10 Best External SSD Drives

This SSD is better than the usual hard drives, not only in terms of speed, but also in terms of security. Not only is it solid-state and not afraid of shaking, it is also protected from water and dust according to the IP68 standard. The standard means that the device is not afraid of fine dust getting inside and will remain operational when completely immersed in water. Additionally, the case is framed along the side edge by a rubber strip, which is able to dampen a small shock load.

The device works through the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface. The write speed reaches 430 Mb / s, read - up to 440 Mb / s. The warranty period is 3 years. There is a work indicator. The main drawback is that the drive is hot under load. Otherwise, the opinions of both experts and users in the reviews indicate that this is the best SSD in terms of price, quality and physical protection level.

Expensive solid state drive in a metal shell and with a built-in fingerprint scanner that allows you to save data on the disk and restrict access to strangers. This is the best SSD for storing sensitive data. In addition to biometric protection, the manufacturer added AES 256-bit data encryption.

The device supports high read and write speeds: 1050 and 1000 MB per second.The connection interface is USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C is also supported. The kit includes a cable from Type-C to Type-C and an adapter from USB Type-C to Type A. The device itself is compact and lightweight: 57x8x85 mm and 58 grams. A powerful bonus - you can access data on any device without installing additional software, even on a TV. The software is only needed to initialize the encryption process - the program is written on the SSD itself in versions for MacOS, Windows and Android. Encryption is enabled through it, passwords and fingerprints are set.

This is the lightest SSD among the best models with a capacity close to 1000 GB. This portable drive is very compact and resembles a lighter in shape and size. Easily fits into any pocket, and its weight is only 47 grams. It can be connected to a MacBook, Windows computer, game consoles. The connection interface is USB 3.1 Type-C. Speeds are decent: reading up to 520 Mb / s, and writing - up to 460 Mb / s.

There are two ultra-fast cables included with the SSD: Type-C to Type-C and Type A to Type-C. It is the cables labeled "SS" (Super Speed) that are able to demonstrate the maximum speed of the Transcend ESD250C. Compared to a classic hard drive, this device wins at times. In the reviews, users admit that they bought this SSD in order, for example, to increase the amount of storage in their MacBook. The device also works in conjunction with a smartphone. To do this, the manufacturer suggests installing the Transcend Elite app for Android.

One of the best external SSDs with a rubberized bumper around the case to protect it from impact. In addition, on the surface of the disk there is a special groove where the cable fits. It is removable and only 5 cm long, but due to the convenient folding in the SSD, the insufficient length of the cord is leveled by the convenience of storing it. Connects via USB 3.0. The gadget itself is small and light - 55 grams, if necessary, it will even fit into a wallet.

The manufacturer offers buyers a three-year warranty, and this is another good reason to consider this SSD reliable. Tests show that the temperature under load does not rise above 51°, which is an excellent result. There is useful additional software: WD Backup creates backups automatically, WD Security encrypts files using AES. The device is compatible with Mac and Windows 7, 8 and 10. There are no serious shortcomings - you can only complain about the lack of an indicator and water protection.

Visually unusual solid state drive with speeds up to 400 MB / s. The unusual appearance is manifested in the body lined with fabric. The size is small, weight - only 65 grams. The manufacturer provided the device with a continuous backup function, and also gives as a gift an annual subscription to Mylio Create (an application for organizing photos) and a two-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

In the kit, in addition to the drive itself, instructions, subscriptions and software, there is a 20-cm USB 3.0 cable.The reviews believe that this is the best SSD for every day in terms of price-quality ratio. The write speed is at the level of hard drives, and this is the most significant drawback of the model. There are no complaints about the reading speed - it is consistently high. This external drive is suitable for those who are looking for an inexpensive model with backup support.

Unlike hard drives, this external drive boasts the highest file read and write speeds of 2800 and 2100 MB per second, respectively. The device connects via Thunderbolt 3 interface, and keep in mind that the USB Type-C connector in your device must also support Thunderbolt 3 technology. Only in this case, data transfer will take place, and only in this case you will enjoy the high speeds of this SSD.

The storage capacity is 500 GB, there are modifications with other storage sizes. The form factor is not the most compact - 2.5 inches. The actual dimensions of the device are 62x19.7x119 mm and the weight is 150 grams. In the reviews, users warn beginners: if you have Windows 7 or 8, you need to install the Thunderbolt driver (in Windows 10 it is installed by default). There are no serious shortcomings in this external drive - only a rather high price.

The ideal external type SSD for connecting to game consoles.The manufacturer delighted gamers with 3D NAND technology, which increases the transfer speed and reliability of the connection, so you can update, install and launch games on the console faster. The connection is made via the USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, which makes it possible to connect directly to modern game consoles. Two cables are included - from USB Type-C to A and from Type-C to Type-C.

In addition, the American brand has added an automatic configuration function for quick access to games from any console. The external drive itself is light - 56 grams, and compact - easily fits in your pocket. The reviews note that the device is universal and great for everyday tasks: connecting to a PC (supports Windows and Mac) and storing photos and video files.

Reliable external type SSD that connects via USB 3.0. The bundled cable is 20 cm long, which is more convenient than short cords from competitors. The manufacturer provided a data transfer rate of up to 400 Mb per second. The volume of this SSD is 500 GB, the size of the device is 2.5 inches, and the weight is 65 grams.

Seagate has taken care that the drive is reliable and durable. So, here is not only a durable case made of textured plastic, but also a well-thought-out filling, designed for many rewriting cycles. No initial setup is required, the device is ready to use the first time you connect it. Reviews confirm that the model is durable and easy to use, does not heat up when transferring large files.Fast enough and at the same time inexpensive - the best solution for those who are looking for a 500 GB SSD from a trusted manufacturer, with good performance and low cost.

Small external SSD drive with high performance. It is compact, lightweight and reliable - the case is protected from moisture and dust according to the IP55 standard, so it is not afraid of rain and water splashes. A very nice bonus from the manufacturer is support for Thunderbolt 3, but it only works with a standard cable (a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable is included). 4,000 72 GB photos are transferred to disk in 4 minutes, and the same folder with files connected via another cable is copied in 45 minutes.

The reviews praise the high speed of work and support for Thunderbolt 3, albeit with some limitations, a durable case without backlash and gaps. The main complaint about the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB is that it heats up when transferring large files. Also, the owners of this drive write short and thick cord, soiled case, lack of a cover in the kit as shortcomings.

One of the most reliable external SSDs with 1000 GB of storage. The device is connected via USB 3.1 Type-C, there are two cables included - from Type-C to Type A and to USB Type-C. The drive pleases with a high read speed of up to 540 Mb / s, and its compact size (1.8 inches) and light weight (51 grams) are also praised in the reviews. It looks like a fat business card, nothing more.There are interesting colors in the assortment, but even in classic black it looks like a stylish accessory.

There is no backlash in the case, the connection to the PC is stable. The connection indicator is dim - for this, users in the reviews say a special thank you to the manufacturer. The main disadvantages are small and do not give a serious reason to refuse to buy this SSD - high cost, easily soiled case, hard and short cables with Velcro, which are difficult to remove.