Best External Solid State Drives for PC of 2026

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD Cover #TOP 2
Crucial X9 2TB 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 7 External Solid State Drives for PC

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 PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox, 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

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, Works with PlayStation, 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

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

fanxiang PS2100 1TB Rugged External SSD

PS2100-1TB
Blue
fanxiang PS2100 1TB Rugged External SSD Cover
fanxiang 1TB External SSD, Rugged Portable SSD Up to 2000MB/s USB 3.2 Gen2, IP68 Water and Dust Resistance, External Solid State Drive for Laptop, PC, Mac, Android, Gaming,etc - PS2100

The fanxiang PS2100 SSD offers ultra-fast transfer speeds, reaching up to 2000MB/s for reading and 1800MB/s for writing. This means you can move large files and high-resolution media quickly, saving you valuable time. Its triple-defense design features IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring your data remains safe in various environments. The robust yet compact design makes it easy to carry, whether you're a professional, gamer, or content creator. Plus, with wide compatibility, it works effortlessly across laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles.

What We Like
Blazing-fast transfer speeds
Water and dust resistant
Compact and portable design
Wide device compatibility
#TOP 5

Lexar ES3 1TB Portable External SSD

LES3XXX001T-RNSNG
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 6

KOOTION 500 GB Portable External SSD

X1pro
500GB
KOOTION 500 GB Portable External SSD Cover
KOOTION 500GB Portable External SSD, External Hard Drive Solid State Drive Fast Speed Flash Drive SSD up to 500 MB/s Read Type C USB 3.1 for Gaming Windows Mac OS PC Mackbook PS4 Xbox one (Black)

The KOOTION External SSD offers impressive read speeds of up to 500 MB/s, making it ideal for fast data transfers. Its compact size of 8.45 x 4.12 x 0.7 cm and lightweight design at 41g make it easily portable, perfect for on-the-go users. This external solid state drive enhances your gaming experience, whether you are playing on PC, PS4, or Xbox. Additionally, its wide compatibility with various devices ensures it can be used seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and more.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Compact and portable design
Enhances gaming experience
Wide compatibility
#TOP 7

Netac US9 1TB Portable SSD with Dual Type-C and USB 3.2

Netac US9 1TB Portable SSD with Dual Type-C and USB 3.2 Cover
Netac US9 1TB Portable SSD 1TB Dual Type-C and USB 3.2 Ports Up to 1000MB/S External Solid State Drives for Phone Pcs TVs

The Netac US9 1TB SSD offers impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, providing fast read speeds of up to 1000MB/s and write speeds reaching 950MB/s. This means you can transfer files quickly and smoothly, saving you time. With its dual Type-A and Type-C ports, you can easily connect it to a wide range of devices, including computers, phones, and TVs, making it very versatile. It also helps you free up space on your phone effortlessly by expanding your storage wherever you go. Plus, the high-quality chips inside ensure reliable and stable performance for your data.

What We Like
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed
Dual Type-A and Type-C ports
Expands phone storage easily
Stable and reliable performance
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 154 external solid state drive for pc products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 412,618 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 £72.14.

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, fanxiang, Lexar, KOOTION, Netac.

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.