10 Best External SSDs 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.