Do you need more space on your Mac or PC to store all of the music, movies, pictures, and videos that you are accumulating from your phone? An external hard drive was the traditional answer, but a portable solid-state drive (SSD) is a more efficient and modern substitute.
SSDs were once thought to be unaffordable, but in recent years, their costs have drastically decreased. External SSDs are now more durable and can operate at rates up to ten times quicker than portable hard drives. They are small and powered by USB. SSDs lack the metal platters and moving read/write heads seen in conventional hard drives. Due to their lack of moving components, mobile SSDs are more durable than ruggedized hard drives and are smaller, thinner, and more able to withstand drops and frequent travel.
Also Read | Samsung Officially Introduced SSD 990 EVO, a Power Efficient Solid State Drives
Top 5 Best External SSDs 2024
Let’s check the most current SSD reviews as per your needs. In-Depth Exploration: Our Highly Tested Selections
1. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
The Ultimate Choice for External SSD Excellence. With a Thunderbolt 3 interface and a Seagate FireCuda NVMe solid-state drive, a silicone-wrapped metal casing protects the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro. It has an amazing IP67 ruggedness rating, is dust-tight, and can withstand submerging in shallow water for 30 minutes without closing the Thunderbolt 3 connection.
Though more expensive per GB than competitors such as the ADATA SE800 and general-purpose portable SSDs, the device’sdevice’s remarkable speed and robustness make it a niche option that is perfect for videographers using MacBook computers with Thunderbolt ports when they are on the go. Though it has a short connection, it supports USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports and has a five-year warranty.
Pros:
- Boasts a durable non-slip coating and weather-resistant design
- Demonstrates competitive Thunderbolt 3 performance
- Includes a 5-year warranty with data recovery services
- Compatible with USB-C devices
Cons:
- Features a small SLC write cache
- Considered very expensive
- Lacks 256-bit AES hardware encryption
2. Crucial X9 Pro
The Crucial X9 Pro, a potent external SSD with a compact design, impressed in benchmarks with capacities up to 4TB. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface ensures broad compatibility, while basic rugged features and 256-bit AES encryption protect on the go.
It’s highly portable, competitively priced, and ideal for travelers seeking a fast, moderately rugged, secure solution. Notable attributes include its lightweight build, commendable PCMark 10 scores, IP55-rated dust/water resistance, drop-proof up to 7.5 feet, and robust hardware-based encryption. Despite a short USB-C cable and lacking USB-C-to-A options, the X9 Pro remains a reliable and efficient external SSD, backed by a five-year warranty.
Pros:
- Remarkably small form factor
- Impressive 10Gbps performance
- Handsome design
Cons:
- Not the most affordable option for a 10Gbps SSD
3. Samsung Portable SSD T9
A high-performance external drive with capacities of up to 4TB and compatibility for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface for lightning-fast speeds is the Samsung Portable SSD T9. It performs exceptionally fast with a Thunderbolt 3/USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection on a MacBook Pro or a suitable Windows computer connector.
Its improved Samsung Magician software suite and AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption make it’sit perfect for creative and power users. The T9 is a powerful option for fast file access and backups, even if it is more expensive and could require an extension card for optimal Gen 2×2 speeds.
Pros:
- Offers exceptional speed over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) connections
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
- Supports 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
- Certified drop-proof
- Includes useful Samsung Magician software
Cons:
- Considered a bit pricey
- May require an expansion card to achieve Gen 2×2 speeds
4. Largest Portable SSD
Find the best portable SSDs to meet your storage requirements. With fingerprint security and lightning-fast 2TB storage, the Samsung T7 Touch provides better protection. The SanDisk Extreme Pro offers outstanding 4TB space and pocket-sized power for creatives on the run. Accept the Seagate Fast SSD, which boasts a big 8TB storage and fast transfers in a small package.
The massive 8TB storage the WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive provides ensures an immersive gaming experience for game lovers. For a stylish 2TB package with USB-C for easy connectivity, go with the Crucial X8. Utilize the enormous storage capacity of these state-of-the-art portable SSDs.
PROS:
- Tiny size for portability
- Durable construction ensuring longevity
- Excellent performance across tasks
- Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption for enhanced security
- Available in capacities up to 2TB
- Strong USB 3.2 Gen 2 Performance
- Serves as a cheaper alternative to the T7 Touch
CONS:
- Requires USB 3.2 for maximum performance
- Only includes short cables
- Lacks DRAM cache
- Comes with a 3-year warranty instead of longer coverage
- Does not have an IP rating for water and dust resistance
5. WD My Passport
The WD My Passport external hard drive offers excellent options with capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, making it a reliable choice for those seeking ample storage space. Despite the slightly dated Micro USB connection and a tendency to slide on desks, it stands out with a competitive price point, a robust AES 256-bit hardware encryption feature, and a solid software suite.
Backed by a generous 3-year warranty, the My Passport series is cost-effective and ensures your data’s safety with password protection, making it a dependable solution for your external storage needs.
PROS:
- Excellent cost per gigabyte ratio
- Available in vivid color options
- Supports 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Large storage capacity
- Back up software works seamlessly and effectively
- Eye-catching design
CONS:
- Slower than average performance with large files
- Lacks cloud storage options
- Does not include USB-C connectivity
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