Any person who wants to enhance the storage and data transfer speed of their PC, an external solid-state drive will do the trick. What could be better than having a file open immediately with zero time to wait?
Even better, an SSD will help you load or open programs efficiently and quickly while gaming. Without a doubt, it is the best thing to own an external SSD. With that being said, you have a lot of famous options when it comes to finding affordable and high-end SSDs. Basically, all kinds of external SSDs have something useful to offer.
Here, we are going to dwell on all the most portable and reliable SSDs that offer mobility, capacity, and speed to make sure that you can keep your entire important files safe during travels.
Like any other of the greatest SSDs, you demand a capacious drive, so there won’t be any space issues when you want to back up your important data, like photographs, while receiving the thrilling benefits of speed with a solid-state drive.
So, when you want to purchase the best SSD, you might want to consider its storage space. For many people, 500GB sounds great, but if you want to store huge files, like photos, music, or uncompressed videos, then it is best to go for 1TB or something higher than that.
Other than that, you might also want to consider the kind of connection the best external SSD has. The best and modern SSDs have better connections like the Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 to carry on with.
Furthermore, there are a lot of amazing and best external SSDs available in the hardware market that will fit your needs. We have reviewed some of the most amazing and reliable SSDs that will surely enhance the way you store files. Let’s have a look at the Best External SSD 2021.
If you want a solid-state drive that is ideal for storing games, media, documents, and files, then you are definitely going to love the Samsung T5. It is pretty much the best choice for gamers, office workers, and students.
What’s more? It comes with a classical casing with rounded edges and is available in four amazing colors. In addition to this, it has a durable body that can withstand anything. It is 0.41 inches thick and weighs about 1.80 ounces. It is measured to be smaller than the typical business card size.
Furthermore, this special drive provides 500GB worth of storage, but you can also buy it in 2TB or higher range. Other than that, it offers USB 3.1 Gen2, which provides speed transfer up to 10GB per second.
It is compatible with the traditional USB 2.0 and 3.0, providing a read-write race of 540MB per second. This drive also comes with USB Type-C to A and USB Type-C to C cables; this lets you plug the SSD into any device you want easily.
The best part about this particular SSD is that it lets you manage data easily with its pre-installed software, which is greatly compatible with Max 0S X 10.9, Windows 7, or higher than that. Another thing, the T5 is packed with the AES 256-bit hardware encryption that keeps your data protected and safe.
You’ll be happy to know that this SSD comes with a 3-year warranty. It means that you don’t have to stress yourself about not damaging the drive because it can happen both unintentionally and accidentally.
You can buy the Samsung T5 from Amazon or from any hardware store.
Summary:
The Samsung T5 is regarded as one of the top best SSDs of all time. It is available in four hot colors, and it offers a stunning 500GB worth of storage space, but you can also get a higher one according to your needs. Other than that, it is very compact and portable, kind of like a business card. Many users have loved this solid-state drive, and they gave it the title of the best portable SSD ever.
The SanDisk Extreme might not be the most compact SSD available, but it is thin enough to slide into any one’s back pocket comfortably. It has a very sleek design, and it can be compared with one of the slimmest phones of all time.
When it comes to the features, this drive offers an IP55 score for dust and water resistance. It is on you to keep the drive safe and clear from anything that could cause lodging in the Type-C port and permanently stop you from connecting the drive to another device. In addition to this, you must also make sure that the drive is cleaned and dried completely before you tend to use it to get rid of any liquid submersion.
Furthermore, the drive is kind of shock-resistant because it has the ability to withstand 2m of a drop without causing major destruction.
Moreover, the SanDisk Extreme contains a USB 3.1 port, which is very useful when combined with Type-C cables. What’s more? The manufacturer lets you hit 550 MBps, and that’s a much higher number when you combine it with the Type-A adaptor.
This particular SSD offers a nice of data – 10Gbps; sadly, this limit is never reached because the physical port has some intrinsic limitations. Also, this SSD is available in the pre-formatted version, which makes it suitable for Mac and Windows right out of the box. You can even reformat it according to your requirements.
Furthermore, it has a unique design and style, which reflects a sense of modern sensation. When it comes to buying this piece of hardware, you can get it from anywhere you want, from an online store or from a hardware shop. The best choice is to buy it from Amazon because it always has the best discount offers.
Summary:
For the users who don’t demand terabytes of storage, there is one SSD available that will not only provide maximum performance but will also offer durability and relatively fast speed. The SanDisk Extreme SSD is truly one of the best external SSDs on the planet. It offers pure file transfer, and it is a much better portable device as compared to other similar models in the industry. Unfortunately, it is priced too high.
Western Digital has built a solid reputation among computer and laptop users throughout the years. It’s undoubtedly an innovative data storage brand that offers a wide variety of storage device options.
WD’s My Passport SSD 256GB is a tiny, well-rounded, and one of the fastest SSDs in the market with on-point performance and speed.
With a blazing-fast file transfer speed of up to 540 MB/s and cutting edge technology, the My Passport SSD is one of the best external SSDs available in the market, and we are about to reveal why.
The dual-textured, two-tone design is a mix of high-quality plastic and aluminum that feels rock-solid in the hands and can withstand drops from up to 6.5 feet. It’s a tiny, easy to carry drive which is 3.54 inches long, 1.77 inches wide, and the thickness is just 0.39 inch.
What’s cool about the SSD is that it’s ready to use out of the box and compatible with both Windows and Mac ecosystems.
At the performance end, the drive is handy enough for quick day to day data transfer. You can get a transfer rate of up to 540MB per second with no hiccups and 4x faster read and write times than an HDD.
For sensitive data protection, the SSD comes with AES 256-bit hardware encryption. The WD backup software helps you back up high-capacity data.
The Passport SSD has a USB Type-C port for its USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, but you can use the drive with any laptop or desktop because its reverse-compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0.
You get a USB cable with Type-C connections on both ends to plug it in directly to the latest model connector. But, if you have older machines, you can use the included adapter to connect the drive.
Pros
Super-compact, sturdy, and light.
Overall good performance.
Multi-device compatibility
Cons
Not the fastest, but speedy enough.
No LED indicator on the drive
Summary:
After extensive performance testing and usage, we can say that the drive is an excellent data storage solution. It’s compatible with USB 3.0 Type-A and USB 3.1 Type-C models, so you can use it to transfer data across older and newer machines.
Your data is always safe with the foolproof security and backup software that accompanies the package, hence the price is reasonable enough for all these amazing features.
If you are in search of an SSD that is not only feature-filled but also offers the highest speed? Well, look no further because you have reached the right SSD to buy in that case. As we all know, Samsung is a well-recognized company and has been providing products for decades now.
With that being said, the Samsung X5 is another demonstration of its amazing products. It contains a lot of new and improved features, and that makes it one of the most modern inventions of all.
When it comes to design, Samsung has focused on providing elegance and rugged quality to survive a number of drops. With the X5, Samsung took the element of design to a whole new level. Its design has been inspired by racecars, and that reflects a dynamic look, and the lateral and topsides are made from magnesium alloy, while the bottom is made from hard plastic.
Other than this, the metallic body is very fun and sweet to hold; it gently sits in your palm. When compared with the Samsung T5, it is relatively larger and longer.
When we tested this device, it did get heated up abruptly, yet still provide maximum speed.
The X5 is equipped with the same software as the Samsung T5, and its functions are almost the same as well. Also, you can set a password to the drive, as well.
Furthermore, this SSD is compatible with Android, Mac, and Windows. It has easy to understand the software and great features.
When it comes to the buying process of buying, you can either get it from an online store or from a hardware store. There is one benefit of buying it from an online store; you will receive plenty of amazing discount offers and deals.
Summary:
The Samsung X5 is considered to be one of the fastest SSDs ever. It is equipped with stunning features, and it has a nice user interface that is very easy to understand. There are no complications involved in the software; everything is easy to manage. In addition to this, it has the great build quality and comes with modern features. Unfortunately, it is not the most affordable SSD in the market.
The Seagate Fast SSD 250GB External solid-state drive is perfect for those who work in speedy environments and demand access to files immediately, such as videographers or photographers. This is an exceptionally fast drive that works higher than 540 Mbps.
The drive is 3.7 x 3.11 x 0.35 inches, which makes it portable and small. Other than that, it is shock-resistant and also very lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about getting it damaged. Also, it has the capability to organize your folders with the help of its folder-syncing technology. In addition to this, you have the right to designate your folder so that you can save your recently made changes.
This SSD comes with a lot of commendable features and add-ons; for example, it comes with a changeable USB-C so that connectivity is as easy as possible. Other than that, there is an included USB Type C and Type-A cable to provide sensible compatibility with other devices.
Here’s another amazing fact about this SSD, it offers a free two-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan, which makes this SSD ideal for videographers and photographers. However, according to some users, the drive is often damaged during shipping. But, you can’t blame Seagate for that.
Furthermore, when it comes to buying this piece of equipment, you can get it from anywhere you want. You can either shop online or get physically from a hardware store. There is one benefit of shopping online from Amazon, you can receive a lot of discount offers, and so have your pick.
Summary:
As the name implies, the Seagate Fast SSD 250GB SSD is the king of speed. This SSD is perfect for the immediate and frequent transfer of images. It is compact and small and best for those who love creating videos and photography. But, some users have complained about the device being damaged due to poor shipping. Despite that, it is a good quality SSD with loads of useful features.
Pros
Shock-resistant
Lightweight
Folder-syncing across devices
Free two-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan
It is very difficult to find an external solid-state drive that offers performance as well as speed, but thanks to ADATA, it is possible to find an SSD in that category. ADATA is a well-recognized company in the hardware industry, and it has been serving the industry for quite a long time. Just recently, ADATA released the SD600Q, which blew everyone’s minds.
This SSD is available in three beautiful colors, and the drive is measured to be at 3.1” x 3.1” x 0.6” and weighs about 2.08 ounces, and that makes it the ideal SSD to use immediately because it fits into your bag or pocket easily.
When we talk about the interior, it is covered in a shock-resistant and protective silicone casing. Furthermore, don’t worry about getting the drive damaged due to accidental droppings because this SSD has the ability to withstand drops up to 1.22 meters high, and what’s more? It is equipped with military-grade A protection.
Furthermore, this SSD contains hot-swapping, which means you can easily unplug the device without having to power down the host device. Other than that, it can also be used with Android, Windows, and Mac.
When it comes to connectivity, it is featured with the USB 3.1 interface and suitable with the USB-A connection. In addition to this, the ADATA SD600Q can provide read-write speeds at the rate of 440GB per second.
Another amazing feature of this particular SSD is that it is equipped with the most commendable 3D NAND flash, and this makes the memory cells in-tact. As a result, you are left with extra storage.
The process of buying this SSD is very easy; you can either shop online or visit a hardware store and make your choice.
Summary:
The ADATA SD600Q External SSD is one of the most highly praised drives in the entire SSD market. It is featured with 3D NAND flash inside, and it is equipped with a military-grade security silicone case that enhances its storage capabilities. However, the only drawback to it is that it is very expensive, but you can’t blame the price because the features of the ADATA SD600Q are exceptional. Other than that, it is compatible with Mac and Android devices, as well.
If you are in search of something small and something really efficient, then look no further because this review has it all. TOROSUS has been in the hardware industry for a long time, and it has provided us with a lot of exceptional products. With that being said, the TOROSUS 250GB External solid-state drive is one of the TOROSUS’s greatest works.
The TOROSUS 250GB External Solid State Drive is perfect for storing documents, videos, and pictures. It is measured to be at 66mm x 36mm x 9mm, and that makes it perfectly portable and compact for a lot of users. Without any difficulty, you can store the drive into our bag or pocket, and just head out for work. Other than that, the TOROSUS SSD provides 250GB worth of storage combined with NAND flash. However, you can also buy it with a higher level of storage, such as 500GB.
Furthermore, this SSD is both vibration and shock-resistant, so don’t be baffled by its small size; it is as strong as its competitors. What’s more? This SSD has the ability to ventilate and dissipate heat. Another great thing about it is that it offers a three-year warranty, so just sit back and relax.
With the SSD, you will receive a stunning transfer of data immediately, and the read-write speed feature of 368MB will drive you nuts. In addition to this, you can use this drive with Mac and Windows, plus it is equipped with a Type-C interface and USB 3.0 port.
When it comes to buying this SSD, you can purchase it from anywhere you want. You can either buy it from a hardware store, or you can purchase it online from Amazon. The best thing about purchasing these products online is that you will receive great discounts with them.
Summary:
The TOROSUS 250GB is an extremely small-sized SSD that works in a very efficient manner. While being very compact, it is also quite durable and high in performance with its 368MB read-write speed per second abilities. Some might consider it is too small a good thing, while others might consider it to be disturbing. But, on the plus side, it is a perfect drive for storing large-sized files. So, don’t be fooled by its size. It is equally as large as compared to other SSDs.
When it comes to netting extra-fast storage for your Mac or PC, a portable, trendy, and rugged external solid-state drive is essential. Although ADATA is not as big as Samsung, it still has its kicks. The ADATA SE730H is one of a kind piece of equipment that offers a lot of benefits to its potential users.
It is featured with USB-C to C data transfer with 10Gbps of support over a USB 3.1 Gen2 port. It is perfectly sized, water-resistant, and the best of all, it is the fasted SSD in this entire list of best external SSDs. Other than that, you will receive an ideal amount of storage space. Also, it is priced just right, not too high and not too low.
The most amazing part about this particular SSD is that it is equipped with a red metal finish that feels premium and weighs very less. Also, it is available in gold as well. It is small enough to fit anywhere you want it to.
By uncapping the left side of the SSD, a USB Type-C port will be revealed, and it is positioned right next to the activity light. The front of the drive is equipped with the logo “ADATA,” and “SSD” is written on it as well in beautiful calligraphy.
Furthermore, this SSD can be the best competitor to the Samsung T5, because it is almost better than it in every way.
As far as the process of buying is a concern, you can get it from anywhere you want, either offline or online. Buying from a hardware store can sometimes rattle you, but online shopping is always easy and convenient. So, make sure to shop from Amazon and enlighten yourself with the best possible sales and discount offers.
Summary:
The ADATA SE730H is a compact, yet chic kind of external SSD that delivers fast transfer of data and uses the USB Type-C interface to impress its users. With its metal body, you can dunk it anywhere you want and still have the drive back in your hands without a scratch on it. Other than that, it is a good looking SSD with loads of features and kicks.
A solid-state drive can change the way you transfer files in so many great ways. There are so many reasons why you should get one for yourself and make a big change in your digital life by making it a lot easier, faster, ease of installation, low energy consumption, and flexible storage.
With an SSD, you don’t have to worry about waiting around until your files are transferred, everything can be done within the blink of an eye. In clearer words, you can be able to increase your productivity with the help of an external solid-state drive.
There are different types of SSDs available for your preferred needs. If you are a photographer, you may want to consider a drive that has the ability to handle excessive resolution.
On the other hand, if you are the type of person who works in an office and demands to store and transfer essential documents and files, then you might want to go with something a little more basic.
The amazing choice for you is the Samsung T5 portable SSD because it offers a lot of value, and it is compatible with Mac, Android, and Windows. In addition to this, it offers 500GB worth of storage and 540MB read-write speeds per second.
Other than that, you can also have your pick with the rest of our reviewed SSDs. All of them offer great features and are durable as well.
I have been fond of computer technology for a long time, ever since childhood, and was always meddling with various hardware and software. With graduation in computer engineering from a recognized university like NUST was a dream come true and enabled me to pursue my dreams in swift ways. Currently, I am working for various websites as a hardware reviewer and content writer.
ProTechReviewer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.