10 Best External SSDs 2025 in the United States

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 Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 is a high-capacity external SSD offering a massive 7.6TB of storage, which is ideal for users needing extensive space for sensitive data. It uses a USB 3.1 interface, providing solid compatibility with desktops, laptops, Macs, and even smartphones. One of its standout features is strong security: it’s FIPS 197 certified and uses XTS-AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data. The touch-screen PIN and multi-password options add convenient yet robust access control, including configurable password rules and dual read-only modes to defend against malware threats.

The drive’s 2.5-inch form factor and relatively light weight make it portable and easy to carry. The build appears durable and the screen interface is user-friendly for managing passwords. This device is clearly tailored for users who prioritize data security over raw speed or casual use. If you want a basic external SSD for everyday file storage without heavy encryption needs, this might be more than necessary. Some buyers might also find the price higher due to its specialized security features.

This SSD suits professionals or anyone dealing with sensitive information who needs a secure, large external drive with strong physical and software protection, while everyday users might look for simpler and possibly faster options.

The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-capacity external drive designed for users who need fast, reliable storage on the go. It offers a large 4TB capacity, which is great for storing heavy files like videos, photos, or backups. One of its standout features is the blazing-fast USB4 interface, delivering up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write speeds. This means you can transfer large files quickly, saving time during backups or editing work. The drive is also backwards compatible with older USB standards and supports Thunderbolt 4, making it versatile with many devices.

Durability is a strong point here—the SSD has an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance and comes with a rugged silicone shell plus an aluminum body to protect it from bumps and drops. This makes it a solid choice for people who travel or work in varying environments. It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around. Security-wise, while it doesn’t mention built-in encryption, the physical build helps protect your data from physical damage. Compatibility is broad, working smoothly with both desktops and laptops.

A notable consideration is that the premium speed and build quality come with a higher price tag compared to more basic SSDs. It might offer more storage than casual users need, and if your devices don’t support USB4 or Thunderbolt 4, you won’t get the maximum speed benefits, though it will still work at lower speeds. This SSD is ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who want fast, large, and durable external storage, especially if you often transfer large files or need a tough drive for travel.