Buying Guide
The Best Portable SSD Drives
The fastest portable SSDs need a 20Gbps port. Here is when that matters and which drives to pick.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Portable SSDs now come in two speed classes: 10Gbps drives around 1,050MB/s and 20Gbps drives around 2,000MB/s. The faster class only pays off on a desktop with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port.
We compared speed, port, durability and size across both classes.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Fast Rugged SSD
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (2000MB/s)2,000MB/s with IP65 and 3m drops.
Best for: Fast transfers on the move
Check price for SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (2000MB/s) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Long Transfers
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TBSustained 2,000MB/s with a thermal design.
Best for: Video projects
Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Listed Writes
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB2,000MB/s writes and 2,100MB/s reads.
Best for: Creators
Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 20Gbps
GARMESE 1TB External SSD2,000MB/s in a 33g body.
Best for: Speed on a budget
Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 10Gbps Pick
Seagate One Touch SSD 1TB1,030MB/s with a three-year warranty.
Best for: Laptops without 20Gbps
Check price for Seagate One Touch SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest SSD
SSK Portable SSD 500GBLowest price tier with both cables.
Best for: Small file sets
Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Fast Rugged SSD1 of 6
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (2000MB/s)
SanDisk's newer Extreme doubles the old model's speed to 2,000MB/s and keeps the IP65 rating and 3m drop protection.
Best for
- Fast transfers on the move
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SSK 500GB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It needs a 20Gbps port to reach that speed. On capacity it ties with the T9, the X10 Pro, the GARMESE and the One Touch SSD at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the T9 and the GARMESE at 2,000MB/s.
Like the One Touch SSD, it has a USB-C connection, while the T9 uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection. It also offers a pocket-sized body. Another plus: capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB. Only the T9 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB-C
- Durability claim
- IP65, drops up to 3m
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- IP65 rating
- Drop protection up to 3m
- Pocket-sized body
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Best for Long Transfers2 of 6
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
Samsung's T9 rates sustained reads and writes up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Best for
- Video projects
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SSK 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It includes a thermal design for long transfers. The Magician software adds encryption and drive-health monitoring, and Samsung lists iPhone 15 Pro 4K60 video support with the included cable recommended. On capacity it ties with the SanDisk Extreme 2000, the X10 Pro, the GARMESE and the One Touch SSD at 1TB.
On rated read speed it ties with the SanDisk Extreme 2000 and the GARMESE at 2,000MB/s. Like the X10 Pro, it has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection, while the SanDisk Extreme 2000 uses a USB-C connection. It also offers a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution.
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 X10 Pro and below the SanDisk Extreme 2000 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Encryption via Magician software
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution
- Magician software for firmware and health checks
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Fastest Listed Writes3 of 6
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
- Creators
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SSK 500GB 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.
On capacity it ties with the SanDisk Extreme 2000, the T9, the GARMESE and the One Touch SSD at 1TB. Nothing else here matches its 2,100MB/s rated read speed; the SanDisk Extreme 2000 comes closest at 2,000MB/s. Like the T9, it has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection, while the SanDisk Extreme 2000 uses a USB-C connection.
You also get 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. When we checked, only the One Touch SSD and cheaper picks cost less, and the T9 cost more.
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 SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Best Budget 20Gbps4 of 6
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
GARMESE's SSD offers 2,000MB/s reads in a 33g body with a keychain hole.
Best for
- Speed on a budget
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SSK 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
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. It matches the SanDisk Extreme 2000, the T9, the X10 Pro and the One Touch SSD on capacity (1TB). It matches the SanDisk Extreme 2000 and the T9 on rated read speed (2,000MB/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. Its price falls between the SSK 500GB and the One Touch SSD, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Best 10Gbps Pick5 of 6
Seagate One Touch SSD 1TB
The One Touch SSD offers 1,030MB/s in a light textile case, with a three-year warranty and Rescue data recovery.
Best for
- Laptops without 20Gbps
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s.
Why we like it
It is Seagate's fastest drive here. Its textile-covered shell is light enough for a commute, and a Mylio Photos+ subscription is included for organising photos. It connects over USB.
It includes a three-year limited warranty with Rescue Data Recovery Services, plus a Dropbox Backup trial. It matches the SanDisk Extreme 2000, the T9, the X10 Pro and the GARMESE on capacity (1TB). Its 1,030MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the X10 Pro leads at 2,100MB/s.
It shares a USB-C connection with the SanDisk Extreme 2000; the X10 Pro goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection. It also comes with a lightweight textile design. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper GARMESE and the pricier X10 Pro, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 1,030MB/s
- Connection
- USB-C
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Lightweight textile design
- Three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery
- Six-month Mylio Photos+ subscription
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the X10 Pro (2,100MB/s)
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is rated read speed; for more, the X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s.
Cheapest SSD6 of 6
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
SSK's 500GB SSD ships with both USB-C and USB-A cables and offers 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Small file sets
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the SanDisk Extreme 2000 offers 1TB.
Why we like it
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.
On capacity it trails the group at 0.5TB, while the SanDisk Extreme 2000 is rated for 1TB. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 1,050MB/s: the X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s, and the One Touch SSD comes in at 1,030MB/s. You also get an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the GARMESE the next step up.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 0.5TB
- Max read speed
- 1,050MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A cables)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Both USB-C and USB-A cables
- Activity LED
- SLC cache for steady transfers
- Rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, ahead of the One Touch SSD
Cons
- Capacity trails the SanDisk Extreme 2000 (1TB)
The catch
It gives ground on capacity, where the SanDisk Extreme 2000 is rated for 1TB.
How We Chose These Portable SSD Drives
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 six drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while durability claim has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the SanDisk Extreme 2000 to the SSK 500GB, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The T9, the One Touch SSD and the SSK 500GB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SSK 500GB ($50 to $100) to the SanDisk Extreme 2000 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Portable SSD Drive
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity across these picks
Across these 6 picks capacity spans 0.5TB (the SSK 500GB) to 1TB (the SanDisk Extreme 2000). The T9 comes second at 1TB, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the SanDisk Extreme 2000.
How much rated read speed you need
The X10 Pro tops rated read speed at 2,100MB/s and the One Touch SSD sits lowest at 1,030MB/s. The X10 Pro is the pick for rated read speed.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure Extras that separate them
The GARMESE: 1,800MB/s rated writes. The One Touch SSD: a three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery. The SSK 500GB: an activity LED.
How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the SSK 500GB; $150 to $250 buys the GARMESE, the One Touch SSD, the X10 Pro and the T9; $250 to $500 buys the SanDisk Extreme 2000 at our last check.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure Start from what matters most
Fast transfers on the move: the SanDisk Extreme 2000. Video projects: the T9. Creators: the X10 Pro.
How to Choose a Portable SSD Drive
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast transfers on the move | SanDisk Extreme 2000 | 2,000MB/s with IP65 and 3m drops |
| Video projects | T9 | Sustained 2,000MB/s with a thermal design |
| Creators | X10 Pro | 2,000MB/s writes and 2,100MB/s reads |
| Speed on a budget | GARMESE | 2,000MB/s in a 33g body |
| Laptops without 20Gbps | One Touch SSD | 1,030MB/s with a three-year warranty |
| Small file sets | SSK 500GB | Lowest price tier with both cables |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The SanDisk Extreme 2000 leads on capacity at 1TB, ahead of the T9 at 1TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme 2000 | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB-C |
| T9 | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
| X10 Pro | SSD | 1TB | 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) |
| One Touch SSD | SSD | 1TB | 1,030MB/s | USB-C |
| SSK 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A cables) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SSK 500GB was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the SanDisk Extreme 2000 the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SSK 500GB |
| About $150 to $250 | GARMESE, One Touch SSD, X10 Pro, T9 |
| About $250 to $500 | SanDisk Extreme 2000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SanDisk Extreme 2000 compare with the X10 Pro on rated read speed?
Between the top two, it is 2,100MB/s on the X10 Pro against 2,000MB/s on the SanDisk Extreme 2000, a 5% difference. The One Touch SSD is at the other end of this group with 1,030MB/s.
What does the SanDisk Extreme 2000 add over the SSK 500GB?
What it brings is capacity (1TB against 0.5TB) and rated read speed (2,000MB/s against 1,050MB/s). On our last price check the SSK 500GB was in the $50 to $100 tier and the SanDisk Extreme 2000 in the $250 to $500 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if capacity and rated read speed decide your purchase.
Why is the T9 our Best for Long Transfers pick?
It carries the badge for sustained 2,000MB/s with a thermal design. The SSK 500GB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for video projects.
What extras do the SanDisk Extreme 2000 and the T9 include?
The SanDisk Extreme 2000: an IP65 rating. The T9: sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s. The X10 Pro: 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Who should choose the SanDisk Extreme 2000?
The SanDisk Extreme 2000 carries our Best Fast Rugged SSD label for 2,000MB/s with IP65 and 3m drops. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits fast transfers on the move.
Bottom Line
The SanDisk Extreme 2000 is the best all-round fast drive with IP65 protection. The Samsung T9 suits long transfers, the Crucial X10 Pro lists the fastest writes, the GARMESE is the budget fast drive, and the One Touch SSD and SSK cover 10Gbps ports.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Portable SSDs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best External SSDs for a Laptop
- Related guideThe Best External Storage for a Laptop: SSDs and Hard Drives
- Lower budgetThe Best Portable SSDs Under $100
- Similar guideThe Best Portable External SSD
- ExplainerPortable SSD vs external hard drive: which one for backups, games and carrying files
- ExplainerUSB speed names decoded for external SSDs: USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB4 and Thunderbolt
- Also see: ssds and storageSSD DRAM, SLC Cache and NAND Types: What the Spec Sheet Hides
- Similar guideThe Best Fast Portable SSDs for Gaming
- Topic hubAll external storage guides
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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