Best External Solid State Drives for PC of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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External solid-state drives (SSDs) are high-speed storage devices that can be connected to a PC via USB or Thunderbolt. They are a popular choice for users who need to store and transfer large amounts of data quickly and reliably. These SSDs are compact and portable, making them a convenient option for those who need to take their files on the go. They come in a range of sizes and capacities, and many models feature rugged, shock-resistant designs that can withstand bumps and drops. If you're looking for a fast and reliable way to store and transfer your data, an external SSD could be just what you need.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD Cover #TOP 1
Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
KOOTION 250 GB Portable External SSD Cover #TOP 2
KOOTION 250 GB Portable External SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD Cover #TOP 3
Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 External Solid State Drives for PC

#TOP 1

Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD

CT1000X9SSD902
black
Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD Cover
Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, External Solid State Drive, Works with PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac, USB-C 3.2 - CT1000X9SSD902

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.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Wide compatibility
Durable and portable
Reliable data backup
#TOP 2

KOOTION 250 GB Portable External SSD

X1pro
250G
KOOTION 250 GB Portable External SSD Cover
KOOTION External Hard Drive, 250 GB Portable External SSD, USB C Read Speed up to 500 MB/s Mini Aluminum Portable External Solid State Drive for PC, Laptop, Phones and More (250 GB, Black)

The KOOTION External SSD offers ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 500MB/s for reading and 450MB/s for writing. This means you can quickly back up large files or access data without delay, making it ideal for busy professionals. Its mini design is lightweight and compact, fitting easily in your palm, so you can take it anywhere. With excellent performance, this SSD is waterproof, shockproof, and wear-resistant, ensuring your data is secure during travel or in demanding environments.

What We Like
Ultra-fast transfer speeds
Compact and lightweight design
Durable and secure performance
Strong compatibility across devices

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 4

Lexar ES3 1TB Portable External SSD

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Lexar ES3 1TB Portable External SSD Cover
Lexar ES3 External SSD 1TB, USB3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD, PSSD up to 1050MB/s Read, 1000MB/s Write, External Solid State Drive Compatible with iPhone15 Series/Mac/PS5/XBOX/Laptop/PC (LES3XXX001T-RNSNG)

The Lexar ES3 SSD offers high-speed data transfer with USB 3.2 Gen 2, reaching up to 1050MB/s for reading and 1000MB/s for writing. This means you can efficiently transfer large files in no time, enhancing your productivity. It boasts wide compatibility with various devices, including the iPhone 15 series and gaming consoles, making it versatile for your needs. Its sleek, lightweight design ensures that it is easily portable, fitting comfortably in your pocket, and the included Type-C cable adds to its convenience. Data security is prioritised with 256-bit AES encryption, keeping your files safe.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Wide device compatibility
Compact and portable design
Includes data encryption
#TOP 5

fanxiang 500GB Ultra-Compact External SSD

PS2300
Metallic Silver
500GB
fanxiang 500GB Ultra-Compact External SSD Cover
fanxiang External SSD 500GB, Up to 2050MB/s SSD External Drive, Ultra-Compact Portable SSD, USB-C 3.2 External Solid State Drives for PC, Mac, Android, Xbox - PS2300

The fanxiang External SSD offers lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 2050MB/s, allowing you to transfer large files in just one second. Its ultra-compact design, resembling a flash drive, makes it incredibly portable, fitting easily into your pocket for travel or everyday use. The effective heat dissipation ensures the drive remains cool even during intensive tasks, promoting reliable performance. With wide compatibility, this SSD works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox, making it a versatile storage solution.

What We Like
High-speed file transfers
Compact and lightweight design
Effective heat management
Wide device compatibility
#TOP 6

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD

MU-PE1T0S/EU
Black
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD Cover
SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable Solid State Drive USB 3.2 1TB, IP65 Water Resistant, External SSD Compatible with PC/Mac/Android/Gaming Consoles, MU-PE1T0S/WW, 2023, Black

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield offers exceptional performance and durability, making it an ideal choice for users on the go. With its IP65 water resistance and dust protection, you can confidently use it in various environments. Enjoy lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, significantly outpacing traditional external hard drives. Furthermore, you can protect your sensitive data effortlessly with AES 256-bit hardware encryption, ensuring your information remains secure. The shock-resistant rubber housing adds an extra layer of safety, allowing it to survive falls from heights of up to three metres.

What We Like
Water and dust resistant
High-speed data transfer
Robust data security
Shock-resistant design
#TOP 7

SK Hynix Beetle X31 1TB External SSD with DRAM

SKHPU3-001T-S1CG00
Champagne Gold
SK Hynix Beetle X31 1TB External SSD with DRAM Cover
SK Hynix Beetle X31 1TB External SSD with DRAM - up to 1050MB/s, USB C 3.2 Gen2, External Solid State Drive for PC/Mac/Tablet/Android/Gaming Consoles (Champagme Gold)

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD offers blazing-fast data speeds with a sequential read speed of up to 1,050MB/s, ensuring that your file transfers are swift and seamless. Its DRAM technology supercharges data transfer speeds, making video editing and data access smoother than ever. The compact and sleek design, featuring durable aluminium casing, not only protects your data but also fits effortlessly into your pocket or bag. Additionally, it provides versatile connectivity with compatibility across various devices, from desktops to gaming consoles, making it an ideal choice for all your storage needs.

What We Like
Blazing-fast data transfer speeds
Compact and durable design
Compatible with multiple devices
Includes two types of cables
#TOP 8

Integral SlimXpress Pro 1TB External SSD

AMINSSD1TPORT3.2SLIMXS
black
Integral SlimXpress Pro 1TB External SSD Cover
Integral SlimXpress Pro 1TB External SSD: 2000MB/s Read/Write, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2, Compact Aluminium Design, Plug & Play. Mac, PC, Android, XBOX, PlayStation Compatible.

The Integral SlimXpress Pro offers remarkable super speed performance with up to 2000 MB/s read and write speeds, making it ideal for demanding tasks. Its plug & play functionality ensures you can start using it immediately on various devices without the need for extra software. Designed for portability, its slim metal case allows you to take it anywhere, providing both convenience and protection. Additionally, it is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Android, making it versatile for all your storage needs.

What We Like
Ultra-fast read/write speeds
Plug & play functionality
Compact and portable design
Wide compatibility
#TOP 9

Sonnics 1TB Portable SSD with USB 3.1

5060291659573
Black
Sonnics 1TB Portable SSD with USB 3.1 Cover
Sonnics 1TB Portable SSD (Black) USB 3.1 Compatible with Windows PC, Mac, Smart tv, XBOX ONE & PS4

The Sonnics 1TB SSD offers impressive speeds of up to 560MB/s for read and 520MB/s for write, allowing you to transfer and access your data quickly. It connects easily through USB 2.0, 3.0, or 3.1, meaning no external power source is needed. This makes it ideal for gaming, providing rapid installation and zero lag when running games. Furthermore, the SSD is preformatted to FAT32, but you can easily change it to suit your device's requirements, enhancing its versatility.

What We Like
Superfast data transfer speeds
Ideal for gaming
Easy device compatibility
No external power required
#TOP 10

fanxiang 1TB Portable External SSD

PS2000W
Black
fanxiang 1TB Portable External SSD Cover
fanxiang 1TB External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB-C USB 3.2 Gen SSD External Drive, Portable SSD 1TB for Laptop,PC Desktops,Xbox,Windows, Mac OS, Android -PS2000W

The fanxiang 1TB SSD offers super-fast data transfer speeds, with read rates reaching up to 2000MB/s and write speeds of 1800MB/s. This means you can swiftly back up and recover your files, saving you valuable time. Its lightweight and portable design makes it easy for you to carry your data wherever you go. The high-quality aluminium alloy shell ensures durability and shock resistance, protecting your data from accidental drops. Additionally, this external SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it versatile for various uses.

What We Like
Super fast data transfer speeds
Lightweight and portable design
Durable and shock-resistant
Wide compatibility with devices
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it worth getting an external SSD?

If you don't need terabytes of storage and you often travel with your drive, a portable SSD is worth paying extra for. A portable SSD will also be much faster at reading and writing lots of data.

2. Can I add an external SSD to my PC?

Use the USB-C cable that came with the portable SSD to connect the X8 or X6 to the USB port. If you have a USB-A port instead, connect the USB-A adapter to the cable and use it instead. Once plugged in, your PC or Mac will recognize the X8 or X6 as a storage device.

3. Is it better to have an external HDD or SSD?

Solid-state drives have a smaller build and will more safely store your data than a HDD. Technological innovation means new SSD models like the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 can also sustain considerably faster read and write speeds than a HDD without overheating.

Editor's Notes

During our external solid state drive for pc research, we found 202 external solid state drive for pc products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 197,412 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external solid state drives for pc list. We found that most customers choose external solid state drives for pc with an average price of £69.69.

The external solid state drives for pc are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external solid state drives for pc, including Crucial, KOOTION, Lexar, fanxiang, 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.