Buying Guide
The Best Portable SSDs Under $250
From the GARMESE to the T9: 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
From $150 to $250 a portable SSD is usually a 1TB drive with a USB-C connection, so port speed and build matter. Every drive cost 150 to 250 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 if a maker skips max read speed, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money.
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
Kingston XS2000 1TB
A pocket-sized body.
Best for: Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Our take Check price for Kingston XS2000 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD 500GB
PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility.
Best for: Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility.
Our take Check price for WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
The top of this price range, adding sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Best for: Spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money. | 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) |
| A pocket-sized body. | Buyers who want pocket-sized body. | Check price for Kingston XS2000 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility. | Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility. | Check price for WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s. | Spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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, the Kingston XS2000 1TB and the T9 at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the Kingston XS2000 1TB and the T9 at 2,000MB/s.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the SanDisk Portable was closest.
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
Also Consider2 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, the Kingston XS2000 1TB and the T9 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 T9 uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection.
It also offers driver-free USB-C setup. Its price falls between the GARMESE and the Kingston XS2000 1TB, 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 WD_Black P50 500GB
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the GARMESE (2,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Kingston XS2000 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Kingston XS2000 1TB stands out for a pocket-sized body.
Best for
- Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the GARMESE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 2,000MB/s rated read speed. It matches the GARMESE, the SanDisk Portable and the T9 on capacity (1TB). It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection with the WD_Black P50 500GB; the T9 goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) 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 third of 5, between the cheaper SanDisk Portable and the pricier WD_Black P50 500GB, 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
- Pocket-sized body
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the WD_Black P50 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WD_Black P50 500GB is built around PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility.
Best for
- Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the GARMESE offers 1TB.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 0.5TB. Its 0.5TB capacity is the smallest in this group; the GARMESE leads at 1TB. It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection with the Kingston XS2000 1TB; the T9 goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) 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 fourth of 5, between the cheaper Kingston XS2000 1TB and the pricier T9, at the time of writing. The trade-off is capacity; for more, the GARMESE is rated for 1TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility
- SSD drive type
- 0.5TB capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection
Cons
- Capacity trails the GARMESE (1TB)
- No published rated read speed
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's T9 rates sustained reads and writes up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Best for
- Spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the GARMESE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It includes a thermal design for long transfers. The Magician software adds encryption and drive-health monitoring, and Samsung lists iPhone 15 Pro 4K60 video support with the included cable recommended. It matches the GARMESE, the SanDisk Portable and the Kingston XS2000 1TB on capacity (1TB).
It matches the GARMESE and the Kingston XS2000 1TB on rated read speed (2,000MB/s). You get a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection here, which sets it apart from the SanDisk Portable and its a USB-C connection. You also get a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution.
Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. 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 WD_Black P50 500GB and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: Encryption via Magician software
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution
- Magician software for firmware and health checks
Cons
- Costs more than the GARMESE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Portable SSDs Under $250
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while rated read speed and durability claim have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the GARMESE to the T9, state drive type, capacity and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The WD_Black P50 500GB gives no rated read speed; the Kingston XS2000 1TB, the WD_Black P50 500GB and the T9 give no durability claim.
- Price range
- From the GARMESE to the T9, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Portable SSD Under $250
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity
The GARMESE tops capacity at 1TB and the WD_Black P50 500GB sits lowest at 0.5TB; 4 picks share the top figure. If capacity is your first filter, the GARMESE sets the ceiling at 1TB.
How much rated read speed you need
Across these 4 picks rated read speed spans 1,000MB/s (the SanDisk Portable) to 2,000MB/s (the GARMESE). Start with the GARMESE if rated read speed decides it. The WD_Black P50 500GB gives no rated read speed figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Kingston XS2000 1TB: a pocket-sized body. The WD_Black P50 500GB: PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility. The T9: a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution.
Where your budget lands
Price does little to separate these 5: the GARMESE through the T9 all landed in the $150 to $250 tier, which leaves capacity to decide it.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money: the GARMESE. Spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the T9.
How to Choose a Portable SSD Under $250
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money | GARMESE | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want drop protection up to 2m | SanDisk Portable | Drop protection up to 2m |
| Buyers who want pocket-sized body | Kingston XS2000 1TB | A pocket-sized body |
| Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility | WD_Black P50 500GB | PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility |
| Spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group | T9 | The top of this price range, adding sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s |
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Key specs side by side
The GARMESE leads on capacity at 1TB, ahead of the SanDisk Portable at 1TB. "Not listed" marks rated read speed where the WD_Black P50 500GB leaves the figure out.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Kingston XS2000 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
| WD_Black P50 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | Not listed | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
| T9 | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the GARMESE the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It makes sense for getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money.
Do the GARMESE and the SanDisk Portable differ on durability claim?
The GARMESE uses shock resistant; the SanDisk Portable uses drops up to 2m. The makers of the Kingston XS2000 1TB, the WD_Black P50 500GB and the T9 don't state durability claim, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the GARMESE and the SanDisk Portable apart?
The GARMESE: a 33g body with a keychain hole. The SanDisk Portable: drop protection up to 2m. The Kingston XS2000 1TB: a pocket-sized body.
Who should choose the T9?
The T9 carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Should I pick the GARMESE or the T9?
The GARMESE suits getting 33g body with a keychain hole for the least money; the T9 suits spending more than the WD_Black P50 500GB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the GARMESE, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the SanDisk Portable for drop protection up to 2m, the Kingston XS2000 1TB for a pocket-sized body and the WD_Black P50 500GB for PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac compatibility if those matter more to you.
Match the drive's port to your laptop or console; a faster drive wastes its speed on a slower port.