Buying Guide
The Best Portable SSDs Under $150
Five external drives ranked on capacity and rated read speed; the SanDisk Portable 1TB is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
From $110 to $150 portable SSDs are mostly 1TB drives, with a few 500GB drives rated up to 2,000MB/s. Every drive cost 110 to 150 when we checked and is a portable SSD, not a hard drive.
The order reflects drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed from maker specifications; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
SanDisk Portable Drive 1TB (600MB/s)
Undercutting the ADATA SE880 1TB on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting pocket-sized body for the least money.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Portable Drive 1TB (600MB/s) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ADATA SE880 1TB
Support for new-generation game consoles.
Best for: Buyers who want support for new-generation game consoles.
Our take Check price for ADATA SE880 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Verbatim Pocket SSD 1TB
1,000MB/s rated writes.
Best for: Buyers who want 1,000MB/s rated writes.
Our take Check price for Verbatim Pocket SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Buffalo External SSD Stick 1TB
A retractable stick design.
Best for: Buyers who want retractable stick design.
Our take Check price for Buffalo External SSD Stick 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
Kingston XS2000 500GB
A pocket-sized body.
Best for: Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Our take Check price for Kingston XS2000 500GB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the ADATA SE880 1TB on price when we checked. | Getting pocket-sized body for the least money. | Check price for SanDisk Portable Drive 1TB (600MB/s) (opens in a new tab) |
| Support for new-generation game consoles. | Buyers who want support for new-generation game consoles. | Check price for ADATA SE880 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 1,000MB/s rated writes. | Buyers who want 1,000MB/s rated writes. | Check price for Verbatim Pocket SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| A retractable stick design. | Buyers who want retractable stick design. | Check price for Buffalo External SSD Stick 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| A pocket-sized body. | Buyers who want pocket-sized body. | Check price for Kingston XS2000 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
SanDisk Portable Drive 1TB (600MB/s) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SanDisk Portable 1TB stands out for a pocket-sized body, and it adds no moving parts.
Best for
- Getting pocket-sized body for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: rated read speed of 600MB/s, behind the ADATA SE880 1TB (2,000MB/s).
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 600MB/s rated read speed. It matches the ADATA SE880 1TB, the Verbatim Pocket 1TB and the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB on capacity (1TB). It matches the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB on rated read speed (600MB/s).
A USB-C connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Verbatim Pocket 1TB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the ADATA SE880 1TB was the next step up. The main gap: rated read speed of 600MB/s, behind the ADATA SE880 1TB (2,000MB/s). If that matters, the ADATA SE880 1TB offers 2,000MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 600MB/s
- Connection: USB-C
- Durability claim: Drops up to 2m
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Pocket-sized body
- No moving parts
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Kingston XS2000 500GB
- USB-C connection, the only one here
Cons
- Rated read speed of 600MB/s, behind the ADATA SE880 1TB (2,000MB/s)
Also Consider2 of 5
ADATA SE880 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the ADATA SE880 1TB brings to the table is support for new-generation game consoles, plus a titanium finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want support for new-generation game consoles.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SanDisk Portable 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 2,000MB/s rated read speed. It matches the SanDisk Portable 1TB, the Verbatim Pocket 1TB and the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB on capacity (1TB). It matches the Kingston XS2000 500GB on rated read speed (2,000MB/s).
It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection with the Kingston XS2000 500GB; the Verbatim Pocket 1TB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. 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 second of 5, between the cheaper SanDisk Portable 1TB and the pricier Verbatim Pocket 1TB, 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 (20Gbps)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Support for new-generation game consoles
- Titanium finish
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Kingston XS2000 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable 1TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Verbatim Pocket SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Verbatim Pocket 1TB brings to the table is 1,000MB/s rated writes, plus a keyring and cable holder.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1,000MB/s rated writes.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SanDisk Portable 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On capacity it ties with the SanDisk Portable 1TB, the ADATA SE880 1TB and the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 1,000MB/s: the ADATA SE880 1TB offers 2,000MB/s, and the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB comes in at 600MB/s. No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection; compare the Kingston XS2000 500GB, which has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection. It also comes with Nero Backup software for Windows.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- 1,000MB/s rated writes
- Keyring and cable holder
- Nero Backup software for Windows
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Kingston XS2000 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable 1TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Buffalo External SSD Stick 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB stands out for a retractable stick design, and it adds PS4 and PS5 compatibility.
Best for
- Buyers who want retractable stick design.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the ADATA SE880 1TB offers 2,000MB/s.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 600MB/s rated read speed. It is a stick-style drive with a retractable form factor and a shock-resistant, rugged build. Buffalo pitches it at on-the-go backups of photos, video and documents and at storing PS4 and PS5 game data, and registered drives carry a three-year warranty (two years if unregistered).
It matches the SanDisk Portable 1TB, the ADATA SE880 1TB and the Verbatim Pocket 1TB on capacity (1TB). You also get this: capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Kingston XS2000 500GB. The trade-off is rated read speed; for more, the ADATA SE880 1TB offers 2,000MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 600MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A)
- Durability claim: Shock resistant, rugged build
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Retractable stick design
- PS4 and PS5 compatibility
- 3-year warranty when registered
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Kingston XS2000 500GB
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the ADATA SE880 1TB (2,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable 1TB at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
Kingston XS2000 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Kingston XS2000 500GB brings to the table is a pocket-sized body, plus capacities up to 4TB in the range.
Best for
- Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the SanDisk Portable 1TB offers 1TB.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 0.5TB and offers a 2,000MB/s rated read speed. Its 0.5TB capacity is the smallest in this group; the SanDisk Portable 1TB leads at 1TB. It matches the ADATA SE880 1TB on rated read speed (2,000MB/s).
It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection with the ADATA SE880 1TB; the Verbatim Pocket 1TB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Pocket-sized body
- Capacities up to 4TB in the range
Cons
- Capacity trails the SanDisk Portable 1TB (1TB)
- Costs more than the SanDisk Portable 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Portable SSDs Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and durability claim is missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the SanDisk Portable 1TB to the Kingston XS2000 500GB, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed and share None stated security.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ADATA SE880 1TB, the Verbatim Pocket 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 500GB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- From the SanDisk Portable 1TB to the Kingston XS2000 500GB, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Portable SSD Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity across these picks
The SanDisk Portable 1TB tops capacity at 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 500GB sits lowest at 0.5TB; 4 picks share the top figure. The SanDisk Portable 1TB is the pick for capacity.
How much rated read speed you need
Here rated read speed runs from 600MB/s on the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB to 2,000MB/s on the ADATA SE880 1TB, a 233% spread. Start with the ADATA SE880 1TB if rated read speed decides it.
Extras that separate them
The Verbatim Pocket 1TB: a keyring and cable holder. The Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB: PS4 and PS5 compatibility. The Kingston XS2000 500GB: capacities up to 4TB in the range.
How much to spend
All 5 sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, from the SanDisk Portable 1TB at the low end to the Kingston XS2000 500GB at the top, so decide on features first.
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.
How to Choose a Portable SSD Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting pocket-sized body for the least money | SanDisk Portable 1TB | Undercutting the ADATA SE880 1TB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want support for new-generation game consoles | ADATA SE880 1TB | Support for new-generation game consoles |
| Buyers who want 1,000MB/s rated writes | Verbatim Pocket 1TB | 1,000MB/s rated writes |
| Buyers who want retractable stick design | Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB | A retractable stick design |
| Buyers who want pocket-sized body | Kingston XS2000 500GB | A pocket-sized body |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The SanDisk Portable 1TB leads on capacity at 1TB, ahead of the ADATA SE880 1TB at 1TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Portable 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 600MB/s | USB-C |
| ADATA SE880 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
| Verbatim Pocket 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 1,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 600MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A) |
| Kingston XS2000 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kingston XS2000 500GB add over the SanDisk Portable 1TB?
The spec sheets show rated read speed (2,000MB/s against 600MB/s) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the SanDisk Portable 1TB still leads on capacity (1TB). Both sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, so the gains in rated read speed cost little extra by tier.
Why is the SanDisk Portable 1TB our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for undercutting the ADATA SE880 1TB on price when we checked. It suits getting pocket-sized body for the least money.
What extras do the SanDisk Portable 1TB and the ADATA SE880 1TB include?
The SanDisk Portable 1TB: a pocket-sized body. The ADATA SE880 1TB: support for new-generation game consoles. The Verbatim Pocket 1TB: 1,000MB/s rated writes.
Should I pick the SanDisk Portable 1TB or the Kingston XS2000 500GB?
The SanDisk Portable 1TB suits getting pocket-sized body for the least money; the Kingston XS2000 500GB suits buyers who want pocket-sized body.
What else do the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 500GB offer?
The Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB: a 3-year warranty when registered. The Kingston XS2000 500GB: capacities up to 4TB in the range.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SanDisk Portable 1TB, chosen for undercutting the ADATA SE880 1TB on price when we checked. Look at the ADATA SE880 1TB for support for new-generation game consoles, the Verbatim Pocket 1TB for 1,000MB/s rated writes and the Buffalo SSD Stick 1TB for a retractable stick design if those matter more to you.
A rugged rating covers drops and dust, but check the stated height and water rating, not just the word.