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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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
Our take Check price for SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (2000MB/s) (opens in a new tab)
Best for Long Transfers
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
Sustained 2,000MB/s with a thermal design.
Best for: Video projects
Our take Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Listed Writes
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB
2,000MB/s writes and 2,100MB/s reads.
Best for: Creators
Our take Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 20Gbps
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
2,000MB/s in a 33g body.
Best for: Speed on a budget
Our take Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD (opens in a new tab)
Best 10Gbps Pick
Seagate One Touch SSD 1TB
1,030MB/s with a three-year warranty.
Best for: Laptops without 20Gbps
Our take Check price for Seagate One Touch SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest SSD
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
Lowest price tier with both cables.
Best for: Small file sets
Our take Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Fast Rugged SSD1 of 6
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (2000MB/s) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 is 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. 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 and Magician software for firmware and health checks. 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Cheapest SSD6 of 6
SSK Portable SSD 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. 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 dimensions & 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)
How We Chose These Portable SSD Drives
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 a Portable SSD Drive
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.