Buying Guide
The Best Portable SSDs Under $120
Five external drives compared, from the GARMESE 500GB to the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $85 and $120 portable SSDs mix SanDisk, nusyn, SSK and GARMESE drives, from 500GB up to 1TB. Every drive cost 85 to 120 when we checked and is a portable SSD, not a hard drive.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed come from each maker's published specs; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
Both USB-C and USB-A cables.
Best for: Buyers who want both USB-C and USB-A cables.
Our take Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Largest Capacity
nusyn NSP35 Portable SSD 1TB
The largest capacity here (1TB).
Best for: Buyers who put capacity first.
Our take Check price for nusyn NSP35 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB
The cheapest way into this group, below the SSK 500GB.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the SSK 500GB the next step up.
Our take Check price for GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB (new model)
A pocket-sized body.
Best for: Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB (new model) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
SanDisk Portable Drive 500GB (600MB/s)
A pocket-sized body.
Best for: Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Portable Drive 500GB (600MB/s) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both USB-C and USB-A cables. | Buyers who want both USB-C and USB-A cables. | Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest capacity here (1TB). | Buyers who put capacity first. | Check price for nusyn NSP35 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the SSK 500GB. | Spending as little as possible, with the SSK 500GB the next step up. | Check price for GARMESE Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
| A pocket-sized body. | Buyers who want pocket-sized body. | Check price for SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB (new model) (opens in a new tab) |
| A pocket-sized body. | Buyers who want pocket-sized body. | Check price for SanDisk Portable Drive 500GB (600MB/s) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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 want both USB-C and USB-A cables.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the GARMESE 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.
It matches the GARMESE 500GB, the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB and the SanDisk Portable 500GB on capacity (0.5TB). It matches the nusyn NSP35 1TB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You also get an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. Its price falls between the GARMESE 500GB and the SanDisk Portable 500GB, based on our last check.
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 GARMESE 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE 500GB at the time of writing
Largest Capacity2 of 5
nusyn NSP35 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The nusyn NSP35 1TB stands out for an alloy housing, and it adds a carabiner loop.
Best for
- Buyers who put capacity first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the GARMESE 500GB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 1,050MB/s rated read speed. The maker rates it IP67 for water and dust and quotes protection from drops of up to 1.5 metres (4.9 feet). A carabiner loop lets you clip it to a belt, backpack or camera bag, and the USB-C connection works with phones and tablets as well as laptops and desktops.
Its 1TB capacity is the largest here; the SSK 500GB comes next at 0.5TB. Like the GARMESE 500GB, it has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection, while the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB uses a USB-C connection. It was priced above the SanDisk Portable 500GB and below the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- Durability claim: IP67, drops up to 1.5m
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Alloy housing
- Carabiner loop
- USB-C compatibility with phones and tablets
- Largest capacity of the picks (1TB)
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE 500GB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 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
- Spending as little as possible, with the SSK 500GB the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: capacity of 0.5TB, behind the nusyn NSP35 1TB (1TB).
Why we like it
It also is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 1,000MB/s rated read speed. It matches the SSK 500GB, the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB and the SanDisk Portable 500GB on capacity (0.5TB). It matches the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB on rated read speed (1,000MB/s).
It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection with the nusyn NSP35 1TB; the SanDisk Portable 500GB goes with a USB-C connection. It is the only pick here with a shock resistant durability claim; the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB has a drops up to 2m durability claim instead. It also offers console compatibility.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the SSK 500GB was the next step up. The main gap: capacity of 0.5TB, behind the nusyn NSP35 1TB (1TB). If that matters, the nusyn NSP35 1TB is rated for 1TB.
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 SanDisk Portable 500GB
Cons
- Capacity of 0.5TB, behind the nusyn NSP35 1TB (1TB)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB (new model) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB brings to the table is a pocket-sized body, plus no drivers or setup.
Best for
- Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the GARMESE 500GB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 1,000MB/s rated read speed. It matches the SSK 500GB, the GARMESE 500GB and the SanDisk Portable 500GB on capacity (0.5TB). It shares a USB-C connection with the SanDisk Portable 500GB; the GARMESE 500GB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection.
Like the SanDisk Portable 500GB, it has a drops up to 2m durability claim, while the GARMESE 500GB uses a shock resistant durability claim. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the GARMESE 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-C
- Durability claim: Drops up to 2m
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Pocket-sized body
- No drivers or setup
- Rated read speed of 1,000MB/s, ahead of the SanDisk Portable 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE 500GB at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
SanDisk Portable Drive 500GB (600MB/s) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SanDisk Portable 500GB is built around a pocket-sized body, with no moving parts on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the nusyn NSP35 1TB offers 1TB.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 600MB/s rated read speed. It matches the SSK 500GB, the GARMESE 500GB and the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB on capacity (0.5TB). Its 600MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the SSK 500GB leads at 1,050MB/s.
It shares a USB-C connection with the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB; the GARMESE 500GB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection. Like the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB, it has a drops up to 2m durability claim, while the GARMESE 500GB uses a shock resistant durability claim. If capacity is your priority, the nusyn NSP35 1TB (1TB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 600MB/s
- Connection: USB-C
- Durability claim: Drops up to 2m
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Pocket-sized body
- No moving parts
- SSD drive type
- 0.5TB capacity
Cons
- Capacity trails the nusyn NSP35 1TB (1TB)
- Rated read speed trails the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s)
- Costs more than the GARMESE 500GB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Portable SSDs Under $120
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. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while durability claim has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SSK 500GB to the SanDisk Portable 500GB, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed and share None stated security.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SSK 500GB gives no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GARMESE 500GB ($50 to $100) to the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Portable SSD Under $120
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much capacity you need
The nusyn NSP35 1TB tops capacity at 1TB and the SanDisk Portable 500GB sits lowest at 0.5TB. The nusyn NSP35 1TB is the pick for capacity.
Rated read speed across these picks
Across these 5 picks rated read speed spans 600MB/s (the SanDisk Portable 500GB) to 1,050MB/s (the SSK 500GB). If rated read speed is your first filter, the SSK 500GB sets the ceiling at 1,050MB/s.
Features beyond the spec table
The GARMESE 500GB: plug-and-play use with no drivers. The SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB: no drivers or setup. The SanDisk Portable 500GB: no moving parts.
How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the GARMESE 500GB, the SSK 500GB and the SanDisk Portable 500GB; $100 to $150 buys the nusyn NSP35 1TB and the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who put capacity first: the nusyn NSP35 1TB. Spending as little as possible, with the SSK 500GB the next step up: the GARMESE 500GB.
How to Choose a Portable SSD Under $120
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want both USB-C and USB-A cables | SSK 500GB | Both USB-C and USB-A cables |
| Buyers who put capacity first | nusyn NSP35 1TB | The largest capacity here (1TB) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the SSK 500GB the next step up | GARMESE 500GB | The cheapest way into this group, below the SSK 500GB |
| Buyers who want pocket-sized body | SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB | A pocket-sized body |
| Buyers who want pocket-sized body | SanDisk Portable 500GB | A pocket-sized body |
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Key specs side by side
The nusyn NSP35 1TB leads on capacity at 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB at 0.5TB.
| 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) |
| nusyn NSP35 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) |
| GARMESE 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 1,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) |
| SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 1,000MB/s | USB-C |
| SanDisk Portable 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 600MB/s | USB-C |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GARMESE 500GB, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | GARMESE 500GB, SSK 500GB, SanDisk Portable 500GB |
| About $100 to $150 | nusyn NSP35 1TB, SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SSK 500GB compare with the nusyn NSP35 1TB on capacity?
The nusyn NSP35 1TB leads at 1TB, with the SSK 500GB at 0.5TB.
What makes the nusyn NSP35 1TB the Largest Capacity?
It earns the label for the largest capacity here (1TB). The SSK 500GB is next on capacity at 0.5TB, so this pick's 1TB is 100% further out. The GARMESE 500GB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts capacity first.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SSK 500GB and the nusyn NSP35 1TB apart?
The SSK 500GB: both USB-C and USB-A cables. The nusyn NSP35 1TB: an alloy housing. The GARMESE 500GB: a USB-C to USB-A cable and adapter.
Who should choose the GARMESE 500GB?
The GARMESE 500GB carries our Lowest Price Here label for the cheapest way into this group, below the SSK 500GB. It ranks third of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits spending as little as possible, with the SSK 500GB the next step up.
Should I pick the SSK 500GB or the SanDisk Portable 500GB?
The SSK 500GB suits buyers who want both USB-C and USB-A cables; the SanDisk Portable 500GB suits buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SSK 500GB, chosen for both USB-C and USB-A cables. Look at the nusyn NSP35 1TB for the largest capacity here (1TB), the GARMESE 500GB for the cheapest way into this group, below the SSK 500GB and the SanDisk Portable SSD 500GB for a pocket-sized body if those matter more to you.
Look at the cable in the box, since a USB-C to USB-A cable can limit a faster drive.