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10 Best External SSDs 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,260
Read and Write Speeds
Storage Capacity
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
132 reviews

Read and Write Speeds
The SSD delivers lightning-fast transfer speeds, backing up hundreds of gigabytes in just a few hours—dramatically faster than expected.
Storage Capacity
This drive stands out as the world's smallest external SSD with massive storage options, combining portability with an impressive 8TB capacity.
Durability and Build Quality
Its rugged design includes IP65 dust and water resistance and can survive drops from up to 3 meters, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
Form Factor
This drive stands out as the world's smallest external SSD with massive storage options, combining portability with an impressive 8TB capacity.
Compatibility
Compatibility and connection speed with devices such as MacBook Pros are notably smooth and faster compared to previous Crucial models.

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD offers a solid 1TB storage capacity, making it suitable for storing large files like games, photos, and videos. It delivers very fast read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, enabling quick data transfer and access—much faster than traditional hard drives. The USB 3.2 USB-C interface ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, gaming consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox), and Linux systems. This broad compatibility is ideal for users with multiple devices.

The drive’s build is impressive for an external SSD: it is lightweight and compact (about the size of a credit card), with durable features such as IP65 dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 9.8 feet, making it a strong choice for travelers or anyone needing a rugged portable drive. It also comes with bonus software for photo management and backup, adding value for creative users. This Crucial SSD suits students, gamers, and everyday users looking for a fast, durable, and highly compatible external drive to safely store and move their files.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,260
Read and Write Speeds
Storage Capacity
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
132 reviews

Read and Write Speeds
The SSD delivers lightning-fast transfer speeds, backing up hundreds of gigabytes in just a few hours—dramatically faster than expected.
Storage Capacity
This drive stands out as the world's smallest external SSD with massive storage options, combining portability with an impressive 8TB capacity.
Durability and Build Quality
Its rugged design includes IP65 dust and water resistance and can survive drops from up to 3 meters, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
Form Factor
This drive stands out as the world's smallest external SSD with massive storage options, combining portability with an impressive 8TB capacity.
Compatibility
Compatibility and connection speed with devices such as MacBook Pros are notably smooth and faster compared to previous Crucial models.
#2

Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD - Up to 2,000MB/s, RGB Lighting, Portable External Solid State Drive , Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBAWY0010BBK-WESN

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Read and Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1385 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Read and Write Speeds
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Durability and Build Quality
Reliability and durability are commendable, ensuring data is secure and easily accessible.
Form Factor
Its sleek design makes it a powerhouse of performance and an aesthetic addition to any setup.
Compatibility
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.

The Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a strong contender for gamers seeking a portable external SSD. With impressive read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, it ensures quick loading times for your games, which can enhance your gaming experience significantly. This drive’s compatibility with popular gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S makes it a versatile choice, allowing users to store and manage their games seamlessly.

The design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and it’s built to withstand drops from up to two meters, adding a layer of durability. The customizable RGB lighting through the WD_BLACK Dashboard adds a personal touch, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of flair in their gaming setup.

It does have some limitations. While it provides 1TB of storage, those with larger libraries may want to consider the 2TB option. Additionally, the RGB customization feature is only available on Windows, which could be a drawback for Mac users who wish to personalize their drive. Moreover, while the build quality is robust, the size may not be as rugged as some might want for heavy-duty usage. In terms of security features, it lacks built-in encryption, which might be a concern for users prioritizing data protection. For most gamers, the performance and compatibility with gaming consoles will outweigh these drawbacks, making the WD P40 an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their gaming storage.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Read and Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1385 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Read and Write Speeds
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Durability and Build Quality
Reliability and durability are commendable, ensuring data is secure and easily accessible.
Form Factor
Its sleek design makes it a powerhouse of performance and an aesthetic addition to any setup.
Compatibility
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.
#3

SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25

Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Read and Write Speeds
Interface

Most important from
15035 reviews

Storage Capacity
Capable of transferring over 500GB of data without any slowdowns, this drive is perfect for tasks requiring large, sustained read and write operations.
Read and Write Speeds
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD impresses with blazing fast transfer speeds, making it perfect for handling 4K videos and massive photo libraries.
Interface
The USB-C and USB 3.2 compatibility ensures seamless connectivity with various devices, working flawlessly across different operating systems.
Durability and Build Quality
The rugged, compact design feels durable, with an aluminum body that acts as a heatsink to maintain high performance during extended use.
Compatibility
The USB-C and USB 3.2 compatibility ensures seamless connectivity with various devices, working flawlessly across different operating systems.

The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD offers a substantial storage capacity, making it a great option for those who need to store large amounts of data. With impressive read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, it’s well-suited for tasks that require quick data transfer, such as video editing or gaming. This speed may vary depending on your device and conditions, but it generally provides a fast experience. The USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface ensures wide compatibility with modern devices, from laptops to smartphones, enhancing its versatility.

Durability is a key strength, with an aluminum chassis that acts as a heatsink to maintain performance during use. Its design includes IP65 water and dust resistance and protection from drops up to 3 meters, making it robust and suitable for outdoor adventures. The portable form factor, coupled with a carabiner loop, makes it easy to carry around.

Security is another plus, as this SSD features 256-bit AES hardware encryption to safeguard your data. However, using this feature requires setting it up, which could be a minor hassle for some users. The SanDisk Memory Zone app helps manage files efficiently, but it requires installation, which adds an extra step. For those seeking a fast, durable, and secure external storage solution, this product is a strong contender in the external SSD category.

Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Read and Write Speeds
Interface

Most important from
15035 reviews

Storage Capacity
Capable of transferring over 500GB of data without any slowdowns, this drive is perfect for tasks requiring large, sustained read and write operations.
Read and Write Speeds
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD impresses with blazing fast transfer speeds, making it perfect for handling 4K videos and massive photo libraries.
Interface
The USB-C and USB 3.2 compatibility ensures seamless connectivity with various devices, working flawlessly across different operating systems.
Durability and Build Quality
The rugged, compact design feels durable, with an aluminum body that acts as a heatsink to maintain high performance during extended use.
Compatibility
The USB-C and USB 3.2 compatibility ensures seamless connectivity with various devices, working flawlessly across different operating systems.

Buying Guide for the Best External SSDs

Choosing the right external SSD (Solid State Drive) can significantly enhance your data storage and transfer experience. External SSDs are known for their speed, durability, and portability, making them an excellent choice for backing up important files, transferring data between devices, or expanding your storage capacity. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the SSD can hold, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). This is important because it determines how much data you can store on the drive. If you need to store large files like videos or extensive photo libraries, you might want a higher capacity, such as 1TB or more. For basic document storage or smaller files, a 256GB or 512GB SSD might suffice. Consider your current and future storage needs when choosing the capacity.
Read and Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly data can be transferred to and from the SSD, measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Higher speeds mean faster data transfer, which is crucial for tasks like video editing or running applications directly from the SSD. SSDs with speeds around 500 MB/s are common and suitable for general use, while those with speeds exceeding 1000 MB/s are ideal for more demanding tasks. Assess your need for speed based on how you plan to use the SSD.
InterfaceThe interface is the connection type used to link the SSD to your device, such as USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3. This is important because it affects compatibility and transfer speeds. USB 3.0 and 3.1 are widely compatible and offer good speeds, while USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 provide faster transfer rates and are often used with newer devices. Ensure the SSD interface matches your device's ports for optimal performance.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the SSD can withstand physical impacts, such as drops or shocks. This is important for protecting your data, especially if you plan to carry the SSD around frequently. Look for SSDs with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance if you need extra protection. Consider your usage environment and how often you'll be transporting the SSD when evaluating durability.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the physical size and shape of the SSD. This is important for portability and ease of use. Smaller, lightweight SSDs are easier to carry around and fit into pockets or bags, making them ideal for travel. Larger SSDs might offer more capacity but can be less convenient to transport. Think about how and where you'll be using the SSD to determine the best form factor for your needs.
Security FeaturesSecurity features include encryption and password protection to safeguard your data from unauthorized access. This is important if you store sensitive information on your SSD. Some SSDs offer hardware encryption, which is more secure and faster than software encryption. If data security is a priority for you, look for SSDs with robust security features. Consider the level of security you need based on the type of data you plan to store.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the SSD works with different operating systems and devices. This is important to ensure you can use the SSD with your current setup. Most SSDs are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it's always good to check. Some SSDs come pre-formatted for specific systems but can be reformatted if needed. Verify compatibility with your devices to avoid any issues.

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