Portable SSDs provide additional storage space keeping your files safe on the go. Quality portable SSDs are faster, power-efficient, longer-lasting, and less prone to break & data loss. This makes them ideal for high-capacity storage anywhere you go.
The best portable SSDs have a rugged build, enabling them to be resistant to drops and knocks. Here our list of top portable SSDs.
Best portable SSD
Samsung T5 SSD
Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: USB Type-C
Pros
- Incredibly quick
- Highly compact
Cons
- Expensive
Samsung has a history of building brilliant portable SSDs, and the Samsung Portable SSD T5 is our overall best SSD pick. It includes a speedy USB Type-C connection which is backward suitable with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. It’s a bit pricey but well worth the cost.
Best value portable SSD
Seagate Fast SSD
Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: USB Type-C
Pros
- Impressive efficiency
- Good cost
Cons
- Short cable length
Seagate is another well-known data storage manufacturer. It’s earned a stellar reputation in the portable SSD market. The Seagate Fast SSD is remarkably slim at only 9mm.
Another advantage to Seagate is price. This speedy SSD is no different. It has outstanding performance, great style and a 3-year service warranty. For those interested in SSDs, it’s well worth considering.
Best performance SSD
Samsung X5 Portable SSD
Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe come together to provide top-notch performance.
Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: Thunderbolt 3
Pros
- Exceptional efficiency
- Hardware encryption
Cons
- Expensive
- Not compact or water-resistant
When money is no obstacle and speed is everything, consider the Samsung X5 Portable SSD. It has a Thunderbolt 3 connection providing incredibly fast speeds.
That said, the need for speed comes at some cost is a bit heavier (150g) than the Samsung T series drives.
Best high-speed external storage device
Adata SE730H External SSD
Capability: 256GB, 1TBInterface: USB 3.1 (Gen 2)
Pros
- Small
- Great efficiency
Cons
- Expensive
The Adata SE730H External SSD is compact with high speeds. Additionally, its tough, water-resistant body protects from moisture and drops. At just 72.7 x 44 x 12.2 mm and only 37g, it’s smaller than Samsung’s T series drives.
It uses SATA rather than NVMe tech so it’s not the fastest drive. However, it comes at a lower than usual price.
Best portable SSD for photographers
WD My Passport Wireless SSD
Capacity: 250 GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: USB 3.0
Pros
- Drop-resistant rubber bumper
- Excellent USB transfer speeds
Cons
- Expensive
Western Digital storage devices are made for professional photographers. The WD My Passport Wireless SSD is a great choice for photographers and regular users alike.
These WD drives are wireless capable of permitting access to files over Wi-Fi. While this doesn’t take advantage of the full speed of SSD is a great feature for many. It also has USB 3.0 ports and an integrated SD card reader.
Best inexpensive portable SSD
Adata SD700 External SSD
Capacity: 256GB, 512GB or 1TBInterface: USB 3.0
Pros
- Great efficiency
- IP68 score
Cons
- No USB Type-C
The Adata SD700 a great storage device offering adequate capacity and reasonable costs. It’s a fast drive with an IP68 rated indicating worry-free portability. It has a 1TB capacity and a USB Type-C connection for speedy transfer rates.
Best Light and minimalist
LaCie Portable High-Performance External SSD
Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: USB-C, USB 3.0
Pros
- Lightweight
- Shock-resistant
Cons
- Pricey
LaCie is among the most popular drives for travelers and digital nomads. It has a durable design with a SSD, making it very travel-friendly. It’s whether, drop, and shock-resistant. It has USB-C connection and enables a USB 3.0 connection.
Best to keep your files safe and protected
G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD
Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: USB-C, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility.
Pros
- Rugged
- Compact
- Fast
Cons
- Pricey
- Heats up
G-Technology is the go-to drive for security concerns. G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD is IP67 water and dust resistant. They can withstand drops up to about 3 meters, and have a crush resistance of 1,000-lb.
It’s also fast with a transfer rate of up to 560MB/s and comes with USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility.
Best for professional photographers and videographers
GNARBOX 2.0 SSD
Capacity: 256GB, 512GB, 1TBInterface: 2 x USB-C, SD and Micro HDMI ports.
Pros
- Incredibly hassle-free to use
- Built for the outdoors
Cons
- Very Pricey
- Not for regular users
Gnarbox’s tough backup SSDs were specifically developed for photographers and videographers. It provides a convenient and dependable backup for valuable high-resolution files on the move.
The Gnarbox is made to endure the hardships of the outdoors, water, dust, drops, and more.
