Best External Solid State Drives of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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External Solid State Drives (SSDs) are high-performance storage devices that offer fast data transfer speeds, durability, and compact design. They are ideal for storing large files, such as videos, photos, and music, and can be used for backup or as a portable storage solution. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to shock and vibration, and less likely to fail due to physical damage. With a variety of storage capacities and interfaces available, external SSDs are a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient way to store and transfer data.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD with Fast Read Speeds Cover #TOP 1
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD with Fast Read Speeds
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD Cover #TOP 2
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WD_BLACK C50 1TB Xbox Expansion Card Cover #TOP 3
WD_BLACK C50 1TB Xbox Expansion Card
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 External Solid State Drives

SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD with Fast Read Speeds

SDSSDE30-1T00-G26
Black
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD with Fast Read Speeds Cover
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD, Read speeds up to 800 MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, External Solid State Drive, Updated firmware, fastening loop made of durable rubber, Grey

The SanDisk Portable SSD is designed for those who want reliable mobile storage. With read speeds of up to 800 MB/s, you can quickly access your files, making it ideal for photographers and anyone on the go. The durable rubber attachment loop ensures that you can securely attach it to your pocket or bag, so you won't misplace it. Plus, it offers a safe way to store your most treasured memories, giving you peace of mind. This external SSD is an essential tool for managing your digital content efficiently.

What We Like
Fast read speeds
Durable rubber loop
Secure storage solution
Trusted brand for professionals

Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD

CT2000X9SSD902
black
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD Cover
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, External Solid State Drive, compatible with Xbox, PC and Mac, USB-C 3.2 - CT2000X9SSD902

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.

What We Like
Fast file transfer speeds
Easy plug-and-play setup
Durable and shock-resistant
Large storage capacity options
#TOP 3

WD_BLACK C50 1TB Xbox Expansion Card

WD_BLACK
WDBMPH0010BNC-WCSN
Black
WD_BLACK C50 1TB Xbox Expansion Card Cover
WD_BLACK C50 1TB Game drive for Xbox, Xbox storage Expansion Card, Officially Licensed for XBox, Series X|S, Plug-and-Play, Quick Resume. Xbox Velocity Architecture, Save

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.

What We Like
High-speed performance
Easy plug-and-play setup
Sleek industrial design
Increased storage capacity
Ready-to-play convenience
#TOP 4

Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD with High Speed

CT2000X9PROSSD902
silver
Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD with High Speed Cover
Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s Read/Write, External Solid State Drive, IP55 Water and Dust Resistant, USB-C 3.2 - CT2000X9PROSSD902

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.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds
Wide device compatibility
Durable and water-resistant
Secure data protection
#TOP 5

Netac 500GB Portable SSD External Drive

430133031
Zslim
500GB
Netac 500GB Portable SSD External Drive Cover
Netac Portable SSD 500GB USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, Type-C) External Solid State Drive External Hard Drive,Mobile SSD 500GB, Business Travel Essential, Deep Black

The Netac Portable SSD offers impressive speed with USB 3.2 Gen 2, allowing you to read data at up to 500 MB/s and write at 450 MB/s. Its lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry, weighing only 30g and measuring 100 x 29.4 x 9 mm. You will appreciate its robust construction, featuring shock-resistant aluminium housing that enhances durability. Additionally, it is highly compatible with various devices, including laptops, desktops, and smartphones, making it perfect for transferring large files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Lightweight and portable design
Durable shock-resistant construction
Compatible with multiple devices

Samsung T9 Portable SSD 4TB, 2000MB/s

MU-PG4T0B/EU
Black
4 TB
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 4TB, 2000MB/s Cover
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 4TB, Up to 2,000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Up to 3 m drop resistant, for Creative professionals, YouTubers, Content creators, Mac compatible, MU-PG4T0B

The Samsung T9 SSD is a high-quality external solid-state drive that offers remarkable performance and convenience for creative professionals, YouTubers, and content creators. With speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, you can transfer large files swiftly, saving you valuable time. Its impressive drop resistance of up to 3 metres means you can carry it around without worrying about accidental drops. Additionally, the user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone to use, ensuring that you can effortlessly store and access your data whenever you need it.

What We Like
High-quality product
Great value for money
Easy to use
Fast data transfer speeds
Drop resistant up to 3 m
#TOP 7

Samsung T7 Portable 1TB External SSD

MU-PC1T0T/WW
Gray
1 TB
Samsung T7 Portable 1TB External SSD Cover
Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Titanium Grey (MU-PC1T0T/WW)

The Samsung T7 SSD is a reliable external storage solution with impressive features. It offers password protection, ensuring your data remains secure and accessible only to you. The AES 256-bit hardware encryption adds an extra layer of security, safeguarding your sensitive information. Designed to be compatible with desktops, it easily connects for quick access to your files. With USB 3.2 Gen.2 connectivity, you can expect fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for efficient file management.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Password protection feature
Secure AES encryption
Compatible with desktops

Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD

CT1000X10PROSSD902
Black
Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable External SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read and 2000MB/s Write, External Solid State Drive, USB-C 3.2, PC and Mac, Dust and Water Resistance -CT1000X10PROSSD902

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.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds
Wide device compatibility
Durable and water-resistant
Strong data security features
#TOP 9

Kingston XS1000 1TB Portable SSD Drive

SXS1000/1000G
Black
Kingston XS1000 1TB Portable SSD Drive Cover
Kingston XS1000 1TB External SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable Solid State Drive Black - SXS1000/1000G

The Kingston XS1000 SSD offers a compact, pocket-sized design, making it perfect for on-the-go storage. With speeds reaching up to 1050MB/s, you can quickly transfer files, saving you valuable time. It provides increased storage options, with capacities available up to 2TB, allowing you to store more data than ever. Although the rubber sleeves are sold separately, the durability of this external solid-state drive ensures your data is protected wherever you take it.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Fast transfer speeds
Large storage capacity
Durable build quality
#TOP 10

Samsung T7 Shield 2 TB Portable SSD

MU-PE2T0S/EU
Black
Samsung T7 Shield 2 TB Portable SSD Cover
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 2 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Black (MU-PE2T0S/EU)

The Samsung T7 Shield SSD offers exceptional performance and durability for your data needs. With its IP65 certification, it protects against water and dust, ensuring you can use it confidently in various environments. You can enjoy read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of 1,000 MB/s, making file transfers remarkably fast. Your private data is secure with AES 256-bit hardware encryption, allowing you to set a password easily. Additionally, its shock-resistant rubber housing protects against drops from up to three metres, making it an ideal companion for your travels.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds
Durable and shock-resistant
Water and dust resistant
Easy data encryption
Versatile connection options
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a solid state drive be external?

But did you know SSDs can also be used as external storage? External storage is an easy and portable way to store all your files. Connected on the outside of your device, an external storage drive allows you to back up and move all your files from one computer to another.

2. Are external SSD just as good?

The answer is YES. If you have a modern computer with high quality interface and as technology further progresses, you can expect the external SSDs to have very similar performance as the internals or even better in specific cases.

3. What is an external SSD used for?

External solid state drives (SSDs) are a good alternative to flash drives for companies that need to easily and securely transport large quantities of data. External SSDs are far more durable than traditional hard drives with fewer moving parts, greater shock resistance, and less heat generation.

Editor's Notes

During our external solid state drive research, we found 306 external solid state drive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 810,757 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external solid state drives list. We found that most customers choose external solid state drives with an average price of £105.00.

The external solid state drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external solid state drives, including SanDisk, Crucial, WD_BLACK, Netac, Samsung.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.