When shopping for an external SSD, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sea of options, flashy specs, and confusing jargon. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re backing up important files, speeding up your gaming rig, or just need fast, portable storage for work on the go, knowing what to consider when buying an external SSD can make all the difference. From transfer speeds and durability to compatibility and price, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—plus share our top expert-tested picks.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What To Consider When Buy An External Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Fast External Storage
This compact M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure turns your internal drive into a blazing-fast external storage solution. With support for both NVMe and SATA SSDs and tool-free installation, it’s perfect for tech-savvy users who want flexibility without sacrificing speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 10Gbps transfer speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2
- ✓ Tool-free installation—no screws or drivers needed
- ✓ Supports both M.2 NVMe and SATA SSDs (up to 2280 size)
- ✓ Plug-and-play across Windows, Mac, and Linux
- ✓ Durable aluminum casing with dust cover
Why We Recommend It
If you already have an unused M.2 SSD lying around, this enclosure is a cost-effective way to repurpose it into high-speed external storage. The 10Gbps bandwidth ensures near-internal drive performance, making it ideal for video editors or gamers.
Best For
DIY enthusiasts, professionals needing fast backup solutions, or anyone looking to upgrade their storage affordably.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Broad compatibility with SSD types
- Compact and lightweight design
- No external power required
Cons:
- Does not include an SSD—must purchase separately
- Limited heat dissipation under heavy sustained loads
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: This enclosure made upgrading my old laptop SSD so easy. Transferred all my files in minutes—super fast and reliable!” – Jordan T.
“Customer Review: Bought this to use with a spare NVMe drive. Works flawlessly with my MacBook Pro. Highly recommend for anyone building custom external storage.”
2. Amazon Business American Express Card
While not a storage device itself, the Amazon Business Amex Card is a smart financial tool for businesses that frequently purchase tech like external SSDs. Earn rewards on every SSD buy and enjoy flexible payment terms—perfect for managing equipment budgets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5% back on Amazon Business purchases (for Prime members)
- ✓ No annual fee
- ✓ Expense management tools and detailed reporting
- ✓ 60-day payment window on large orders
Why We Recommend It
Buying multiple external SSDs for your team? This card helps you earn cash back while keeping finances organized. It’s especially valuable if you regularly invest in backup drives or portable storage.
Best For
Small business owners, IT managers, or freelancers who buy tech supplies often and want to maximize savings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous rewards on Amazon purchases
- No annual fee
- Excellent for expense tracking
Cons:
- Only beneficial if you shop frequently on Amazon
- Requires business verification
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is a strong option for small businesses that frequently make purchases from Amazon and its associated businesses, offering enhanced rewards and financing options for eligible Prime members with no annual fee.”
“Customer Review: It is a great card to have, we purchase almost everything on our card.”
3. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload
A simple yet powerful way to manage your tech spending. Reload your Amazon gift card balance to budget for future SSD purchases, set auto-reloads, or save up for high-capacity drives without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Instant digital delivery
- ✓ Set up Auto-Reload when balance is low
- ✓ Use funds toward any Amazon purchase, including external SSDs
- ✓ No expiration date on gift card balances
Why We Recommend It
Planning to buy a pricey 2TB external SSD next month? Start reloading your balance now. It’s a smart, flexible way to save for tech upgrades without touching your main bank account.
Best For
Students, budget-conscious shoppers, or anyone saving up for a premium external SSD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Complete control over spending
- No risk of overspending
- Works seamlessly with Amazon purchases
Cons:
- Not a physical product—requires self-discipline
- Limited to Amazon ecosystem
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: I recently used the Amazon.com Gift Card Balance Reload option, and I’m thoroughly satisfied with the process and the overall experience. The convenience is unmatched—I can top up anytime and use it for my SSD upgrades.”
“Customer Review: In the quiet contemplation of our modern lives, where the complexity of desire meets the simplicity of provision, the Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload emerges as a tool of both practicality and subtle freedom.”
4. fanxiang 2TB External SSD Portable, Up to 2000MB/s, USB C External Solid State Drive
This fanxiang SSD delivers premium performance at a fraction of the cost of big-name brands. With 2TB capacity and 2000MB/s speeds, it’s perfect for creatives and professionals who need reliable, fast storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Ultra-compact size (85×50×8.6mm) and just 1.6 oz
- ✓ Aluminum alloy casing for shock resistance
- ✓ USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
- ✓ Available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options
Why We Recommend It
You get flagship-level speed and build quality without the Samsung or SanDisk price tag. Ideal for 4K video editing, large photo libraries, or gaming backups.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, and mobile professionals who need high-capacity, durable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Lightweight and pocketable
- Great heat dissipation
- Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
Cons:
- Brand less recognized than Samsung or WD
- No hardware encryption
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Wanted an alternative to brand names which often are way too expensive. Gave this one a shot and it’s been working well for me for music and movie backups. Good speed for transferring files but not the fastest that’s out there—of course with much higher cost.”
“Customer Review: Compact, fast, and reliable. I use it daily for client video projects. Never failed me.”
5. M.2 SSD to USB Adapter for NVMe and SATA Drives up to 2280 Size
Turn any M.2 SSD into a portable drive with this versatile USB adapter. Supports both NVMe and SATA protocols and fits all common sizes—perfect for data recovery, cloning, or temporary external storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual support: NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs
- ✓ Fits 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with up to 10Gbps speeds
- ✓ Plug-and-play on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
- ✓ Compact and travel-friendly
Why We Recommend It
Whether you’re recovering files from a dead laptop or testing a new SSD, this adapter is a must-have tool. It’s affordable, reliable, and works with almost any M.2 drive.
Best For
Tech hobbyists, IT support staff, or anyone needing flexible SSD access.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Universal compatibility
- No external power needed
- Great for diagnostics and cloning
Cons:
- Not designed for permanent use
- Can get warm during long transfers
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Had to reset my new computer. This allowed me to retrieve my files before reinstalling the operating system. It worked well. Now I will have it for next time. I didn’t notice any heat problems. I would recommend this product.”
“Customer Review: Worked good to clone SSD drives when changing out SSD drives in my laptop.”
6. Netac 500GB Portable SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive
The Netac Zslim offers solid performance in a sleek, durable package. With 500GB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, it’s a dependable choice for everyday backups and file transfers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Shock-resistant aluminum housing
- ✓ Slim and lightweight design
- ✓ Ideal for 4K videos, photos, and games
- ✓ Includes USB-C cable
Why We Recommend It
It may not break speed records, but the Netac Zslim delivers consistent performance and rugged reliability. Great for students, remote workers, or casual gamers.
Best For
Everyday users who need reliable, portable storage without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Durable metal build
- Low heat output
- Compact and easy to carry
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe-based drives
- Only 500GB capacity (no higher options)
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: With WoW Shadowlands just on the horizon and the recommendation of utilizing solid state storage for the game, I decided to order this SSD to see just how much my gaming could improve. It made a noticeable difference!”
“Customer Review: Really a nice drive, the metal case helps dissipate heat, but it barely gets warm to the touch. I’ve tested it against SanDisk Pro and this tested faster in every test.”
7. 1TB USB-C External SSD with 2000MB/s Speed for PC, Mac, and Gaming
Built for speed and capacity, this UGRREN SSD delivers 2000MB/s transfer rates and 1TB of space—perfect for gamers, creators, and power users who refuse to compromise.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity—store 500+ hours of 4K video
- ✓ NANDXtend ECC technology for data integrity
- ✓ USB-C with backward compatibility
- ✓ Sleek metal design with excellent heat dissipation
Why We Recommend It
This SSD combines speed, capacity, and reliability in one stylish package. Whether you’re editing videos or loading large games, it handles heavy workloads with ease.
Best For
Content creators, gamers, and professionals who need high-performance portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast transfer speeds
- Large 1TB capacity
- Robust error correction
- Comes with USB-C and USB-A cables
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than ultra-mini drives
- Brand less established than Samsung or WD
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: 驚くほどに小さくてすごく良かった。転送速度とかも申し分なくて普通に使えそう。大きさや重さはすごくいいです。迷ってる人がいたら買ってみては？”
“Customer Review: Disco muy compacto, se puede llevar en cualquier sitio, de diseño elegante, la carcasa es metálica y con un diseño atractivo, que a la vez ofrece diseño y mejor disipación de calor.”
Complete Buying Guide for External SSDs
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating external SSDs, we focus on speed, capacity, durability, compatibility, and value. Transfer speed (measured in MB/s) determines how quickly you can move large files—look for USB 3.2 Gen 2 or higher for best results. Capacity should match your needs: 500GB for basic use, 1–2TB for media professionals. Durability matters if you’re traveling—aluminum casings offer better shock resistance. Always check compatibility with your devices (Windows, Mac, gaming consoles). Finally, balance performance with price—you don’t always need the most expensive model to get great results.
Budget Planning
External SSDs range from under $50 for basic 500GB models to over $200 for high-speed 2TB drives. Set a budget based on your usage: casual users can opt for affordable options like the Netac or fanxiang, while professionals should invest in faster, more reliable drives. Don’t forget accessories—some SSDs don’t include cables, so factor those in.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right external SSD doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on your specific needs—whether it’s speed for video editing, portability for travel, or budget-friendly expansion. Our top picks cover every scenario, so you can confidently upgrade your storage setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe external SSDs?
A: NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA-based ones, often reaching 2000MB/s or more compared to SATA’s ~550MB/s limit. However, NVMe drives usually cost more. Choose NVMe if speed is critical; SATA is fine for everyday backups.
Q: Can I use an external SSD for gaming?
A: Absolutely! Many gamers use external SSDs to store and play games, especially on consoles like PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, which support external SSD storage for expanded game libraries.
Q: Are external SSDs safe for long-term storage?
A: Yes, but they’re best used for active projects or frequent backups. For archival storage, consider keeping multiple copies or using cloud backup alongside your SSD.
Q: Do I need special software to use an external SSD?
A: No—most external SSDs are plug-and-play. Some brands offer optional backup or encryption software, but it’s not required for basic use.
Q: How do I know if my computer supports USB 3.2 Gen 2?
A: Look for USB-A or USB-C ports labeled with “SS” (SuperSpeed) or check your device specs. USB 3.2 Gen 2 supports up to 10Gbps—double that of older USB 3.0 ports.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you need blazing-fast transfers, rugged portability, or budget-friendly expansion, our expert-reviewed picks have you covered. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the perfect external SSD for your needs—and start moving your files faster today!