As we create and use more data than ever, the demand for portable SSD (Solid State Drive) that are fast, reliable, and durable has skyrocketed. If you’re a content creator, gamer, or simply need to back up important files, a portable SSD offers speed and resilience that traditional hard drives can’t match. There are many choices, though, so it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you.

In this article, we’ll review the top 8 of the leading portable SSDs on the market, focusing on speed, reliability, and durability.  To help you choose the right one for your needs, we’ve put together a list of them and evaluated their performance, features, design, and overall value.

Best in Speed 

1. SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 (4TB)

Professionals who need speed, sturdiness, and a lot of storage space will love the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 (4TB), a high-performance, rugged external SSD.

Processing big video files, high-resolution images, and other demanding applications is made possible by its remarkable data transfer speed and compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2. This was intended for creators, filmmakers, and workers who need a fast and reliable external drive for tough jobs.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 3000 MB/s.
  • Durability: IP67-rated, three-meter drop resistant
  • Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB
  • Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C

Overall value

The SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 (4TB) is a top-tier option for professionals who need fast, durable, and versatile external storage. With Thunderbolt 3’s lightning-fast data transfer speeds and tough design, it’s ideal for on-location shoots, video editing, and other demanding workflows.

Best in Durability

2. Samsung T7 Shield SSD (1TB)

The Samsung T7 Shield SSD continues the company’s tradition of producing excellent solid-state drives (SSDs).  It’s designed for both speed and durability, making it one of the best portable SSDs available today.

It is part of Samsung’s T7 lineup, but the “Shield” version introduces extra protection with its IP65-rated water and dust resistance, as well as a rubberized exterior that makes it resistant to drops up to 3 meters.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s read speed and 1,000 MB/s write speed
  • Durability: IP65-rated, water and dust-resistant
  • Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB
  • Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C)

Overall value

Offers excellent value for users who need fast storage that can withstand the elements and physical impact. While it comes at a higher price than non-rugged portable SSDs, its performance, durability, and security features justify the cost for a reliable storage.   

Best Modern Look

3. WD My Passport SSD (2TB)

The WD My Passport SSD features a sleek and modern look design.  Aimed at everyday users,  this SSD offers a reliable and efficient way to back up or transport large files like videos, high-resolution images, and documents. The drive also leverages NVMe technology, allowing it to deliver impressive speeds for its size and form factor.

This is a good option for consumers who value privacy because of its included 256-bit AES hardware encryption, which guarantees data protection.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds.
  • Durability: Shock-resistant and drop-resistant up to 6.5 feet (1.98 meters)
  • Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants.
  • Connectivity:  USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C (USB-A for older systems)

Overall value

The WD My Passport SSD delivers a solid balance of speed, security, and portability at a competitive price. While it may not offer the same rugged features as higher-end models, its encryption, fast speeds, and shock resistance offer excellent value for those looking for a dependable portable SSD at a more affordable price point.

Best Innovative Design

4. SanDisk Extreme Portable (2TB)

SanDisk is renowned for creating reliable storage devices, and the Extreme Portable continues that legacy.  The SanDisk Extreme Portable is a high-performance external SSD designed for power users.  The Extreme Pro provides NVMe solid-state performance with excellent read and write speeds. It’s designed to handle large file transfers, 4K video, high-resolution photos, and other demanding data-heavy tasks.

Featuring its innovative design making it compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, while its aluminum chassis doubles as a heatsink to keep the drive cool during intensive use.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s read and write speeds.
  • Durability: IP55-rated for water, dust resistance and 2-meter drop protection
  • Capacity: Available in 500 GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants
  • Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 technology

Overall value

In terms of overall value, the SanDisk Extreme Pro justifies its higher price tag with its premium features — offering innovative design, speed, heat management, and rugged portability. It’s an excellent investment for those who need reliable, high-performance storage in a durable, portable form.

Best Mini-Size Form

5. Crucial X10 Pro (2TB)

Crucial has long been in the  industry and is known for creating cost-effective storage solutions without compromising on quality.  As a proof, the Crucial X810 Pro SSD is also a top rank among the contenders in the market. 

If small size matters to you, this SSD drive is a winner, and it’s very easy to carry around. The small size of this device doesn’t give it away; it’s actually highly capable and made for professionals who need fast, reliable, and compact storage.

In fact, this is the third fastest data speed (2,100MB/s) on this list next to SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 (3,000MB/s) and Lacie Rugged SSD Pro (2,800MB/s). With a reading speeds of up to 2,100 MB/s and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, which are both supported by USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, it’s quite useful for handling large multimedia files, editing 4K or 8K videos, and other heavy tasks.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 2,100 MB/s read speed and 2,000MB/s write speed
  • Durability: IP55 water and dust resistant; Drop-proof up to 7.5 feet (2 meters)
  • Capacity: Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB
  • Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C)

Overall value

Its outstanding performance and small size form make it an wise investment for creators and professionals who work with large files, especially in the field. While its premium price may be a factor for casual users, its speed and reliability more than justify the cost for those requiring high-performance storage.

Best Rugged Factor 

6. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro (2TB)

LaCie is a brand that’s known for creating drives built to withstand the harshest environments, and the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro lives up to this reputation.

Known for its rugged design, this SSD is built to withstand extreme conditions with outstanding IP67-rated water and dust resistance, 3-meter drop protection, and crush resistance up to 2 tons. The SSD Pro also supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 connectivity, offering ultra-fast read and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s, making it as the second fastest data speed transfer on this list next to SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 (3,000 MB/s).

Since it’s made for creative professionals like photographers and videographers, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is ideal for backing up a lot of data on the go, editing 4K, 6K, or 8K videos, and working with big files. It also works with USB-C devices from the past, so it can be used with a variety of processes.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 2,800 MB/s.
  • Durability: IP67-rated, drop-proof up to 10 feet (3-meter), crush-resistant up to 2 tons
  • Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB
  • Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1

Overall value

For those who work in extreme conditions, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is a wise buy. Its top-tier performance makes it ideal for handling large video files and demanding workflows, especially for outdoor or on-the-go use. While it comes at a higher price, its ruggedness, speed, ruggedness, and reliability make it a worthy investment for those who need professional-grade storage in tough environments.

Best Size for Your Pocket

7. Kingston XS2000 (2TB)

This Kingston drive is yet another ultra-compact entry of a very small portable SSD. Made for people who are always on the go and need fast storage. Its pocket-sized punches above its weight, delivering impressive speed and portability at a competitive price.

It’s one of the most portable SSDs because it’s small enough to fit in your pocket, and it comes with a removable rubber cover to protect it from drops and other impacts.  Its shock-resistant exterior adds durability and guarantees data security even in demanding situations.

With its mobility, speed, and performance, there is no doubt that the Kingston XS2000 was easily named Best External Storage in 2024 by the European Hardware Awards.  

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s read and write speeds
  • Durability: IP55-rated, shock and water-resistant
  • Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB
  • Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 technology

Overall value

Even though it doesn’t have a lot of rugged features, its speed, shock-resistant design, and low price make it a good choice if you want a mix of speed, portability, and reliability without spending a lot of money.

Best in Price

8. SSK Portable SSD (1TB)

The SSK Portable SSD has speeds that are fast enough for most everyday tasks, like backing up data, transferring big files, and storing media. While it doesn’t boast the high-end speeds of NVMe drives, it still provides fast read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s.

The design is another key feature of this SSD. Encased in a durable aluminum alloy body, the drive not only looks sleek but also offers heat dissipation and shock resistance for added protection. Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and gaming systems are just some of the devices that it works with, making it a flexible choice for users on many platforms.

Its loop makes it convenient to carry and hang around, which is a major plus in my book. While it may not be the absolute fastest or most rugged drives on the market, if offer a compelling option for users who prioritize value at a more budget-friendly price point.

Key Features

• • Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s read and write speeds
  • Durability: IP55-rated, shock and water-resistant
  • Capacity: Available in 250 GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB
  • Connectivity: USB 3.2 GEN2, M.2 NVMe

Overall value

Offer good value for users who need a basic, affordable drive for everyday storage and file transfers. They are a suitable option for students, casual users, or anyone on a tight budget. If you prioritize top-tier performance, rugged durability, or advanced features, you might want to consider investing in a drive from a more established brand.

The Bottom Line

Which SSD Portable Drive is Best for You?

When choosing an SSD portable drive, it’s important to consider what matters most to you: speed, durability, capacity, or affordability. The drives on this list cover a wide range of use cases, from professional-grade performance to casual everyday use.

For those who need the absolute fastest SSD available, the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 (4TB) and LaCie Rugged SSD Pro are hard to beat. If you’re looking for a balance between performance and rugged durability, the Samsung T7 Shield and SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 are excellent options.

On the more budget-friendly side, the SSK Portable SSD and WD My Passport SSD offer reliable performance without breaking the bank, while the Crucial X10 Pro and Kingston XS2000 strikes an impressive balance between speed, durability, and price.

No matter what you value most—these top 8 portable SSD drives are at the forefront of performance and innovation, making them must-have tech tools in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

1. What is a portable SSD?

• • A portable SSD (Solid State Drive) is an external storage device that uses flash memory to store data, offering faster speeds, greater durability, and portability compared to traditional external hard drives (HDDs). They are commonly used for storing and transferring large files like videos, photos, and backups.

2. What are the benefits of using a portable SSD over a portable HDD?

• • Speed: Portable SSDs offer significantly faster data transfer speeds than HDDs, often exceeding 500 MB/s and even up to 2,000 MB/s or more with advanced SSDs.
  • Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to shocks, drops, and vibrations.
  • Portability: SSDs are typically smaller and lighter than HDDs, making them easier to carry.
  • Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power, making them ideal for portable use with laptops and other battery-powered devices.

3. What factors should I consider when choosing a portable SSD?

• • Speed: Check the read and write speeds, which determine how fast files can be transferred. Drives with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt 3 tend to be faster.
  • Durability: Look for rugged features like drop protection and water/dust resistance (IP ratings) if you plan to use the drive in harsh conditions.
  • Capacity: Choose a storage capacity that suits your needs, typically ranging from 250GB to 4TB.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the SSD is compatible with your devices, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, and gaming consoles. USB-C is common, but adapters may be needed for older USB ports.
  • Encryption and Security: If you handle sensitive data, consider drives with hardware encryption and password protection.

4. What is the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and Thunderbolt 3?

• • USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 offers data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps, which can translate to SSD read/write speeds of around 2,000 MB/s.
  • Thunderbolt 3 offers up to 40 Gbps, allowing for even faster speeds (up to 2,800 MB/s in some SSDs), but is only compatible with devices that support Thunderbolt ports.

5. Are portable SSDs secure?

• • Many portable SSDs offer hardware-based encryption, such as AES 256-bit encryption, to protect sensitive data. Some also come with additional security features like password protection. If security is important to you, ensure that the drive supports these features.

6. Do I need to format my portable SSD before using it?

• • Most portable SSDs come preformatted and are ready to use out of the box. However, you may need to reformat the drive depending on the operating system you’re using (e.g., NTFS for Windows, exFAT for cross-platform use between Windows and macOS).

7. Can I use a portable SSD for gaming?

• • Yes, many portable SSDs are ideal for gaming, especially for storing and loading games quickly. Some gaming consoles, like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, support external SSDs for expanded storage. Modern games need a lot of data, so make sure the SSD is fast enough (usually USB 3.1 or 3.2).

8. What is the average lifespan of a portable SSD?

• • Portable SSDs can last many years (up to 5-10 years or longer) depending on usage, as they do not have moving parts like HDDs. SSDs generally have a higher resistance to physical damage, but over time, the memory cells may degrade after numerous read/write cycles. However, for typical users, this should not be a major concern.

9. Are there any drawbacks to using a portable SSD?

• • Cost: SSDs are more expensive per GB compared to HDDs.
  • Limited storage capacities: While SSDs are available up to 4TB, HDDs can offer much higher capacities at a lower price.
  • Compatibility issues: To take full advantage of the speed offered by certain SSDs (like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt 3), you need compatible ports on your devices.

10. How do I choose the right storage capacity?

Choose a storage capacity based on your needs:

• • 250GB-500GB: Suitable for general file storage, backups, and some large files.
  • 1TB: Ideal for content creators, photographers, and videographers needing extra space for large files.
  • 2TB-4TB: Best for users with extensive storage needs, such as gaming libraries, professional video editing, or large backups.