Best External SSDs in 2024 - Top Choices from Experts

Valda Pena
  Mar 28, 2024 3:38 PM

Do you need backup storage or simply extra space to save your data? Here are some of our top recommendations for the best external SSDs that you might want to have a look. Keep reading to learn more.

SAMSUNG T7 2TB, Portable SSD, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Gaming, Students & Professionals, External Solid State Drive (MU-PC2T0H/AM), Blue

Overview

Do you need to increase local storage? External SSDs are worth your consideration. A SSD is a versatile storage option, a digital wallet that is convenient for travel and can transfer large files (or lots of little ones) between PCs, Macs, and smartphones. It can back up your valuable data, transfer pictures and videos taken with your drone or DSLR while you're out shooting, and more.

However, choosing the best external SSDs for your particular needs is a crucial purchasing choice. But how can you choose the best SSDs when there are so many portable storage alternatives available on the market? To help you choose the  best external SSDs, we have researched and evaluated various models available and then published our list of specific suggestions for the top external SSDs in this article.

WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD - Portable External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac, Up to 2,000 MB/s - WDBA3S0010BBK-WESN

You can also see more other options in our articles about: best SSDs for gaming, best M2 SSDs, best NVMe SSDs, best portable SSDs, or best SATA SSDs.

Review

1. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD

Product’s Specifications

  • Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB

  • Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2

  • Connectivity Technology: USB

  • Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Desktop

Product’s Highlights

The T7 Shield from Samsung is a remarkable improvement over earlier versions, with a newer, quicker flash. It has also been ruggedized for use in harsh outdoor situations and designed to retain extremely fast sequential write rates, which is crucial for external drives. According to Samsung, it can withstand drops up to 3 meters and is dust and water resistant to the extent of IP65 (9 feet, 10 inches).

The T7 Shield's write consistency—along with its affordable price—makes it perfect for photographers and vloggers, especially those who are always on the run.

Pros

  • Reliable writing performance

  • Sturdy enclosure

  • Great software and support

  • 2TB capacity option

Cons

  • Limited at 10 Gbps

2. WD P50 Game Drive SSD

Product’s Specifications

  • Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB

  • Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2

  • Connectivity Technology: USB

  • Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches

  • Compatible Devices: Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop

Product’s Highlights

If you're seeking a quick USB-powered external SSD, WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD for video games. The WD P50 Game Drive, which is available in various sizes from 500GB to 4TB versions, is a unique type of USB Type-C external SSD. It can process data at rates of up to 2,000 MB/s thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20 Gbps interface, which is the fastest available.

In terms of actual performance, the WD Black P50 significantly exceeded the 10 Gbps connection on our test, clocking in at slightly over 1GB/s in both directions. It might be able to achieve the stated 2GB/s with the proper interface, though.

The sustained speed is a little less outstanding; after about 30GB of data transmission, the performance drops to about 375MB/s.

Pros

  • Gen 2x2 USB 3.2 connection

  • Performance of up to 2GB sequentially

Cons

  • Average sustained transfer rates

3. Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD

Product’s Specifications

  • Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB

  • Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2

  • Connectivity Technology: USB

  • Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches

  • Compatible Devices: Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop, Tablet, Smartphone

Product’s Highlights

The 2TB USB Type-C SSD from Crucial isn't the world's ultimate quickest external SSD but it processes data quickly. It has a huge capacity and is housed in a metal casing that feels quite sturdy. And the pricing is reasonable. 

And in our tests, the Crucial X8 performs admirably, offering sequential transfers in both directions at a rate of slightly under 1GB/s. For this type of drive, 4K random throughput is also respectable, with read speeds of 27 MB/s and writes of slightly over 40 MB/s at QD1.

Although the Crucial X8 does decrease to 380MB/s with continuous traffic, it did so in our tests for several tens of GB, similar to the more costly WD disk.

Pros

  • Great NVMe performance

  • 2GB DRAM cache

  • 2TB storage

Cons

  • QLC flash drop sustained speeds with continuous traffic

4. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

Product’s Specifications

  • Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB

  • Hard Disk Interface: eSATA

  • Connectivity Technology: USB

  • Hard Disk Form Factor: 4 Inches

  • Compatible Devices: Type-C Tablet, Laptop, Desktop, Type-C Smartphone

Product’s Highlights

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2, the most recent model in the firm's range of robust external SSDs, is quicker and more affordable than the outgoing model. This comes in various models from 500GB to 4TB for your reference.

To take advantage of its top speeds, you don't need to replace or upgrade your computer. The Extreme V2 comes with a five-year guarantee, password protection, and 256-bit AES hardware-based safety. It is also relatively durable.

This little drive's carabiner hook allows you to attach it to a backpack or belt . It is a trustworthy digital partner, whether you're a photographer, frequent traveler, vlogger, or just someone who needs to save or retrieve huge files quickly.

Pros

  • High speed

  • IP55 water and dust resistance

  • Five-year warranty

  • Great deal

Cons

  • USB Type-C port

  • No power indicator

  • Short cable for desktop use

The Best External Ssds

TOP Choice
1
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    9.6
  • Brand
    SAMSUNG
TOP Choice
2
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    9.5
  • Brand
    WD_BLACK
TOP Choice
3
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    9.5
  • Brand
    Crucial
Most Saving
4
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    9.4
  • Brand
    SAMSUNG
5
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    9.4
  • Brand
    SanDisk
6
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    9.4
  • Brand
    SanDisk
7
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Western Digital
8
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    9.4
  • Brand
    WD_BLACK
9
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Crucial
10
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Western Digital
11
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    9.2
  • Brand
    SanDisk Professional
12
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    9.0
  • Brand
    BUFFALO
13
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    9.0
  • Brand
    SP Silicon Power
14
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    9.0
  • Brand
    SABRENT
15
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    8.8
  • Brand
    Kingston

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of an external SSD

An SSD is a versatile storage option that can transfer data or large files between PCs, Macs, and phones. It is also a great means to back up your priceless data.

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-2T00-G25

2. How long does an SSD external last?

From a numerical perspective, an SSD can last roughly 20 years while an HDD will live on average about six. These figures aren't inflexible, though, and depending on a variety of variables, you could need to replace your HDD or SSD more frequently or less frequently.

3. What is the external SSD speed?

Theoretically, the transfer speed of SSDs differs among models, but is typically between 6 and 12 gigabits per second. That means that, at least theoretically, external SSDs are substantially faster than USB.

Conclusion

Anyone who wants to quickly store and transfer data may live a lot more conveniently thanks to external SSDs. You can unload games to save up space on your gaming PC and move and access files with essentially no wait time. We have gathered the top products for your reference. Don't forget to click to the products for more details and customer feedback.