Top 15 Best External SSD Drives: 2020 Value for Money, Drive Review and Tips for Buying

SSD (Solid State Disk), by and large, is not a drive.

Unlike HDDs, which store data on magnetic disks, SSDs have no disks. The information in them is in the flash memory chips.

Backups, family archive storage, and simply transferring files from one computer to another will be easy.

Top 10 Best External SSD Drives 2021-2022

The ranking compiles the best external SSD drives according to experts and users.

Place	Name	Price
Top 5 best external SSDs in price/performance ratio
1	Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB	Check out the price
2	Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB	Check out the price
3	Samsung Portable SSD T5 2TB	Check out the price
4	SmartBuy S3 256GB	Check out the price
5	Transcend ESD350C 480GB	Learn the price
Top 5 Best 1TB External SSD Drives
1	Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 1TB	Learn the price
2	Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 1TB	Check out the price
3	HyperX SAVAGE EXO SSD 960GB	Learn the price
4	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB	You can find out the price of
5	Western Digital My Passport Go 1TB	Learn the price
Top 5 Best 2TB External SSD Drives
1	Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD 2TB	Check out the price
2	Lacie Portable SSD 2TB	Check out the price
3	Seagate Game Drive for Xbox SSD 2TB	Check out the price
4	Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 2TB	Check out the price
5	Western Digital My Passport SSD 2.048 TB	Check price

What to look for when choosing?

Before you buy an external hard drive you need to decide what you want to use it for and only then make a selection according to the necessary parameters:

• Volume. This is the main indicator that primarily determines the price of the external drive. When choosing the capacity of the device, you should take into account that the size of both software and media files is constantly growing, so a small reserve will not be superfluous.
• Interface. The connector of the external SSD drive should provide no less data transfer speed than the read/write speed of the SSD itself. The most common and optimal option is USB 3.0.
• Protection against external factors. Although SSD drives are already quite resistant to mechanical damage, some of them have additional protection against shock. In addition, water droplet and dust protection allows the drive to be used even outdoors.

Review of the best models in terms of price-performance ratio

Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB

The Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB combines compact size with high transfer rates.

The drive is equipped with a USB-C 3.2 interface and comes with a universal USB cable with a Type-C connector on both ends, as well as a regular cable with USB Type-C on one side and Type-A on the other to connect the drive to older devices.

The drive supports AES encryption with a 256-bit key. The device has an all-metal enclosure and weighs only 51 grams.

It is worth noting that this is one of the best models of 2021-2022.

Features:

• storage capacity - 500 GB;
• USB 3.1 Type-C connector;
• 540MB/s read speed;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 57.3 mm x 10.5 mm x 74 mm.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB

The Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB external drive offers 1TB capacity in a compact, black black body and neat design.

It connects to other devices via USB 3.1 interface. The SSD's enclosure is made of metal, so it is resistant to mechanical impacts such as drops and bumps.

USB-C and USB cables are included. The SSD drive weighs only 51g and has a compact size.

Features:

• The storage capacity is 1TB;
• USB 3.1 Type-C connector;
• 540 MB/sec reading speed;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 57.3 mm x 10.5 mm x 74 mm.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 2TB

The Samsung Portable SSD T5 2TB has a large capacity that reaches 2TB. This allows you to store on a portable The drive has a large collection of media files, including games and movies/series.

It has a metal casing and is protected against shock and other mechanical damage. It is equipped with a high-speed USB 3.1 interface. With a large capacity, the external SSD weighs only 51g and has a compact size. USB and USB-C cables are included.

Specifications:

• 2TB capacity
• USB 3.1 Type-C connector for connecting to devices
• 540 MB/sec reading speed
• dimensions (wxHxD) - 57.3 mm x 10.5 mm x 74 mm.

SmartBuy S3 256GB

The SmartBuy S3 256GB external SSD is made in a white plastic case, which gives it a neat appearance and ease of use.

Its main function is to collect and securely store information. It has no moving parts, making it a durable device that will last for years to come.

The capacity of this drive is up to 256GB. That means it can hold large video and photo archives, as well as a huge music collection.

The external drive is energy-efficient, which means data processing speeds are faster.

Features:

• storage capacity - 256GB
• USB 3.0 connector for connecting to devices
• Reading speed - 425 MB / s;
• Write speed - 400 MB / s.

Transcend ESD350C 480GB

The Transcend ESD350C 480GB compact portable drive has a sleek, yet rugged and durable body for a shock-resistant design.

The drive guarantees high data transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s. Equipped with an aluminum housing that provides heat dissipation, the device features high performance without overheating even under heavy loads.

Features:

• storage capacity - 480 GB;
• USB 3.1 Type-C socket;
• 1050MB/s read speed;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 53.6*12.5*96.5mm.

1TB Models Overview

Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 1TB

The Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 1TB is an easy-to-use storage device. Fast and easy File transfer is made easy with USB 3.0 connectivity via a USB cord.

Digital photos, documents, videos and audio files can exhaust the storage resources of your PC and reduce its performance when the internal hard drive runs out of capacity.

The portable hard drive allows you to store large amounts of data, thereby freeing up space on your PC.

Features:

• storage capacity - 1TB;
• form factor - 2.5?
• connector for connecting to devices - USB 3.0;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 55.5x10x75 mm.

Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 1TB

The Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 1TB external SSD guarantees a capacity of 1024GB. Data processing speed is 540MB/s. The external SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface.

The presence of two cables in the kit gives the possibility to connect the model to USB and USB Type-C ports. It has shock protection and LED backlight.

Executed in a black case the equipment has a compact size. The model is able to fit even in a relatively small pocket.

Characteristics:

• Memory capacity - 1 TB
• form factor - 2.5?
• connector for connection to devices - USB 3.1 Type-C
• Dimensions (WxHxD) - 79? 9.1? 93.45 mm.

HyperX SAVAGE EXO SSD 960GB

HyperX SAVAGE EXO SSD 960GB external SSD guarantees high-speed data processing. It achieves that with 3D NAND technology and Hi-Speed USB 3.1 Gen2 (Type-C) interface.

Weighing only 56g and quite compact in size, the hardware has a capacity of just under a terabyte (960GB). The case is made of durable and long-lasting plastic.

Such storage will suit those who work with the same data arrays from different sources, check electronic documents, send bulk graphic files.

Features:

• storage capacity - 960 GB;
• USB 3.1 Type-C socket for connection to devices
• read speed - 500 MB / s;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 48.61? 10.24? 123.82 mm.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB

The SanDisk Extreme Portable Portable SSD 1TB external drive is reliable storage for large numbers of files.

It can survive a drop from up to 2 meters and exposure to water droplets and dust particles. 0Drive is stable in temperatures from 0 to +45? - even in case of strong vibrations.

The high capacity is combined with a high data transfer rate of up to 550 MB/s. So you can watch 4K movies, edit photos, and create 3D models without copying files to your computer.

Install SanDisk SecureAccess, which locks your drive and allows you to choose a password. A 128-bit encryption key serves as strong file protection.

Features:

• storage capacity - 1TB;
• USB 3.1 Type-C socket;
• 550MB/s read speed;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 49.55? 8.85? 96.2 mm.

Western Digital My Passport Go 1 TB

Western Digital My Passport Go 1TB is a rugged portable drive that will have the capacity to store of photos, videos, music, and documents.

The drive features seamless WD Backup software and password protection to help you safely store all your files. WD Backup software is designed to back up all kinds of files. It can be set up to run automatically based on a set schedule.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2021-2022.

Features:

• storage capacity - 1 TB;
• form-factor - 2.5?
• Connector for connecting devices - USB 3.0;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 67x10x95 mm.

Review of 2TB models

Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD 2 TB

The Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD 2 TB external drive is characterized by a capacity equal to 2 TB. The model Suitable both for transferring large amounts of data and for backup purposes.

The main advantage of the model is the built-in Wi-Fi module, thanks to which the data transfer can be done through wireless networks.

Data exchange can also be done with the help of SD memory cards, which have a separate slot for their installation. Users of mobile devices will appreciate the possibility to use the model as an external battery.

The external drive connects to mobile and desktop computers using a high-speed USB 3.0 interface.

Features:

• storage capacity - 2 TB;
• USB 3.0;
• Wi-Fi;
• reading speed - 390 MB/s;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 135x30x135 mm.

Lacie Portable SSD 2TB

The 2TB Lacie Portable SSD 2TB external drive is a state-of-the-art storage solution. The external hard drive lets you store large amounts of photos, videos, music and documents.

The device has universal compatibility with Mac, Windows, USB-C and USB 3.0. Data processing speed is up to 540MB/s. One-click backup or automatic backup provides quick file saving.

Features:

• 2TB storage capacity;
• USB 3.1 Type-C socket;
• 540MB/s read speed;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 79? 9.1? 93.5 mm.

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox SSD 2TB

The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox SSD 2TB external drive is the only hard drive designed specifically for the Xbox One as well as the Xbox 360.

The model has a storage capacity of 2TB, so you can conveniently store a huge number of games. After connecting the cable, the device will automatically detect and then configure this hard drive.

The high-speed interface for connecting the external drive is USB 3.0, which allows you to enjoy games smoothly. Through USB 2.0. you can connect the Game Drive.

Features:

• storage capacity - 2TB;
• form factor - 2.5?
• connector for connecting to devices - USB 3.0;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 76? 9.6? 113.5 mm.

Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 2TB

The Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 2TB SSD is designed to increase the memory of a desktop computer or laptop computer. The model's capacity is enough to store a large amount of music, photos, movies, as well as graphic and text documents.

Thanks to the design features of the device the risk of information loss due to bumps is reduced. It has a solid state drive that boots up quickly and lets you launch multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously without delay.

Its compact size makes it easy to transport. The body of the storage device is made of durable plastic that is resistant to external influences.

Characteristics:

• memory capacity - 2 TB;
• form-factor - 2.5?
• Connector for connection with devices - USB 3.1 Type-C;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 79? 9.1? 93.45 mm.

Western Digital My Passport SSD 2.048 TB

Western Digital My Passport SSD 2.048 TB is a portable drive with fairly high processing speed. Password protection and hardware encryption keep your content private.

The easy-to-use drive is shock resistant and has a stylish, durable design. It's the fastest My Passport drive currently available, delivering data speeds up to 540MB/s.

The included WD Backup software automatically backs up files of any size to your drive or Dropbox cloud storage.

It's worth noting that this is one of the top 2021-2022 models.

Features:

• storage capacity - 2.05 TB;
• USB 3.1 Type-C connector;
• 540MB/s read speed;
• dimensions (WxHxD) - 45x10x90 mm.

Customer Reviews

Below are customer reviews of the external solid state SSD drives featured here:

Helpful Video

How to choose an external drive: