We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Portable Ssds 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

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
10.0
Chosen by1,439
Read and Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality
Size and Weight

Most important from
708 reviews

Read and Write Speeds
Delivers lightning-fast transfer speeds with flawless plug-and-play operation, making it a perfect companion for Mac users.
Durability and Build Quality
Compact and lightweight yet feels durable and premium, ideal for carrying anywhere without hassle.
Size and Weight
Its small footprint and compatibility with both macOS and Windows offer versatile use across multiple devices.
Connectivity
Comes pre-formatted for broad compatibility but can be easily reformatted to suit specific operating systems without issues.

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD offers a solid mix of speed, durability, and compatibility that makes it a strong choice for students, creators, and gamers needing reliable external storage. With a 1TB capacity, it provides ample room for photos, games, videos, and backups. Its fast read speeds up to 2,100MB/s mean files load and transfer quickly, which is a noticeable improvement over traditional hard drives.

The device is built tough, featuring an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and can withstand drops from nearly 10 feet, making it ideal for users who are often on the move or in varied environments. It connects using USB-C and includes USB-A support, ensuring it works with a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Android, gaming consoles, and more. At just under 2 inches long and weighing just over an ounce, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry around easily.

The inclusion of bonus software like Mylio Photos and Acronis True Image adds extra value for managing and backing up files. The Crucial X10 is a dependable, fast, and portable SSD that suits everyday users who want durable storage with broad device compatibility, though those needing strong data encryption might want to consider additional options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,439
Read and Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality
Size and Weight

Most important from
708 reviews

Read and Write Speeds
Delivers lightning-fast transfer speeds with flawless plug-and-play operation, making it a perfect companion for Mac users.
Durability and Build Quality
Compact and lightweight yet feels durable and premium, ideal for carrying anywhere without hassle.
Size and Weight
Its small footprint and compatibility with both macOS and Windows offer versatile use across multiple devices.
Connectivity
Comes pre-formatted for broad compatibility but can be easily reformatted to suit specific operating systems without issues.
#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
1452 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.
Connectivity
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.
Size and Weight
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.

The Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a solid choice for gamers and anyone needing a portable storage solution. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it offers ample space for games, multimedia files, and other data. The standout feature is its impressive read speed of up to 2,000MB/s, significantly reducing loading times and enhancing performance, which is especially beneficial for gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as PCs and Macs.

RGB lighting customization through the WD_BLACK Dashboard adds a personal touch for Windows users, making it visually appealing. The drive's durability is noteworthy, with a shock-resistant structure capable of surviving drops up to two meters, ensuring your data stays safe during travel. Connectivity is robust with USB 3.2 Gen2x2, though it’s important to ensure your device supports this interface to achieve maximum speeds. One drawback is the RGB lighting customization being limited to Windows only, which might disappoint users of other operating systems.

Additionally, while the drive supports storing and playing games from last-gen consoles, it only allows archiving for the latest consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, which might not fully meet the needs of next-gen gamers. The compact size and light weight make it highly portable, and the brand's reputation for quality offers peace of mind. This SSD is well-suited for gamers and tech enthusiasts looking for fast, reliable, and stylish portable storage.

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

Most important from
1452 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.
Connectivity
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.
Size and Weight
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.
#3

Western Digital 500GB D30 Game Drive SSD - Portable External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, & PC, Up to 900MB/s - WDBATL5000ABK-WESN

Rating
8.2
Storage Capacity
Read and Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1085 reviews

Storage Capacity
This drive is perfect for supplementing storage on next-gen consoles, handling non-optimized games flawlessly.
Read and Write Speeds
Downloading 450GB in a continuous write operation without any issues showcases its reliability and efficiency.
Durability and Build Quality
Western Digital's D30 is thoughtfully designed with solid build quality and impressive performance, making it ideal for external storage.

The Western Digital 500GB D30 Game Drive SSD is a solid choice for gamers looking for a portable storage solution. With a storage capacity of 500GB, it offers enough space to store a significant number of games, although heavy gamers might prefer the 2TB option for more extensive libraries. The SSD boasts impressive read speeds of up to 900MB/s, which can significantly reduce load times and enhance the gaming experience.

Its compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs makes it a versatile option for various gaming setups. The device's sleek and stylized design complements gaming consoles, adding an aesthetic appeal to its functionality. Connectivity is supported through USB-C, ensuring fast data transfer and broad compatibility with modern devices.

The drive is lightweight at 4.8 ounces and compact, making it convenient to carry around. However, it lacks advanced encryption and security features, which might be a concern for users who prioritize data security. While the drive is durable and built to withstand everyday use, it does not offer any specific rugged features for extreme conditions. The product also comes with a warranty, providing some assurance of support in case of issues.

Rating
8.2
Storage Capacity
Read and Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1085 reviews

Storage Capacity
This drive is perfect for supplementing storage on next-gen consoles, handling non-optimized games flawlessly.
Read and Write Speeds
Downloading 450GB in a continuous write operation without any issues showcases its reliability and efficiency.
Durability and Build Quality
Western Digital's D30 is thoughtfully designed with solid build quality and impressive performance, making it ideal for external storage.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Ssds

When choosing a portable SSD (Solid State Drive), it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Portable SSDs are great for storing and transferring data quickly and securely. They are more durable and faster than traditional hard drives, making them ideal for a variety of uses, from backing up important files to expanding storage for your laptop or gaming console. Here are the key specs you should consider when selecting a portable SSD.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the SSD can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store on the drive. Capacities typically range from 250GB to 2TB or more. If you need to store large files like videos or a large number of photos, you should opt for a higher capacity. For general use, such as document storage and occasional backups, a smaller capacity may suffice.
Read and Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly data can be transferred to and from the SSD. This is crucial for tasks that involve moving large files or running applications directly from the SSD. Speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Higher speeds (e.g., 1000 MB/s or more) are better for intensive tasks like video editing, while lower speeds (e.g., 400-500 MB/s) are adequate for everyday use.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the SSD can withstand physical shocks, drops, and environmental factors like water and dust. This is important if you plan to carry the SSD around frequently. Look for SSDs with rugged designs, often indicated by military-grade certifications or IP ratings (e.g., IP67 for water and dust resistance). If you need a drive for travel or outdoor use, prioritize durability.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the type of ports and interfaces the SSD uses to connect to your devices. Common options include USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3. This is important because it affects compatibility and transfer speeds. Ensure the SSD has a compatible port with your device. For the fastest speeds, Thunderbolt 3 is ideal, but USB-C is also a good choice for modern devices.
Encryption and Security FeaturesEncryption and security features protect your data from unauthorized access. This is important if you store sensitive information on your SSD. Look for drives that offer hardware encryption, password protection, and other security features. If data security is a priority for you, choose an SSD with robust security options.
Size and WeightSize and weight refer to the physical dimensions and heft of the SSD. This is important for portability and convenience. Smaller and lighter SSDs are easier to carry around, making them ideal for travel. If you need a drive that you can easily slip into a pocket or bag, opt for a compact and lightweight model.
Warranty and SupportWarranty and support refer to the manufacturer's guarantee and customer service options. This is important for peace of mind and long-term reliability. Look for SSDs with a good warranty period (typically 3-5 years) and responsive customer support. If you want assurance that your investment is protected, choose a brand with a strong warranty and good support.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now