An external solid state drive gives you fast, rugged and portable storage for photos, videos, backups and games. With no moving parts, SSDs are far quicker and more shock-resistant than traditional external hard drives, making them ideal for creators and anyone on the go. Choosing the right one comes down to speed, capacity and durability. Below is a buying guide followed by ten of the best external SSDs available.
What to Look for in an External SSD
External SSDs vary in speed, capacity and build. Match the drive to how you will use it.
- Speed: Read/write speeds matter most for editing video or transferring large files; USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt drives are fastest.
- Capacity: Choose based on your needs, from 500GB for documents to 2TB or more for video and games.
- Interface: USB-C offers the best speed and compatibility with modern laptops and phones.
- Durability: Rugged, drop- and water-resistant drives are best for travel and fieldwork.
- Compatibility: Check that it works with your computer, console or phone out of the box.
- Encryption: Hardware encryption adds security for sensitive files.
The following is a list of ten of the best external solid state drives, from rugged field drives to blazing-fast creator models.
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
A fast, compact USB-C drive with strong read/write speeds and optional fingerprint security. It is a top all-round choice.
- Fast USB 3.2 speeds
- Compact and lightweight
- Optional fingerprint model
2. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
A rugged, water- and dust-resistant drive built for creators and travel. It combines durability with excellent speed.
- Water- and dust-resistant
- Fast, reliable performance
- Handy carabiner loop
3. Crucial X8 Portable SSD
A high-speed drive with a durable aluminum body and broad device compatibility. It offers great performance for the price.
- Fast, dependable speeds
- Durable aluminum shell
- Works with many devices
4. Samsung T7 Shield Rugged SSD
A tougher version of the T7 with a rubberized, IP65-rated body for the outdoors. It is ideal for demanding conditions.
- IP65 water/dust resistance
- Rugged, grippy design
- Sustained fast speeds
5. WD My Passport SSD
A sleek, secure drive with hardware encryption and reliable speeds. It is a strong choice for everyday backups.
- 256-bit hardware encryption
- Compact, stylish design
- Reliable WD build
6. SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD
A premium, ultra-fast drive with a forged aluminum chassis for heat control. It suits professional video and photo work.
- Very high transfer speeds
- Forged aluminum heat sink
- Rugged and secure
7. Crucial X6 Portable SSD
A budget-friendly, pocket-sized drive with solid speeds and large capacity options. It is great value for everyday storage.
- Affordable and compact
- Good everyday speeds
- Large capacities available
8. LaCie Rugged SSD
A creator-favorite drive with a shock-resistant orange bumper and fast Thunderbolt/USB-C speeds. It is built to survive the field.
- Shock- and drop-resistant
- Fast Thunderbolt/USB-C
- Trusted by creatives
9. Seagate One Touch SSD
A slim, stylish drive with dependable speeds and easy backup software. It suits users who want simple, reliable storage.
- Slim, attractive design
- Bundled backup software
- Reliable everyday speeds
10. Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD
A tiny, extremely fast drive with a protective sleeve for travel. It packs high-end speeds into a pocket-sized body.
- Very fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Ultra-compact size
- Included protective sleeve
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an external SSD better than an external hard drive?
Yes, for speed and durability. SSDs have no moving parts, so they are faster, quieter and far more shock-resistant, though usually pricier per gigabyte.
How much capacity do I need?
500GB suits documents and photos, 1TB is a good all-round size, and 2TB or more is best for video, games and large backups.
Will it work with my laptop and phone?
Most modern external SSDs use USB-C and work with laptops, and many work with phones and tablets too. Check compatibility before buying.
Can I use one for gaming?
Yes. External SSDs are great for storing and playing games on consoles and PCs, offering faster load times than a hard drive.
Final Thoughts
An external SSD is a fast, durable way to expand your storage and protect your files. All-rounders like the Samsung T7 and SanDisk Extreme suit most people, while rugged options such as the LaCie Rugged are built for the field. Consider speed, capacity and durability, and choose the drive that fits your workflow.
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