Best External Solid State Drives of 2026

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers impressive NVMe solid state performance with read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of 1000MB/s, making it ideal for users who create content or capture stunning footage. With its robust design, this drive withstands drops from up to three metres and is rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, ensuring your data remains safe in various environments. The handy Carabiner loop allows you to secure it to your belt or backpack, providing added peace of mind while on the go. Additionally, the included password protection with 256-bit AES encryption helps keep your private files secure.

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers impressive NVMe solid state speeds, delivering up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write. This means you can transfer large files quickly, ideal for content creators or those capturing high-quality footage. The drive is built tough, with protection against drops from up to three metres and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, so you can take it anywhere without worry. Plus, a durable silicone shell adds a premium feel and extra protection, making it a reliable companion on the go.

The Crucial X9 SSD offers impressive read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s, allowing you to transfer files significantly faster than traditional portable hard drives and USB flash drives. Its plug-and-play compatibility means you can easily connect it to your PC, Mac, tablet, or gaming console without any hassle. With its durable design, the X9 is built to withstand shocks and drops, ensuring your data remains safe on the go. You can back up all your important files, photos, and videos, preventing any risk of loss.

The Crucial X9 SSD offers impressive read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s, allowing you to load files significantly faster than traditional portable hard drives. Its plug-and-play compatibility means you can easily connect it to your PC, Mac, tablet, or gaming console without hassle. Built for durability, this SSD resists shock and vibration, making it ideal for on-the-go use. You can back up all essential files, photos, and videos effortlessly, ensuring you never lose what matters most.

The Crucial X10 Pro SSD offers impressive read and write speeds of up to 2,100MB/s and 2,000MB/s respectively, making it ideal for editing directly from the drive. Its wide compatibility means you can easily use it with various devices, including Windows, Mac, and game consoles. With its dust and splash-proof design, you can take this portable SSD anywhere without worrying about damage. Additionally, it provides robust security features such as password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring your sensitive data remains safe while on the go.

The WD_BLACK C50 Card offers seamless integration with your Xbox Series X|S by utilising the Xbox Velocity Architecture, ensuring performance matches that of your console’s internal storage. With capacities ranging from 512GB to 1TB, you can keep a greater number of your favourite games installed and ready for play. Its plug-and-play functionality means you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues or the hassle of opening your console. Plus, its sleek design complements your Xbox setup while allowing you to store games without needing to transfer them back and forth.

The Crucial X9 Pro SSD offers impressive read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s, making it perfect for quick data transfers. It comes preformatted for Time Machine, allowing for seamless backups on your Mac. This portable SSD is compatible with various Apple devices, enhancing its versatility for users. Its durable design features IP55 water and dust resistance, ensuring it survives the rigours of everyday use, which is particularly useful if you often work on the go.

The Crucial X9 Pro SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers impressive read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s. This means you can edit files directly from the drive without any lag, enhancing your productivity. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and gaming consoles, ensuring you can access your data easily. With its IP55 rating, this drive is dust and splash resistant, making it ideal for users who need durability on the go. Additionally, the built-in password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption keep your sensitive information secure, no matter where you are.

The Samsung T9 SSD offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, making it ideal for boosting your workflow, especially if you frequently handle large files. Its compatibility with a range of devices, including PCs, Macs, and game consoles, ensures flexibility in your storage options. With a drop-proof design from heights of up to 3 metres, you can trust it to withstand everyday bumps and knocks. Weighing just 122 grams, this compact SSD is easy to carry, allowing you to take your data wherever you go.

The SSK 500GB SSD delivers impressive performance with read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of 1000MB/s, allowing you to transfer large files swiftly. Its high-performance controller enhances speed and extends the SSD's lifespan, ensuring reliable use. With universal compatibility, this drive works seamlessly with various devices, including smartphones and gaming consoles. The portable design, made from durable materials, makes it easy to carry in your bag, perfect for on-the-go data storage.