
Top rated External SSDs
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1. Samsung Portable T7
Distinctive Design and Portability
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB 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, like a credit card
- Problem easily solved with heat
- Includes 2 USB cables C to C and A to C
Contra
- gets very hot (hope that doesn't hurt!)
- Rather expensive
- gets warm during long copy processes (like all such discs)

2. SANDISK Extreme Portable
Robust storage that can handle anything. Life is an adventure. To capture the most beautiful moments, you need fast storage with high capacity. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers read and write speeds of 1050 MB/s and 1000 MB/s, allowing you to store your content and creations on a fast SSD that perfectly fits your active lifestyle. Model V2, early 2021.
Pro
- Robust, eye-catching, still small enough
- Very small (~credit card size), flat and light
- Small, light, robust
Contra
- Lower price, but still expensive
- USB-A/C adapter + USB-C cable
- somewhat short cable for my taste

3. SANDISK Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is an external solid-state drive designed for high-speed data transfer and durability. It offers NVMe solid-state performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s, enabling quick file access and efficient workflows. This portable drive connects via USB-C and is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces, ensuring broad device support. Built for demanding conditions, it features IP65 protection against water and dust, safeguarding against low-pressure water jets and dust ingress, as well as drop protection from heights of up to 3 meters. The compact black drive includes a carabiner loop for secure attachment to bags or belts, enhancing portability. For data security, it offers password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption to safeguard sensitive content. Additionally, the SanDisk Memory Zone app is available for file management and automatic storage optimization. With a capacity of 1 TB, it is suitable for storing large files, backups, and multimedia content. Performance may vary depending on the host device and other factors, with 1 MB defined as 1,000,000 bytes. This model is the successor to earlier versions with improved durability and firmware updates.

4. 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 its IP65 certification, it is also protected against water and dust ingress, making it a safe 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 between a classic black, blue, or beige casing color 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 into almost 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, lots of space
- Robust, protection through rubber cover
- Small and handy
Contra
- too expensive!
- Matt surface could become a magnet for dust
- Soft surface becomes (most likely) sticky after a few years

5. SANDISK Extreme PRO Portable
With SSD performance, you'll always be the first to reach your destination. The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a robust, reliable storage solution with high SSD performance from SanDisk – the brand trusted by professional photographers worldwide. Nearly twice as fast as its predecessor!
Fast and reliable. High NVMe SSD performance with read/write speeds of 2,000 MB/s in a dependable mobile drive that you can take on any adventure.
Work faster and longer. The aluminum casing also serves as a heat sink, ensuring uninterrupted speeds. This saves you time when storing and transferring your data.
Rugged enough for on-the-go. With drop protection from up to two meters, IP-55 water and dust resistance, and a handy carabiner clip for attaching to your belt or backpack, this drive is a sturdy companion for travel.
Encryption for enhanced security. Thanks to the built-in password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your private content is safeguarded.
Storage for professionals. From SanDisk, the brand that professional photographers worldwide trust with their most demanding assignments.
Pro
- Light, small, fast
- Small, compact and robust
Contra
- Comparatively expensive
- gets pretty hot
- Stiff and short cable

6. SANDISK Extreme PRO Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a powerful external solid-state drive with a storage capacity of 4 TB. It utilizes NVMe solid-state technology for exceptional data transfer speeds, achieving up to 2000 MB/s for both reading and writing. With a 2.5-inch form factor, this portable drive is compact and easy to transport. It offers robust protection through water and dust resistance, ensuring reliability in various environments. For enhanced data security, it features integrated AES-256-bit hardware encryption to protect sensitive information. The construction emphasizes durability, as it is shock and vibration resistant, making it ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who need fast, secure, and reliable storage solutions for demanding applications such as video editing, gaming, and large file backups. The typical dimensions are around 100 mm x 50 mm x 10 mm, and it weighs approximately 100 g, facilitating easy handling on the go. The temperature tolerance ranges from 0 °C to 35 °C during operation, allowing for use in most everyday situations. With its high speed and robustness, the SSD is particularly suitable for transferring large files, editing 4K videos, and backing up extensive projects without compromising performance. The AES encryption ensures that data remains protected even in the event of loss or theft, which is important for both business and personal users. Overall, this model combines high performance with practical portability and long-term reliability to meet the demands of modern digital workflows.

7. SANDISK Portable SSD
The most beautiful moments pass quickly. To ensure you don't miss them, you need fast, reliable storage. The SanDisk Portable SSD is quick and the ideal solution for reliably storing content and memories on the go.
Fast, portable, affordable. Enjoy SSD performance with a read speed of 520 MB/s in a mobile drive.
Storage for the most beautiful moments. Safeguard your content and memories with a reliable mobile storage solution.
Durable enough for on-the-go. Off to the adventure – this rugged drive is drop-resistant from heights of up to two meters and can withstand quite a bit.
Won't get lost. With the sturdy rubber hook, you can securely attach the SSD to belt loops or a backpack.
Pro
- Small and compact
- Lightweight, handy and without power supply
Contra
- USB-C cable must still be purchased separately
- Only USB A to USB C cable included
- Lots of packaging

8. SANDISK Portable SSD
The SanDisk Portable SSD offers reliable external storage with a capacity of 1 TB and utilizes solid-state drive technology for enhanced performance and durability. This 2.5-inch model achieves read speeds of up to 800 MB/s, ensuring efficient data transfer for backups, file management, and multimedia applications. Built with a robust design, it features a rubber hook for secure attachment and is compatible with various devices via USB connections. Compact for portability, it weighs approximately 45 grams and provides shock resistance to protect against accidental drops. Ideal for professionals and everyday users, this SSD maintains data integrity with low power consumption and operates quietly without moving parts. It supports plug-and-play functionality on Windows, macOS, and other systems without the need for additional drivers for basic use. Its durability makes it suitable for frequent travel and rugged environments, backed by SanDisk's reputation for quality in storage solutions. For optimal performance, use it with compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces or higher. The storage capacity is formatted and may vary slightly depending on system settings, but it offers ample space for documents, photos, videos, and software.

9. SANDISK Extreme Portable V1
The robust SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD enables fast data transfers with read speeds of up to 550 MB/s, making it ideal for storing and editing high-resolution photos and videos. The IP55 protection rating means that the drive is resistant to rain, splashes, liquids, and dust. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is compact and fits comfortably in one hand. It is compatible with both PCs and Mac computers.
Technical specifications/Features
• Fast data transfers with read speeds of up to 550 MB/s
• Save valuable time and transfer high-resolution photos and videos even faster
• Durable, water- and dust-resistant (IP55 protection rating)
• Shock-resistant solid-state core for longer lifespan
• Handy and compact.

SANDISK Extreme Portable V1
0.50 TB
10. Samsung T9
Thanks to the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface and NVMe protocol, the T9 transfers a 2GB file in less than a second and achieves impressive sequential read/write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s. Avoid annoying wait times and get more done with this compact device that speeds up your workflow and productivity. The T9 enables seamless synchronisation with your devices. It's compatible with Windows, macOS, Android smartphones and tablets, gaming consoles, 12K cameras and more. Both a USB-C to C and USB-C to A cable are included to ensure smooth connectivity. With Samsung's Dynamic Thermal Guard, the T9 minimises potential performance degradation due to overheating and maintains fast transfer speeds. In addition, the T9 fulfils the international safety standard IEC 62368-1, providing an extra layer of security. The T9 is designed to protect your data from external influences and is impact resistant up to 3 metres drop height. In addition, Samsung offers a 5-year limited warranty so you can secure your valuable data with complete confidence. You also have the option to set a password with AES 256-bit encryption to further protect your data. Experience the full performance of the T9 with Samsung Magician software - an easy-to-use suite of optimisation tools that ensure the best portable SSD performance. Protect valuable data, monitor drive health and receive firmware updates.
Pro
- Small and light
- 2 cables supplied: USB A and USB C
Contra
- Relatively expensive (compared to Chinese SSDs)
- Support for maximum speed not yet implemented in MacOS
- Can be perceived as heavy
