Deciding should I buy external SSD drive is a smart move if you’re looking to upgrade your storage with blazing-fast speeds, compact portability, and reliable performance. Whether you’re a creative professional transferring large video files, a student backing up projects, or a traveler needing secure data on the go, an external SSD offers a major leap over traditional hard drives. With no moving parts, faster read/write speeds, and rugged designs, these drives are built for speed and durability. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 7 external SSDs to help you make the best choice—no tech degree required.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy External Ssd Drive Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a powerhouse in a tiny package, delivering NVMe-level speeds up to 1050MB/s for lightning-fast file transfers. Built to survive drops, water, and dust, it’s ideal for photographers, videographers, and travelers who need reliable storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ IP65-rated water and dust resistance
- ✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
- ✓ Includes a carabiner loop for easy attachment
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and portability. Whether you’re editing 4K videos or backing up thousands of photos, the SanDisk Extreme handles it all without breaking a sweat. Its rugged design means you can toss it in your bag without worry.
Best For
Creative professionals, outdoor adventurers, and anyone needing fast, durable external storage for large files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast transfer speeds
- Rugged, travel-friendly design
- Compact and lightweight
- Great value for performance
Cons:
- No hardware encryption
- Cable not included (USB-C to USB-C/A sold separately)
Customer Reviews
“I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
“Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
2. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
Double the capacity, same extreme performance—the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is perfect for users who need more space without sacrificing speed or durability. With the same rugged IP65 rating and fast NVMe speeds, it’s a top pick for heavy-duty use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB of high-speed storage
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- ✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
- ✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- ✓ USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility
Why We Recommend It
If you’re constantly running out of space on your 1TB drive, this 2TB version gives you room to grow while maintaining the same excellent build quality and performance. It’s ideal for videographers and content creators who work with large media files daily.
Best For
Professionals managing large photo/video libraries, backup enthusiasts, and users needing high-capacity portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity
- Same fast speeds as smaller models
- Rugged and travel-ready
- Great for 4K/8K video workflows
Cons:
- Higher price per GB than internal SSDs
- No included cable
Customer Reviews
“I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
“Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, R…
The Samsung T7 1TB offers premium performance at a more accessible price point, making it our top budget-friendly pick. With PCIe NVMe technology and speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it delivers reliable performance for everyday users and students.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Compact, pocket-sized design
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
- ✓ USB-C and USB-A compatibility (adapter included)
- ✓ Available in multiple colors
Why We Recommend It
You get Samsung’s trusted reliability and near-top-tier speeds without paying a premium. The T7 is perfect for students, remote workers, and casual users who want fast, secure storage without overspending.
Best For
Students, office workers, and general users needing fast, affordable external storage for documents, media, and backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Fast transfer speeds
- Built-in security features
- Includes USB-C to USB-A cable
Cons:
- Not as rugged as IP-rated drives
- Can get warm during heavy use
Customer Reviews
“Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
“The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
4. SSK 1TB Portable SSD with USB-C for iPhone, Windows, Mac, and Android
The SSK 1TB Portable SSD is a versatile, cross-platform drive designed for users who work across iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. With fast transfer speeds and broad compatibility, it’s a great all-rounder for mixed-device households.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Works with iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- ✓ LED activity indicator
- ✓ S.M.A.R.T. monitoring for drive health
- ✓ Compact and lightweight design
Why We Recommend It
If you juggle multiple devices, this SSD eliminates the hassle of file transfers between platforms. It’s especially useful for iPhone users who need extra storage for photos and videos without relying on cloud services.
Best For
Multi-device users, iPhone photographers, and families sharing files across platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Broad device compatibility
- Fast speeds for the price
- No software required
- Affordable for 1TB
Cons:
- No ruggedization or IP rating
- Build feels less premium than Samsung or SanDisk
Customer Reviews
“I recently purchased this external portable SSD from Amazon and have been very impressed with its performance. It offers fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for backing up large files, moving media, and working with high-resolution photos or videos. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to”
“Overall, this is a great SSD with ample space for the price. I would definitely recommend this for someone looking for an external portable HD that has a large amount of space which is great for holding any type of file. My main use for this HD was to hold music files I am transferring from an olde”
5. Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, R…
Double the storage of the 1TB model, the Samsung T7 2TB offers the same sleek design and fast performance with more space for growing digital libraries. It’s a reliable choice for users who need capacity without compromising on speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity in a compact form
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read speeds
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- ✓ USB-C and USB-A support
- ✓ Password protection via Samsung software
Why We Recommend It
For users who love the T7’s design and performance but need more room, this 2TB version is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for backing up entire photo libraries, game collections, or video projects.
Best For
Power users, gamers, and professionals needing high-capacity, high-speed portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 2TB capacity
- Fast and reliable
- Strong security features
- Includes USB-C to USB-A cable
Cons:
- Can heat up under sustained load
- Not water or dust resistant
Customer Reviews
“Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
“The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
6. SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme is the ultimate high-capacity portable SSD, offering massive storage with the same rugged durability and fast speeds you expect from the Extreme line. It’s built for professionals who need to carry terabytes of data safely.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 4TB capacity
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- ✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
- ✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
- ✓ Carabiner loop for secure attachment
Why We Recommend It
If you’re managing large video projects, extensive photo archives, or need a reliable backup for multiple devices, this 4TB drive delivers. It’s the most capacious option in our roundup without sacrificing performance or protection.
Best For
Video production teams, data archivists, and professionals needing maximum portable storage with enterprise-grade durability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highest capacity in the lineup
- Rugged and weather-resistant
- Consistently fast speeds
- Great for field work
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- No included cable
Customer Reviews
“I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
“Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
7. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compati…
The Crucial X10 1TB is a speed demon, delivering up to 2,100MB/s—nearly double the speed of many competitors. With IP65 protection and broad device compatibility, it’s built for creators who demand top-tier performance on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing-fast 2,100MB/s read speeds
- ✓ IP65 dust and water resistance
- ✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- ✓ Works with PC, Mac, iPad, Android, PS5, and more
- ✓ USB-C connectivity
Why We Recommend It
If raw speed is your priority, the X10 outperforms most portable SSDs on the market. It’s perfect for transferring 8K video, large game files, or RAW photo batches in seconds—not minutes.
Best For
Content creators, gamers, and tech enthusiasts who need the fastest possible external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest speeds in the lineup
- Rugged and weather-resistant
- Wide device compatibility
- Compact and stylish design
Cons:
- Higher price per GB
- Only USB-C port (no USB-A adapter included)
Customer Reviews
“As a graphic designer working on both a Mac Mini M4 and MacBook Air M1, I’m constantly juggling large project files, from brand assets and RAW images to video renders. After a week of using the Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD, I can confidently say it’s an excellent performer. The speed is the first th”
“Great design. Small, easy to work with, good capacity, fast enough. Price was good (when it was on sale ….) . One small thing: has only USB-C connector. Would not work with USB-C to USB adapter.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy External Ssd Drive
Essential Factors We Consider
When answering should I buy external SSD drive, we evaluate speed, capacity, durability, compatibility, and value. Look for USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt support for maximum speed, and prioritize drives with IP ratings if you’re traveling or working outdoors. Always check device compatibility—especially if you use iPhone, Android, or gaming consoles.
Budget Planning
External SSDs range from $80 for 1TB budget models to over $300 for high-capacity, high-speed drives. Set a budget based on your needs: students and casual users can thrive with 1TB options under $100, while professionals may justify spending more for speed and durability.
Final Thoughts
An external SSD is a worthwhile investment if you value speed, reliability, and portability. Whether you’re backing up memories, editing videos, or expanding your laptop’s storage, the right drive can transform your workflow. Choose based on your capacity needs, device ecosystem, and how rugged you need it to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy external SSD drive instead of a traditional hard drive?
A: Yes—if speed, durability, and portability matter. SSDs are faster, quieter, and more shock-resistant than HDDs, making them ideal for travel and performance-heavy tasks.
Q: Can I use an external SSD with my iPhone?
A: Yes, but only if it supports Lightning or USB-C and is formatted correctly. Drives like the SSK 1TB are designed specifically for iPhone compatibility.
Q: Do external SSDs need external power?
A: No. Most portable SSDs draw power directly from your device via USB, so no extra cables or adapters are needed.
Q: How long do external SSDs last?
A: With proper use, external SSDs can last 5–10 years. They have no moving parts, so they’re less prone to mechanical failure than HDDs.
Q: Are external SSDs secure?
A: Many offer password protection and hardware encryption (like the Samsung T7). For sensitive data, choose a model with built-in security features.
So, should I buy external SSD drive? Absolutely—if you want faster transfers, better durability, and peace of mind. Based on our testing, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme is our top pick for most users, while the Samsung T7 1TB offers the best value. Ready to upgrade your storage? Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on your new external SSD today!