Buying Guide
The Best Portable SSDs for Backups
We weighed five external drives on capacity and rated read speed; the X10 2TB has the fastest rated read speed, and the SSK 500GB costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For backups, capacity and a reliable cable matter more than peak speed. Every drive here is a USB SSD, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed as the makers state them; we did not test these external drives ourselves, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
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)
Shock Resistant Durability Claim
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
A shock resistant durability claim.
Best for: Buyers who want a shock resistant durability claim.
Our take Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB
The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB
Sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s.
Best for: Buyers who want sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s.
Our take Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 2TB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an IP65 water and dust rating.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Samsung T7 Shield Portable 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 X10 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.
On capacity it trails the group at 0.5TB, while the X10 2TB is rated for 2TB. On rated read speed it ties with the T7 Shield 2TB at 1,050MB/s. You also get an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. It cost the least of the 5 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
- Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked
Cons
- Capacity trails the X10 2TB (2TB)
Shock Resistant Durability Claim2 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 want a shock resistant durability claim.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SSK 500GB was cheaper at our last price check.
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. Its 1TB capacity ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the X10 2TB (2TB) and ahead of the SSK 500GB (0.5TB). It matches the T9 2TB 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 X10 2TB, 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
Fastest Rated Read Speed3 of 5
Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X10 offers 2,100MB/s reads with an IP65 rating and 9.8ft drop resistance.
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
Crucial names PS4, PS5 and Xbox support. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port. Registering it adds three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image backup software.
Its matte blue shell is compact enough for a pocket. On capacity it ties with the T9 2TB and the T7 Shield 2TB at 2TB. On rated read speed it leads this guide at 2,100MB/s, ahead of the GARMESE (2,000MB/s).
No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection; compare the T9 2TB, which has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. You also get PS4, PS5 and Xbox compatibility in the listing. 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 GARMESE and cheaper picks cost less, and the T9 2TB cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 2,100MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: IP65, drops up to 9.8ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- IP65 rating
- Drop resistance up to 9.8ft
- PS4, PS5 and Xbox compatibility in the listing
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's T9 lists sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, and Samsung's Dynamic Thermal Guard is meant to hold that pace through long copies.
Best for
- Buyers who want sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SSK 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Magician software handles firmware updates, health monitoring and optional encryption. It matches the X10 2TB and the T7 Shield 2TB on capacity (2TB). It matches the GARMESE on rated read speed (2,000MB/s).
You get a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection here, which sets it apart from the T7 Shield 2TB and its a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. You also get support for iPhone 15 Pro ProRes 4K60 recording. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper X10 2TB and the pricier T7 Shield 2TB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: Encryption via Magician software
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution for long transfers
- Support for iPhone 15 Pro ProRes 4K60 recording
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's T7 Shield runs at 10Gbps USB speeds, rated to 1,050MB/s reads, a speed that many laptop USB-C ports support.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the X10 2TB offers 2,100MB/s.
Why we like it
Its IP65 rating and 9.8ft drop protection suit a drive that lives in a camera bag. It uses an internal PCIe NVMe drive for reads up to 1,050MB/s and writes up to 1,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2. The rubber shell adds water, dust and drop resistance.
On capacity it ties with the X10 2TB and the T9 2TB at 2TB. It also offers Magician software for drive health and firmware updates. Only the T9 2TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on rated read speed, where the X10 2TB offers 2,100MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Durability claim: IP65, drops up to 9.8ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- IP65 water and dust rating
- Drop protection up to 9.8ft
- Magician software for drive health and firmware updates
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the GARMESE
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the X10 2TB (2,100MB/s)
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Portable SSDs for Backups
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the SSK 500GB to the T7 Shield 2TB, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SSK 500GB and the T9 2TB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SSK 500GB ($50 to $100) to the T7 Shield 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Portable SSD for Backups
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity across these picks
Here capacity runs from 0.5TB on the SSK 500GB to 2TB on the X10 2TB. Start with the X10 2TB if capacity decides it.
How much rated read speed you need
Here rated read speed runs from 1,050MB/s on the T7 Shield 2TB to 2,100MB/s on the X10 2TB. For less, the GARMESE is the runner-up at 2,000MB/s.
Extras that separate them
The X10 2TB: drop resistance up to 9.8ft. The T9 2TB: a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution for long transfers. The T7 Shield 2TB: drop protection up to 9.8ft.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the SSK 500GB; $150 to $250 buys the GARMESE; $250 to $500 buys the X10 2TB, the T9 2TB and the T7 Shield 2TB at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Keeping the budget tight: the SSK 500GB. Buyers who want a shock resistant durability claim: the GARMESE. Buyers who put rated read speed first: the X10 2TB.
How to Choose a Portable SSD for Backups
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | SSK 500GB | Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a shock resistant durability claim | GARMESE | A shock resistant durability claim |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | X10 2TB | The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s) |
| Buyers who want sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s | T9 2TB | Sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | T7 Shield 2TB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an IP65 water and dust rating |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The X10 2TB leads on capacity at 2TB, ahead of the T9 2TB at 2TB.
| 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) |
| X10 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
| T9 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
| T7 Shield 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SSK 500GB was the lowest-priced pick and the T7 Shield 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 |
| About $250 to $500 | X10 2TB, T9 2TB, T7 Shield 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the X10 2TB ahead of the GARMESE on rated read speed?
The X10 2TB leads at 2,100MB/s, with the GARMESE at 2,000MB/s. The T7 Shield 2TB is at the other end of this group with 1,050MB/s.
What does the T7 Shield 2TB add over the SSK 500GB?
On paper it adds capacity (2TB against 0.5TB). The SSK 500GB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the X10 2TB our Fastest Rated Read Speed pick?
It earns the label for the fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s). It suits anyone who put rated read speed first.
What extras do the SSK 500GB and the GARMESE include?
The SSK 500GB: both USB-C and USB-A cables. The GARMESE: a 33g body with a keychain hole. The X10 2TB: an IP65 rating.
Who should choose the GARMESE?
The GARMESE carries our Shock Resistant Durability Claim label for a shock resistant durability claim. It ranks second of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SSK 500GB, chosen for undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. Look at the GARMESE for a shock resistant durability claim, the X10 2TB for the fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s) and the T9 2TB for sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s if those matter more to you.
Format the drive in exFAT if you move it between Windows and macOS.