Are you in need of a reliable and efficient storage solution for your digital files in 2023? Look no further! In this article, we will unveil the 11 most amazing SSD external drives that are set to dominate the market next year. These external drives offer blistering speeds, ample storage capacities, and cutting-edge technology to ensure seamless data transfer and secure storage. Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or simply require extra storage for your personal or professional needs, these SSD external drives will revolutionize the way you store and access your data. Stay tuned to discover the top contenders in the world of external storage 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: 9.2/10
The SSK 1TB USB Drive is a super fast external SSD with dual USB Type C and USB A ports. It allows for easy data transfer between smartphones/tablets and computers, freeing up space and quickly moving pictures or movies. With transfer speeds up to 550mb/s read and 520mb/s write, it is 10 times faster than traditional USB 3.0 drives. The plug and play feature makes it convenient for sharing files and data transmission. Made of high-grade zinc alloy material, it offers excellent shock resistance and heat dissipation. This USB drive is universally compatible with various devices including computers, smart TVs, car audios, smartphones, and more. It is available in a sleek grey color and offers a storage capacity of 1TB.
Key Features
- Dual Drive USB Type C + USB A
- Ultra Fast Transfer Speed
- Plug and Play
- Safe & Reliable
- Universal Compatibility
Specifications
- Color: Grey
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fast transfer speed
- High-quality build
- Convenient plug and play feature
- Shock resistance and heat dissipation
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Can get warm during use
Overall, the SSK 1TB USB Drive is a top-notch external SSD with impressive transfer speeds and dual USB compatibility. Its high-quality build ensures reliability and durability. The plug and play feature makes it user-friendly, and the universal compatibility allows for seamless integration with various devices. While it may get warm during use, it doesn’t compromise its performance. If you’re in need of a fast and reliable USB drive for your multiple devices, the SSK 1TB USB Drive is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a compact and high-capacity external solid-state drive that offers impressive performance and durability. With read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s, it provides fast and efficient data transfer. The drive is also protected against drops and has IP65 water and dust resistance. It features password protection with hardware encryption to keep your content secure. The SanDisk Memory Zone app allows for easy file management and space management. With its sleek design and reliable performance, this SSD is a great choice for professionals and individuals in need of portable and dependable storage.
Key Features
- NVMe solid state performance
- Up to three-meter drop protection
- IP65 water and dust resistance
- Carabiner loop for easy securing
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- San Disk Memory Zone app for file management
Specifications
- Color: Sky Blue
- Dimension: 0.38Lx2.07Wx3.97H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Fast read and write speeds
- Rugged and durable design
- Compact and portable
- Password protection for privacy
- Easy file management with the San Disk Memory Zone app
Cons
- Can get warm during prolonged use
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD offers impressive speed, durability, and security in a compact and portable design. With its high-capacity storage and fast performance, it is an excellent choice for professionals and individuals who need reliable external storage. The password protection and hardware encryption ensure the privacy of your data, while the rugged and durable build provides peace of mind during travel or outdoor use. The SanDisk Memory Zone app simplifies file management and space management, making it even more convenient to use. Overall, this SSD delivers on its promises and is a top-notch option for anyone in need of fast and dependable external storage.
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: 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: 9/10
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable External Solid State Drive is a fast, rugged, and compact storage solution. With an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, it's built to endure and keep your files safe. It offers blazing fast transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology, making it perfect for editing large files directly from the drive. The durable design and advanced elastomer provide extra protection against drops and impacts. It is compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles. With its stylish design and generous storage capacity, the SAMSUNG T7 Shield is a reliable and versatile external SSD.
Key Features
- Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan included
- IP65 water and dust resistance
- High-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe
- Rugged design with advanced elastomer
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
- Stylish and compact
Specifications
- Color: Beige
- Dimension: 3.39Lx2.24Wx0.49H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fast transfer speeds
- Water and dust resistant
- Durable and rugged design
- Large storage capacity
- Compatible with various devices
Cons
- Cables could be longer
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable External SSD is a reliable and versatile storage solution. Its fast transfer speeds and durable design make it ideal for professionals who need to edit large files on the go. The included Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan adds even more value to this already impressive package. While the cables could be longer, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to the overall performance and functionality of the drive. Whether you’re a photographer, gamer, or creative professional, the SAMSUNG T7 Shield is a solid choice.
Overall Score: 9/10
The WD_BLACK 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a portable external solid state drive that offers incredible speed, customizable RGB lighting, and compatibility with various gaming consoles and devices. With its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, it can achieve speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, providing lightning-fast loading times for your games. The drive is compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, making it a versatile option for console gamers. It also features a shock-resistant structure, ensuring durability and the ability to survive drops of up to two meters. The customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of personal style to your gaming setup. With capacities of up to 2TB, you can store and launch even the largest titles. Overall, the WD_BLACK 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD offers excellent performance and reliability for gamers who need high-speed storage.
Key Features
- Customizable RGB lighting with WD BLACK Dashboard
- USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface with speeds up to 2,000MB/s
- Compatible with Play Station and Xbox consoles
- Capacities of up to 2TB
- Shock-resistant structure for durability
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.21Lx2.00Wx0.51H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- High-speed performance
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Compatible with various gaming consoles
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Generous storage capacity
Cons
- May get hot during use
- Limited customization options on consoles
- Micro USB end can be detachable
The WD_BLACK 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a top-notch external SSD that delivers impressive speed, durability, and compatibility for gamers. With its customizable RGB lighting and sleek design, it adds a stylish touch to any gaming setup. The USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface ensures lightning-fast loading times, allowing you to jump into your games quickly. The drive’s compatibility with PlayStation and Xbox consoles makes it a versatile choice for gamers who own multiple platforms. Additionally, its shock-resistant structure provides peace of mind knowing that your data is safe, even in the event of accidental drops. Overall, the WD_BLACK 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a reliable and high-performing storage solution for gamers in need of extra space.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Western Digital 1TB Elements SE is a portable SSD that offers fast and affordable performance. With read speeds up to 400MB/s, you can move large files quickly to get more done in your day. Its compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters make it perfect for any location. Whether you're working or creating, this drive gives you control of your content across multiple devices. With plug-and-play functionality, it's ready to use right out of the box. The package includes the portable SSD, USB 3.0 cable, and safety and warranty guide. With a 4.7/5 customer rating, this SSD is a reliable and convenient storage solution for PC and Mac users.
Key Features
- Fast SSD performance from a trusted brand
- Read speeds up to 400MB/s
- Compact and drop-resistant design
- Content control across multiple devices
- Plug-and-play functionality
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.54Lx2.54Wx0.34H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fast read speeds
- Compact and rugged design
- Easy plug-and-play functionality
Cons
- Not truly plug-and-play, requires formatting
- Limited connectivity options
- Proprietary cable
The Western Digital 1TB Elements SE is a reliable and affordable portable SSD. Its fast read speeds and compact design make it convenient for on-the-go use. However, the need for formatting and the limited connectivity options with a proprietary cable can be drawbacks. Overall, if you’re looking for a dependable storage solution that offers good performance, excellent packaging, and a convenient design, this SSD is worth considering despite its minor shortcomings.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD is a high-capacity and fast external solid-state drive that offers broad compatibility and exceptional reliability. With up to 800MB/s read speeds, it delivers a smooth and efficient performance that is 3.8x faster than traditional hard drives. The compact design makes it incredibly portable, fitting between your fingertips and weighing less than your car keys. It works seamlessly with PC, Mac, Android, and even iPad Pro8 (some devices may require a USB-A adapter). Backed by Micron, one of the leading manufacturers of flash storage, it ensures superior durability and longevity. The Crucial X6 is ideal for storing large amounts of data, from photos and videos to music and documents, making it a perfect solution for both personal and professional use.
Key Features
- HUGE CAPACITY: Up to 4TB, storage capacity
- FAST: Read speeds up to 540MB/s
- TINY, LIGHTWEIGHT: Fits between your fingertips and weighs less than your car keys
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: Works with PC, Mac, Android, i Pad Pro8
- RELIABLE AND DURABLE: Backed by Micron, one of the largest manufacturers of flash storage in the world
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.72Lx0.43Wx2.52H
- Size: 500GB
Pros
- High storage capacity
- Fast read speeds
- Compact and lightweight design
- Broad compatibility with various devices
- Reliable and durable construction
Cons
- May require USB-A adapter for some devices
- Slow write speed for numerous small files
- Short USB-C cord included
- Possible overheating with heavy use
The Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD is an excellent choice for users who need ample storage capacity, fast performance, and portability in a single device. With its impressive read speeds and compact design, this SSD offers convenience and efficiency for various applications. Its broad compatibility makes it suitable for use with different devices, from PCs and Macs to Android smartphones and tablets. While there are some concerns about write speeds for large numbers of small files and the included short USB-C cord, the overall reliability and durability of this SSD make it a reliable choice for storing and transferring data. Whether you’re a professional who needs reliable storage for work files or a casual user looking to back up personal data, the Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD is a solid investment.
Overall Score: 8/10
The BUFFALO External SSD 1TB is a compact and reliable solid-state drive designed to meet your on-the-go storage demands. It is compatible with PS4, PS5, Macs, and PCs, making it a versatile accessory for professionals and gamers alike. With its fast speeds and multi-tasking capabilities, you can easily connect it to your PC and perform large intensive tasks simultaneously. The shock-resistant and rugged design provides drop protection, making it durable and reliable for travel. Its compact form factor allows you to carry your data in your pocket, making it convenient for work or play. The BUFFALO External SSD also features USB 3.2 connectivity and comes with a three-year warranty for registered devices.
Key Features
- 1TB storage capacity
- Compatible with PS4, PS5, Macs, and PCs
- Fast speeds and multi-tasking capabilities
- Shock-resistant and rugged design
- Compact form factor
- USB 3.2 connectivity
- Three-year warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.60Lx3.00Wx0.50H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Versatile compatibility
- Fast and efficient performance
- Durable and reliable design
- Compact and portable
- Three-year warranty for registered devices
Cons
- Limited storage for simultaneous PS4 and PS5 games
- Formatted space reduced when using FAT system
The BUFFALO External SSD 1TB is a highly recommended storage solution for those in need of portable and reliable storage. With its versatile compatibility, fast speeds, and durable design, it is a great choice for professionals and gamers alike. The compact form factor allows for easy transportation, and the three-year warranty provides peace of mind. The only drawbacks include limited storage for simultaneous PS4 and PS5 games, as well as reduced formatted space when using the FAT system. Overall, the BUFFALO External SSD 1TB offers great value for its price and is a reliable option for on-the-go storage needs.
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.
SSD External Drive Buyer's Guide
Key Considerations
When it comes to purchasing an SSD external drive, there are several important factors to keep in mind. To ensure you make an informed decision, consider the following:1. Storage Capacity
- Determine your storage requirements before making a purchase. SSD external drives come in various sizes ranging from 250GB to several terabytes. Assess how much data you need to store to make the right choice.
2. Connectivity Options
- Check the connectivity options available on the drive and ensure they are compatible with your system. Common options include USB 3.0/3.1 and Thunderbolt, which offer faster data transfer speeds.
3. Speed and Performance
- SSDs provide faster data transfer and access speeds compared to traditional hard drives. Look for SSDs with high read/write speeds and performance ratings to ensure smooth operation and efficient file transfers.
4. Portability and Durability
- If you require a drive for on-the-go use, prioritize portability and durability. Look for compact designs and rugged features like shock resistance to protect your data.
5. Data Security
- Consider SSDs that offer data encryption and password protection to safeguard your sensitive files. This ensures added security in case your drive gets lost or stolen.
6. Compatibility
- Check the compatibility of the SSD with your operating system and devices. Ensure it supports your desired platforms, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, to avoid any compatibility issues.
7. Price
- Set a budget based on your requirements and compare different options within that range. Prices vary depending on factors such as storage capacity, brand, and additional features.
8. Warranty
- Look for SSDs that offer a solid warranty to protect your investment. A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the drive's performance and reliability.
Advantages of SSD External Drives
SSD external drives bring a multitude of advantages over traditional hard drives, including:
- Faster data transfer speeds: SSDs can read and write data significantly faster, reducing file transfer times.
- Improved performance: SSDs provide quicker access to files and programs, resulting in improved system performance.
- Portability: These drives are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for those on the go.
- Durability: SSDs contain no moving parts, making them more resistant to physical shock or damage.
- Noiseless operation: As there are no spinning disks, SSDs operate silently, eliminating the annoying humming sound associated with traditional drives.
- Energy efficiency: SSDs consume less power compared to traditional hard drives, prolonging battery life on portable devices.
- Data security: Many SSDs offer built-in security features such as encryption and password protection, ensuring your files are kept safe.
Frequently Asked Questions about 11 Amazing SSD External Drive For 2023
Yes, most SSD external drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Just ensure the drive supports the respective file systems (NTFS for Windows and exFAT for both) to enable seamless cross-platform usage.
Absolutely! SSDs perform exceptionally well when running software or games, as they provide faster loading times and smoother operation. However, note that running certain demanding applications may require a direct connection (e.g., USB 3.0) and a computer with sufficient resources.
SSD external drives are known for their durability. On average, they can last for several years, depending on usage patterns and the quality of the drive. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s warranty and reviews to get an idea of their reliability.
Yes, SSD external drives are an excellent choice for backups due to their fast transfer speeds and reliability. They can efficiently handle large amounts of data, ensuring your backups are quick and secure.
Yes, certain gaming consoles support external SSD drives for storing games and expanding storage capacity. However, compatibility may vary, so it’s advisable to check your specific console’s requirements and recommendations.
