, the included 2 in 1 USB C & USB A cable ensures seamless connectivity with a variety of devices, making your life more convenient.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Compact and lightweight design
Compatible with multiple devices
Expandable storage capacity
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our portable external ssd research, we found 24 portable external ssd products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,854,038 customer reviews through our big data system to write the portable external ssd list. We found that most customers choose portable external ssd with an average price of $103.19.

The portable external ssd are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of portable external ssd, including SAMSUNG, SanDisk, SSK, Crucial, WD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.