Buying Guide
The Best Portable SSDs Under $100
From the Orlian 500GB to the SSK 500GB: five external drives ranked on capacity and rated read speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $100 a portable SSD is a 500GB or 512GB drive, many of them over a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Every drive cost 100 or less when we checked and is a portable SSD, not a hard drive.
We sorted these picks by drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, 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
Orlian 500GB Portable SSD
The cheapest way into this group, below the Vansuny 500GB.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Vansuny 500GB the next step up.
Our take Check price for Orlian 500GB Portable SSD (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Vansuny 500GB Portable SSD
A metal body smaller than a palm.
Best for: Buyers who want metal body smaller than a palm.
Our take Check price for Vansuny 500GB Portable SSD (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
SSK 512GB Portable SSD
USB-C and USB-A connections.
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C and USB-A connections.
Our take Check price for SSK 512GB Portable SSD (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB
A USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter.
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter.
Our take Check price for GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
The fastest rated read speed here (1,050MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Vansuny 500GB. | Spending as little as possible, with the Vansuny 500GB the next step up. | Check price for Orlian 500GB Portable SSD (opens in a new tab) |
| A metal body smaller than a palm. | Buyers who want metal body smaller than a palm. | Check price for Vansuny 500GB Portable SSD (opens in a new tab) |
| USB-C and USB-A connections. | Buyers who want USB-C and USB-A connections. | Check price for SSK 512GB Portable SSD (opens in a new tab) |
| A USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter. | Buyers who want USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter. | Check price for GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated read speed here (1,050MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Orlian 500GB Portable SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Orlian 500GB is built around an aluminium alloy body, with 450MB/s rated writes on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Vansuny 500GB the next step up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when rated read speed of 500MB/s, behind the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s) is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 500MB/s rated read speed. Its 500MB/s rated read speed ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s) and ahead of the Vansuny 500GB (450MB/s). It shares a USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection with the Vansuny 500GB; the GARMESE 500GB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection.
It also offers a USB-C cable and USB-A adapter in the box. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Vansuny 500GB was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 500MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Durability claim: Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof (maker claim)
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Aluminium alloy body
- 450MB/s rated writes
- USB-C cable and USB-A adapter in the box
- Rated read speed of 500MB/s, ahead of the Vansuny 500GB
Cons
- Rated read speed of 500MB/s, behind the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s)
Also Consider2 of 5
Vansuny 500GB Portable SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Vansuny 500GB stands out for a metal body smaller than a palm, and it adds 400MB/s rated writes.
Best for
- Buyers who want metal body smaller than a palm.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the SSK 500GB offers 1,050MB/s.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 450MB/s rated read speed. Its 450MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the SSK 500GB leads at 1,050MB/s. It shares a USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection with the Orlian 500GB; the GARMESE 500GB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection.
It also comes with a type-A adapter, cable and storage bag in the box. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Orlian 500GB and the pricier SSK 512GB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 450MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Durability claim: Waterproof, shockproof (maker claim)
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Metal body smaller than a palm
- 400MB/s rated writes
- Type-A adapter, cable and storage bag in the box
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s)
- Costs more than the Orlian 500GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
SSK 512GB Portable SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SSK 512GB stands out for USB-C and USB-A connections, and it adds S.M.A.R.T.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB-C and USB-A connections.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Orlian 500GB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
health monitoring and TRIM. It also is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 550MB/s rated read speed. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 550MB/s: the SSK 500GB offers 1,050MB/s, and the Vansuny 500GB comes in at 450MB/s. Like the GARMESE 500GB, it has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection, while the Orlian 500GB uses a USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection.
It also comes with an SLC cache and an activity LED. When we checked, only the Vansuny 500GB and cheaper picks cost less, and the GARMESE 500GB cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 550MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- USB-C and USB-A connections
- S.M.A.R.T. health monitoring and TRIM
- SLC cache and an activity LED
- Rated read speed of 550MB/s, ahead of the Orlian 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the Orlian 500GB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the GARMESE 500GB brings to the table is a USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter, plus plug-and-play use with no drivers.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Orlian 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 1,000MB/s rated read speed. Its 1,000MB/s rated read speed ranks second of 5 here, behind the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s) and ahead of the Vansuny 500GB (450MB/s). It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection with the SSK 512GB; the Vansuny 500GB goes with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection.
It also comes with console compatibility. Worth noting: shock resistant durability claim, the only one here. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper SSK 512GB and the pricier SSK 500GB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 1,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- Durability claim: Shock resistant
- Security: None stated
Pros
- USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter
- Plug-and-play use with no drivers
- Console compatibility
- Rated read speed of 1,000MB/s, ahead of the SSK 512GB
Cons
- Costs more than the Orlian 500GB at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Read Speed5 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
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Orlian 500GB was cheaper at our last price check.
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 1,050MB/s rated read speed is the fastest here; the GARMESE 500GB comes next at 1,000MB/s. It also offers an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the GARMESE 500GB and the rest. The trade-off is capacity; for more, the Orlian 500GB is rated for 0.5TB.
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
- Fastest rated read speed of the picks (1,050MB/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the Orlian 500GB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Portable SSDs Under $100
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. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out durability claim.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Orlian 500GB to the SSK 500GB, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed and share None stated security.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SSK 512GB and the SSK 500GB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- From the Orlian 500GB to the SSK 500GB, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Portable SSD Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed across these picks
Here rated read speed runs from 450MB/s on the Vansuny 500GB to 1,050MB/s on the SSK 500GB, a 133% spread. For less, the GARMESE 500GB is the runner-up at 1,000MB/s.
Features beyond the spec table
The SSK 512GB: S.M.A.R.T. health monitoring and TRIM. The GARMESE 500GB: plug-and-play use with no drivers. The SSK 500GB: an activity LED.
How much to spend
Price does little to separate these 5: the Orlian 500GB through the SSK 500GB all landed in the $50 to $100 tier, which leaves rated read speed to decide it.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible, with the Vansuny 500GB the next step up: the Orlian 500GB. Buyers who put rated read speed first: the SSK 500GB.
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 Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the Vansuny 500GB the next step up | Orlian 500GB | The cheapest way into this group, below the Vansuny 500GB |
| Buyers who want metal body smaller than a palm | Vansuny 500GB | A metal body smaller than a palm |
| Buyers who want USB-C and USB-A connections | SSK 512GB | USB-C and USB-A connections |
| Buyers who want USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter | GARMESE 500GB | A USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | SSK 500GB | The fastest rated read speed here (1,050MB/s) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The SSK 500GB leads on rated read speed at 1,050MB/s, ahead of the GARMESE 500GB at 1,000MB/s.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlian 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 500MB/s | USB 3.1 Gen 2 |
| Vansuny 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 450MB/s | USB 3.1 Gen 2 |
| SSK 512GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 550MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) |
| GARMESE 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 1,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) |
| 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest rated read speed: the SSK 500GB or the GARMESE 500GB?
Between the top two, it is 1,050MB/s on the SSK 500GB against 1,000MB/s on the GARMESE 500GB, a 5% difference. The spread runs down to the Vansuny 500GB at 450MB/s.
Is the SSK 500GB worth paying more than the Orlian 500GB?
What it brings is rated read speed (1,050MB/s against 500MB/s). Both sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, so the gains in rated read speed cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Orlian 500GB the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Vansuny 500GB. It is aimed at spending as little as possible, with the Vansuny 500GB the next step up.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Orlian 500GB and the Vansuny 500GB apart?
The Orlian 500GB: an aluminium alloy body. The Vansuny 500GB: a metal body smaller than a palm. The SSK 512GB: USB-C and USB-A connections.
Who should choose the SSK 500GB?
The SSK 500GB carries our Fastest Rated Read Speed label for the fastest rated read speed here (1,050MB/s). It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who puts rated read speed first.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Orlian 500GB, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Vansuny 500GB. Look at the Vansuny 500GB for a metal body smaller than a palm, the SSK 512GB for USB-C and USB-A connections and the GARMESE 500GB for a USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter if those matter more to you.
Plug a portable SSD into a port that matches its speed; a slow port limits any drive.