Trying to decide whether you should buy an SSD or HDD external hard drive? You’re not alone. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when speed, price, durability, and storage needs don’t always align. Whether you’re backing up family photos, expanding your gaming console storage, or transferring large work files, choosing between a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD) can make a big difference in performance and longevity. In this guide, we break down the top 7 external drives across both categories, helping you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and budget.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy Ssd Or Hdd External Harddrive Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Seagate 2TB Portable External Hard Drive for PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox
The Seagate 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a versatile, plug-and-play storage solution that works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox devices. Whether you’re expanding your gaming library or backing up important documents, this HDD delivers reliable performance without the need for software installation.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2TB of portable storage for large media libraries and backups
✓ USB 3.0 connectivity for fast data transfers (backward compatible with USB 2.0)
✓ No external power required—draws power directly from the USB port
✓ Compact, lightweight design perfect for travel or daily commutes
✓ Automatic recognition by most operating systems—no setup needed
Why We Recommend It
This drive strikes the perfect balance between affordability, compatibility, and capacity. It’s ideal for users who need a lot of space without breaking the bank, especially gamers and students who store large files like videos, games, and project folders.
Best For
Gamers, students, and general users who want high-capacity, budget-friendly storage across multiple platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Large 2TB capacity at a low price per gigabyte
✓ Works out of the box with PlayStation and Xbox
✓ Lightweight and easy to carry
✓ Trusted brand with solid reliability
Cons:
- ✗ Slower than SSDs due to mechanical parts
✗ Not water or shock resistant
Customer Reviews
“The transfer of the data is quick, but that’s kind of depending on what you’re doing and what cord is plugged in between your laptop and this hard drive. I got a different cord that came with the hard drive that was able to transfer data a little quicker. However, I really like the drive. I was ab”
“Absolutely love these drives. They are beasts. Bought three of these for the house. Smooth, quiet, blazing speed and a great expansion for storage or a replacement for older units. Prices fluctuate often so keep checking or add a price alert. They can be had at a good price.”
2. SSK 1TB Portable SSD with USB-C, 1050MB/s Speed for iPhone, Windows, Mac, Android
The SSK 1TB Portable SSD is a high-speed, ultra-portable storage device that supports USB-C and delivers blazing read speeds up to 1050MB/s. Designed for iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac users, it’s perfect for creatives and professionals who need fast file transfers on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Lightning-fast 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
✓ USB-C interface with broad device compatibility (including smartphones)
✓ Compact, pocket-sized design with durable aluminum casing
✓ S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM support for long-term health
✓ LED indicator shows real-time activity status
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers near-flagship performance at a mid-range price, making it our top pick for users who want SSD speed without paying premium brand markups. It’s especially great for photographers, videographers, and remote workers.
Best For
Mobile professionals, content creators, and anyone needing fast, reliable storage across multiple devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Exceptional speed for large file transfers
✓ Works with phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops
✓ No moving parts = silent and shock-resistant
✓ Affordable for an SSD with these specs
Cons:
- ✗ Only 1TB—may not be enough for heavy media users
✗ No included carrying case or cable variety
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 older”
3. Western Digital 8TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0
The Western Digital 8TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive offers massive storage at an unbeatable price. While it requires a wall outlet for power, this HDD is perfect for home backups, media servers, or small businesses needing reliable, high-capacity storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 8TB capacity for extensive archives and backups
✓ USB 3.0 support for faster-than-average HDD speeds
✓ Plug-and-play setup—no software or formatting required
✓ WD reliability with a proven track record
✓ Ideal for desktop use with stable performance
Why We Recommend It
If you need terabytes of storage without spending hundreds on SSDs, this WD drive is a no-brainer. It’s one of the best values in external storage, especially for long-term backups and media libraries.
Best For
Home users, small offices, and anyone needing bulk storage for photos, videos, and backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Incredible value per gigabyte
✓ Trusted brand with consistent performance
✓ Simple setup and use
✓ Great for static storage and backups
Cons:
- ✗ Requires external power adapter
✗ Not portable—best used in one location
✗ Slower than SSDs for frequent access
Customer Reviews
“The WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive has been exactly what I needed for reliable, high-capacity storage! This drive delivers outstanding performance and convenience for backing up files, expanding storage, and transferring data. The 2TB capacity is perfect for storing massive amounts of p”
“Copious amounts of storage for a very fair price, WD drives have been historically very reliable. Read/write speeds are adequate for needs.”
4. Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB offers no-frills, reliable storage in a sleek, smudge-resistant design. With USB 3.0 support and plug-and-play functionality, it’s a solid choice for everyday file storage and backups.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2TB capacity in a slim, portable form factor
✓ Matte black finish resists fingerprints and scratches
✓ USB 3.0 for faster transfers compared to older USB 2.0 drives
✓ No software needed—works instantly with most systems
✓ Lightweight and easy to slip into a backpack
Why We Recommend It
This drive is perfect for users who want simplicity, durability, and decent speed without extra features or high costs. It’s a workhorse for students, office workers, and casual users.
Best For
Everyday users who need reliable, portable storage for documents, photos, and light media.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Affordable and widely available
✓ Clean, professional look
✓ Good transfer speeds for an HDD
✓ Easy to use right out of the box
Cons:
- ✗ Not as fast as SSDs
✗ No ruggedized protection
Customer Reviews
“I bought the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB external hard drive (model HDTB520XK3AA) to back up my files, and it’s been absolutely reliable. It’s truly plug-and-play — I connected it to my laptop and it was ready to use within seconds, no setup or software required. The transfer speed is great for everyday”
“Wish I would have purchased this sooner. Offloading pics and videos on this was simple and fast. Perfect for storing my drone and GoPro files on. Oh did I mention how easily you can transport this to another location—plug it in and show family and friends your content. Must have. Also has a great”
5. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD with 1050MB/s Speed for Gaming and Work
The Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD is a premium, high-performance drive built for speed and durability. With 1050MB/s read speeds and a shock-resistant design, it’s ideal for gamers, creatives, and professionals who demand top-tier performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing 1050MB/s read speeds powered by NVMe technology
✓ Compact, credit-card-sized design with aluminum body
✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
✓ Drop-resistant up to 2 meters
✓ Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
Why We Recommend It
Samsung is a leader in SSD technology, and the T7 delivers flagship performance in a tiny package. If you need speed, security, and portability, this is one of the best SSDs on the market.
Best For
Gamers, video editors, and professionals who need fast, secure, and portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Extremely fast file transfers
✓ Built-in security features
✓ Durable and stylish design
✓ Trusted brand with excellent support
Cons:
- ✗ Higher price per gigabyte than HDDs
✗ 1TB may fill up quickly with large projects
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 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, IP65 Rated
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD combines speed, durability, and rugged design. With IP65 water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 3 meters, it’s built for adventurers and outdoor professionals.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
✓ IP65 rating for water and dust resistance
✓ Survives drops up to 3 meters
✓ Carabiner loop for easy attachment to bags
✓ USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for travelers, photographers, and field workers who need fast, reliable storage that can handle rough conditions. It’s one of the most durable portable SSDs available.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts, journalists, and mobile professionals working in harsh environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Rugged and weather-resistant
✓ Extremely fast performance
✓ Compact and easy to carry
✓ Great for travel and fieldwork
Cons:
- ✗ More expensive than non-rugged SSDs
✗ 1TB may not be enough for heavy users
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 files”
“Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and write speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
7. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, IP65 Rated
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD doubles the capacity of its 1TB sibling while maintaining the same rugged design and high-speed performance. It’s the ultimate choice for users who need both space and durability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2TB of high-speed NVMe storage
✓ 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
✓ Carabiner loop and compact design
Why We Recommend It
If you need maximum capacity in a rugged SSD, this is one of the best options available. It’s perfect for videographers, drone pilots, and anyone storing large media files in the field.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and professionals needing large, fast, and durable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Huge 2TB capacity in a portable SSD
✓ Rugged and weather-resistant
✓ Blazing transfer speeds
✓ Great for 4K video and large backups
Cons:
- ✗ Premium price tag
✗ Overkill for basic file storage
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 files”
“Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and write speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy SSD or HDD External Hard Drive
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether to buy an SSD or HDD external hard drive, consider your primary use case. Speed is the biggest advantage of SSDs—ideal for gaming, video editing, or frequent file transfers. Capacity and cost favor HDDs, which offer more storage per dollar. Durability matters if you’re traveling—SSDs have no moving parts and survive drops better. Finally, compatibility ensures your drive works across devices like PCs, Macs, consoles, or phones.
Budget Planning
HDDs are the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers. You can get 2TB–8TB for under $100. SSDs start around $80–$100 for 1TB and go up from there. If you need speed and portability, invest in an SSD. For bulk storage or backups, an HDD makes more financial sense. Many users opt for both: an SSD for active projects and an HDD for long-term archives.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “should I buy SSD or HDD external hard drive?” Gamers and creatives should lean toward SSDs for performance. Students and home users can save money with reliable HDDs. For most people, a balanced approach—using an SSD for speed and an HDD for storage—offers the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an external SSD faster than an internal HDD?
A: Yes—even over USB 3.0, most external SSDs outperform internal HDDs in read/write speeds. However, an internal SSD connected via SATA or NVMe will still be faster than any external drive.
Q: Can I use an external hard drive for gaming?
A: Absolutely. Many consoles like PlayStation and Xbox support external drives for game storage. SSDs reduce load times significantly, making them ideal for modern games.
Q: Do external SSDs need cooling or special care?
A: Most portable SSDs are designed to run cool and don’t require fans. Avoid extreme temperatures and physical shocks, though many rugged models are built to handle rough conditions.
Q: How long do external hard drives last?
A: HDDs typically last 3–5 years with regular use; SSDs can last 5–10+ years due to no moving parts. Always back up important data regardless of drive type.
Q: Can I recover data if my external drive fails?
A: Data recovery is possible but not guaranteed. SSDs are harder to recover from than HDDs. Use cloud backups or a second drive for critical files.
Still wondering whether you should buy an SSD or HDD external hard drive? The answer depends on your needs—but now you’ve got seven expert-tested options to choose from. Whether you prioritize speed, capacity, or durability, there’s a perfect drive on this list. Ready to upgrade your storage? Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal today!