Apple has already started to ship MacBook with SSD and Windows laptop manufacturers are also following the same. SSDs are consuming low battery power compared to HDD. What makes it stand out is its thundering speed in copying, reading, booting OS, etc. When you transfer files or use time machine with the latest SSD laptops, you have to use external SSD for the same speed and performance. For Mac users, while using time machine (see best SSD for Mac), external SSD with Thunderbolt port ensure maximum speed.
After quite a bit of analysis, we present our list of the best External SSD for Windows, Mac, and Android that is excellent in performance and decent in pricing.
Samsung T7 Portable SSD
Samsung T7 is new in the series comes with ultra-high performance. Samsung Portable SSD is our best pick so far for external SSDs. This external SSD comes with fingerprint and password security. Also, the AES 256-bit encryption algorithm protects your data.
This T7 Portable SSD is lightning fast, which offers a sequential data transfer speed of up to 1050 MB/s read and writes up to 1000 MB/s. The compact shock-resistant metal case SSD ss coming with USB 3.1 type C, to make sure fast data transfer. This portable SSD is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Android, and Gaming devices.
The SSD is shock resistant and withstands drops from 6ft. The LED indicator signals when on, off, and during the data transfer. The T7 external storage is available in three capacities 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
- Fingerprint Security: Ssd With Fingerprint And Password Security
SanDisk Extreme 500
SanDisk Extreme 500 is one of the best external SSD for computer users, photographers, videographers, and graphic designers who need to transfer or back up large files on the go. The SanDisk Extreme 500 offers a sequential read speed of 430MB/s and a sequential write speed of 400MB/s.
This high-speed SSD for Windows and Mac is capable of reading/writing at lightning speed. In addition to the improved design and robust features, SanDisk Extreme 500 comes with 128-bit AES encryption software that helps you protect all your files wherever you go.
This external SSD hard drive comes with a durable case and compact design. The presence of USB 3.0 gives you lightning-fast speed, either in copy or writing. Moreover, the drive can work for both USB2.0 and 3.0. There is no additional power sources or power banks are required for this External SSD to operate. This portable external SSD is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Mac OS 10.4+.
This external SSD can be connected to a car audio system with the prescribed USB ports to play the song from SSD itself. SanDisk Extreme is an ideal bet for those who are looking for an external SSD drive for Android devices to back up the device data.
- High-speed transfers with up to 550MB/s read speeds let you move hi-res photos and videos faster...
Also read: External SSD Deals: Samsung’s New T7 Touch & Sandisk SSD Deals
Samsung T5 Portable SSD
Samsung T5 Portable SSD is our best pick so far for external SSDs. This external SSD is developed with the TLC V-NAND technology and offers a storage capacity of up to 2TB packed in a compact console. With fast read-write speeds, this portable device is a top contender when it comes to SSDs. This SSD for mac and android offers a sequential data transfer speed of up to 540 MB/s. Also, the AES 256-bit encryption algorithm protects your data.
The compact shock-resistant metal case SSD ss coming with USB 3.1 type C, to make sure fast data transfer. You can also use this external SSD with other older devices supporting USB 2.0 ports using the included USB Type-C to Type-A adapter.
This portable SSD is compatible with Windows and Mac OS and also good to work with Android devices to backup data from Android phones and tablets. For Mac and PC users, this external SSD’s storage space can partition and format to use with Mac and PC. With this setup, there is no need to buy separate external SSD for Mac or PC.
Key Features:
- USB 3.1
- Comes with AES 256 Bit Protection
- Up to 540MBps transfer speed
- Reverse compatible
- Comes in 3 storage variants
- Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB/s...
Crucial X8
The Crucial X8 is one of the new external SSDs that has enabled the latest USB 3.2 tech. It is a compact SSD that can give you read speeds of up to 1050MBps. Stats also show that it is up to 2 times faster than the normal SSDs and 8X faster than the basic HDDs you get online. Being the USB C type, it works quite so well with every device in the town.
From the Macs to the IPad Pro and to the PS4 and Xbox, it works fine, just like the wind. The design part has emphasized more on durability rather than on looks. It comes with an aluminum vore that is converted within a metallic outer casing. It can stand impacts and radiation to a great extent. The X8 at present comes in two versions, the 500GB, and the 1 TB version.
Key Features:
- Latest USB 3.2
- Up to 1050 MBps transfer speeds
- Comes in 2 storage variants
- USB C to USB A adapter available
- Incredible performance with read speeds up to 1050 MB/s
Seagate 1TB SSD
This Seagate SSD comes in rather a sporty design. It is crafted so well within a metallic housing. This external SSD comes with the USB 3.0 and can sport up to transfer speeds of 500 MBps. The model you see here is the 1TB version. But if you’re looking for more space, then there is the 2 TB version available.
The lightweight and sturdy design make it portable to a great extent. It is shockproof and comes well insulated to be called dustproof. With this external SSD, you get a 2-month complimentary subscription to the Adobe CC for those who have a taste in photography. This external SSD is compatible with Macs, Androids, and iPhones. You get an extra Type C to a type-A adapter to couple it with lower-end devices.
Key Features:
- USB 3.0
- up to 500MBps transfer speeds
- Shockproof and dustproof
- 2-month complimentary subscription to Adobe CC
- Comes in 3 storage variants
- Ready for ultra fast on the go file transfers, The Seagate Fast SSD is a portable external solid...
PNY EliteUSB 3.0 Portable SSD
The PNY Elite Portable SSD is one of the most compact SSDs we ever tested. This external SSD is very compact and easily portable, offers a storage capacity of up to 480GB with combined lightning transfer speeds. This portable external SSD for Mac and Windows offers 430MB/s sequential read, and 400MB/s write speed. The PNY’s Elite Portable SSD offers fast transfer mode with a built-in USB 3.0 port. This external SSD hard drive is intended to meet the requirements of mainstream PC users, photographers, graphic designers who are always on the go.
Moreover, the data encryption software and helps you protect all your files. The Acronis True Image Data Protection Software that comes with this SSD helps to backup all important data instantly as a whole image. The PNY Portable SSD is compatible with Windows, and Mac OS X and earlier versions of OS.
PNY External SSD also supports Windows To Go and automatically detects the drive. When compared with other portable external SSDs, we found that this device cannot be used as a hard drive for PC as it comes in a sealed unit. Again, it cannot be used as a custom flash drive and can’t be connected to car stereos, etc.
If you are looking for a handy and compact SSD, we advise you to take a look at this product. Being light and small help you extremely well with the portability factor.
- Transfer large files at blazing fast speeds
Also read: All About SSDs and Monitoring Tools You Must Know
RAVPower Mini
The RAVPower Mini is by far the most compact SSD in town. It comes with the new USB 3.1 tech that gives you mammoth transfer speeds. The stats show that this External SSD can give transfer rates of up to 540MBps when you connect it with the USB 3.1 port. At present, you get two storage versions, the 512GB, and the 1TB. The dimensions are worth mentioning here as its the most compact SSD yet. It is just 0.4 inches thick and you carry it like the way you take a pen.
The design is quite durable and sturdy. The metallic casing is rather shockproof and is resistant to impacts. This external SSD hard drive also features a heat dissipation mechanism.there is a heat sink that makes the device stay at optimum temperature while you move huge files. As it comes with the USB 3.1, it fits all the new USB C enabled smartphones, laptops, and PCs. The security standards also guarantee unbreakable data encryptions.
Key Features:
- USB 3.1
- Up to 540 MBps transfer speed
- Most portable design
- USB C to USB A adapter available
MyDigital Portable SSD
MyDigitalSSD is a portable external SSD that helps to store all your files safely. This external SSD is capable of giving mammoth read/write speeds. With four times the speed of a traditional hard drive, users can run operating systems, play games, stream media, and utilize programs directly from this portable SSD. The optimized sequential read speed clocks up to 465MB/s and the sequential write speed clocks to 445MB/s (peak values).
The new robust and compact design makes this SSD portable and easy to use. This external SSD for Mac and Windows supports USB 3.0 which gives you up to 10x faster file transfer than USB 2.0. Moreover, this device can be a portable link to your media collection. Hence you can simply transfer movies, music directly to the external SSD and enjoy entertainment on the go.
Furthermore, this external SSD also supports devices that have USB 1.1, USB 2.0, and USB 3.1. This External SSD is coming with two USB cables, an 8-inch USB 3.0 cable for standard USB ports, and one 18-inch USB Type-C cable. In fact, the improved endurance factor helps you give greater read/write speed.
Now coming to the compatibility part, this portable SSD works well with Windows and Mac OS and certain Android devices with updated versions. In comparison with other models available in the market, this SSD doesn’t support partition and trim features. The speeds also decrease when you connect this device to a USB 2.0 port.
For the trim feature, you need an E-SATA or Thunderbolt interface. This device is also available in three storage variants (128GB, 256GB, 512GB).
WD My Passport
The WD My Passport more like a portable SSD that meets the needs of the gamer in you. It is one of the best external storage alternatives for your PS4. At present, the My Passport comes in two storage variants, the 2TB, and the 4Tb. It comes with the USB 3.0 tech and can hit speeds of up to 500 MBps. With this portable external SSD, you can store 100s of games which are accessible by the plug and play mechanism.
You don’t need any extra setup to make it work with the PS4. The device might not be the most compact one but is portable to a great limit. My Passport SSD is built to meet the durability standards and is shockproof. A thing to mention is that you can couple it with your smartphones, Macs, and PCs by doing some quick formating to specific file formats.
Key Features:
- USB 3.0
- PS4 exclusive
- Up to 500 MBps transfer speeds
- Comes in 3 storage variants
- Blazing-fast file transfers with speeds up to 515 MB/s
Samsung X5
The Samsung X5 is the first-ever NVMe based external SSD from Samsung that has the Thunderbolt 3 technology. With this thunderbolt 3 techs, Samsung guarantees you to get 40GB/s data transfer speeds at optimum conditions. The stats also show that you get up 2800MBps sequential read and 2300MBps sequential write speeds. This is far more enough to meet your needs to transfer files to and from the X5.
Coming to the design part, the X5 comes with a full metallic body with a glossy top and nonslip bottom grips. It can stand impacts and falls from up to 2 meters. It also features dynamic thermal guard technology to help maintain optimal performance during high temperatures. The file backup and protection is taken care of by the AES 256 bit encryptions. There is also optional password protection too.
- THUNDERBOLT 3 AND NVMe POWER: First ever NVMe-based portable SSD from Samsung featuring Thunderbolt...
SanDisk Extreme 900
The next one on our list is the SanDisk Extreme 900 Portable SSD. This solid-state drive helps you move photos, videos, and graphics-intense files within the nick of time. The SanDisk Extreme 900 Portable SSD delivers up to 850MB/s read and write speeds and promises up to 9X faster performance than any external hard drive available in the market.
Furthermore, the 128-bit AES encryption software helps you protect all your important and sensitive files securely. The SanDisk SecureAccess software that comes with the product takes care of this. All you need to do is install this software and simply drop sensitive and critical files into its vault.
With the new cutting-edge technology, the SanDisk Extreme 900 Portable SSD is far cooler, quieter, and extremely efficient than any other SSDs out there. This external SSD for mac and windows has the unique USB Type C as its only port. Now coming to the compatibility part, this SSD for Mac OS X v10.6+, Windows 10, and older versions. Like other SSDs, this device also drives power from the USB port and doesn’t require any other power outlet. Another small flaw is that this SSD cannot be connected to car stereos, Xbox, etc.
The SanDisk Extreme 900 Portable SSD is available in three storage variants, 480GB, 960GB, and 1.92TB.
- Storage Capacity: 480GB Solid State Drive.
Adata SD600Q
The Adata SD600Q is yet another portable external SSD that has the new USB 3.2. With this, you are guaranteed to get transfer speeds of up to 800MBps. The read speed clocks up to 440 MBps at the average. The design part is compact and slim. It is like a square-shaped device that weighs a mere 60g alone. The lightweight design increases the portability factor to a great extent.
It is shockproof and dustproof. It can stand a fall from a height of 1.2m. The durability standard meets the US MIL standards, making it one of the most sturdy SSD in the town. Coming to the compatibility part, this external SSD is compatible with the Mac, Androids, and supports hot plugging. You can choose from 4 storage versions, the 240GB, 480GB and the 960Gb as per your nerd.
Key Features:
- Latest USB 3.2
- Up to 800MBps transfer speed
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes in 4 storage versions
- FAST DATA TRANSFERS: Delivering read/write of up to 440MB per second, you’ll be able to transfer a...
G Technology G Drive SSD
The G Drive Mobile SSD is a durable SSD that comes with the USB 3.1. it is capable of giving you transfer rates that clocks up to 560MBps. This external SSD comes in a durable design with IP67 water and dustproof qualities. It can stand a fall from even a 3-meter height. The device comes in an all-metal casing that makes it rather shockproof.
The compatibility encompasses a wide variety of devices. It can work well with the Macs, Android smartphones, and iPhones that have the USB C ports. Also, you receive an extra type C to Type-A adapter to make it work with the standard devices. At present, the G drive comes to win 3 variants, the 500GB, 1TB, and the 2TB.
Key Features:
- USB 3.1
- Up to 560 MBps transfer speeds
- All-metal design
- Type C to Type-A cable available
- Comes in 3 storage variants
- A durable design with IP67 water/dust resistance, 3M drop tested, and 1000lb crush resistance
Whether it is Mac or Windows OS (see best SSD for Windows), it is time to switch from traditional spinning platter portable hard disk drive (HDD) to SSD for fast data transfer. Portable SSDs are ideal for photographers, and business persons who are traveling a lot and want to keep their data safe. External SSDs will consume less battery power. Since there are no moving parts, external SSDs are safe from an accidental drop or impact, ideal to keep while you travel.
There you have it, our list of the top 5 external SSDs that do excellent with invariably all major software and mobile platforms. The availability of SSDs is currently on the rise owing to its fragmentation (related to speed) and non-mechanical working that ensures its form factor and durability. If you are looking for absolute performance within a reasonable price tag, we highly recommend you take a look at our list. The above mentioned SSDs meet all the basic criteria and functioning needed for a smooth experience.
Do any of these drives support TRIM and SMART?