Looking for the best external SSD for gaming? You’re not alone. As modern games balloon past 100GB each and load times become a make-or-break part of your experience, a fast, reliable external solid-state drive is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re expanding storage on your PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC, the right external SSD delivers lightning-fast load times, seamless game installations, and portable performance you can take anywhere. In this expert roundup, we’ve tested and compared the top external SSDs built specifically for gamers who demand speed, durability, and value.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 What Is The Best External Ssd For Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD with 1,050MB/s Speed for Gaming and Professionals
The Samsung T7 1TB is a powerhouse in a tiny package—perfect for gamers who want reliable speed without breaking the bank. With read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it loads large game files in seconds and works seamlessly across PCs, consoles, and even mobile devices.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe NVMe technology for blazing-fast transfers
- ✓ Compact, pocket-sized design with aluminum casing
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption for security
- ✓ Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between performance, portability, and price. It’s not the fastest on this list, but it’s consistently reliable, widely compatible, and built to last—making it our top pick for most gamers.
Best For
Gamers who want a trusted, everyday external SSD for storing and playing games across multiple platforms without hassle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance for gaming
- Lightweight and ultra-portable
- Strong build quality with shock resistance
- Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
Cons:
- Not the fastest option available today
- No ruggedized protection like IP ratings
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I use this with my PS5 and PC—it’s been flawless. Games load just as fast as internal storage, and I can carry my whole library in my backpack.”
Customer Review: “Bought it for video editing, but my son stole it for his gaming rig. Now we’re both happy—great all-around drive.”
2. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C
If raw speed is your priority, the Crucial X10 delivers nearly double the performance of older SSDs—with read speeds up to 2,100MB/s. It’s built for creators and competitive gamers who refuse to wait for asset loads or level transitions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface for max throughput
- ✓ IP65-rated dust and water resistance
- ✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- ✓ Works with PS5, Xbox, PC, Mac, and mobile
Why We Recommend It
The X10 combines cutting-edge speed with serious durability. It’s one of the few external SSDs that truly feels future-proof—and it handles rough travel better than most.
Best For
Serious gamers and content creators who need top-tier speed and rugged reliability for on-the-go gaming or production work.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Among the fastest portable SSDs available
- Rugged design survives drops, dust, and splashes
- Broad compatibility across devices
- Matte finish resists fingerprints
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than non-rugged models
- Requires USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for full speed
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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 thing you notice—files fly.”
Customer Review: “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.”
3. Samsung T7 4TB Portable SSD with 1,050MB/s Speed for Gaming and Work
Need massive storage without paying premium prices? The Samsung T7 4TB offers incredible value—giving you enough space for dozens of AAA games while maintaining the trusted performance Samsung is known for.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Huge 4TB capacity at a competitive price per GB
- ✓ Same reliable 1,050MB/s speeds as smaller T7 models
- ✓ Password protection and hardware encryption
- ✓ Lightweight despite large capacity
Why We Recommend It
When you’re building a game library that rivals a digital arcade, capacity matters. This T7 gives you that—without sacrificing speed or brand reliability—all at a surprisingly affordable rate.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers who want maximum storage for their Steam, Epic, or console libraries without compromising on quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cost-per-gigabyte value
- Trusted Samsung reliability and warranty
- Fast enough for smooth gameplay and quick installs
- Works out of the box with minimal setup
Cons:
- Slower than newer Gen 2×2 drives
- No ruggedized exterior
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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.”
Customer Review: “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. Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD with 2,000MB/s Speed and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Samsung’s flagship T9 pushes the limits with 2,000MB/s speeds and dynamic thermal management—keeping your drive cool even during marathon gaming or 4K video transfers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sustained 2,000MB/s read/write speeds
- ✓ Dynamic Thermal Guard prevents overheating
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for maximum bandwidth
- ✓ Compact yet powerful—fits in your palm
Why We Recommend It
This is Samsung’s answer to the future of portable storage: blistering speed, smart cooling, and pro-grade performance—all in a sleek, travel-friendly form.
Best For
Power users and enthusiasts who want the absolute best performance for gaming, streaming, or creative workloads on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest external SSDs on the market
- Intelligent heat dissipation extends lifespan
- Premium build with sleek design
- Great for large game installs and 8K video
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires compatible USB-C port for full speed
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great SSD! The Samsung T9 impresses with its compact size and incredible speed. Transferring large files and handling data is lightning-fast, stable, and reliable. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and convenient external drive!”
Customer Review: “Works well, functions fast enough to run games off, and can store plenty of stuff. also very compact to bring with you in a backpack”
5. ASUS TUF Gaming AS1000 Plus 1TB SSD with 2,000MB/s Speed and Rugged Design
Built like a tank and fast like a sports car, the ASUS TUF Gaming AS1000 Plus is designed for gamers who take their gear seriously—and don’t baby their hardware.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Military-grade MIL-STD-810H drop resistance
- ✓ IP68 water and dust proof rating
- ✓ Aluminum chassis with thermal pad for cooling
- ✓ Up to 2,000MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Why We Recommend It
This isn’t just another pretty SSD—it’s engineered to survive LAN parties, dorm room drops, and backpack chaos while delivering elite-level speed.
Best For
Hardcore gamers and travelers who need extreme durability without sacrificing performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched ruggedness for an external SSD
- Excellent thermal management
- Fast enough for PS5 and Xbox expansion
- TUF branding appeals to gaming aesthetics
Cons:
- More expensive than standard enclosures
- Heavier than non-rugged alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Is it over the top? Yes. Can you find cheaper alternatives? Yes. But does it kick ass? Also yes. It’s a tad over the top for protection but it’s a nice neat little nvme enclosure, it’s fast, and ridiculously durable. Needed, no. But it’s a neat little upgrade, easy, can fit any NVME drive, small, and bu”
Customer Review: “First things first, yes these are not cheap but you get what you pay for. I have a Sabrent enclosure but it kept disconnecting from my device for no good reason. I needed something that wouldn’t disconnect and after much research came across the Asus enclosures and checked out multiple reviews, vide”
6. Samsung T9 2TB Portable SSD with 2,000MB/s Speed for Gaming and Creators
The 2TB Samsung T9 offers the same elite performance as its bigger sibling but in a more affordable mid-capacity option—ideal for gamers who want speed and space without going all-in on 4TB.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Full 2,000MB/s speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- ✓ Dynamic Thermal Guard keeps temps low
- ✓ Compact and lightweight for travel
- ✓ Broad compatibility with consoles and PCs
Why We Recommend It
It’s the sweet spot for many users: enough storage for a solid game library, pro-level speed, and Samsung’s renowned reliability—all in one sleek drive.
Best For
Gamers and creators who want high-end performance in a manageable capacity that won’t overwhelm their setup or budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect balance of speed, size, and price
- Advanced cooling prevents throttling
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Great for PS5 storage expansion
Cons:
- Still pricier than older-gen SSDs
- No included USB-A adapter
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I upgraded from a T7 to this T9 and the difference is night and day. My open-world games load in half the time!”
Customer Review: “Compact, fast, and works perfectly with my Xbox Series X. Highly recommend for anyone tired of deleting games to make space.”