Feeling the pinch of slow loading times or running out of storage space on your PC? You’re not alone! In today’s digital world, we’re constantly creating, editing, and consuming massive files, from high-resolution videos and photos to demanding PC games. That’s where an external SSD comes into play – offering a lightning-fast, portable solution to expand your storage and supercharge your workflow.
Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) with their spinning platters, Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory, meaning no moving parts, incredible durability, and eye-watering speeds. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best external SSD for PC that fits your specific needs?
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a handpicked selection of top-notch external SSDs, along with one notable HDD option for those prioritizing sheer capacity on a budget. Let’s dive in and find the perfect portable storage companion for your computer!
Our Top Picks for the Best External SSD for PC
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive
The Samsung T7 is a fantastic all-rounder that consistently ranks high for its blend of speed, portability, and robust build quality. If you’re looking for a reliable and zippy external drive for everyday tasks, media storage, or even casual gaming, the T7 is an excellent choice. Its sleek, compact design makes it easy to slip into any bag or pocket, ensuring your important files are always with you and accessible in a flash. Whether you’re a content creator, a student, or just someone needing extra space, the T7 delivers on its promise of performance and convenience.
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Key Features:
- PCIe NVMe technology for read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
- Compact and lightweight aluminum unibody construction
- Shock-resistant with fall protection up to 6 feet
- Wide compatibility with PCs, Macs, Android devices, and gaming consoles
- Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video recording
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds for quick file transfers
- Extremely durable and shock-resistant
- Highly portable and pocket-friendly
- Broad compatibility across various devices
- Reliable brand reputation with in-house component production
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Cons:
- Can get warm during extended heavy use
- Speeds might be overkill for basic users, but great for heavy loads
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the Samsung T7 for its incredible speed and reliability. Many note how seamless it is to use for video editing on the go or for quickly backing up large photo libraries. Its small footprint and robust feel also earn high marks, making it a favorite for those who travel frequently with their data.
2. SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External
When speed is paramount and you need the absolute fastest portable storage for demanding creative workflows, the Samsung T9 steps up to the plate. Designed for professionals and power users, this drive offers sustained read and write speeds that can handle even the most intensive tasks, like editing 8K video directly from the drive. What truly sets the T9 apart is its advanced Dynamic Thermal Guard, which keeps the drive cool even during prolonged, heavy-duty operations, ensuring consistent performance without throttling. If you’re a creator who can’t afford to wait, this is your go-to external SSD.
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Key Features:
- Sustained read/write speeds up to 2,000MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2)
- Dynamic Thermal Guard for consistent performance under heavy load
- Robust design for longevity and stability
- Magician Software for firmware updates and drive health monitoring
- Wide compatibility with desktops, cameras, gaming consoles, and iPhone 15 Pro
- World’s #1 flash memory brand reputation
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Pros:
- Phenomenal, sustained speeds for professional use
- Excellent thermal management prevents slowdowns
- Durable and built to last
- Includes useful Samsung Magician software
- Ideal for high-resolution video editing and large file transfers
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to top-tier performance
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port required to achieve maximum speeds (not all PCs have this yet)
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User Impressions: Professionals rave about the T9’s raw speed and its ability to handle intensive tasks without breaking a sweat. Video editors and photographers, in particular, highlight its reliable performance during long editing sessions, attributing it to the effective thermal management. The robust build also instills confidence in users carrying valuable data.
3. SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to
The SSK Portable SSD offers a compelling mix of speed, ultra-compact design, and excellent value, making it a strong contender for the best external SSD for PC users seeking portability without compromising on performance. Its tiny form factor and feather-light weight make it truly pocketable, perfect for students, travelers, or anyone needing to carry their data discreetly. Plus, with robust heat dissipation and iPhone 4K ProRes support, it’s not just compact – it’s capable.
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Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively (10Gbps)
- Ultra-lightweight (36.6g) and compact (2.61.50.5 inch)
- USB-C and USB-A cable included for broad compatibility
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for data security and lifespan
- 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation
- Supports iPhone 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture
- SLC caching for consistent high speeds with smaller transfers
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Pros:
- Incredibly small and lightweight, supremely portable
- Fast transfer speeds for its class
- Excellent heat management keeps it cool to the touch
- Dual USB-C and USB-A cables offer wide device compatibility
- Good value for money
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Cons:
- SLC caching might see speeds drop for very large, sustained transfers over 250GB
- Brand recognition might be lower than Samsung for some users
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User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the SSK’s diminutive size and powerful performance. Many commend its ability to work flawlessly with iPhones for video recording, and its cool-running operation is a frequent positive mention. It’s often recommended for its excellent balance of portability and speed at a competitive price point.
4. BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
The Buffalo External SSD is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a durable, reliable, and versatile portable storage solution that won’t break the bank. It’s particularly appealing for console gamers thanks to its explicit compatibility with PS4 and PS5, helping you save precious internal console storage and reduce game loading times. Beyond gaming, its rugged, shock-resistant design and fast speeds make it an ideal companion for anyone who needs to quickly back up photos, videos, or documents on the go, whether for work or play.
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Key Features:
- Fast speeds comparable to other entry-level SSDs
- Compact, durable, and shock-resistant design for drop protection
- Explicit compatibility with PS4, PS5, Macs, and PCs
- USB 3.2 connectivity with both USB-C and USB-A support
- Three-year warranty (if registered)
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Pros:
- Excellent value for an external SSD
- Very durable and rugged for on-the-go use
- Great for expanding game storage on consoles
- Good cross-platform compatibility
- Solid warranty period
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Cons:
- Speeds are good, but not top-tier like NVMe SSDs
- Design is functional but less sleek than some competitors
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User Impressions: Gamers especially love the Buffalo SSD for its plug-and-play ease with PlayStation consoles and the noticeable improvement in loading times. General users appreciate its robust build quality, which gives them peace of mind when carrying it around. Many highlight it as a dependable and affordable option for everyday backup needs.
5. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0
While our main focus is on the best external SSD for PC, it’s worth noting the Seagate Portable External Hard Drive (HDD) for those prioritizing massive storage capacity at the most affordable price point. Unlike SSDs, this is a traditional hard drive with spinning platters, meaning it won’t offer the same lightning-fast speeds or rugged durability. However, if you simply need a vast amount of space to archive older files, large media libraries, or backups where speed isn’t the primary concern, this Seagate HDD delivers incredible value per gigabyte. It’s a simple, plug-and-play solution for easy storage expansion.
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Key Features:
- Easily store and access 2TB of content
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers (drag and drop)
- Automatic recognition – no software required for setup
- USB 3.0 connectivity for decent transfer speeds for an HDD
- Simple plug-and-play functionality
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Pros:
- Excellent value and low cost per gigabyte
- Very high capacities available (e.g., 2TB)
- Simple and easy to use (plug and play)
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac
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Cons:
- Significantly slower than any external SSD
- More fragile due to moving parts (not ideal for frequent travel)
- Not suitable for running applications or games directly
- USB 3.0 (slower than USB 3.2 on modern SSDs)
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User Impressions: Users typically purchase this Seagate HDD for its ample storage at a budget-friendly price. It’s highly rated for simple file backup and archiving large media collections. While users acknowledge its slower speed compared to SSDs, they appreciate its reliability for long-term storage and its straightforward operation.
Frequently Asked Questions about External SSDs
Q1: What’s the main difference between an external SSD and an external HDD?
A: The core difference lies in their technology. External SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory and have no moving parts, making them much faster, more durable, and quieter than external HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), which use spinning platters and read/write heads. HDDs generally offer higher capacities at a lower cost, while SSDs excel in speed, ruggedness, and portability.
Q2: Why should I choose an external SSD for my PC?
A: An external SSD offers several compelling benefits: lightning-fast data transfer speeds for large files, quick loading times for games and applications, superior durability due to no moving parts, silent operation, and compact portability. It’s ideal for video editing, gaming, quick backups, or expanding storage for a laptop without much internal space.
Q3: What speeds should I look for in an external SSD?
A: Look for read and write speeds. Many modern external SSDs offer speeds ranging from 500 MB/s up to 2,000 MB/s. For everyday use and general file transfers, 500-1000 MB/s is excellent. For professional video editing or gaming, aiming for 1000 MB/s or higher (especially those with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt support) will provide the best experience.
Q4: What capacity external SSD do I need?
A: This depends on your usage.
* 500GB-1TB: Good for basic backups, documents, and a moderate amount of photos/videos.
* 1TB-2TB: Ideal for gamers, content creators, or those with large media libraries.
* 2TB-4TB+: Best for professionals dealing with massive video files, extensive game collections, or archival purposes.
Q5: Is an external SSD good for gaming?
A: Absolutely! An external SSD can significantly reduce game loading times compared to an internal HDD or even some slower internal SSDs. For console gamers (PS5, Xbox Series X/S), external SSDs can store last-gen games and even current-gen games (if compatible), freeing up internal storage and improving performance.
Q6: How do I keep my external SSD safe and extend its lifespan?
A: Always safely eject your external SSD before unplugging it. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to extreme temperatures. Keep its firmware updated (if applicable) and monitor its health with manufacturer software. While SSDs are durable, proper handling still helps.
Q7: Can I use an external SSD with both Windows and Mac?
A: Yes, most external SSDs are compatible with both Windows and Mac. However, you might need to format the drive to a file system like exFAT or FAT32, which are readable and writable by both operating systems. NTFS is typically Windows-only, and APFS/HFS+ are Mac-only.
Q8: What is USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and why does it matter?
A: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is the latest high-speed USB standard, offering data transfer rates up to 20 Gbps (2,000 MB/s). It matters because it unlocks the full speed potential of the fastest external SSDs, like the Samsung T9. To achieve these speeds, both your PC and the SSD must support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best external SSD for PC doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, a gamer, or just need reliable extra storage, there’s a perfect portable SSD out there for you. We hope this guide has shed some light on the top contenders and helped you understand what makes each one special. Remember to consider your primary needs – be it raw speed, ultimate portability, rugged durability, or sheer storage capacity – and you’ll be well on your way to boosting your PC’s potential!