Are you in search of the perfect external solid state drive for 2023? Look no further! In this article, we will explore 11 amazing options that are sure to meet your storage needs and exceed your expectations. Whether you're a professional on the go or a tech enthusiast looking to upgrade your storage capacity, these external solid state drives offer lightning-fast speed, reliable performance, and ample storage space. Join us as we dive into the world of external solid state drives and discover the best options for 2023.
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 SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a reliable and high-performance external solid-state drive that offers excellent speed and durability. With up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, this portable SSD delivers NVMe solid-state performance in a compact form factor. It is built to withstand drops, water, and dust with its two-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. The included password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption ensures the security of your private content. The SanDisk Memory Zone app allows for easy file management and space optimization. Overall, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a dependable and fast storage solution for professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.
Key Features
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- Up to two-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance
- Handy Carabiner loop for secure attachment
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- San Disk Memory Zone app for file management and space optimization
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 0.38Lx2.07Wx3.97H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- High-speed performance for seamless handling of large files
- Compact and rugged design for portability and durability
- Compatibility with both USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Included password protection for enhanced security
- San Disk Memory Zone app for easy file management
Cons
- SSD can get warm during prolonged use
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a top-notch external storage solution that delivers impressive speed, durability, and security. With its high-performance capabilities and compact design, it is an ideal choice for professionals and tech enthusiasts who require fast and reliable data storage on the go. The SSD’s compatibility with both USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures seamless connectivity across various devices, while the included password protection and SanDisk Memory Zone app add convenience and security to the user experience. Although it may get warm during heavy use, this minor drawback does not affect its overall performance and reliability. Overall, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is an excellent investment for those in need of a dependable and high-speed external storage solution.
Overall Score: 8/10
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB is a portable SSD designed for photographers, content creators, and gamers. It offers rugged durability with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. With transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, editing directly from the drive is a breeze. The T7 Shield is compatible with various devices, including PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles. Its compact size and advanced outer elastomer ensure extra durability, making it resistant to drops from up to 9.8 feet. The drive also features AES 256-bit hardware encryption for added security. Overall, the SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB is a fast, reliable, and durable solution for those who need portable storage.
Key Features
- Rugged durability with IP65 rating for dust and water resistance
- Transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption for added security
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.39Lx2.24Wx0.49H
- Size: 4TB
Pros
- Fast transfer speeds
- Compact and durable design
- Compatibility with various devices
- AES encryption for added security
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
- Slightly slower than some alternatives
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB is a reliable and durable portable SSD that offers fast transfer speeds and excellent compatibility with different devices. It is perfect for photographers, content creators, and gamers who require a rugged storage solution. The IP65 rating ensures protection against dust and water, while the compact size and advanced elastomer design make it resistant to drops. The drive’s AES encryption adds an extra layer of security to keep your data safe. While it may not be the cheapest option available, the overall performance and durability of the T7 Shield make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of portable storage.
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: 8.6/10
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers powerful NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds. Its forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink, ensuring higher sustained speeds. With two-meter drop protection, IP55 water and dust resistance, and password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, this SSD provides premium feel, added protection, and data security. Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for on-the-go professionals. With a color of black and a storage capacity of 4TB, this SSD delivers exceptional speed, durability, and reliability for filmmakers and professionals working with large media files.
Key Features
- Powerful NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for higher sustained speeds
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty and added data protection features
- Two-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance
- Included password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 0.41Lx2.28Wx4.36H
- Size: 4TB
Pros
- Impressive transfer speeds for large files
- Compact and lightweight design for portability
- Rugged construction for durability
- Reliable performance with no data loss or corruption
Cons
- Slow transfer speeds when dealing with small files
- Confusion regarding maximum speed for Mac users
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a highly recommended storage solution for professionals in need of fast and reliable performance. Its exceptional transfer speeds, compact form factor, and rugged design make it an ideal choice for filmmakers and advanced users. With impressive read and write speeds, this SSD significantly reduces the time spent waiting for file transfers, enhancing workflow efficiency. While there may be some confusion regarding maximum speeds for Mac users, overall, the SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD delivers exceptional performance and reliability.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers incredible read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s. It is compatible with various devices, including Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One. The SSD features a durable design with an anodized aluminum core, making it drop-proof up to 7.5 feet. It is also resistant to extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. With a storage capacity of 2TB, it provides ample space for storing files, documents, and multimedia. The Crucial X8 is backed by Micron, one of the leading manufacturers of flash storage in the world.
Key Features
- Read speeds up to 1050 MB/s
- Compatible with various devices
- Durable and rugged design
- 2TB storage capacity
- Backed by Micron
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.33Lx0.45Wx2.09H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Fast transfer speeds
- Large storage capacity
- Compact and portable design
- Wide compatibility with different devices
- Durable and rugged construction
Cons
- Write speed slows down as drive fills up
- Requires reformatting for optimal performance
- Slow file deletion
- Inconsistent write speeds during backups
The Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD is a powerful and versatile external storage solution. With its impressive read speeds and large storage capacity, it offers excellent performance for data transfer and storage. The durable design ensures it can withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, users may experience slower write speeds as the drive fills up, and file deletion can be time-consuming. Additionally, reformatting may be necessary for optimal performance. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Crucial X8 SSD is a reliable and convenient choice for users in need of portable and high-speed storage.
Overall Score: 9/10
The WD 2TB Elements SE – Portable SSD is a fast and affordable SSD that boosts your productivity. With read speeds up to 400MB/s, you can move large files quickly and get more done in your day. It features a compact design and can withstand drops up to 2 meters, making it perfect for use anywhere. Whether you're working or creating, you can easily access your content across multiple devices. The drive also offers plug-and-play functionality, so you can start using it right away. With black color and dimensions of 2.54Lx2.54Wx0.34H, it comes with a 2TB storage capacity. Overall, the WD 2TB Elements SE – Portable SSD is a reliable and efficient storage solution for personal, gaming, and business use.
Key Features
- Fast SSD performance
- Read speeds up to 400MB/s
- Compact and drop-resistant design
- Compatible with PC and Mac
- Plug-and-play functionality
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.54Lx2.54Wx0.34H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Affordable SSD performance
- Fast file transfer speeds
- Compact and durable design
- Multi-device compatibility
- Easy plug-and-play functionality
Cons
- Not truly plug-and-play, requires formatting
- Limited connectivity options
- May not work seamlessly with certain software
The WD 2TB Elements SE – Portable SSD offers excellent SSD performance at an affordable price. With fast read speeds and a compact design, it is perfect for boosting productivity on the go. The drive’s drop resistance and multi-device compatibility make it a reliable option for personal, gaming, and business use. While it may require formatting for some users, it offers reliable and efficient storage for a variety of purposes. Overall, the WD 2TB Elements SE – Portable SSD is a solid choice for those in need of a trustworthy and high-performing storage solution.
Overall Score: 9/10
The WD 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive offers blazing fast NVMe technology with speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s. It features password enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption and is shock and vibration resistant. The drive is drop resistant up to 6.5ft (1.98m) and is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C, making it cross compatible with older systems. With a sleek and sturdy gray design, this portable external SSD is perfect for those who need fast and secure storage on the go. The 2TB capacity provides ample space for storing large files and multimedia content. Overall, it is highly recommended for its speed, durability, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
Key Features
- Blazing fast NVMe technology with speeds of up to 1050MB/s
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption for password protection
- Shock and vibration resistant, drop resistant up to 6.5ft
- Cross compatible with USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C
Specifications
- Color: Gray
- Dimension: 3.50Lx1.80Wx0.39H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Fast transfer speeds
- Secure hardware encryption
- Compact and portable design
- Cross compatibility with USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen-2
Cons
- Lack of activity LED
- No included autobackup software
The WD 2TB My Passport SSD is a reliable and high-performance portable external solid state drive. It offers blazing fast transfer speeds, robust hardware encryption, and shock resistance, making it a great choice for those who need fast and secure storage on the go. The compact and portable design, combined with cross compatibility with both USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen-2, adds to its versatility. While it lacks an activity LED and does not come with included autobackup software, these are minor drawbacks compared to the overall performance and durability of the drive. Whether you’re a professional needing to transfer large files or a casual user looking for a reliable backup solution, the WD 2TB My Passport SSD is an excellent option.
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: 8.5/10
The WD_BLACK 500GB D30 Game Drive SSD is a portable external solid state drive that is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. With expanded capacity up to 2TB, it can store up to 50 games, and its stylistic design allows it to seamlessly sit alongside your console. It offers accelerated speeds of up to 900MB/s, minimizing long load screens. Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, it provides a convenient storage solution for gamers. Its color is black, and it has dimensions of 3.77Lx1.80Wx2.38H. The customer rating for this product is 4.4/5.
Key Features
- Expanded capacity up to 2TB to store up to 50 games
- Stylistically designed to sit alongside your console
- Accelerated speeds up to 900MB/s to help minimize long load screens
- Compatible with Play Station 4 Pro, Play Station 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.77Lx1.80Wx2.38H
- Size: 500GB
Pros
- Expanded capacity for storing multiple games
- Stylish design that complements consoles
- Fast transfer speeds to minimize load times
- Compatibility with multiple gaming platforms
Cons
- Cannot play games directly from the external drive
- Some minor noise issues reported
- High price compared to other storage options
- Limited storage capacity for larger game libraries
The WD_BLACK 500GB D30 Game Drive SSD is a great storage solution for gamers who want to expand their console’s storage capacity. With its sleek design, fast transfer speeds, and compatibility with popular gaming platforms, it offers convenience and performance. However, the inability to play games directly from the drive and some reported noise issues may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, it provides a reliable and efficient way to store and access games, making it a worthwhile investment for avid gamers.
Overall Score: 8/10
The 1TB Portable SSD External Hard Drive offers reliable and high-speed storage that is perfect for Windows PC, Mac, PS5, and Xbox. With its cutting-edge technology and high-quality components, this external hard drive ensures consistent and dependable performance for storing important files and valuable data securely. Experience lightning-fast transfer speeds with the USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, allowing for quick and efficient transfer of large files and multimedia content. The durable and shock-resistant design makes it perfect for everyday use, with an aluminum housing and reinforced inner frame that can withstand shocks, vibrations, and drops of up to 10ft. Its sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry on the go, providing convenient access to your data anytime, anywhere. Additionally, the product comes with exceptional customer service to address any inquiries or technical difficulties you may encounter.
Key Features
- Reliable storage with cutting-edge technology
- High-speed transfer with USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Built strong and durable with shock-resistant aluminum housing
- Sleek and compact design for portability
- Exceptional customer service
Specifications
- Color: Grey
Pros
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Fast transfer speeds for quick file transfers
- Durable and shock-resistant design
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Exceptional customer service
Cons
Overall, the 1T Portable SSD External Hard Drive is a reliable and high-performance storage solution. With its cutting-edge technology, it ensures consistent and dependable performance for your important files and data. The lightning-fast transfer speeds make it convenient for transferring large files and multimedia content. Its durable and shock-resistant design provides extra protection during travel or rough handling. The sleek and compact design makes it perfect for professionals working remotely or students needing extra storage. Additionally, the exceptional customer service adds value to the product. If you’re in need of a portable and high-speed external hard drive, this is a great choice.
External Solid State Drive Buyer's Guide
Are you in need of additional storage space for your digital files? Look no further than an external solid state drive (SSD). These sleek and portable devices offer fast and reliable storage solutions for both personal and professional use. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Worry not! Our comprehensive buyer's guide will help you navigate through the SSD landscape with ease.
Things to Consider
So, you're ready to invest in an external SSD, but where do you start? Here are some key factors to consider before making your purchase:
- Capacity: Determine how much storage space you require for your files. Remember to account for future needs as well. SSDs typically offer capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB.
- Speed: Look for SSDs with high read and write speeds to ensure faster data transfer. This is especially important if you frequently work with large files or require quick access to your data.
- Connectivity: Consider the types of ports available on your devices. USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, and USB 3.0 are common options. Ensure that your chosen SSD is compatible with the ports on your computer or other devices.
- Durability: If you plan to use your external SSD on the go, opt for a device that can handle the rigors of travel. Look for SSDs with rugged casings that offer protection against shock, vibration, and moisture.
- Encryption and Security: To safeguard your sensitive data, choose an SSD that offers robust encryption features. Some models even provide additional security measures like password protection and fingerprint recognition.
- Price: Determine your budget and find the sweet spot between price and performance. Compare different models and their features to make an informed decision.
Benefits of an External SSD
Why should you choose an external SSD over other storage options? Here's a list of benefits that make them worth considering:
- Lightning-fast data transfer speeds
- Compact and portable design for on-the-go use
- Durable and shock-resistant construction
- Noiseless operation with no moving parts
- Enhanced reliability and longer lifespan compared to traditional hard disk drives
- Reduced power consumption, prolonging the battery life of your devices
Frequently Asked Questions about 11 Amazing External Solid State Drive For 2023
Yes, most external SSDs are compatible with both PC and Mac systems. However, it’s crucial to check the specifications and ensure that the SSD you choose supports your operating system.
Absolutely! External SSDs are ideal for running applications and games, as they offer faster loading times and improved performance compared to traditional hard drives.
External SSDs typically connect via USB or Thunderbolt ports. Ensure that your device has a compatible port and use the necessary cable to establish a connection.
Yes, external SSDs are a great option for backing up your important files. Their fast transfer speeds and ample storage capacity make them ideal for storing and retrieving data quickly.
No, external SSDs come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Some may have rugged enclosures for increased durability, while others are sleek and compact for easy portability.
