The Best Portable SSDs

The solid-state drive uses integrated circuit assembly and helps to store data in flash memory. With the bundle of advantages, the best portable SSD has an important place in the world, and you can take an external drive with you outside where you want. A portable drive is better because it can give you access to the files while maintaining safety and is efficient, fast, and secure. Besides portability options, the SSDs are resistant to water drops, bumps, and dust, so users can easily share files among different PCs. It is more resistant to physical shock and works quietly and with higher IOPS than electromechanical drives.

If you want to add more storage capacity, backup sensitive files, or go out with your work, get the external SSD. They are five times more efficient, have incredible durability, and are more compact. Hence, the top-tier external hard drive is better suited for traveling than a ruggedized hard drive. The primary physical forms of the Internal SSDs are 2.5-inch drives, M.2 drives, and add-in board (AIB) SSDs. Before buying an internal SSD to upgrade the system, figure out what your computer can accept. Higher clock performance, many specifications, and fast gaming come from the M.2 SSD. Another kind of solid-state drive users can internally use, i.e., M.2 SSD. It is the new form factor and needs no extra cable to connect with a computer motherboard.

Our top picks

Quick Shopping Tips:

If you want advanced storage options to collect pictures, videos, and files, you should consider a portable SSD rather than HDD.

Form Factor: SSD may come with 2.5 inches serial ATA (SATA), add-in card (AIC), or M2 form factor. SATA is the most common option, and upgraders usually use it. This form factor is drop-in compatible if your laptop or PC supports 2.5 inches hard drive bay. AIC operates over a PCIe bus, is more efficient than others, and is widely used for graphics cards and RAID controllers. M.2 drive is an ideal option for slim laptops and desktop motherboards due to its smaller design.

SATA or PCIe Interface: 2.5-inch SSDs work with the SATA interface, and AIC runs over a faster PCIe bus. M.2 drives support NVMe and can work with SATA and PCIe buses. So carefully check your computer motherboard and laptop support. SATA products are better if you want web browsing, running office applications, and gaming. For high-end photo editing, transcoding, and transporting videos and images, users should prefer NVMe products.

Capacity: 500GB is a reasonable amount that provides a suitable space and is widespread. 1TB helps you store massive media and games and would be enough space for your operating system. The essential factor is to know which storage option you need for your system. You should get 4TB if you are a professional. 2TB is a worthy option for large gaming libraries and large media files.

Computer Compatibility: The SSDs come in several form factors and run over different hardware and software connections. So you must know your system’s compatibility as gaming rigs can work over most modern drives. Slim laptops are compatible with M.2 factors and cannot be upgraded, So consult the device manual or read the system’s compatibility before purchasing one.

The Best Portable SSDs: First look

The Best Portable SSDs: In-depth Review

ADATA SE800 has a pleasing and super-fast read-write speed of up to 1000 MB per second and comes with dust proof, drop and shock resistance with the help of an IP68 rating. The product is ruggedized, waterproof, pleasantly compact, and lightweight with a sleek look. Adata offers a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C interface, a portable SSD drive that is backward compatible with USB 2.0, and is a perfect device for outgoing and traveling. The product’s performance may change based on a paired device, file size, and system configuration. The external SSD has 512GB/ 1TB capacities, and the box includes a quick start guide and USB 3.2 C to Type-A cable.

The brand makes sure to facilitate the user with its world-leading products and is known as the world’s best solution in service provision. The ultimate mobility and compact form factor come with this solid-state drive and an exquisite hairline-brushed surface. The durability, outstanding performance, and premium features, including water and dust, prove technology stands as the best portable SSD. The blazing read/write speed gives fast results, and the device supports different operating systems such as Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10, Mac OS x10.6 and later, and Linux kernel 2.6. It is also compatible with Mac OS, Xbox One, and android to enhance its utility and versatile usage.

Crucial X8 lets you work with iPad Pro devices and enjoy its capabilities and performance. It enables you to protect your memories by providing photos and video backup options and can expand the storage to 1 TB. The product is compatible with Xbox One, iPad Pro, and Android devices featuring an anodized aluminum body core. The portable product of Crucial gives incredible output, a 1050 MB/s read speed, and ensures the drop-proof safety of up to 7.5 feet. Extreme temperature and vibration-proof features are some of the budget option components. It runs eight times faster than other solid-state drives, allows the user to work with a USB-c port 6 up to 75 ft/2m, and does not impact data on the drive.

You can store video, files, and pictures using this best portable SSD, and the Windows backup option with MacOS time machine options are available. The item has a design to cope with the most challenging situations due to its durable, compact, and rugged design and letting the user use it indoors and outdoors. You can trust the product due to its shock and vibration-resistant technology and provide free space to save extensive data on PCs, consoles, and tablets. X8 item allows you to connect using USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface and quickly access games and videos even when you are offline. You must unleash your creative energy through more capacity with 2TB added capacity, seamless work, editing, and exporting multi-stream videos.

Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD is the perfect choice for storing large data files, on-location photo shoots, and adventures. You are capable of enjoying the boosted productivity, offloading, editing, and transferring of 8GB files in 6 seconds and 500 GB digital storage capacity by this portable external product. It supports 8k videos, large storage documents, and high-resolution images through a 2TB capacity by the best SSD external hard drive. The future-proof product delivers enhanced productivity, broad range compatibility, and an IP55 rating to resist water, dust, and shock. Its removable rubber sleeve allows you to go outside to work, play, or complete projects without bothering about dust and moisture.

Its high-speed storage option enables you to offload and edit high-res images and other data in the flesh and keeps it according to the modern demand of the user. It delivers next-gen performance utilizing USB 2.2 Gen 2x2 speed through the small SSD with little interruption. You can create content and access the data from anywhere on a PC or mobile phone because it connects with a USB Type-C, and its small and lightweight form factor enables its pocket-size portability. It has one of the industry-leading high read-write speeds of up to 2000 MB per second.

The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro offers long-term peace of mind and IP67 water and dust resistance. It can withstand up to 3m drop and 2-ton car crash resistance, providing a five-year product production plan. The read/write speed is up to 2800 MB per second faster than traditional SATA SSDs and helps the most demanding 6K and 8K files to DITS playback. The item has easy connectivity options with Thunderbolt 3 cable, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 on Mac and Windows PC. You can create Adobe creative cloud plans for all apps and get an approach to video editing, different applications, and fantastic imaging.

Filmmakers enjoy its extreme durability in any environment without transcoding. This palm-sized drive provides 1TB space in innovative cooling design and seamless compatibility and is suitable for MAC. The product can maximize the capabilities of thunderbolt 3 by harnessing the power of Seagate FireCuda NVME SSD. The box includes a Thunderbolt 3 cable and a quick installation guide and allows editing with creative cloud to turn the raw data into flawless data. It stores up to 65 hours of 4K 30 FPS compressed photos and elite strength with maximum speed.

iStorage DiskAshur M2 allows you to transfer files in seconds. You need not worry about spills as the product supports an IP68 rating to survive the 1.5 m of water for 30 minutes and can withstand dust and water presence. The DiskAshur M2 is the best portable SSD for security and is smaller than a phone, so it is an ultra-portable product weighing only 65 grams without a sleeve and 86 grams with a sleeve fitted. You can enjoy the slim and look design, IP68 accreditation, and rugged and shock-proof features of the drive. Its other charm is that it can bear the weight of a 2.7-ton vehicle; that is why it is crush-proof and backward compatible, with a USB 3.2 data transfer speed.

It can survive a drop of up to 4m on a concrete surface, has built-in cryptography, and allows security to your valuable and sensitive data. The stringent regulations, including GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, ensure data security, encryption, and production. Standard criteria EAL 5 + help produce the data encryption key and enhance safety by using random number generation. You must authenticate it and enter the 7-15 digit PIN to use the best SSD external hard drive and a regular portable product. Buy it if you want a new, ultra-portable, secure, slim, sleek, designed item.

Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch can transfer data in a flash whether you want to send or store critical business documents, games, or movies. Users can enjoy the whole package of speed and security in a palm-size product. This product comes with multi-device compatibility, USB type C to C, and Type C to A cable to add convenience to its user’s working. The sleek and compact style, simple setup, and end-to-end integration for quality make it a biometric item. It is available in three external storage capacities of 500 GB, 1TB, and 2TB providing the next-level experience.

You can keep your files safe due to AES-256 bit encryption, and the incredible USB 2.2 Gen2 enables fast speed, and a 9.5x faster read/write rate of up to 1050/1000 MB/s than HDD. The user can detect what the item is doing with its LED square illumination feature, which is water-resistant up to 6 ft. The fingerprint and password security options ensure extra security and superior performance and help maintain reliability. The product is more shock-resistant than an HDD because of the absence of moving parts and offers additional protection through solid aluminum unibody construction. Grab the product and enjoy its high-speed file transfer, fingerprint security, and wide storage.

The competitive and consistent SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 has a durable design and a five-year warranty. It is one of the best products with 10Gbps NVMe for content creation and has weather resistance with durability and a grippy finish. It offers a secure and portable package with responsible output and AES 256-bit hard-accelerated encryption, ensuring it’s simple to use password security. The company is trying to retain its old shell to give NVMe -supported hardware, and you have to wait no longer to get the rugged SSD. The product is a good choice for those who want to carry sensitive data. It has wide capacity options, including 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. The read/write is rated up to 1050/1000 Mbps to deliver high output.

Its internal structure is made of plastic, making it a lightweight, portable SSD drive. Extreme V2 has an IP55 rating that helps it survive the water flow of 30KPa for up to 3 minutes. The dust can not interfere with the operation, and the product surpasses its competitors by providing a 5-years warranty because others offer only a 3-year warranty. The product supports a 6-inch USB Type-C cable and a 1-inch Type-C to Type-A adapter. You can quickly set up the password with the help of encryption management software and secure the data. The durable silicon chip offers functionality, a portable design, and a carabiner integrated loop to help move through demanding conditions.

SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD is a responsive portable drive that is rugged and secure. The cinema community knows it very well, but for many professionals in video, it is a brand new name. The latest G-drive product can compete with the best SSD external hard drive, and a 10Gbps interface ensures reliability and performance. The IP67 rating is responsible for water and dust resistance and enables it to survive a 3-meter drop. It has a 2000-pound crush resistance, and the look and design features are impressive. The capacity options of the drive are 500GB, 1TB, and 2 TB, and sequential read/write speed is up to 1050/1000 Mbps. The brand makes hardware encryption so you can use it on Mac OS and Windows.

The technology of the best portable SSD for pros provides fast speed, ultra-rugged resilience, and data safety. It offers a 5-year warranty, comes without an endurance rating, and has solid LDPC ECC memory. The product keeps the data safe with the help of 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption technology. XTS promises more vital production and eliminates the potential vulnerability. The item has two long 19-inch USB cables consisting of a USB-C to USB-C and one USB-C to USB-A cable. The rubber-like exterior helps to put the firm grip in its place, and it is a solid choice due to its support of a PCIe 3.0 x 2 interface.

Final Words

As SSDs become more famous, brands are trying to launch more robust and efficient products to add storage to PCs, laptops, and even mobile phones. Some SSDs are built to go with them outside, some have been designed to fit in the system, and you cannot take them out. They are water, dust, and shock resistant so that weather or any incident cannot crash the portable SSD drive. Extra capacity helps to save important files and enables you to share them. As tens of the products are available in the market, it may be difficult to know for the user which is the best product with many specifications.

The user should choose the product by focusing on his purpose of doing it with an SSD. Preferences may change based on the type of work, system compatibility, and the need for storage. Here we have some products with their details, specifications, and designs, so you can easily pick one option. The SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD is among the best options due to security, resistance options, and sequential read/write speed of up to 1050/1000 MBps. However, there is another option if you do not like the above; the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch has a whole package of build quality, speed, and features.

Frequently Asked Questions