The 9 Best Portable SSD Storage For 2023 is an essential guide for tech enthusiasts and professionals seeking efficient and reliable storage options. As technology advances, the need for portable SSD storage becomes increasingly vital in managing large amounts of data on the go. This comprehensive list highlights the top choices for portable SSD storage in 2023, ensuring fast transfer speeds, ample storage capacity, and durable designs. Whether you are a photographer, content creator, or business traveler, this guide will assist you in finding the perfect portable SSD storage solution to meet your specific needs, ensuring peace of mind and convenience in managing your data.
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: 8.7/10
The SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid state drive that offers blazing-fast read speeds of up to 800MB/s. It is designed to fit seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle, allowing you to conveniently back up your content and memories wherever you go. The drive is also built to withstand two-meter drops, making it a durable option for adventures. With its tough rubber hook, you can secure it to your belt loop or backpack for added peace of mind. This portable SSD is trusted by professional photographers and comes from the reliable brand, SanDisk.
Key Features
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds
- Back up your content and memories on the go
- Two-meter drop protection for durability
- Tough rubber hook for secure attachment
- Trusted brand for professional photographers
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.81Lx1.85Wx0.39H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fast read speeds
- Durable and compact design
- Trusted brand
- Secure attachment option
Cons
- Possible compatibility issues with Mac OS Ventura
- Misleading speed claim
The SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice for those in need of high-performance external storage. With its fast read speeds and durable design, it offers convenience and reliability. While there may be some compatibility issues with Mac OS Ventura, overall, this SSD delivers on its promises. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual user, this portable SSD is sure to meet your storage needs. Just be aware that the speed claim may not be entirely accurate. With its compact size and secure attachment option, it’s a reliable companion for your mobile lifestyle. Grab this SanDisk SSD and enjoy fast and reliable storage wherever you go!
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.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD is a high-capacity and fast external storage device that is compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and iPad Pro. It offers read speeds up to 800MB/s, making it 3.8x faster than most hard drives. Despite its large storage capacity, it is incredibly tiny and lightweight, fitting between your fingertips and weighing less than your car keys. This portable SSD is backed by Micron, one of the largest manufacturers of flash storage in the world, ensuring its reliability and durability. With enough space for up to 20,000 photos, 100 hours of video, 6,000 songs, or 400GB of documents, the Crucial X6 is perfect for storing and transferring all your important files. It is also easy to use, simply connect it to your device using the USB-C port. Overall, the Crucial X6 is a fantastic storage solution for both personal and professional use.
Key Features
- HUGE CAPACITY: Up to 4TB, storage capacity
- FAST: Read speeds up to 800MB/s
- TINY, LIGHTWEIGHT: Fits between your fingertips and weighs less than your car keys
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: Works with PC, Mac, Android, i Pad Pro
- RELIABLE AND DURABLE: Backed by Micron
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.72Lx0.43Wx2.52H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- High storage capacity
- Fast read speeds
- Compact and lightweight design
- Broad compatibility
- Backed by a reliable manufacturer
Cons
- May require USB-A adapter for certain devices
- Limited write cache for video editing
- Slow write speed for small files
- Short USB-C cable included
The Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice for anyone in need of high-capacity and fast external storage. It offers ample storage space, fast read speeds, and a compact design that is incredibly portable. The broad compatibility ensures that it works well with various devices, and with the backing of Micron, you can trust in its reliability and durability. While it may have some limitations, such as the need for a USB-A adapter and slower write speeds for small files, overall it provides a fantastic storage solution. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the Crucial X6 is a reliable and efficient choice for storing and transferring your important files.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD is a tough, fast, and compact external solid-state drive designed for photographers, content creators, and gamers. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology, it offers blazing-fast sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, allowing for direct editing from the drive. Its rugged design, including an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, ensures durability even in tough environments. The T7 Shield is compatible with various devices, including PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles. It comes in a stylish blue color and offers colossal storage space of 2TB. With its reliability and performance, this SSD is a game-changer for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Key Features
- ADOBE MEMBERSHIP: Two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan included
- RUGGED DURABILITY: IP65 rated for dust and water resistance
- KEEP COOL AT HIGH SPEED: Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to control heat
- MIGHTY TOUGH: Designed to endure a 9.8-foot drop
- COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR DEVICES: Works with PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles
- DURABLE YET STYLISH: Sleek design with rubberized grip
- WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Produced in-house for superior performance and reliability
Specifications
- Color: Blue
- Dimension: 3.39Lx2.24Wx0.49H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Blazing-fast transfer speeds
- Excellent durability with IP65 rating
- Wide compatibility with various devices
- Sleek and stylish design
- Colossal storage space of 2TB
Cons
- Higher price point
- Shorter cables included
- Bulky packaging
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD is a reliable and high-performance external solid-state drive suitable for professionals and enthusiasts. With its ruggedness, impressive transfer speeds, and compatibility with multiple devices, it offers a great solution for photographers, content creators, and gamers. While the higher price and shorter cables might be minor drawbacks, they are outweighed by the overall performance and durability of the SSD. Its sleek design and colossal storage space make it a worthy investment for anyone in need of fast and reliable portable storage. With the SAMSUNG T7 Shield, you can confidently store, edit, and transport your files without compromise.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Lacdo Hard Carrying Case is the perfect companion to protect your SanDisk Extreme Pro or SanDisk Extreme Portable External SSD. With a compact design and excellent protective features, this case ensures your SSD stays safe from splashes, drops, bumps, and scratches. It includes a comfortable wrist strap for easy carrying and conveniently stores your USB cable, charger, and other accessories. The case is made of durable materials and features smooth dual metal zippers for easy opening and closing. It is the ideal storage and travel solution for work, daily life, business trips, and more. With its great design and reliable protection, the Lacdo Hard Carrying Case is a must-have accessory for SSD owners.
Key Features
- Fits San Disk Extreme Pro/San Disk Extreme Portable External SSD
- Semi-waterproof and shockproof
- Built-in mesh pocket for accessories
- Compact design with comfortable wrist strap
- Durable dual metal zippers
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 5.60Lx3.25Wx1.50H
- Size: One Size
Pros
- Effective protection against splashing and dropping
- Soft interior lining for better cushioning
- Convenient design for easy carrying
- Ample storage for accessories
- Great gift for family and friends
Cons
- Some users found it too spacious for their SSDs
The Lacdo Hard Carrying Case is a reliable and durable companion for your SanDisk Extreme Pro or SanDisk Extreme Portable External SSD. It provides excellent protection against water, drops, bumps, and scratches, ensuring your device remains safe during travel. The compact design, comfortable wrist strap, and ample storage make it convenient to carry all your essentials with you. The case’s high-quality construction and thoughtful design make it a great value for the price. Whether you’re a professional on the go or simply looking for a safe storage solution, the Lacdo Hard Carrying Case is a practical and stylish choice.
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: 8/10
The WD 2TB My Passport SSD is a portable external solid state drive that offers fast speeds with blazing NVMe technology. It features password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, making it secure and reliable for storing sensitive data. The drive is shock and vibration resistant, and can survive drops up to 6.5ft. It is cross compatible with USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C, making it suitable for both newer and older systems. With a sleek silver design and sturdy build, this SSD is a convenient option for on-the-go storage needs.
Key Features
- Blazing fast NVMe technology with speeds of up to 1050MB/s
- Password enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Shock and vibration resistant, drop resistant up to 6.5ft
- Cross Compatible USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C
Specifications
- Color: Silver
- Dimension: 3.94Lx2.17Wx0.35H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Fast transfer speeds
- Secure password protection
- Shock and drop resistant
- Cross compatibility with USB types
Cons
- May run hot
- Pricey
- Inadequate customer support
The WD 2TB My Passport SSD is a reliable and high-performance storage solution for those in need of fast and secure data transfer. It offers impressive speeds, password protection, and durability against shocks and drops. While it may run hot and comes at a higher price point, its overall performance makes it worth considering. The drive’s compact and sleek design makes it easy to carry around, and its cross compatibility ensures it can be used with a variety of devices. Despite some customer support concerns, this SSD is a solid choice for individuals looking for a portable and reliable external storage option.
Buyer's Guide: Portable SSD Storage
Welcome to our comprehensive buyer's guide on portable SSD storage! Whether you're a photographer, videographer, gamer, or simply looking for a reliable storage solution for your digital files, a portable SSD (Solid State Drive) is an excellent choice. In this guide, we'll provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a portable SSD.
Advantages of Portable SSD Storage
Portable SSDs have become increasingly popular due to their numerous advantages over traditional hard drives. Here are some key benefits:
- Superior Speed: Portable SSDs offer lightning-fast transfer speeds, allowing you to transfer large files in seconds. This makes them ideal for editing high-resolution photos and videos or quickly accessing important files.
- Compact and Lightweight: With their compact design, portable SSDs are incredibly lightweight, making them convenient for travel and on-the-go use. They easily fit into your pocket or bag without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Durability: Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts, which means they are more resistant to shock, vibration, and drops. This durability makes them an excellent choice for outdoor adventures or professional use.
- Energy Efficiency: Portable SSDs consume less power than traditional hard drives, resulting in improved battery life for your devices. This energy efficiency is especially relevant for laptops and other portable devices.
- Silent Operation: Another advantage of SSDs is their silent operation. You won't have to deal with the noise of spinning disks, enhancing your overall experience and allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a portable SSD, there are several important factors to consider. Each factor will influence your overall experience and determine the suitability of the SSD for your specific needs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Storage Capacity: Determine how much storage space you require to meet your needs. Portable SSDs typically range from 250GB to 4TB, offering ample space for various files.
- Transfer Speed: Look for portable SSDs that boast high transfer speeds, typically measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). The faster the transfer speed, the quicker your files will be transferred.
- Connectivity Options: Consider the connectivity options provided by the portable SSD. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) is the most common and offers excellent compatibility with modern devices. Thunderbolt 3 is another connectivity option that provides even faster speeds.
- Durability and Shock Resistance: If you plan to use your portable SSD in rugged environments, ensure it has the necessary durability and shock resistance features. Look for SSDs with rugged enclosures and certifications like IP67 for water and dust resistance.
- Encryption and Security: Protecting your valuable data is crucial, so consider SSDs that offer encryption capabilities. Some portable SSDs come with hardware encryption or support software encryption to ensure the safety of your files.
Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Best Portable SSD Storage For 2023
Yes, most portable SSDs are compatible with both PC and Mac. However, it’s essential to check for compatibility before purchasing, as some SSDs may require reformatting for Mac compatibility.
Portable SSDs have a longer lifespan compared to traditional hard drives. On average, they can last between 5 to 10 years, depending on usage and manufacturer specifications.
While portable SSDs offer excellent performance and reliability, they are generally designed for portable use or as an additional storage solution. For primary storage, you may consider internal SSDs.
Portable SSDs outperform USB flash drives in terms of both speed and capacity. SSDs offer faster transfer speeds and larger storage capacity, making them a superior choice for heavy data users.
Yes, using a portable SSD for console gaming can significantly improve load times and overall performance. Make sure to check the compatibility of the SSD with your gaming console before buying.
