Introducing the 10 Best Portable SSD Thunderbolt For 2023, a comprehensive guide to the top-rated portable solid-state drives equipped with Thunderbolt technology. As technology continues to advance rapidly, storage solutions have become more compact, powerful, and efficient, offering incredible data transfer speeds and seamless compatibility. In this enlightening article, we will explore the top 10 options available in the market, evaluating their features, performance, durability, and affordability. Whether you are a professional seeking maximum productivity or an enthusiast looking for reliable data storage on the go, this guide will help you make an informed decision for your storage needs in 2023.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD is a high-performance external solid state drive designed for business, multimedia, and personal use. It offers super-fast speeds of up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write, making it capable of transferring 50GB of data in 1 minute or less. With dual-mode compatibility for both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, it provides versatile connectivity options. The drive features an ultra-rugged design with IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb crush resistance, and 3m drop resistance, ensuring durability in demanding environments. Its cool aluminum core helps maintain optimal transfer speeds. The SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD comes in a pro-grade enclosure, providing premium strength and reliability.
Key Features
- Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write
- Dual-mode compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Ultra-rugged design with IP68 dust/water resistance, crush resistance, and drop resistance
- Cool aluminum core for heat dissipation
- Pro-grade enclosure for premium strength
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.36Lx2.28Wx0.47H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Super-fast transfer speeds
- Versatile compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Durable and rugged design
- Efficient heat dissipation
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Higher power requirements
- Limited compatibility with older devices
- Case design and material could be improved
The SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD offers exceptional transfer speeds and versatile connectivity options, making it a reliable choice for data-intensive tasks. Its rugged design ensures durability in challenging conditions, and the cool aluminum core helps maintain peak performance. While it may have higher power requirements and limited compatibility with older devices, its overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment. Whether for business, multimedia, or personal use, this external solid state drive delivers impressive speed and reliability.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers powerful NVMe solid state performance with read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s. It features a forged aluminum chassis that acts as a heatsink, providing higher sustained speeds. The drive is protected with 2-meter drop protection and has an IP55 water and dust resistance rating. It also comes with password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your content secure. With a compact design and a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty, this SSD is perfect for tech enthusiasts and advanced users who need fast and reliable storage for their data. The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a must-have tool for filmmakers and professionals who require fast and reliable storage for their creative work.
Key Features
- Up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds
- Forged aluminum chassis for higher sustained speeds
- 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 0.41Lx2.28Wx4.36H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- High-performance NVMe solid state performance
- Compact and portable design
- Rugged construction for durability
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Requires compatible devices capable of reaching maximum speeds
- Drive encryption system may require additional steps to disable
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is an impressive storage solution that offers exceptional speed, compact design, and reliable performance. Its high read/write speeds make it perfect for transferring and storing large files, making it a valuable tool for filmmakers and professionals. The rugged construction and durable materials ensure that the drive can withstand tough conditions, providing extra peace of mind when using it on the go. Although it may require additional steps to disable the drive encryption system, the overall performance and reliability of this SSD make it highly recommended for tech enthusiasts and advanced users.
Overall Score: 9/10
The OWC Envoy Pro SX Thunderbolt (USB-C) is the fastest and most versatile drive enclosure for internal M.2 SSDs. With TRIM support technology, it delivers speeds of up to 2847MB/s, making it perfect for audio, video, photography, gaming, and general data storage/backup uses. The enclosure is super versatile and rugged, with a drop-proof, crushproof, dustproof, and waterproof IP67 rating. Its heat dissipating aluminum housing ensures distraction-free operation, and it is compatible with Thunderbolt (USB-C) equipped Mac, PC, or iPad. The package includes a Thunderbolt cable and comes with a 1-year OWC Limited Warranty.
Key Features
- Host Port: Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
- Data Transfer Rate: up to 40 Gb/s (5000 MB/s)
- 1 bay supporting: M.2 drives: NVMe M.2 SSDs w/ 2280 form factor & 'M Key' connector type
- Bus-powered, No driver required
Specifications
- Size: 0TB
Pros
- Xtreme real-world speeds up to 2847MB/s
- Super versatile and rugged design
- Silent and heat dissipating aluminum housing
- Compatible with Thunderbolt (USB-C) equipped devices
- Includes Thunderbolt cable and 1-year warranty
Cons
The OWC Envoy Pro SX Thunderbolt (USB-C) is an exceptional drive enclosure that delivers astonishing speeds and durability. Its versatile and compact design makes it perfect for various applications, including audio, video, photography, and gaming. The heat dissipating aluminum housing ensures silent operation, while the IP67 rating provides excellent protection against drops, dust, and water. With its compatibility across Thunderbolt (USB-C) equipped devices and the inclusion of a Thunderbolt cable, it offers a convenient and reliable storage solution for professionals and enthusiasts. Overall, the Envoy Pro SX is a top-tier choice that combines exceptional performance, durability, and versatility.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Fantom Drives Extreme 1TB External SSD is a blazing fast and highly durable storage solution for computer and technology enthusiasts. With read speeds of over 2800MB/s and write speeds of over 2300MB/s, it offers exceptional performance for data transfer and storage. The SSD is compact yet built like a tank with high-quality aluminum, making it perfect for on-the-go usage. It is backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The drive features Thermal Dissipation Technology to keep the SSD cool and efficient. It comes with a Thunderbolt 3 cable and a 5-year warranty from Fantom Drives. Despite some mixed benchmark results, customers have praised its speed and reliability. Overall, the Fantom Drives Extreme 1TB External SSD is a top-notch choice for users seeking high-performance external storage.
Key Features
- Blazing fast read speed of over 2800MB/s
- Compact and durable design with high-quality aluminum
- Thermal Dissipation Technology for cool and efficient operation
- Backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Comes with Thunderbolt 3 cable and 5-year warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.50Lx0.50Wx4.25H
- Size: 1TB Tlc
Pros
- Blazing fast read and write speeds
- Compact and durable design
- Backward compatibility with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Comes with Thunderbolt 3 cable
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Mixed benchmark results
- Gets hot during operation
The Fantom Drives Extreme 1TB External SSD is a top-performing storage solution that offers blazing fast speeds and durability. While some customers experienced mixed benchmark results, the majority were impressed with its performance for everyday tasks and data transfers. The compact and durable design, along with its backward compatibility and 5-year warranty, makes it an attractive option for users who value both speed and reliability. However, it’s worth noting that the drive can get hot during operation, so proper airflow is essential. Overall, if speed and performance are your top priorities, the Fantom Drives Extreme 1TB External SSD is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The TEKQ Rapide SSD is a high-performance external portable SSD certified by Apple and Microsoft. With ultra-fast transfer speeds and a sleek, compact design, it is perfect for transferring films, photos, and large data files. It features plug-and-play functionality and is powered by Thunderbolt 3, making it compatible with both Mac and Windows devices. The all-aluminum case provides excellent heat dissipation without the need for a fan, and the device operates quietly. With its great mobility and easy-to-carry size, the TEKQ Rapide SSD is an ideal storage solution for both office and travel use. It comes with a 3-year warranty and is backed by positive customer reviews.
Key Features
- Ultra-fast Solid State Drive
- Great Mobility. Easy to Carry
- Plug-and-Play Device
- Elegant Look & Excellent Heat Dissipation
- Compatibility & 3 years Warranty
Specifications
- Color: Space Green
- Dimension: 3.82Lx2.17Wx0.55H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Certified by Apple and Microsoft
- Ultra-fast transfer speeds
- Compact and portable design
- Plug-and-play functionality
- Excellent heat dissipation without fan
- Silent operation
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Not backward compatible with older devices
- May get warm during operation
The TEKQ Rapide SSD is a reliable and high-performance external portable SSD. It offers blazing-fast transfer speeds, a sleek design, and great portability. The plug-and-play functionality and compatibility with both Mac and Windows devices make it a versatile storage solution. The all-aluminum case not only provides an elegant look but also ensures excellent heat dissipation without the need for a fan. While it is not backward compatible with older devices, the TEKQ Rapide SSD offers great value for its performance and comes with a 3-year warranty. Whether you need to transfer films, photos, or large data files, this SSD is a top choice for both office and travel use.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Archgon X70 is a lightning-fast and durable external Thunderbolt 3 SSD, perfect for video and photo editing. With its compact size and lightweight design, it's incredibly portable and ideal for creators on the go. The X70 boasts impressive speeds of up to 1600MB/s read and 1100MB/s write, ensuring quick and reliable data transfer. Its aluminum alloy construction with heat dissipation design prevents overheating and maintains peak performance. This SSD is bus-powered and compatible with Thunderbolt 3 Type C ports, making it hassle-free and convenient. It comes with a 24-month limited warranty and offers four capacity options to suit your storage needs.
Key Features
- Archgon X70 is the latest external Thunderbolt 3 SSD.
- Fast and Extraordinary- Thunderbolt 3 has 40GB/s bandwidth.
- Back up your data easily and fast with up to 1600 MB/s read and 1100 MB/s write speed.
- Supreme Heat Dissipation- X70 is made of aluminum alloy with incredible heat dissipation design.
- Portable and Durable- Only 4 inches long and 2.25 inches wide.
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.98Lx2.24Wx0.55H
- Size: 480GB
Pros
- Lightning-fast Thunderbolt 3 SSD
- Compact and portable design
- Impressive data transfer speeds
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Durable construction
Cons
The Archgon X70 is a powerful and portable Thunderbolt 3 SSD that offers lightning-fast data transfer speeds and excellent durability. With its compact size and impressive heat dissipation design, it’s the perfect storage solution for content creators and professionals on the go. The X70’s compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 Type C ports ensures seamless connectivity and efficient data backup. Whether you’re editing videos or transferring large files, this SSD delivers outstanding performance and reliability. Its sleek aluminum alloy construction adds a touch of elegance to its functionality. Overall, the Archgon X70 is a top-notch external SSD that guarantees exceptional speed, convenience, and durability.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Archgon 1TB Thunderbolt 3 Certified Aluminum External SSD is a portable M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive that offers lightning-fast transfer speeds and impressive thermal management. With a maximum read speed of 3400MB/s and write speed of 3000MB/s, it can quickly handle large files and data-intensive tasks. The dual-layer heatsink design ensures optimal temperature control for the internal NVMe SSD, preventing overheating issues. The durable compact size and protective aluminum casing make it ideal for on-the-go use. It is compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS devices with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C ports. With a 24-month limited warranty, the Archgon X92 is a reliable choice for those seeking high-performance external storage.
Key Features
- THUNDERBOLT 3 Certified for high transfer speed
- Delivers read speeds up to 3400MB/s and write speeds up to 3000MB/s
- Dual layer heatsink for better thermal management
- Durable compact size with protective aluminum casing
- Compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS devices with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C ports
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- High transfer speed up to 40GB/s with Thunderbolt 3
- Reliable performance for quick data transfers
- Effective thermal management prevents overheating
- Compact and durable design for portability
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS devices
Cons
- Not compatible with Windows OS with USB-C port
- Limited warranty period of 24 months
The Archgon 1TB Thunderbolt 3 Certified Aluminum External SSD is a powerful and reliable storage solution for users who need lightning-fast transfer speeds and efficient thermal management. With read speeds of up to 3400MB/s and write speeds of up to 3000MB/s, it can handle data-intensive tasks with ease. The dual-layer heatsink design ensures optimal temperature control, while the compact and durable aluminum casing makes it perfect for on-the-go use. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS devices, providing flexibility for different users. Overall, the Archgon X92 is a solid choice for those in need of high-performance external storage.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SAMSUNG SSD T7 is a portable and reliable external solid state drive designed for gamers, students, and professionals. With its fast transfer speeds and durable construction, it provides easy and secure data storage for transferring large files. The SSD T7 features USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, delivering incredible speeds of up to 1,050MB/s. It is built with strong and secure materials, including a solid aluminum unibody construction. The T7 also includes a reliable thermal solution to control heat and a sleek and compact design for portability. It comes in a variety of colors and capacities to fit different needs. The T7 is easy to set up with embedded software and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty. Overall, it is a highly recommended SSD for its reliability and performance.
Key Features
- Portable storage with fast transfer speeds
- Built strong and secure with durable materials
- Reliable thermal solution to control heat
- Sleek and compact design for portability
- Comes in a variety of colors and capacities
- Easy setup with embedded software
Specifications
- Color: Titan Gray
- Dimension: 3.30Lx2.20Wx0.30H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fast and reliable data transfer
- Durable and secure construction
- Optimal temperature control
- Compact and portable design
- Variety of colors and capacities to choose from
- Easy setup with embedded software
Cons
- Clunky software
- Limited compatibility with password protection
- Lower speed for EXFAT formatting
- Issues with decryption on Linux
- Possible gray market product
The SAMSUNG SSD T7 is a highly recommended external solid state drive for gamers, students, and professionals. With its fast transfer speeds, durable construction, and secure data storage, it provides reliable performance for transferring large files. The T7’s thermal solution ensures optimal temperature control, while its compact and portable design allows for easy on-the-go storage. The variety of colors and capacities makes it suitable for different lifestyles, and the embedded software simplifies setup. Although it has some drawbacks, such as clunky software and limited compatibility with password protection, the overall performance and reliability of the T7 solid state drive make it an excellent choice for anyone in need of dependable external storage.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Crucial X8 1TB Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers incredible speeds and compatibility with various devices. With read speeds up to 1050 MB/s, this portable SSD is perfect for transferring large files, editing photos and videos, and more. It works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One, thanks to its USB-C 3.1 Gen2 and USB-A connectors. The drive features a beautiful and durable design with an anodized aluminum unibody core, making it drop-proof up to 7.5 feet and resistant to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. Backed by Micron, one of the largest manufacturers of flash storage in the world, the Crucial X8 offers reliable performance and storage. Overall, it is a compact, fast, and reliable storage solution for anyone in need of extra space for their digital files.
Key Features
- Read speeds up to 1050 MB/s
- Compatible with multiple devices and operating systems
- Beautiful and durable design
- Drop-proof up to 7.5 feet
- Backed by Micron
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.33Lx0.45Wx2.09H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- High-performance speeds for fast file transfers
- Versatile compatibility with various devices and operating systems
- Durable and rugged design for added protection
- Backed by a reputable manufacturer
Cons
- Occasional error notification on Mac devices
- Inconsistent transfer speeds
- Requires reformatting for optimal performance
The Crucial X8 1TB Portable SSD is a reliable and fast storage solution for individuals in need of additional space for their digital files. With impressive read speeds, versatile compatibility, and a durable design, this SSD delivers on both performance and durability. While some users may experience occasional error notifications and inconsistent transfer speeds, these issues can be mitigated through reformatting and troubleshooting. Overall, the Crucial X8 offers great value for its price and is highly recommended for those looking to enhance their storage capabilities.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD is a powerful and durable external solid-state drive. With read and write speeds up to 1,050MB/s, this SSD allows for fast data transfers and editing directly from the drive. It offers broad compatibility with various devices and gaming consoles, and its compact size makes it easy to travel with. The SSD is dust and splash-proof with IP55 water and dust resistance, and it can withstand drops up to 7.5 feet/2 meters. It also incorporates security features such as password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Engineered by Micron, this SSD is a professional-quality storage solution that combines performance, durability, and portability.
Key Features
- Read and write speeds up to 1,050MB/s
- Broad compatibility with multiple devices and gaming consoles
- Dust and splash-proof with IP55 water and dust resistance
- Drop-proof durability up to 7.5 feet/2 meters
- Password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Anodized aluminum build with rubberized soft-touch base
- Compact 65 x 50 mm design with integrated lanyard hole
Specifications
- Color: Gray
- Dimension: 2.56Lx1.97Wx0.39H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Powerful performance for editing directly from the drive
- Wide compatibility with various devices and gaming consoles
- Durable and rugged design for travel and outdoor use
- Password protection and hardware encryption for data security
- Compact and stylish design
Cons
- No temperature and health information available in HD Sentinel 6.1 Pro
- Limited support for SMART data depending on formatting
- No USB-C to USB-A adapter included
The Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require high-performance and reliable storage. With its fast speeds, rugged durability, and security features, it offers everything you need for efficient data transfer, editing, and protection. The wide compatibility ensures seamless integration with various devices, making it a versatile storage solution. However, potential buyers should be aware of the SMART compatibility limitations and the absence of a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Overall, the Crucial X9 Pro is a top-tier portable SSD that delivers on performance and durability.
Buyer's Guide: Portable SSD Thunderbolt
Are you in need of a lightning-fast storage solution that you can carry with you? Look no further than portable SSD Thunderbolt drives! These powerful devices provide the perfect blend of portability, speed, and reliability, making them ideal for professionals and casual users alike. In this buyer's guide, we will explore essential factors to consider when purchasing a portable SSD Thunderbolt.
Factors to Consider
- Storage Capacity: Determine the amount of storage space you require for your files, whether it's for documents, photos, or videos. SSDs typically offer varying capacities, so choose one that can accommodate your needs without compromising performance.
- Transfer Speed: The transfer speed of a portable SSD Thunderbolt is a critical feature. Thunderbolt technology allows for lightning-fast data transfer rates, so ensure that your chosen drive offers high read and write speeds. This ensures quick access to your files and efficient data backups.
- Compatibility: Verify that the portable SSD Thunderbolt you select is compatible with your devices. Thunderbolt connectivity is predominantly found on newer MacBooks, but it's essential to double-check if your computer or laptop has a Thunderbolt port before making a purchase.
- Physical Design: Consider the physical attributes of the portable SSD Thunderbolt. Look for features like a compact and lightweight design, shock resistance, and durability to make it easy to carry with you and protect your valuable data while on the go.
- Security Features: Protecting your sensitive data should be a top priority. Ensure the SSD you choose offers advanced security options like built-in encryption, password protection, or even biometric authentication if necessary.
- Brand Reputation: Research the reputation and reliability of the brand before making a purchase. Opt for reputable manufacturers that have a track record of producing high-quality and durable products.
Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Portable SSD Thunderbolt For 2023
Yes! Portable SSD Thunderbolt drives utilize solid-state technology and Thunderbolt connectivity, allowing for significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives.
While Thunderbolt connectivity is more common in MacBooks, some Windows laptops also offer Thunderbolt ports. However, it’s crucial to check if your specific Windows laptop model supports Thunderbolt before purchasing a portable SSD Thunderbolt.
Portable SSD Thunderbolt drives use flash memory, which allows for consistent performance even as the drive begins to fill up. This ensures that the speed and responsiveness of the drive remain high, even with continuous usage.
Yes! Thunderbolt technology supports daisy-chaining multiple devices together, including portable SSD Thunderbolt drives. This feature allows you to connect additional drives or other Thunderbolt devices using a single Thunderbolt port on your computer.
Absolutely! Portable SSD Thunderbolt drives offer fast read and write speeds, making them excellent for gaming purposes. They can significantly reduce loading times and provide smoother gameplay experiences.
No, that’s the beauty of it! Portable SSD Thunderbolt drives draw power directly from the Thunderbolt port on your computer or laptop. This eliminates the need for an additional power source and provides true portability.
While portable SSD Thunderbolt drives are generally more durable than traditional hard drives due to their lack of moving parts, they are not immune to failure. However, SSDs have a lower failure rate compared to their mechanical counterparts.
In most cases, portable SSD Thunderbolt drives do not have direct compatibility with smartphones or tablets due to the absence of Thunderbolt ports on these devices. However, you may be able to connect them using appropriate adapters or docking stations.
Yes! Many portable SSD Thunderbolt drives offer bootable capabilities. This feature allows you to use the SSD to start up your computer and access your operating system or other essential files directly from the drive.
While portable SSD Thunderbolt drives tend to be more expensive than traditional hard drives or regular portable SSDs, their higher cost is justified by their exceptional performance and durability.
