Buying Guide
The Best External SSD for Gaming
Five external drives compared, from the GARMESE to the Rugged SSD4, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
An external SSD holds a game library for a PC or console and loads faster than a hard drive. These are ordered by listed read speed.
Our comparison rests on published figures for drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Rated Read Speed
LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TBThe fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Check price for LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB2,000MB/s rated writes.
Best for: Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Strong Alternative
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB2,000MB/s rated writes.
Best for: Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TBAn IP65 rating.
Best for: Buyers who want IP65 rating.
Check price for Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
GARMESE 1TB External SSDThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money.
Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 2,000MB/s rated writes. | Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes. | Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 2,000MB/s rated writes. | Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes. | Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An IP65 rating. | Buyers who want IP65 rating. | Check price for Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money. | Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Read Speed1 of 5
LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TB
LaCie's Rugged SSD4 uses a 40Gbps USB connection and offers 4,000MB/s reads and 3,800MB/s writes, the fastest figures here.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the GARMESE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the only 1TB drive in this guide, and it needs a USB4 or Thunderbolt port to reach those speeds. It reads at up to 4,000MB/s over USB 40Gbps and Thunderbolt, and it is IP54-rated with 3-metre drop and 1-ton crush resistance. It suits fieldwork with large video files.
It matches the X10 Pro and the GARMESE on capacity (1TB). Its 4,000MB/s rated read speed is the fastest here; the X10 Pro comes next at 2,100MB/s. It also offers compatibility with Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 as well as 5-20Gbps USB and a three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the X10 2TB.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 4,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 compatible)
- Durability claim
- IP54, drops up to 3m, 1-ton pressure
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 4,000MB/s
- 3,800MB/s rated writes
- Compatibility with Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 as well as 5-20Gbps USB
- Three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB
Crucial's X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s reads and 2,000MB/s writes with IP55 protection and a lanyard loop.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the GARMESE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits creators with a 20Gbps port. It reads at up to 2,100MB/s and writes at 2,000MB/s, and it is rated IP55 with 7.5-foot drop resistance. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port.
It matches the Rugged SSD4 and the GARMESE on capacity (1TB). It also comes with Acronis True Image and Mylio Photos+ trials. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing. Its price falls between the GARMESE and the X10 Pro 2TB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,100MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim
- IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- 2,000MB/s rated writes
- Lanyard loop and activity light
- Acronis True Image and Mylio Photos+ trials
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB
Crucial's X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s reads and 2,000MB/s writes, so large exports copy back nearly as fast as they read.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the GARMESE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It adds IP55 water and dust resistance, a 7.5ft drop rating and password protection built into the drive. It reads at up to 2,100MB/s and is rated IP55 with 7.5-foot drop resistance. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port.
You get an SSD password protection security here, which sets it apart from the GARMESE and its a none stated security. It also comes with a lanyard loop and activity light and three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image. Another plus: capacity of 2TB, ahead of the Rugged SSD4. When we checked, only the X10 Pro and cheaper picks cost less, and the X10 2TB cost more.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Max read speed
- 2,100MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 (USB-C, USB-A supported)
- Durability claim
- IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security
- SSD password protection
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- 2,000MB/s rated writes
- Lanyard loop and activity light
- Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB
The X10 offers 2,100MB/s reads with an IP65 rating and 9.8ft drop resistance.
Best for
- Buyers who want IP65 rating.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the GARMESE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Crucial names PS4, PS5 and Xbox support. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port. Registering it adds three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image backup software.
Its matte blue shell is compact enough for a pocket. It matches the X10 Pro 2TB on capacity (2TB). Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing. Its price falls between the X10 Pro 2TB and the Rugged SSD4, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Max read speed
- 2,100MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim
- IP65, drops up to 9.8ft
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- IP65 rating
- Drop resistance up to 9.8ft
- PS4, PS5 and Xbox compatibility in the listing
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
GARMESE's SSD offers 2,000MB/s reads in a 33g body with a keychain hole.
Best for
- Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2TB.
Why we like it
A USB-A adapter is included. It reads at up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which is twice a standard 10Gbps drive. Full speed needs a 20Gbps port.
It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for reads up to 2000MB/s and writes up to 1800MB/s, which needs a 20Gbps port. On capacity it ties with the Rugged SSD4 and the X10 Pro at 1TB. On rated read speed it trails the group at 2,000MB/s, while the Rugged SSD4 offers 4,000MB/s.
It also offers 1,800MB/s rated writes. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the X10 Pro was closest.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter)
- Durability claim
- Shock resistant
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- 33g body with a keychain hole
- 1,800MB/s rated writes
- Included USB-A adapter
Cons
- Capacity trails the X10 Pro 2TB (2TB)
- Rated read speed trails the Rugged SSD4 (4,000MB/s)
The catch
Capacity is its weakest area, and the X10 Pro 2TB covers it better at 2TB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Rugged SSD4 to the GARMESE, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed.
- Who each pick suits
- The Rugged SSD4 for the fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s); the X10 Pro for 2,000MB/s rated writes; the X10 Pro 2TB for 2,000MB/s rated writes.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GARMESE ($150 to $250) to the Rugged SSD4 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an External SSD for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much capacity you need
Across these 5 picks capacity spans 1TB (the GARMESE) to 2TB (the X10 Pro 2TB). The X10 Pro 2TB is the pick for capacity.
Rated read speed across these picks
Here rated read speed runs from 2,000MB/s on the GARMESE to 4,000MB/s on the Rugged SSD4, a 100% spread. The X10 Pro comes second at 2,100MB/s, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Rugged SSD4.
An M.2 2280 SSD held in a hand Features beyond the spec table
The X10 Pro: a lanyard loop and activity light. The X10 2TB: drop resistance up to 9.8ft. The GARMESE: 1,800MB/s rated writes.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the GARMESE and the X10 Pro; $250 to $500 buys the X10 Pro 2TB, the X10 2TB and the Rugged SSD4 at our last check.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who put rated read speed first: the Rugged SSD4. Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money: the GARMESE.
How to Choose an External SSD for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | Rugged SSD4 | The fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s) |
| Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes | X10 Pro | 2,000MB/s rated writes |
| Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes | X10 Pro 2TB | 2,000MB/s rated writes |
| Buyers who want IP65 rating | X10 2TB | An IP65 rating |
| Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money | GARMESE | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The X10 Pro 2TB leads on capacity at 2TB, ahead of the X10 2TB at 2TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rugged SSD4 | SSD | 1TB | 4,000MB/s | USB 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 compatible) |
| X10 Pro | SSD | 1TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
| X10 Pro 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 (USB-C, USB-A supported) |
| X10 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
| GARMESE | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GARMESE, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Rugged SSD4 at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | GARMESE, X10 Pro |
| About $250 to $500 | X10 Pro 2TB, X10 2TB, Rugged SSD4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rugged SSD4 ahead of the X10 Pro on rated read speed?
The Rugged SSD4 leads at 4,000MB/s, with the X10 Pro at 2,100MB/s. The GARMESE is at the other end of this group with 2,000MB/s.
Is the Rugged SSD4 worth paying more than the GARMESE?
On paper it adds rated read speed (4,000MB/s against 2,000MB/s). The GARMESE sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Rugged SSD4 in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated read speed decides your purchase.
What makes the Rugged SSD4 the Fastest Rated Read Speed?
The label rests on the fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s). The X10 Pro is next on rated read speed at 2,100MB/s, so this pick's 4,000MB/s is 90% further out. The GARMESE, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts rated read speed first.
Do the Rugged SSD4 and the X10 Pro 2TB differ on security?
The Rugged SSD4, the X10 Pro, the X10 2TB and the GARMESE use None stated; the X10 Pro 2TB uses SSD password protection.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Rugged SSD4 and the X10 Pro apart?
The Rugged SSD4: 3,800MB/s rated writes. The X10 Pro: 2,000MB/s rated writes. The X10 Pro 2TB: 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Rugged SSD4, chosen for the fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s). Look at the X10 Pro for 2,000MB/s rated writes, the X10 Pro 2TB for 2,000MB/s rated writes and the X10 2TB for an IP65 rating if those matter more to you.
Consoles may limit which games run from external storage; check your console's rules.
Related Guides
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- Lower budgetThe Best Budget External SSDs
- Similar guideThe Best External SSD for Mac
- ExplainerPortable SSD vs external hard drive: which one for backups, games and carrying files
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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