Editor’s pick
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Crucial X9 Pro 1TB Portable SSD
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Best external SSD 2023
Don’t shop around any longer for a new external SSD, read our reviews on five of the best choices available today!
Updated: Oct 24, 2023 4:45 pm
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- 01Best external SSDEditor’s Pick
Portable hard drives are bulkier, less reliable, and more easily damaged in transport than their modern counterparts. Being able to store, backup, and transfer files in one easily transportable device has made this newer means of storage the more popular choice by far. But with so many different options to choose from it can be hard to know what is the best external SSD you should invest your money in. You can opt for larger storage capacity if you can afford it but there are also some great value-for-money SSDs in the middle price range area.
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Considering things like cost, capacity, durability, and portability, we’ve researched and reviewed five of the best external SSDs that are currently on the market. We spill the details on how we chose, what features you should consider, and which SSD we think is the best choice for gamers by selecting a top pick. We highly recommend it, especially over slower external HDDs!
Best external SSD for gaming: products at a glance
ADATA SE800 External Solid State Drive
Digital Storage Capacity
1 TB
Hardware Interface
USB, USB Type C
Read Speed
1050 Megabytes Per Second
Compatible Devices
Desktop
Western digital My Passport SSD
Hard Drive Type
External SSD
Speed
N/A
Read/Write Speed
387MB/sec – 385MB/sec
Capacities
256GB – 2TB
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Digital Storage Capacity
2 TB
Hardware Interface
USB 3.1 Type C
Read Speed
1050 Megabytes Per Second
Item Dimensions
0.38 x 2.07 x 3.97 inches
Samsung T7 Portable SSD
Hard Drive Type
Solid State Drive
Read/Write Speed
1050 Megabytes Per Second
Capacities
256Gb to 1TB
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Sabrent Rocket Nano USB External SSD
Digital Storage Capacity
2 TB
Hardware Interface
USB 3.0 Type A, USB Type C
Read Speed
1000 Megabytes Per Second
Write Speed
1000
Item Dimensions
4.13 x 1.77 x 0.55 inches
Best external SSD for gaming: reviews
Best External SSD
Editor’s Pick
ADATA SE800 External Solid State Drive
Digital Storage Capacity
1 TB
Hardware Interface
USB, USB Type C
Read Speed
1050 Megabytes Per Second
Compatible Devices
Desktop
Pros
- Affordable option
- Excellent value for money
- Superfast transfer read/write rates at 1000 MB/s
- Attractive design
- Small and compact for easy portability
Cons
- Not the best option if you have a larger game collection or if you need to store a higher number of files
Our top pick is the ADATA SE800 external solid-state drive which is one of the best value-for-money external SSDs we came across during our research. Take your files with you anywhere as this external drive is designed specifically for transport with its small size and compact shape.
It’s as attractive as it is portable thanks to its hairline-brushed surface so this is an SSD you’ll definitely want to show off. It hits the tri-factor when it comes to durability as it’s waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof so there’s a reduced chance of damaging or corrupting your files.
It has a storage capacity of 512GB which is enough for the average gamer on the go, and it’s super affordable. It’s a great option for anyone who’s looking to buy a new SSD on a tighter budget or if you don’t think you’ll use up a whole TB of storage.
The ADATA SE800 has super-fast read and write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s so you won’t have to worry about experiencing slow transfer rates, and it features USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface as well as being backward compatible with USB 2.0.
Next Best External SSD
Western digital My Passport SSD
Hard Drive Type
External SSD
Speed
N/A
Read/Write Speed
387MB/sec – 385MB/sec
Capacities
256GB – 2TB
Pros
- Larger capacity for data storage
- Small and compact in size for easy transportation
- Reasonably priced
- Fast read and write speeds
- Password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption ensures your data is protected
Cons
- It can get quite hot to the touch when transferring large files or if it’s run for long periods of time
For a higher price, you can increase the amount of storage you have by opting for an SSD with a 1TB capacity, and the Western Digital My Passport SSD is a great choice for those who will need this much space for their gaming data and other files.
The high capacity may come as a surprise given Western Digital’s reasonable prices, but these SSDs are still good value for money as they cost a lot less than some of the other external cards that have the same storage capacity.
Even with the increase in storage, you can still enjoy speeds of 1050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s for fast data transfers that you can access anywhere at any time. It’s cross-compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C or USB-A for older systems.
Protect your data with the password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption and protect your files from loss or corruption by choosing an SSD like the Western Digital My Passport drive which has a shock and vibration-resistant outer casing. It’s also backed by a 5-year warranty which also speaks to the lifespan you can expect from this durable SSD.
Another Great External SSD
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Digital Storage Capacity
2 TB
Hardware Interface
USB 3.1 Type C
Read Speed
1050 Megabytes Per Second
Item Dimensions
0.38 x 2.07 x 3.97 inches
Pros
- Huge 2TB capacity for data storage
- High read and write speeds
- Reliable option
- IP55 water and dust-resistant
- Can survive drops from up to 2 meters high
- Useful features which make it highly transportable
- Password-protected 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Cons
- Expensive option
- Some customer reports of corruption issues
The SanDisk Extreme portable external SSD is another great offering for gamers, particularly those with an extensive collection of games and data files that they need to store as it has a massive 2TB of storage space.
It takes full advantage of the new generation technology and can now reach up to 1050 MB/s which will deliver fast data transfer whenever you need it. It’s super reliable and it should last you for years to come thanks to the tough outer exterior which protects it if dropped from a height of up to 2 meters. It’s also IP55 water and dust-resistant.
Take it with you when you’re traveling without worrying about damaging the device, but if you do you can be confident that you’re backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. With that said the external silicon shell means this SSD can handle a beating.
There are features to make it even easier to travel with, such as the useful carabiner loop which will attach to your belt loop or rucksack so it’s not easily misplaced. You’ll have total peace of mind because your contents are kept safe by the password-protected 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
Samsung T7 Portable SSD
Hard Drive Type
Solid State Drive
Read/Write Speed
1050 Megabytes Per Second
Capacities
256Gb to 1TB
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Pros
- 9.5 times faster than a hard disk drive
- Fast read and write speeds
- Can survive drops from up to 6 feet high
- Affordable option
- Advanced heat control to prevent overheating
Cons
- More limited storage capacity
Samsung has been at the forefront of SSD manufacturing for a long time and the Samsung T7 portable SSD continues the tradition of lightning-fast transfer rates that achieve speeds 9.5 times quicker than an external hard disk drive could.
It has a read speed of up to 1,050 MB/s and can deliver write speeds of around 1,000 MB/s, but as with most high-speed SSDs, it comes with a more limited capacity of just 500MB which is the minimum any gamer will get away with in terms of storage capacity.
Despite the high speeds that it’s able to reach the Samsung T7 portable SSD runs cool thanks to the advanced heat control and dynamic thermal guard (DTG) technology. This prevents the T7 SSD from getting too hot as it automatically slows down data transfer when it’s required, which helps to extend its lifespan.
It’s lightweight, pocket-sized, and ready to be taken with you on the go, so it provides reliable and easy storage for traveling with and transferring large files. It combines speed and durability to provide a great all-around external storage device.
You’re also protected by password security so your data is safe, and the external drive is manufactured to be durable so it can handle the odd bit of shock. It’s actually drop-proof from up to 6 feet. For such an affordable price this is a great little budget SSD.
Sabrent Rocket Nano USB External SSD
Digital Storage Capacity
2 TB
Hardware Interface
USB 3.0 Type A, USB Type C
Read Speed
1000 Megabytes Per Second
Write Speed
1000
Item Dimensions
4.13 x 1.77 x 0.55 inches
Pros
- Ultimate portable SSD
- Works well for a number of applications
- Huge 2TB storage capacity for large files
- Fast transfer speeds
- Attractive design and it’s available in six different colors
Cons
- Some customer reports of durability issues
Last on our list is the Sabrent Rocket Nano USB external SSD, and if the name didn’t already give it away, it’s the ultimate travel-friendly portable SSD choice for the gamer who’s often traveling a lot with their files. The ultra-slim design is practical in terms of travel and it adds to the sleek, modern look of this easily-carried SSD. It’s available in six colors in total, including black, grey, blue, pink, red, and gold bringing style as well as substantial storage to the SSD game.
The simple ‘plug in and play’ setup is easy to complete as it’s OS-independent and fully bus-powered without the need for drivers. It’s reliable although perhaps not the most heavy-duty option we’ve come across, and it does come at a more expensive cost. It features USB 3.0 Type-A and USB Type C hardware interface and it works great with both Mac and PC, as well as Linux so you can transfer data anywhere. Plus, the firmware is upgradable, and it can be used for a number of applications.
Another great thing about it is its transfer speeds, as it features a superfast 10 Gbps throughput which is power-efficient and it can reach up to 1000 MB/s when it’s transferring files.
How we choose
As the demands of modern games increase, so does the need for good-quality external SSD storage. To help you make the best decision we’ve made sure to only recommend products that we truly love and that we think will be great for gaming. SSDs are known for their speeds and storage capacity, so of course, we consider these as key factors when making our decision. We combined our own research with what we found online and in customer reviews in order to give a well-informed opinion.
We had a hard time trying to pick just five to feature in our list of favorites, so as well as the above, we compared benchmarks with the results of our own testing which we carry out firsthand to get a real understanding of the SSDs.
Things to consider
If you’re building your own PC from scratch, you’ll quickly find that the cost of components can start to add up. SSDs aren’t exactly a cheap purchase even on their own, so it’s important to take the time to thoroughly research your options and understand your needs. This section is going to take a look at some of the key features you should consider when deciding on a new external SSD.
Storage needs
The first thing you need to address when you’re thinking about purchasing a new external SSD is how much storage space you’ll need. Are you upgrading because your current SSD capacity isn’t sufficient, and if so, how much more will you opt for? If you can afford it, it might be worth getting a larger capacity than what you think you’ll need as a way to future-proof your PC setup, but if you’re content with a smaller collection of games then it might not be worth the jump up in price as more storage equates to more expensive.
For gaming purposes, we recommend at least 500GB of space if it’s within your budget. You can probably just about get by with slightly less but you’ll be more limited as to how many games and files you can store. 1TB and 2TB are both plenty of storage although these can get very expensive.
Portability
One of the greatest advantages of external SSD storage is that it’s more easily transportable than the hard disk drives (HDD) that came before them. Depending on the make and model, you’ll find some SSDs that are small and compact enough to be easily carried.
The size of the external SSD starts to increase with the capacity, so you’ll need to weigh up whether you value storage or your shoulders which will suffer the burden of having to carry heavy PC equipment around everywhere. However, you can find SSD drives that are relatively small and compact in size which makes it easier to transport them.
Durability
Leading on from our last point, your SSD needs to be durable if you’re frequently going to be taking it with you on the go. SSDs with a sturdy, tough outer exterior will have a longer lifespan than some of the flimsier, less substantial storage drives. You can find SSDs that are shock and vibration-proof which is another good feature to look out for because this drastically reduces the chances of files being corrupted as you transport the storage device or if you accidentally drop it from a height.
Reliability
Some of the higher-end brands have built a reputation for reliability and are known to produce products for storage that can stand the test of time, but it’s difficult to appoint just one as the leading manufacturer of the most reliable SSDs. Generally, the cheaper SSDs tend to be less stable and are more prone to difficulties or corruption, so it’s worth checking out the manufacturer’s warranty period to see how long you would be covered against defects or faults. Most will offer 2 to 3 years, but it varies between brands.
Bonus features
This won’t apply to every SSD, especially when you get closer to the lower end of the price range, but a lot of manufacturers will include bonus features and extra perks with the purchase of their SSDs. Some brands will sweeten the deal with things like backup software, additional cloud storage, or data encryption, which might tip you over the edge in your decision as it increases the value for money.
Best External SSD for Gaming FAQs
What is the best external SSD?
Looking for a good storage device outside of your PC, then the best external SSD to pick from is the ADATA SE800. With fast speeds and great durability, it is a great choice for on-the-move and all your needs. With some good alternatives from the WD My Passport SSD, or SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD.
Are external SSD drives worth it?
External SSDs offer up a good alternative to other storage options, their portability of them is a great option if you need storage on the move. And they can easily outperform their hard drive counterparts. Without a spinning disk, the solid state is a much faster method, and even across a USB it can really have good speeds. As well as being more rugged seeing as the parts can’t really shatter so it can survive a fall or two.
Is there any downside to an external SSD?
External SSDs can be limited in speed due to whatever USB port you are using, as even with a USB 3 port it will be limited to a slower port if you’re plugging into it. As well, the price per GB of SSDs is higher, as the tech is a bit more expensive than the older tech, but it might be worth it.
Final Word
Although we love the ADATA SE800 External Solid State Drive due to its excellent value for money, if you need a larger amount of storage then the Western Digital My Passport SSD offers a higher capacity and is still pretty good value for the cost. Ultimately, after extensive research and testing, we feel confident that any one of these SSD cards would be a great addition to your current PC setup, and if you follow our advice on what to consider then you’ll have no problem finding the best option to suit your needs.
Don’t forget to think about how much storage you think you’ll actually use and how big you’re willing to go if your SSD is going to be traveling around with you on multiple occasions. If you’re considering the choice we also see how SSD vs HDDs compare to know which one is the best for you.
Today’s best external SSD deals
Save 17% NOW!
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 1TB
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SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD Sky Blue
Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and dust Resistance, Updated Firmware, Sky Blue – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE61-2T00-G25B
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Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
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SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 1TB
Up to USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
