The Best Portable External SSD

It is the cheapest SSD here. It reads at up to 1,050MB/s over a 10Gbps USB-C link, fast enough for moving large project folders. Expect about 465GB to show in Windows, which is normal for a 500GB drive.

SLC caching keeps large transfers fast, and S.M.A.R.T. and TRIM support help it last. It reads at up to 1050MB/s and writes at up to 1000MB/s over 10Gbps USB. S.M.A.R.T. health reporting and TRIM help keep write speeds consistent over time.

It matches the WD_Black P50 500GB on capacity (0.5TB). It matches the X9 2TB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You also get an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the GARMESE was the next step up.

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 Crucial X9 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it leads this guide at 2,000MB/s, ahead of the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s).

It also comes with 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. It was priced above the SSK 500GB and below the Crucial X9 1TB at the time of writing.

On the spec sheet, it is rated for 1TB. It matches the GARMESE on capacity (1TB). On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper GARMESE and the pricier WD_Black P50 500GB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its rated read speed; if that figure matters, the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.

On the spec sheet, it is rated for 0.5TB. It matches the SSK 500GB on capacity (0.5TB). A USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the X9 2TB uses a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection.

Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. Its price falls between the Crucial X9 1TB and the X9 2TB, based on our last check. If capacity is your priority, the X9 2TB (2TB) is the stronger choice.

It has room for a larger game library. It is rated IP55 for water and dust and survives drops of up to 7.5 feet, so it can travel in a camera bag. It works with consoles as well as Windows, Mac and iPad Pro.

It reads at up to 1050MB/s and carries an IP55 water and dust rating with drop resistance to 2 meters. It works with Windows, Mac, PS5 and Xbox over USB-C or USB-A. Nothing else here matches its 2TB capacity; the GARMESE comes closest at 1TB.

It matches the SSK 500GB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). A USB-C (USB 3.2) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the WD_Black P50 500GB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the WD_Black P50 500GB.