Buying Guide
The Best Fast Portable SSDs for Gaming
Five external drives compared, from the SSK 500GB to the One Touch SSD 2TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A fast portable SSD can hold games for a console, handheld or PC. Every pick is an SSD with read speeds of 1,000MB/s or more, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed, working from the makers' own data; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
The fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB
Drop protection up to 2m.
Best for: Buyers who want drop protection up to 2m.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1TB
An IP65 water and dust rating.
Best for: Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating.
Our take Check price for Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Largest Capacity
Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB
The largest capacity here (2TB).
Best for: Buyers who put capacity first.
Our take Check price for Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD (opens in a new tab) |
| Drop protection up to 2m. | Buyers who want drop protection up to 2m. | Check price for SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| An IP65 water and dust rating. | Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating. | Check price for Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest capacity here (2TB). | Buyers who put capacity first. | Check price for Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the One Touch SSD 2TB offers 2TB.
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.
Its 0.5TB capacity is the smallest in this group; the One Touch SSD 2TB leads at 2TB. It matches the T7 Shield on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You also get an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. It undercut the GARMESE and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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 2TB
Cons
- Capacity trails the One Touch SSD 2TB (2TB)
Fastest Rated Read Speed2 of 5
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
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
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. On capacity it ties with the SanDisk Portable and the T7 Shield at 1TB. On rated read speed it leads this guide at 2,000MB/s, ahead of the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s).
You get a shock resistant durability claim here, which sets it apart from the SanDisk Portable and its a drops up to 2m durability claim. 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. When we checked, only the SSK 500GB cost less, and the SanDisk Portable cost more.
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
Also Consider3 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
- Buyers who want drop protection up to 2m.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.
Why we like it
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.
It matches the GARMESE and the T7 Shield on capacity (1TB). Its 1,000MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the GARMESE leads at 2,000MB/s. A USB-C connection is unique to it among these picks, while the One Touch SSD 2TB uses a USB 3 (as listed) connection.
It is the only pick here with a drops up to 2m durability claim; the GARMESE has a shock resistant durability claim instead. It also offers driver-free USB-C setup. Its price falls between the GARMESE and the T7 Shield, based on our last check.
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
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the GARMESE (2,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The T7 Shield adds an IP65 rubber shell and 9.8ft drop protection to Samsung's T7.
Best for
- Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SSK 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Speed stays at 1,050MB/s. Its rubber shell is rated for water, dust and drops, and it transfers over USB 3.2 Gen 2. It works with PC, Mac and consoles.
It reads at up to 1,050MB/s over PCIe NVMe, and it is rated IP65 for water and dust. Samsung makes its own controller, DRAM and NAND for the T7 Shield, and it is sold in 1TB to 4TB capacities. It matches the GARMESE and the SanDisk Portable on capacity (1TB).
It matches the SSK 500GB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). A USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the One Touch SSD 2TB uses a USB 3 (as listed) connection. Its price falls between the SanDisk Portable and the One Touch SSD 2TB, 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: IP65, drops up to 9.8ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- IP65 water and dust rating
- Drop protection up to 9.8ft
- Compatibility with PC, Mac, Android and consoles
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Largest Capacity5 of 5
Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Seagate's One Touch SSD wraps a 2TB drive rated to 1,030MB/s in a light textile cover.
Best for
- Buyers who put capacity first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SSK 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It was the lowest-priced drive here at the time of writing and carries a three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery. Nothing else here matches its 2TB capacity; the GARMESE comes closest at 1TB. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 1,030MB/s: the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s, and the SanDisk Portable comes in at 1,000MB/s.
No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3 (as listed) connection; compare the SanDisk Portable, which has a USB-C connection. It also offers a lightweight textile-covered design and a six-month Mylio Photos+ subscription and a Dropbox Backup trial. At our last price check it topped the group, with the T7 Shield the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,030MB/s
- Connection: USB 3 (as listed)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Lightweight textile-covered design
- Three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery
- Six-month Mylio Photos+ subscription and a Dropbox Backup trial
- Largest capacity of the picks (2TB)
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Fast Portable SSDs for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SSK 500GB to the One Touch SSD 2TB, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed and share None stated security.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SSK 500GB and the One Touch SSD 2TB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SSK 500GB ($50 to $100) to the One Touch SSD 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Fast Portable SSD for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much capacity you need
Here capacity runs from 0.5TB on the SSK 500GB to 2TB on the One Touch SSD 2TB. For less, the GARMESE is the runner-up at 1TB.
Rated read speed across these picks
Here rated read speed runs from 1,000MB/s on the SanDisk Portable to 2,000MB/s on the GARMESE. The SSK 500GB comes second for less money.
Features beyond the spec table
The SanDisk Portable: driver-free USB-C setup. The T7 Shield: drop protection up to 9.8ft. The One Touch SSD 2TB: a three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery.
How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the SSK 500GB; $150 to $250 buys the GARMESE and the SanDisk Portable; $250 to $500 buys the T7 Shield and the One Touch SSD 2TB at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the budget tight: the SSK 500GB. Buyers who put rated read speed first: the GARMESE. Buyers who put capacity first: the One Touch SSD 2TB.
How to Choose a Fast Portable SSD for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | SSK 500GB | Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | GARMESE | The fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s) |
| Buyers who want drop protection up to 2m | SanDisk Portable | Drop protection up to 2m |
| Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating | T7 Shield | An IP65 water and dust rating |
| Buyers who put capacity first | One Touch SSD 2TB | The largest capacity here (2TB) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The One Touch SSD 2TB leads on capacity at 2TB, ahead of the GARMESE at 1TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSK 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A cables) |
| GARMESE | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter) |
| SanDisk Portable | SSD | 1TB | 1,000MB/s | USB-C |
| T7 Shield | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
| One Touch SSD 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 1,030MB/s | USB 3 (as listed) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SSK 500GB was the lowest-priced pick and the One Touch SSD 2TB the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SSK 500GB |
| About $150 to $250 | GARMESE, SanDisk Portable |
| About $250 to $500 | T7 Shield, One Touch SSD 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the GARMESE compare with the One Touch SSD 2TB on capacity?
The One Touch SSD 2TB leads at 2TB, with the GARMESE at 1TB. The SSK 500GB is at the other end of this group with 0.5TB.
Is the GARMESE ahead of the SSK 500GB on rated read speed?
The GARMESE leads at 2,000MB/s, with the SSK 500GB at 1,050MB/s. The SanDisk Portable is at the other end of this group with 1,000MB/s.
Is the One Touch SSD 2TB worth paying more than the SSK 500GB?
On paper it adds capacity (2TB against 0.5TB). It does not win everywhere: the SSK 500GB still leads on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). The SSK 500GB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the GARMESE the Fastest Rated Read Speed?
It earns the label for the fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s). It suits anyone who put rated read speed first.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SSK 500GB and the GARMESE apart?
The SSK 500GB: both USB-C and USB-A cables. The GARMESE: a 33g body with a keychain hole. The SanDisk Portable: drop protection up to 2m.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SSK 500GB, chosen for undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. Look at the GARMESE for the fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s), the SanDisk Portable for drop protection up to 2m and the T7 Shield for an IP65 water and dust rating if those matter more to you.
Use the USB-C port that supports the drive's full speed.