The Best External SSDs for a Laptop

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.

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.

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.

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 reads at up to 1050MB/s and carries an IP55 rating with drop resistance to 2 meters. It connects over USB-C or USB-A to PCs, Macs, PS5 and Xbox. 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.

It is the budget model below the Extreme. It reads at up to 1000MB/s, about five times a portable hard drive. With no moving parts it is drop-rated to 2 meters, and it is slim enough for a pocket.

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.