Need some extra speedy and durable storage? External SSDs are a great way to go. With no moving parts, these bad boys leave old-school external hard drives in the dust when it comes to speed, portability, and longevity. However, there's a lot of options in the market, and after comparing some of the most competitive storage solutions out there, we've finally come up with some answers.

Whether you need a rugged drive designed to withstand some heavy beating, a compact model that fits in your pocket, or an ultra-high performance system that is capable of quickly transferring large video and image files i♒n the blink of an eye, our lineup of super-cool, extra-awesome SSDs has something for everyone. Check it out below!

Updated on January 31, 2024, by Sai Vsr: Looking for an SSD that's gonna secure tons of data AND give you some serious build quality? You're in luck, our latest addition to this list is the G-Tech ArmorLock SSD, which you should definitely check out.

Best External SSDs

When it comes to locking down confidential data, the G-Technology ArmorLock SSD brings some serious heat. Enterprise-grade encryption paired with easy biometric unlock via your phone (no more forgotten password issues)...what's not to love so far? Slip the drive into your bag, tap your finger for access, and those pro-grade 1000MB/s NVMe speeds kick in to transfer even the massive-est of files in seconds thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity.

Despite the slim form factor, ArmorLock SSD offers hardcore durability, meeting IP67 dust/water resistance standards while surviving three-meter drops and 1000lb crush tests. All these cool features, BUT the star of the show remainsꦿ the forward-thinking ArmorLock platform itself, with simplified features like remote user authorization, auto-unlock, and instant emergency remote erasure to safeguard sensitive data.

Sure, there🍬 may be cheaper external SSD options out there, but for no-compromise speed, security AND usability? The ArmorLock SSD ultimately makes that premium an easy sell.

The P50 Game Drive SSD delivers an impressive boost for gamers seeking faster load times and expanded storage. With read speeds clocking 2000 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, this unit offers a dramatic upgrade over the traditional hard drives we don't really have much love for. For gamers, this translates to significantly faster game and level load times.

The key to the P50's lightning pace is the 20Gb/s USB interface. This amped connection unlocks the SSD's true potential, compared to being limited by ordinary USB ports. Even at max capacity, the P50 maintains high speeds thanks to advanced flash technology and intelligent firmware. While some external drives scream "gamer" aesthetics, the P50 takes a minimalist approach with its sleek aluminum enclosure.

The compact housing withstands harsh conditions like knocks, vibrations, and drops, while the integrated rubber bumpers offer vibration dampening when parked on your desk. It also requires minimal space, whether connected to a laptop or desktop gaming rig. All in all, this SSD from Western Digital is a drive that has been engineered for gamers from start to finish, and if you are someone who doesn't mind spending a little extra on your storage options, this is a great choice to consider.

The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is all about delivering speedy performance and a durable design without breaking the bank. With read speeds up to 1050 MB/s, it loads apps, photos and videos faster than many rival drives in this price segment can.ཧ Additionally, the💖 sleek anodized aluminum unibody not only gives it a premium feel, but helps resist scratches too.

Don't let the palm-sized drive fool you though. With up to 1 TB capacity, the X8 works flawlessly across platforms like Windows, Mac, iPads, and gaming consoles thanks to its reversible USB-C connector. Transferring files is a total breeze thanks to the fast interface.

In case you're someone who appreciates a little extra security, you can even password protect files with the stellar AES-256 bit encryption. Worried about the durability of this thing? The X8 is actually built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, shocks, and even 7-foot drops without flinching. Truly, the best choice you can go for in this budget range.

The Samsung T7 stands out from the portable SSD crowd with a few killer features. First up, the integrated thermal c✤ontrol keeps this speed demon running cool. Dynamic thermal guard technology prevents overheating to maintain optimal temps for performance, even during intense file transfers.

This T7 also packs a punch for durability thanks to the ruggedized aluminum exterior that meets an𒐪 MIL-STD-810G certification for surviving✅ nasty drops. Rubber dampeners inside further protect it from vibrations and shocks when on the move. On the software side, Samsung provides handy tools for monitoring drive health and optimizing performance. The Magician software even helps with handy tasks like online firmware updates.

Security is also best-in-class with AES 256-bit hardware encryption built right in to lock down your most sensitive data. No need to mess with cumbersome software solutions. While many portable SSDs need external power to reach top speeds, the T7 maximizes compatibility by relying solely on the host device connection. The bundled USB-C and USB-C-to-A cables don't hurt either. So, if you need secure portable storage that handles heat like a champ, delivers drop protection, and offers useful software perks without having to spend too much money, T7 checks all the boxes.

Need portable storage that can survive life's roughest adventures? This shiny lil SSD has you covered with some serious heavyweight durability to protect your data through it all. With its signature bright orange rubber casing, the LaCie Rugged SSD makes an eye-catching first impression. But the highly grip-able ridged texture and internal shock-absorbing sleeve are more than just flashy design flourishes. They contribute to making this device tough enough to withstand up to 6.5 foot drops, not to mention water and dust exposure.

With automatic backup software included and compatibility with Time Machine, this SSD also makes it easy to schedule backups and ensure redundant copies of important data. And in case you're worried about cross-platform compatibility, the drive works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows right out of the box.

At 5 TB, the storage capacity is definitely generous and a highlight. But the USB 3.1 interface feels dated, as USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 connections on newer drives offer significantly faster transfer speeds. But then again, the durability factor more than makes up for this tiny shortcoming. All in all, a definite blind buy if you're looking for something that's going to stay with you for a while.

This drive uses both high-speed USB 3.2 and a Thunderbolt 3 connection to deliver incredibly fast file transfer speeds. We're talking up to 3000 megabytes per second for reading files off the drive and 2500 MB/s for saving files onto it. That's three to four times faster than typical external SSD drives! This makes the PRO-G40 a great choice as a scratch disk for editing high-res 8K video, 3D rendering, and other work that requires moving around massive files quickly.

Coming to the design part of it, the ꦚcustom aluminum core is effective at dissipating heat to sustain high sustained transfer speeds without throttling, even when moving hundreds of gigabytes in a single session. Another standout aspect of the PRO-G40 is military-grade durability. The compact drive boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in 1.5 ♔meters of water for 30 minutes.

The Samsung T9 Portable SSD is designed for media professionals and power users who need fast, durable external storage. This high-performance SSD delivers exceptional speeds of up to 2000 MB/s when used with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. That means it'll blast through multi-gig transfers and makes working with huge files feel right up buttery smooth. Plus, the custom NVMe guts and Samsung's own top-shelf V-NAND flash tech give it the performance punch to keep up with demanding production workflows.

Samsung put just as much thought into the T9's physical design as its technical internals. The durable metal unibody construction has an IP65 ingress protection rating, meaning it is completely dust-tight and resistant to water spray from any direction. And the rugged build gives it shock absorption capabilities to handle accidental drops from heights of 9 feet or more onto hard surfaces. Additionally, at just over 4 inches long and weighing only 4.2 ounces, the T9 remains highly pocketable and travel-friendly. It's built for life on the go.

Security is also a priority, with the T9 offering AES 256-bit encryption to prevent unauthorized access. Password protection prevents unauthorized access, while tamper-resistant firmware safeguards the inner workings of the drive. And the Samsung Magician software utility grants users control over drive diagnostics, performance optimization, and keeping firmware up to date. So that means we've got durability, exceptional transfer speeds, security, and a compact build factor. Pretty cool pick, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do external SSDs need any special software?

Nope, the vast majority of consumer-level models are plug and play without needing any extra software installed, just like a USB flash drive. They'll work right away on your device, whether it's Windows or a Mac. Some higher-end professional drives aimed at businesses may come with extra software though, like for backups, encryption, or monitoring disk health. These programs can be helpful for some folks, but aren't mandatory. Be sure to check what software licenses or utilities come included before you purchase, if those tools matter to you.

How are SSDs different from HDDs?

In a nutshell, Solid State Drives are much faster, more reliable, and resistant to shocks compared to old-school mechanical Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs use integrated memory chips to store data digitally instead of magnetic platters like HDDs. So there are actually no moving parts to break. This allows SSDs to achieve way faster data access speeds. We're talking over 500 MB/s vs 100-200 MB/s for HDDs. SSDs are also more power efficient, silent, and smaller due to the lack of bulky mechanical components. However, HDDs still have a cost advantage for huge data storage needs.

Do SSDs require maintenance like HDDs?

Nope! Because SSDs don't have moving parts, they don't need any of the regular defragging or disk cleanup that HDDs require. There are some basic best practices though, like properly ejecting the drive before disconnecting, keeping firmware updated, and backing up important data in case of failure. Following some simple steps like these will help ensure your SSD keeps running smoothly for years. But overall, SSDs are nearly maintenance-free compared to high-maintenance traditional hard drives.

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