Best 8 External SSD Hard Drives

SAMSUNG T5 PORTABLE SSD (500GB)

Up first is Samsung’s T5 Portable SSD which boasts 500GB of storage space. That’s not all, as it tops our list for a reason. This is one of the best External SSDs around and priced for less than $100. Those who need speed or storage solutions for their computer will rejoice!

The T5 is packed full of cool, innovative features that make it stand out as one of the best Samsung external SSD devices. It is powerful and fast in operation, with the ability to transfer data of all kinds in a matter of seconds. You can move high-res photos, 4K videos, high-quality tunes, and more.

One of the biggest uses is for mammoth-sized games files with all of their expansions packs. This SSD has you covered – and you won’t need need to wait around all day for it to finish transferring.

These speeds make it ideal for getting down to business in a matter of seconds. Attach this SSD to your laptop or games console and enjoy the free-flowing freedom that is provided. All of this in a little device that fits in (just about) in the palm of your hand.

The lightweight and stylish design are modern but not too flashy, so you can enjoy using it in public without catching unwanted attention.

Its compact dimensions make it ideal for transporting from the home to the office and back again without taking up too much space or weighing you down.

This External SSD is durable, shock-resistant, and perfectly designed for doing exactly what you need. With a read/write speed of up to 540MB’s, you’ll never feel rushed or panicked again. You can whizz through life with the wind in your hair and your SSD always reliable by your side.

SANDISK EXTREME PORTABLE SSD (500GB)

Another top External SSD drive is SanDisk’s Extreme Portable device. It contains 500GB of storage space and it’s perfect for saving and editing high-resolution photos. Its primary selling point is just how rugged it is with a sturdy and durable outer-casing that is both water and dust resistant. That sets it apart from other, less manly devices on our list.

An SSD external hard drive is all about what goes on beneath the surface. This is where the magic happens and SanDisk has designed a product that goes above and beyond. The device will work with both PC and Mac and has a maximum read/write speed of 550Mb’s.

This will transform your life and make you wonder just how you managed without an SSD for so long.

As for the design, there’s a helpful hoop in the top corner so you can attach it to a strap or lanyard which will ensure that you never let it out of your sight. This can keep it safe and convenient for whenever you need it. It may look like a walkie-talkie, somewhat.

However, it’ll only communicate with your computer and without that weird crackling noise. Over!

Though it costs a little more than others, it’s worth the investment. If you’re a photographer, this can guarantee you never lose that perfect photo you took. Great model for traveling types as well. You can also feel safe knowing that every panorama, landscape, portrait, or close-up is right where you need it to be.

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a highly dependable and long-lasting device that does everything you need it to and more. Don’t be left lamenting file corruption or lost data ever again. SanDisk will have kept everything safe and sound.

SAMSUNG T3 PORTABLE SSD (500GB)

Our second Samsung external drive is the T3. A mighty machine capable of things you thought only existed in your electric dreams or sci-fi novels, it packs a long lifespan. It will be sure to keep all of your data, music, videos, and games in one place until you’re old and grey.

Those who love their gadgets and gizmos compact and portable will love the T3. It’s very tiny. It looks almost like those phone batteries we all used once upon a time. You know, where a single fumble and drop would cascade various parts all across the floor. This is much sturdier and doesn’t skip out on storage possibilities.

As for transfer speeds, it isn’t as fast as the T5. However, it still provides an almost-lightning-quick rate of 450MB’s to transfer files from one place to another in a matter of seconds. It’s four times faster than your standard HDD, making it a leader in SSD technology.

It’s speedy enough to handle high-definition (like 4K high-definition) video editing smoothly. If you’re a gamer, you’ll have something that won’t cause terrible lags. Users of Apple devices are in luck.

The T3 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems that make it a one-stop-shop for Mac, Linux, and PC users. Finally, something to bring everybody together.

For your protection, Samsung has installed pre-loaded encryption software. Meaning, you can be sure that everything you transfer to the device remains safe and secure should the worst happen. It is consistent in its performance so you never need to worry about it letting you down.

We fall in love with devices too often, only to have them fail on us after a couple of months. Believe us that the T3 will not break your heart.

WESTERN DIGITAL MY PASSPORT SSD PORTABLE STORAGE (512GB)

The Western Digital’s My Passport Portable Storage SSD is absolutely perfect. It combines style with functionality in a compact and sophisticated design. Making it a must have for anybody looking to expand their storage space or computer speeds.

With 512GB of available storage, it’s one of the largest capacities on our list, and should be considered for anybody who is constantly on the go.

One of its primary usages is to increase storage space required for modern games. However, it has also proven popular with photographers and producers. Both of which now have a remarkably reliable device to keep their projects on without slowing their computer down to pre-millennium speeds.

Luckily, My Passport keeps that horrible stuff in the past. It provides blazing transfer speeds as high as 540MB’s. Even when transferring large files from one device to another.

Also included is an automatic backup system which will keep an eye on your files even if (more like when) you forget. This kind of feature is invaluable for those who use the drive every day and are continuously transferring important images and other files onto it.

For extra protection, it also has hardware encryption with password protection with the WD Discover software. Meaning only those you permit will see what’s inside.

Do not fret if somehow you run out of space on this device. It’s easy to store your less needed files in “the cloud” for more versatile storage options. Take a long, hard look at what Western Digital has to offer if you’re considering an External SSD. My Passport is amazingly fast, fits in the palm of your hand, and will make your devices feel just like new.

SANDISK EXTREME 500 PORTABLE SSD (500GB)

Less than half the size of your smartphone, the SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSD still possesses 500GB worth of space. It offers fast transfer speeds to make it an attractive option for anyone looking to upgrade to the wonderful world of SSD.

With a 430MB’s transfer speed, it isn’t the fastest hard drive in the West. However, it also isn’t the slowest, either. You’re still bound to get excellent results if you choose to purchase this kite-shaped external wonder.

It comes with easy-to-setup encryption software that will protect your files from malicious third parties. Its casing is durable and able to withstand travels all across the world. All without suffering too much aesthetic damage and absolutely zero internal issues. It doesn’t require too much energy to run when compared to other external SSD hard drives.

There have been reports that the provided cable used to connect the device to your computer is oversized and requires some force to plug in. To this, we can only advise to seek out a more compatible replacement cable to save yourself from damaging the product.

That being said, the actual mechanics of the device are massively reliable. They’re able to transport huge clusters of files from one device to another in a matter of minutes.

Perhaps its size is actually a hindrance. However, there is really little to complain about besides this, and the fact that there are more recent models available. Sometimes, you cannot afford the best tech at times. With its affordable pricing, yet useful and timeless tech, this model can be terrific for the buy.

Besides, it’s still full of enough cool features to make it a winner.

SEAGATE FAST EXTERNAL SSD (500GB)

Seagate is considered by some to be the name in external SSD and HDD storage. In fact, your first ever external drive may well have been a Seagate. There’s a reason for it, they make great drives. Period.

Seagate’s Fast External SSD is a phenomenal option for personal on-the-go usage. This comes with a future-proof USB-C connection for simple, convenient, and effective connectivity across all of your devices. Both modern and dated included here.

Not only does it provide reliability, but it looks good too. The sleek and modern design means it will fit in with your Mac. Even if you have a Windows computer, you’ll still feel the admiring eyes surrounding you. You might even fall in love with this tech.

Overall, you can feel confident that your files will remain safe with this model. Don’t let its minimalist design fool you as it’s still durable enough to survive your travels.

This device can provide read/write speeds of up to 540MB’s, which allows you to have everything backed up fast. Both you and your computer will be ready to take on the day. Working hard or lounging around watching YouTube, it’ll be prepared when you need it.

Its automatic folder syncing software can arrange the folders so you don’t have to. It will provide the organization that you could only dream of having the motivation to complete.

If you’re looking for a hard drive that will deliver results every single time, this Seagate model backs up every bold claim it makes. It won’t make you pace the floor looking at the clock. Investing in the Seagate Fast External SSD is a no-brainer, really.

SANDISK EXTREME 900 PORTABLE SSD (1.92TB)

The largest SSD on our list by a mile, SanDisk has designed a drive that is likely to outlive us all and still have space available. This is an External SSD to end all other External SSDs. It provides transfers that some might equate to the computer version of the speed of light.

It possesses a read/write speed of up to, wait for it, 850MB’s. You read that correctly, 8-5-0-MB’s.

Fast transfer speeds are just the tip of the revolutionary iceberg, though. There’s so much more contained within this 5.3 x 3.3 x 0.7-inch dimensions. It operates at 9 times the speed of other external hard drives. This makes it the ideal device for transferring high-quality, high-definition, and overall massive files.

It also boasts access speeds up to 35 times that of external hard drives, which means working directly from the drive itself is faster and more efficient. It can clearly withstand a huge file influx.

However, despite its massive size, SanDisk has announced that it’s not suitable for running operating systems. Meaning you shouldn’t cause yourself unnecessary trauma by attempting it. You can be satisfied that it can still provide unrivaled performance. SecureAccess encryption software also comes into play to add extra, huge protection.

As for the drive itself, its external casing is comprised of both double aluminum and rubber. No more near tears after dropping the thing, assuming you destroyed your past. This can withstand a beating.

With the SanDisk Extreme 900 SSD, you get something that is ready, willing, and able to take on and conquer the most advanced technology with ease. All the while being perhaps the best SSD external hard drive around. To us, it seems like now it’s just showing off.

If you’ve got it may as well flaunt it, right?

TRANSCEND THUNDERBOLT SSD (512GB)

Our final product is the Transcend Thunderbolt SSD which is just as cool as its name suggests and then some. It contains 512GB of storage, allowing it to hold near 84 hours of 1080p high-def video, and more than 8,000 hours of all your favorite tunes.

It can even handle near 25,000 high-res images. Basically, you can store your entire life there.

The advanced Thunderbolt connection provides a whole new level of interface transfer rates that transcends ordinary USB connectivity reaching as high as 10GB’s. The read and write speeds boast a majorly effective 400MB’s that make it a decent option for anyone looking for a respectable SSD.

The drive comes readily-formatted with OS X, making it a great external SSD for Mac users who can start their SSD odyssey as soon as it’s out of the box. With most external drives, Windows users can handle it with ease. In terms of performance, it can transform your computer’s boot speed substantially.

Depending on the age and condition of your device, it will change those two-minute start times into some lightening speeds. Programs and apps are no different, making it feel like a completely new machine. Like many, it can get a bit hot with use, though this is normal.

Being vigilant and not overworking the drive is key to ensuring a long lifespan for a device that will serve you well.

On top of all its features, it’s so sleek, modern. and sophisticated that some might mistake it for a modern art sculpture. Especially if you leave it lying around the house. To be honest, it isn’t that far off a work of art at all.