Buying Guide
The Best External SSDs for a Laptop
For a laptop, a 10Gbps SSD is the sweet spot: fast enough for any USB-C port and small enough to carry.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Most laptops have USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports at best, so a 1,050MB/s SSD runs at full speed without paying for 20Gbps drives. Every pick here is in that class.
We compared speed, weight, encryption and drop claims from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for Most Laptops
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
1,050MB/s in an aluminum body.
Best for: Everyday laptop storage
Our take Check price for Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Encrypted SSD
WD My Passport SSD 2TB
Password with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
Best for: Work files
Our take Check price for WD My Passport SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Lightest SSD
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB
42g and 10.5mm thin.
Best for: Travel
Our take Check price for Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Weather Resistance
Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB
IP55 with 7.5ft drop resistance.
Best for: Outdoor use
Our take Check price for Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget SSD
SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB
Lowest price tier among 1TB SSDs here.
Best for: Tight budgets
Our take Check price for SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,050MB/s in an aluminum body. | Everyday laptop storage | Check price for Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Password with 256-bit AES hardware encryption. | Work files | Check price for WD My Passport SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 42g and 10.5mm thin. | Travel | Check price for Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| IP55 with 7.5ft drop resistance. | Outdoor use | Check price for Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Lowest price tier among 1TB SSDs here. | Tight budgets | Check price for SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best for Most Laptops1 of 5
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's T7 puts a PCIe NVMe SSD in an aluminum shell rated for 6ft drops, with 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Everyday laptop storage
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SanDisk Portable cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is small enough for a pocket. It matches the Lexar ES3, the X9 1TB and the SanDisk Portable on capacity (1TB). It matches the My Passport SSD, the Lexar ES3 and the X9 1TB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s).
It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection with the Lexar ES3; the SanDisk Portable goes with a USB-C connection. It is the only pick here with a drops up to 6ft durability claim; the My Passport SSD has a drops up to 6.5ft durability claim instead. It also comes with direct 4K60 video recording from supported cameras and phones and drop protection up to 6ft. Its price falls between the Lexar ES3 and the My Passport SSD, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: Drops up to 6ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Aluminum unibody
- Direct 4K60 video recording from supported cameras and phones
- Drop protection up to 6ft
- Rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, ahead of the SanDisk Portable
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable at the time of writing
Best Encrypted SSD2 of 5
WD My Passport SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WD's My Passport SSD pairs 1,050MB/s reads with password-protected hardware encryption.
Best for
- Work files
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SanDisk Portable, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is rated for 6.5ft drops. It connects over USB-C and includes a USB-A path for older machines. It uses NVMe inside, which is why it reaches 1,050MB/s over USB.
Its 2TB capacity is the largest here; the T7 1TB comes next at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the T7 1TB, the Lexar ES3 and the X9 1TB at 1,050MB/s. A drops up to 6.5ft durability claim is unique to it among these picks, while the SanDisk Portable uses a drops up to 2m durability claim.
You also get drop resistance up to 6.5ft and a USB-A adapter for older systems. Only the T7 1TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter)
- Durability claim: Drops up to 6.5ft
- Security: Password, 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Pros
- Hardware encryption with a password
- Drop resistance up to 6.5ft
- USB-A adapter for older systems
- Largest capacity of the picks (2TB)
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable at the time of writing
Lightest SSD3 of 5
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lexar's ES3 weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thin, with 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Travel
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SanDisk Portable cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
DataShield software adds 256-bit AES encryption. It weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thick, and it works with iPhone 17, Android, cameras and consoles. On capacity it ties with the T7 1TB, the X9 1TB and the SanDisk Portable at 1TB.
On rated read speed it ties with the T7 1TB, the My Passport SSD and the X9 1TB at 1,050MB/s. Like the T7 1TB, it has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection, while the X9 1TB uses a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection. You also get a 42g weight. It was priced above the X9 1TB and below the T7 1TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: 256-bit AES software encryption
Pros
- 42g weight
- 10.5mm-thin body
- DataShield encryption software
- Rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, ahead of the SanDisk Portable
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable at the time of writing
Best Weather Resistance4 of 5
Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Crucial's X9 offers 1,050MB/s, IP55 dust and water resistance and 7.5ft drop resistance.
Best for
- Outdoor use
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SanDisk Portable was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Crucial pitches it for casual gamers and everyday use. It works with consoles, iPad Pro and Android. Registering it adds three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image backup software.
It matches the T7 1TB, the Lexar ES3 and the SanDisk Portable on capacity (1TB). It matches the T7 1TB, the My Passport SSD and the Lexar ES3 on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You get a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection here, which sets it apart from the SanDisk Portable and its a USB-C connection. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper SanDisk Portable and the pricier Lexar ES3, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB-C (USB 3.2)
- Durability claim: IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- IP55 rating
- Drop resistance up to 7.5ft
- Design aimed at casual gamers and everyday use
- Rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, ahead of the SanDisk Portable
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable at the time of writing
Best Budget SSD5 of 5
SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SanDisk's plain Portable SSD offers 1,000MB/s reads and 2m drop protection in a slim body.
Best for
- Tight budgets
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the My Passport SSD offers 2TB.
Why we like it
It is the budget model below the Extreme. On capacity it ties with the T7 1TB, the Lexar ES3 and the X9 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it trails the group at 1,000MB/s, while the T7 1TB offers 1,050MB/s.
No other pick in this guide offers a USB-C connection; compare the X9 1TB, which has a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection. You get a drops up to 2m durability claim here, which sets it apart from the My Passport SSD and its a drops up to 6.5ft durability claim. You also get driver-free USB-C setup.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the X9 1TB was closest. Capacity is its weakest area, and the My Passport SSD covers it better at 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,000MB/s
- Connection: USB-C
- Durability claim: Drops up to 2m
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Drop protection up to 2m
- Driver-free USB-C setup
- Slim pocket body
- USB-C connection, the only one here
Cons
- Capacity trails the My Passport SSD (2TB)
- Rated read speed trails the T7 1TB (1,050MB/s)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Durability
- We noted listed drop, water and dust claims.
- Drive type and speed
- We recorded whether each drive is an SSD or hard drive and its read speed.
- Security and extras
- We checked for password protection, encryption and backup software.
- Connection
- We checked the USB standard and connector each maker names.
What to Look for in an External SSD for a Laptop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the port
A 1,050MB/s SSD needs USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps); a 2,000MB/s SSD needs Gen 2x2 (20Gbps), which few laptops and no Macs offer. On a slower port the drive simply runs at the port's speed.
SSD or hard drive
A portable hard drive gives the most terabytes per dollar and suits backups. A portable SSD is several times faster, lighter and more tolerant of drops, which suits working files and games.
Password and encryption
Hardware encryption with a password protects a drive that could be lost. Software-only encryption depends on an app being available on each computer.
Drop and water ratings
IP ratings and drop heights are manufacturer claims. They matter for drives that travel in bags; a drive that stays on a desk needs less.
Size for what you store
1TB suits documents and a few games. 2TB or more suits photo libraries, video and large game libraries. Hard drives reach larger sizes for the money.
Mac and Windows formatting
Many drives ship formatted for Windows. On a Mac, reformat to APFS for Time Machine, or exFAT to share the drive with a Windows PC.
How to Choose an External SSD for a Laptop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday laptop storage | T7 1TB | 1,050MB/s in an aluminum body |
| Work files | My Passport SSD | Password with 256-bit AES hardware encryption |
| Travel | Lexar ES3 | 42g and 10.5mm thin |
| Outdoor use | X9 1TB | IP55 with 7.5ft drop resistance |
| Tight budgets | SanDisk Portable | Lowest price tier among 1TB SSDs here |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T7 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
| My Passport SSD | SSD | 2TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter) |
| Lexar ES3 | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
| X9 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB-C (USB 3.2) |
| SanDisk Portable | SSD | 1TB | 1,000MB/s | USB-C |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | SanDisk Portable, X9 1TB, Lexar ES3, T7 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | My Passport SSD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cable matter?
Yes. Use the included cable or one rated for the drive's speed; a charging-only or USB 2.0 cable limits transfers.
How long do portable drives last?
It depends on use and handling. Check the warranty length as a signal of the maker's confidence, and replace a drive that reports errors.
Is a portable SSD good for backups?
It works, but a hard drive gives more capacity per dollar for backups. Keep a second copy somewhere else for anything irreplaceable.
Why does my 1TB drive show less space?
Drive makers count 1TB as one trillion bytes; Windows counts in binary units, so it shows about 931GB. No space is missing.
Will these work with PS5 or Xbox?
Consoles can store and play older-generation games from USB drives. Current-generation games usually must run from internal storage; check the console's own rules.
Can I run PC games from an external SSD?
Yes. Launchers such as Steam can add a library folder on an external drive. Load times depend on the drive and port; an SSD on a 10Gbps port is far quicker than a hard drive.
Bottom Line
The Samsung T7 is the default pick. The WD My Passport SSD adds hardware encryption, the Lexar ES3 is the lightest, the Crucial X9 adds IP55 protection, and the SanDisk Portable costs least.