
Best affordable External SSDs
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1. Samsung Portable T7
Distinctive Design and Portability
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB in gray stands out for its compact size and exceptional speed. Weighing only 58 grams and measuring 8.5 centimeters in length, this lightweight SSD is ideal for on-the-go use. Its small size allows it to fit easily into your jacket or pants pocket, making it perfect for everyday use.
High Transfer Rate for Greater Efficiency
One of the most notable features of the T7 Portable is its impressive transfer speed. With 1 gigabyte per second, the device is twice as fast as its predecessor, the T5. This means you can transfer large files, such as a 50-gigabyte 4K movie, in less than a minute. This efficiency makes the device an ideal choice for quickly transferring large media files.
Robust Construction and Durability
Safety and durability are crucial for portable storage devices. The T7 Portable SSD features a sturdy metal casing and is drop-resistant from heights of up to 2 meters. This makes it a reliable and long-lasting device, even if it accidentally falls out of your pocket.
Compatibility and User-Friendliness
Designed for versatility, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD is compatible with virtually any device that has a USB-A or USB-C port. It is also compatible with the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, making it an excellent choice for gamers.
Important: No Fingerprint Scanner
It is important to note that the Samsung T7 Portable SSD does not come equipped with a fingerprint scanner.
Pro
- Very small (about half the size of a mobile)
- Compact, fast, light, sturdy housing
- Compatible from USB 2.0 (Type-A) to 3.1 (Type-C)
Contra
- Can become hot and slower during longer data transfers
- Still relatively expensive, compared to the T5
- gets warm during long copy processes (like all such discs)

2. SANDISK Extreme Portable
Life is an adventure. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is designed for a dynamic lifestyle and speeds up your daily routine. It is nearly twice as fast as its predecessor. Benefit from a high-capacity mobile drive with fast NVMe SSD performance, perfect for stunning photo and video captures. With the handy carabiner clip, the SSD can be attached to belt or backpack loops, ensuring it won't get lost on the go. Thanks to the built-in password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your private content is secure.
Pro
- Easy to use, small, stable
- Fast, small, light and robust
- Robust, eye-catching, still small enough
Contra
- somewhat expensive
- only works with the supplied short cable without any pitfalls
- Short USB-C cable

3. SANDISK Portable SSD V2
SanDisk Portable SSD 1 TB external SSD drive in black. The most beautiful moments pass quickly. To ensure you don't miss them, you need fast, reliable storage. The SanDisk Portable SSD is fast and the ideal solution for reliably storing content and memories on the go. Enjoy SSD performance with a read speed of 520 MB/s in a mobile drive.
Secure your content and memories with a reliable mobile storage solution. This rugged drive is drop-resistant from heights of up to two meters and can withstand quite a bit. With the sturdy rubber hook, you can securely attach the SSD to belt loops or a backpack.
Connections and interfaces:
- Wi-Fi: No
- USB version: 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2)
- Thunderbolt technology: No
- USB connector type: USB Type-C
Weight & dimensions:
- Depth: 9.91 mm
- Height: 96.9 mm
- Width: 46.9 mm
- Weight: 40 g
Packaging information:
- User manual: Yes
- Included cables: USB Type-C to USB Type-A
Operating conditions:
- Storage temperature range: -20 to 85 °C
- Shock resistance (in operation): 1500 G
- Vibration during operation: 5 G
- Operating temperature: 0 to 45 °C
Features:
- Product color: Black
- Protection feature: Drip-proof
- Password protection: No
- Hardware encryption: No
Solid State Drive:
- SSD storage capacity: 1 TB
- NVMe: No
- Read speed: 800 MB/s.
Pro
- Physically small and light
- Handy and small
Contra
- Only one usb c interface
- No trust
- so far, none found

4. Verbatim Pocket SSD
The Pocket SSD from Verbatim has been designed for ultimate portability. Weighing in at 58g, it is ultra-lightweight and at just under 96mm long, it is small enough to fit in your back pocket. It is compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems. The SSD interface USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures super-fast data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s. The SSD handles large data transfers very quickly and is ideal for video editing, managing large amounts of data or maximising gaming performance. The Pocket SSD comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable in a practical cable holder. The SSD can be securely attached to a belt loop or rucksack using the key ring supplied. The clever cable holder keeps the USB-C cable tidy and tangle-free. Simply perfect for travelling.

5. Samsung T7 Shield
Whether you have games, movies, or sensitive data with you, the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield offers incredibly fast access times in a durable format. With an IP65 certification, it is protected against water and dust ingress, making it a reliable companion for on-the-go use. Transfer large amounts of data in just seconds with USB 3.2 Gen 2: the built-in PCIe NVMe technology provides sequential read and write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. Your private data remains secure without sacrificing convenience. Thanks to its robust rubber casing, the T7 Shield can withstand drops from heights of up to 3 meters. Choose from three casing colors: Black, Blue, or Beige, and two different storage capacities: 1 TB or 2 TB. Weighing only 97 grams, the T7 Shield is lightweight, and the compact dimensions of the rubber casing ensure that the external SSD fits easily into any bag. Access your data anywhere: the T7 Shield is compatible with PCs, Macs, Android devices, gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and many other devices. The package also includes two USB cables, Type-C to C and Type-C to A, allowing for flexible use of the T7 Shield. Compatibility with host devices may vary. Some operating systems may require formatting of the Portable SSD T7 Shield.
Pro
- Small and practical (can be carried in a trouser pocket
- Robust for travelling
- Handy and lightweight
Contra
- Too expensive without cashback
- rubber attracts dust
- Rubberised surface feels strange

6. Samsung T5 EVO
Life can take you anywhere. Whether you're working, creating content, studying, gaming or wherever inspiration strikes: with the powerful T5 EVO, you'll always be one step ahead of everyone else. The SSD impresses with its enormous storage capacity of up to 8 TB and secure data protection.
Full speed ahead
With sequential read and write speeds of up to 460 MB/s, the T5 EVO handles large file transfers with faster and more consistent performance compared to external hard drives. The SSD is designed to keep you productive at all times.
Large file? No problem!
The portable T5 EVO SSD from Samsung impresses with an enormous storage capacity of up to 8 TB and adapts fully to your lifestyle. Whether you work, want to create, study, are a gamer or just back up data: there is a suitable size for all your needs.
Practical all-rounder
Whatever your preference, the T5 EVO can do it. It works seamlessly with Macs, PCs, laptops and Android smartphones and tablets. The SSD is even compatible with gaming consoles, so users can use it in virtually any environment.
Pro
- Small, handy, protected
- Almost 8TB
- Small, handy and big enough with 4TB

7. Crucial X9
Reliable storage for your favorite devices, no matter where you go – that's exactly what the Crucial X9 Portable SSD offers. With plenty of space for all your favorite photos, videos, games, and more, fast file transfers, and compatibility with PCs, Macs, tablets, gaming consoles, and Android smartphones, the Crucial X9 is your perfect plug-and-play storage solution.
Expand your storage. Store even more of your favorite games, photos, videos, and files with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s – without monthly fees for cloud storage! Transfer files up to 7.5 times faster than with portable hard drives and 100 times faster than with USB flash drives.
Plug-and-play compatibility. With a simple USB-C connection, the Crucial X9 Portable SSD is the fully compatible storage solution for PCs, Macs, tablets, gaming consoles, Android, and more.
Durability for on-the-go. Unlike fragile portable hard drives, the Crucial X9 Portable SSD is rugged and reliable. The X9 is not only shock, vibration, and drop resistant from heights of up to 2.20 meters, but it is also temperature resistant.
Store everything that matters. Never lose files, photos, or videos again. Instead, back up all your favorite files on your Crucial X9 Portable SSD, available in capacities of up to 4 TB. The X9 works with Windows File History, Apple Time Machine, and Acronis True Image.
Pro
- lightweight, ultra-portable
- Lots of storage space
Contra
- 10GBit only at the beginning
- Lack of long-term experience
- Write speed (ok)

8. Seagate 1 TB memory expansion card for Xbox Series X|S
Instantly expand the capacity of the most powerful gaming experience Xbox has ever created with the Seagate Memory Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S. Seamlessly compatible with the Xbox Velocity architecture, the Seagate Memory Expansion Card enables the fastest load times for the most dynamic worlds with optimized performance for Xbox Series X games of every Xbox generation. Play at home or simply take it with you to a friend's house to enjoy top performance on demand.
Pro
- Fast data transfer between the internal memory and the memory expansion card.
- Plug & play
- Simple installation
Contra
- Too expensive for me
- The price is relatively high
- High price (but it pays off!)

9. Kingston XS1000
The Kingston XS1000 external SSD is a very practical solution for data backup. Its sleek, compact design seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, allowing you to take the SSD anywhere. Don't be fooled by its size – this tiny powerhouse offers speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and high capacities of up to 2 TB, providing ample speed and space to store your valuable data. The XS1000 is compatible with both USB-C and USB-A devices using the included cables and adapters, ensuring unmatched convenience and impressive storage capabilities. It is your reliable companion for hassle-free data backup, ensuring that your important documents, cherished memories, and media files are always easily accessible. Say goodbye to bulk and embrace optimized storage efficiency with the XS1000 external SSD. Available in black or red, with optional rubber cases sold separately.
Ultimate portability: Weighing just 29 g, this sleek black SSD fits in the palm of your hand, allowing you to carry your files effortlessly on the go.
Reliable file backup: Take everything with you. Transfer and store your documents, large photos, and videos without interruption.
More storage capacity: Expand your digital library with high capacities of up to 2 TB. Compatible with the latest iOS devices, Android platforms, and gaming consoles.
Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2: Achieve read/write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s with backward compatibility to USB 3.2 Gen 1, ensuring a seamless connection with older devices.
Award-winning design: The Kingston XS1000 was awarded the Red Dot Design Award in 2024.
Pro
- Small and powerful
- works reliably
- Small and light
Contra
- USB C with adapter
- No disadvantages

10. Intenso TX100
The fast and compact powerhouse. The Intenso SSD TX100 is designed for a long lifespan thanks to its robust, rubberized surface. No more worries about accidental slips or bumps: your valuable data is securely protected.
Available in capacities ranging from 250 GB to 2 TB, the TX100 prepares you for anything. Even better: the external SSD is equipped with a Super Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 interface. The result: data transfer speeds of up to 500 MB/s. Whether you're a creative professional working with large files or looking to secure your precious memories, the SSD TX100 won't keep you waiting.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When Intenso gives you cables, you're ready for anything. The SSD TX100 comes with both a USB-C to USB-C and a USB-C to USB-A cable, allowing you to connect to a variety of devices.
