External solid - state drives ( SSDs ) have come a long way , delivering faster public presentation , improved durability , and more storehouse pick than ever . Whether you ’re a gamer chasing shorter consignment times , a creative professional managing massive project single file , or plainly someone who wants quicker , more reliable store , choosing the correct extraneous SSD can make a big wallop .
To be decipherable , we ’re not focusing oninternal SSDs , ones youinstall inside a personal computer . These portable drives still tender all the stop number and dependability of SSD technical school , just with plug - and - frolic gizmo . In this guidebook , we ’ll walk you through the best external SSDs of 2025 , covering a range of use casing and price points to aid you witness the idealistic scene for your needs .
pick out an extraneous SSD take looking at a few important aspects to make certain it fit your usage :
Storage capacity : make up one’s mind how much space you need . For ecumenical use , 500 GB to 1 TB is often sufficient , but if you operate with large files like videos or game program library , you might want 2 TB or more .
Performance ( speed):Check the read / write fastness . SSDs with higher speeds , like those using NVMe over USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt , declare oneself faster data transferee , reducing wait times when moving large file or running applications directly from the SSD .
Durability and work up quality : turn over the SSD ’s physical robustness , especially if you project to use it on the go . Look for features like shock underground , urine , and dustproof ratings , and whether the casing is made from sturdy material like metallic element or ruggedized charge card .
Interface and compatibility : Ensure the SSD uses a compatible interface with your devices , such as USB - C , USB - A , or Thunderbolt . Compatibility with your operating system is all important ; crack if it ’s plug - and - play or if special drivers are involve .
Price and warranty : External SSDs can depart importantly in price . Balance your budget with your entrepot and performance needs . Also , view the warranty period , as a recollective warranty often designate unspoiled dependableness and customer support .
Best overall external SSD
Samsung T9
Why you should buy this : A profligate and reliable external SSD
Who it ’s for : Suitable for almost anyone including working professionals , gamers , students , or unremarkable computing nerds .
Why we picked the Samsung T9 :
Samsung make some of the best SSDs , and its latest T9 extraneous SSD offer impressive performance with read and write speeds reaching up to 2,000MBps . This f number is made possible with its support for the 20Gbps USB standard , which significantly enhances data point transfer rates , peculiarly for large file like 4 thousand video recording and high - resolution images . The campaign is available in three capacities : 1 TB , 2 TB , and 4 TB , while its sleek and thick design couple with a durable physique reach it ideal for users who involve authentic , high - focal ratio storage on the go . The T9 also feature robust data protective covering , let in AES 256 - mo ironware encoding , ensuring that your data persist secure .
In terms of build quality , the Samsung T9 has a sturdy , insurance premium feel , with a electric shock - resistant conception that can withstand fall from up to 2 meters . This pass water it a good choice for professionals and creatives who command both operation and durability in a portable storage solution . However , its premium characteristic get at a high price point , which might be a consideration for some users .
Overall , the Samsung T9 is a top - level external SSD that offer splendid focal ratio , capacity , and durability . While it may be more expensive than other options , its performance apologize the price , especially for those who prioritize fast data transfers and unattackable storage in a portable form factor .
Fastest external SSD
LaCie Rugged Pro5
Why you should buy this : presently the degraded external SSD on the market .
Who it ’s for : Those who can not compromise on read and write pep pill .
Why we picked the LaCie Rugged Pro5 :
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is a high-pitched - functioning outside storage result tailor for creative professional , particularly those using the latest hardware . Equipped with Thunderbolt 5 technology , it can give up olympian read and write speeds , give up to 6,700 MB / s and 5,300 M / s respectively when geminate with compatible gadget . The SSD is also designed for durability , as it boasts an IP68 rating , ensuring resistivity to dust and water submergence up to 1.5 m for 30 minute . Its robust build can hold drops from up to 3 meters and pressure from a 2 - ton fomite , making it ideal for on - the - go pro . The drive is constructed with at least 45 % recycled materials , reflecting a commitment to sustainability .
LaCie let in a five - year warrant with Rescue Data Recovery Services , extend add up peace of mind . However , it ’s important to note that the driving force ’s point performance is achievable primarily on system with Thunderbolt 5 support as compatibility with older interfaces may lead in reduced speeds . While the Rugged SSD Pro5 comes at a premium terms point , its compounding of speed , strength , and reliableness urinate it a compelling alternative for professional person requiring tight , portable storage resolution .
Most secure external SSD
Apricorn Aegis NVX
Why you should buy this : A highly secure outside SSD featuring a built - in numpad and durability features .
Who it ’s for : Those who divvy up with a lot of confidential information .
Why we picked the Apricorn Aegis NVX :
The Apricorn Aegis NVX is a in high spirits - security measure , broken outside SSD designed for professionals who prioritize data security without compromising on fastness . It features 256 - bit AES - XTS computer hardware encryption and a build - in computer keyboard for PIN authentication , eliminating the motive for software - based security quantity . Constructed from polished aircraft - grade Al , the NVX boasts an IP68 rating , bring in it insubordinate to dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for half an hour . Its durability is further enhanced by tamper - evident epoxy resin - sealed fasteners and a wear - resistant keypad .
Performance - wise , the NVX is not the fastest , but offers respectable read and spell rates of about 1,000 Bachelor of Medicine / s using its USB 10Gbps Type - C interface . It also propose crabbed - platform compatibility , permit reformatting for use with Windows , macOS , or Linux systems . Security feature admit a brutish - force protection mechanism that triggers a crypto - erase after a set turn of failed PIN attack , and the ability to prepare read - only modes for specific users . While it miss distant management capabilities , this design choice enhances its surety by minimize possible vulnerabilities . usable in capacity ranging from 500 GB to 2 TB , the Aegis NVX is priced at a insurance premium , speculate its robust security and execution feature . It ’s an ideal choice for professional handling sensitive data in challenging environments , although it can not cope with the radical - degraded data transfer stop number offered by competitory competitor .
Best external SSD for gamers
Western Digital Black P40
Why you should buy this : A tailor - made external SSD for gamers with loyal f number and attractive intention .
Who it ’s for : Gamers who desire to carry their secret plan library along with some RGB flair .
Why we peck the Western Digital Black P40 :
The WD Black P40 is a portable entrepot resolution plan specifically for gamers , offering telling read and compose speeds of up to 2,000MBps . This performance make it idealistic for quick load times and transfer big files . Its slick , compact design is complemented by customizable RGB ignition , adding a stylish signature to any gambling apparatus . The P40 is also said to be extremely undestroyable , have a shock - immune build that control it can withstand the rigors of travel and everyday use .
Its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface insure compatibility with a wide range of mountains of devices , making it various for use with consoles , microcomputer , and other gambling systems . One of the standout features of the WD Black P40 is its customizable RGB lighting , which can be synchronized with other gaming peripherals for a cohesive aesthetic . This feature , combine with the drive ’s high - speed performance , make it a popular choice among gamers who esteem both single-valued function and form .
useable in capacity lay out from 500 GB to 2 TB , the P40 provide plentiful storage for even the largest game libraries . There ’s also the fresh WD Black P50 , which we do n’t fully urge as it offers like performance at a higher price breaker point . The only main difference is that it comes in a higher 4 TB capability pick and ditches the RGB lighting .
Best external SSD for Mac
OWC Express 1M2
Why you should purchase this : A high - performance external SSD compatible with macOS .
Who it ’s for : macintosh users looking for a tops - quick external memory solution .
Why we plunk the OWC Express 1M2 :
The OWC Express 1M2 SSD is extremely compatible with macOS , offering seamless integrating with both Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 larboard found on Mac gimmick as well as USB 4.0 . This makes it ideal for professionals in fields like picture editing and design , where high - speed data transfers are crucial .
The drive can be format with macOS single file systems , such as APFS or HFS+ , ensuring it supports all the advanced feature Mac user rely on . Moreover , its furrowed build supply durability , making it a dependable pick for exact Mac environments . It is capable of reaching over 3,000MBps data transport focal ratio when used with 40Gbps connectivity .
The drive ’s racy construction also supports heavy workloads without compromise performance , ensuring it remains coolheaded even during lengthened use . It does follow at a hefty Mary Leontyne Price , but the company also offers the OWC Express 1M2 as barebones , so you could install your own M.2 NVMe SSD .
Best external SSD for rugged users
SanDisk Pro G40
Why you should corrupt this : A dissipated and reliable international SSD with the highest toughness valuation .
Who it ’s for : Professionals who take a speedy entrepot root in tough working environments .
Why we picked the SanDisk Pro G40 :
The SanDisk Pro G40 is a versatile and rugged external effort with an IP68 rating , the highest available on any external SSD . This ensures that it is extremely resistant to detritus and weewee , make water it ideal for outdoor and demand environments .
The drive excels in performance as it put up both Thunderbolt and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity , making it a top choice for users needing fast 40Gbps speeding . Though it performs well across both interface , the effort lean to consume more force and generate more heating plant when using Thunderbolt compared to USB . This makes it a good fit for tasks necessitate rapid datum transfer rather than everyday exercise .
It also comes at a comparatively high price , with the 2 TB simulation costing significantly more than other USB - only alternatives like the Samsung T9 . Overall , the SanDisk Pro G40 is highly recommended for those who need a speedy external SSD , along with a robust weatherproof chassis .
Best value-for-money external SSD
Kingston XS1000
Why you should purchase this : A tiny external SSD that extend honorable performance at a low cost .
Who it ’s for : Those who are wait for an external SSD for daily computing and datum transport .
Why we break up the Kingston XS1000 :
The Kingston XS1000 external SSD stand up out for its affordability , making it an attractive alternative for budget - conscious exploiter attempt portable storage . Despite its dispirited cost , it offer upstanding performance with read and write upper of up to 1,050MBps that match basic needs , although it ’s not as fast as premium models . The compact design and ease of usage add to its appealingness , specially for user who need simple , true storage on the go .
Sadly there is no high - electrical capacity mannequin beyond 2 TB , and the thrust miss hardware encryption , which can be a concern for consumers who care about data security .
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid - state drives ( SSDs ) are the most popular storage sensitive for computer and game consoles . They ’ve taken over from traditional grueling disc cause ( HDDs ) , and unlike the old entrepot case , have no spinning disks inside . This mechanically skillful constituent shit HDDs more prostrate to physical scathe , a helplessness that rarely involve SSDs .
Our guide explainingwhat an SSD iscovers this in further depth .
An external SSD ( self-coloured - state drive ) differs significantly from a external HDD ( hard disk drive ) in several primal expression . SSDs offer much faster data transfer speeds , nominate them ideal for tasks like transferring declamatory files , gaming , or run applications directly from the driving force . They are also more durable due to their deficiency of moving parts , which makes them immune to shock and drops .
SSDs are generally modest , lighter , and more compact than HDDs , making them well-situated to carry around . However , HDDs typically ply larger storage capacities at a lower cost per gigabyte , urinate them more low-priced for bulk computer storage demand . SSDs , while more expensive , are catching up in terms of capacitance and becoming more cost - effective over metre . Additionally , SSDs operate silently and consume less power , whereas HDDs can be noisy and consume more energy .
The primary reasonableness is the interface used for connection . home SSDs are usually connected right away to the motherboard via faster interfaces like PCIe or SATA , allowing them to achieve high swiftness . External SSDs , on the other hand , often bank on USB or Thunderbolt connectedness , which , while fast , generally have lower bandwidth than PCIe . Additionally , the protocol used for data transferee over these interfaces can present overhead , further reduce the speed compared to intragroup SSDs .
However , you canconnect an external SSD to your PlayStation 5 , so they ’re fast enough for gaming .
External SSDs are great for expanding memory board if you have a large game library . While it is also potential to go games directly from an outside SSD in the pillow slip of PCs and certain older PlayStation and Xbox consoles , the last PS5 and Xbox Series X / S only allow you to store your games filing cabinet .
