Technology Elevation
In this Blog, we are going discuss about Best Portable SSD of 2024. To accommodate all of the music, movies, photos, and videos you’ve collected on your phone, do you need to enlarge the local memory on your PC or Mac? An external hard disk has been the standard response. A portable solid-state drive (SSD) is the newer, better solution.
Internal and external SSDs, which were once prohibitively expensive, have seen a sharp decline in cost in recent years. The performance and endurance of modern, USB-powered, external SSDs are up to 10 times faster than that of portable hard drives. They don’t require spinning metal platters or read/write heads to move to a certain spot on a platter in order to locate the file you need. Mobile SSDs are also more portable, thinner, and resistant to drops than even ruggedized drives due to their absence of moving parts.
You can use portable USB drives on the go without a plug-in or batteries because they are powered by the linked computer. Some even allow you to move or open files, as well as enhance storage by connecting your phone or tablet.
Although the cloud can be used for many inventive purposes, it often falls short of traditional physical storage. It’s quite convenient and perhaps even essential for some users to have a portable drive with a ton of storage.
The Best Portable SSD of 2024
Now, without wasting any time, Let’s take a closer look at the top-rated portable SSDs of 2024
1). Kingston XS2000 High-Performance Portable SSD
- SSD, 1986MB/s in average read/write speed
The XS2000, which offers top speed with a read peak at 2092MB/s, is properly called if you’re looking for the best performance, but it requires a USB 3.2 Gen 22 port to get this kind of performance.
If you do, that’s roughly twice as much as many competitors, and this drive is shockingly inexpensive considering how portable it is.
On the other side, Kingston doesn’t offer a USB adaptor so you can’t utilize the XS2000 with earlier Type-A connections and you won’t get consistent performance for bigger files due to the small cache.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 500 GB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Brand: Kingston
- Special Feature: USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 Type C
- Hard Disk Description: Solid State Drive
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop
- Installation Type: External Hard Drive
- Color: Silver
- Specific Uses For Product: Multimedia
Pros |
Cons |
| +Reasonably priced | – No USB Type-A adapter |
| +Headline performance | – Limited SLC cache size |
| +Small and lightweight | – Needs USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for full speed |
2). Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD – 1 TB
- SSD, 929 MB/s for average read/write speed
If you want the best portable SSD featuring loads of features, the Samsung T7 is perfect. With simultaneous reading and writing speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, respectively, this external hard drive is not only quick but also packs a lot of outstanding features into a palm-sized compact.
Its built-in security features are the most significant aspect of those features. You have the choice of using biometric sign-in with this, which you may set out through the device’s own management software. It employs AES 256-bit encryption.
After putting the kit through its paces, we discovered that this drive strikes the ideal compromise between security, speed, portability, and cost. Although it doesn’t have IP68 or the safety certification of more expensive competitors, the pricing makes it an appealing option. Although the Samsung T7 SSD might benefit from a more durable housing, it is still our choice for the finest portable SSD available and is well worth your attention.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 1000 GB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Special Feature: Fingerprint
- Compatible Devices: Gaming Console
- Color: Black
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
- Read Speed: 1050 Megabytes Per Second
- Cache Size: 1
- Item Weight: 58 Grams
Pros |
Cons |
| + Built-in security with fingerprint access | – No rugged case |
| +Incredibly fast | – Not cheap |
| +Compact |
3). Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD
- SSD, 836 MB/s for average read/write speed
The X6 is unrivaled in terms of value for money, with the 1TB model being well under £100/$100. It may not be quite as quick as the Adata SE760, but a recent update to the 1- and 2-TB variants makes it that much faster.
Additionally, it has a physical factor that is even more portable than that of its larger sibling, the X8, which is nevertheless drop-tested to a height of two meters and offers a similar three-year warranty.
Even though it lacks features like hardware encryption or activity light, it is our top selection for an all-arounder.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Brand: Crucial
- Special Feature: Portable
- Hard Disk Description: Solid State Hard Drive
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop, Tablet, Smartphone
- Installation Type: Plug-In
- Color: Black
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
Pros |
Cons |
| + Enhanced performance | – No activity light |
| + Highly affordable | – Lacks hardware encryption |
| + Easily transportable | – 500GB model slower |
4). WD 1TB My Passport Portable SSD
- SSD, 1046 MB/s for average read/write speed
The WD My Passport, a modernized version of Western Digital’s popular mainstream external SSD, ranks as one of the best portable SSDs for its tiny and light design.
One of the initial things we observed throughout the drive was that. Having a 46g weight and a footprint of 10 x 5.5 x 0.9cm, this device is remarkably small. We were equally as taken aback by its svelte, ridged metal construction, which increases grip while lowering the possibility of damaging anything else thanks to its curved, pebble-like shape. The variety of models is huge. You can choose from four distinct hues (blue, red, champagne gold, and gray silver) and a variety of capacities (1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB).
With an ASMedia ASM2362 bridge, a SanDisk 20-82-10023 controller, and SanDisk BiCS 4 96L 3D TLC flash memory, the SN550E PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe drive is housed inside. The drive’s read and write speeds throughout our benchmarking using CrystalDiskMark were 1046MBps and 1013MBps, respectively. Other tests produced results in the same ballpark, however sending just one 10GB file proved to be longer than anticipated.
Overall, anticipate a portable SSD that is quick, small, and has a great five-year warranty. Prepare to pay for it if you want the larger 4TB model; this is the drive’s major flaw, particularly because smaller, more agile competitors are outperforming it in terms of value for money. Otherwise, everyone may find something to enjoy here.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Brand: Western Digital
- Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
- Hard Disk Description: Mechanical Hard Disk
- Compatible Devices: Desktop
- Color: Black
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
- Specific Uses For Product: Personal, gaming, business
Pros |
Cons |
| + 5-year warranty | – No status lights |
| + Good performance and price | – Runs very warm to the touch |
| + Great design | – Cable too thin |
| + Decent software mix |
5). SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
- SSD, 930MB/s for average read/write speed
Although the branding is a little too identical with simply ‘V2’ at the end, which isn’t even on the package, SanDisk has done an excellent job of enhancing its robust portable SSD with this updated version.
You will gain from built-in encryption and a speed boost of 2x if you make sure to get this updated model. If weight is a factor, the Ultra Portable is among the lightest drives we’ve ever seen. It also boasts an IP55 dust and water-resistant classification.
Either USB-A or USB-C are supported by the drive, but keep in mind that for the highest speeds, your device must have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.2
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Brand: SanDisk
- Special Feature: Water-resistant,dust-resistant, Portable
- Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Smart Phones, Tablets
- Installation Type: External Hard Drive
- Color: Black
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
Pros |
Cons |
| + Faster than SATA SSDs | – Costly |
| + USB-A + USB-C | – Confusing naming |
| + Lightweight |
6). Seagate One Touch HDD
The Seagate One Touch is a faultless portable SSD that provides all you need and a little bit more.
Its construction, which combines cloth, metal, and plastic, is exquisite in and of itself. This drive is incredibly lightweight and portable, but it is also absurdly small and light at just 70 x 50 x 10mm. Both Type-C and Type-A connections are included in the bundle, but we wish they were a bit longer. The drive comes in black, blue, or silver finishes and has capacities of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
The performance is outstanding. We achieved read and write benchmarking rates of 1047MBps and 1027MBps, respectively, using CrystalDiskMark. This indicates that we were able to surpass the recommended speed by a little bit more than 1%. To put it another way, this is a quick drive with lots to offer. We transmitted a 10GB file in eighteen seconds in real life as opposed to the simulated testing, which is an upload rate of over 500MBps.
With a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, the drive is among the fastest external hard drives in its class, competing with models like the Samsung T7 and Crucial X8. It also includes a variety of premium tools, including a four-month trial of the Creative Cloud from Adobe and a year’s membership to Create by picture management company MyLio.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Brand: Seagate
- Special Feature: Password protection
- Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
- Hard Disk Description: Mechanical Hard Disk
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop
- Installation Type: Plug-In
- Color: Black
Pros |
Cons |
| + A very solid bundle | – Short cables |
| + Plenty fast | – A bit more expensive than the competition |
| + Very small |
7). SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD
The Adata SD700 is ideal for anyone searching for a tough portable SSD that offers plenty of capacity without being prohibitively expensive.
The portable SD700 is a bit of a tank despite having a tiny footprint (85 x 85 x 14mm) and a weight of just 74g. It has passed military standard testing (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) to ensure that it can survive shock even when in operation, so you may transport it without worrying about it becoming damaged. It is also IP68-rated, which means that it is protected against water and dust entry for no more than thirty minutes at a maximum level of 1.5m.
Via its USB 3.2 Gen1 interface, speeds are respectable but unspectacular. It achieved read and write speeds of 433MBps and 427MBps, respectively, in our tests with CrystalDiskMark.
The 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions of the Adata SD700 Portable SSD are available in either a black or a black-yellow style. You’ll also find some helpful software and a brief but sturdy cable in the box.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 1000 GB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Thunderbolt
- Brand: SanDisk Professional
- Special Feature: Portable, Dust Resistant, Water Resistant
- Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
- Hard Disk Description: Solid State Drive
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
- Installation Type: External Hard Drive
- Color: Black
Pros |
Cons |
| + Headline performance on Thunderbolt | – Expensive |
| + USB connectable | – Limited capacities |
| + Ultra-resilient design | – No USB Type-A adapter included |
8). iStorage diskAshur M2
Concerned that your data could end up in the wrong hands, on a rocky trail, or in a pond or puddle? The iStorage DiskAshur M2 will take care of you: This 0.48 by 4.2 by 1.8-inch device features a built-in numeric keypad, which prevents access to your files without the appropriate user or administrator PIN. It can also withstand being submerged for 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of water or being driven over by a 2.7-ton truck.
Although it’s not strictly necessary, you can set up the M2 as a read-only drive and construct a self-destruct code that destroys all data, the key used for encryption, and all PINs forever. This is because any effort to physically open the device and access its memory chips would render it useless shrapnel.
The iStorage drive is actually pretty affordable, despite the fact that it is not the quickest portable SSD on the market. With such strong protection, you might anticipate that it would cost a fortune. Put the DiskAshur beneath the mattress and sleep soundly if you’re worried about the security of your personal or professional documents.
Specifications:
- Digital Storage Capacity: 120 GB
- Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Brand: iStorage
- Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Television, Tablet, Smartphone
- Color: Black
- Hard Disk Size: 120 GB
- Specific Uses For Product: storage
- Read Speed: 370 Megabytes Per Second
Pros |
Cons |
| + Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, and more | – More expensive per gigabyte than standard external SSDs |
| + Supports an administrator PIN, plus separate user PINs | – Much slower transfer rates than less-security-minded drives |
| + No software to install | |
| + Aggressively priced for a security-focused SSD |
Selecting a Portable SSD
Thousands of CD albums in uncompressed FLAC format, or more in lesser quality MP3 or AAC forms, could fit on the tiniest portable drives, which are expected to be 128GB in capacity. If your laptop has a little amount of capacity, offloading your music collection to a portable drive can be a lifesaver in terms of freeing up space.
Maintaining important backups of your data that are currently being housed on a PC or laptop is another common use for portable storage. In the event that your computer is stolen or the drive should break, it might be possible to keep an exact copy of your whole internal drive on hand and prepared.
As an alternative, you can decide to back up only the most crucial user library items, such as written documents, pictures, videos, audio, and saved emails. When you plug in your portable drive or on a set schedule, some portable drives come with software that can aid automate this procedure and keep your chosen directories in sync.
How to Pick Your Personal Finest Portable SSD
The primary considerations for selecting the best portable SSD are typically the amount of storage, transfer rates, weight and size, and durability.
The finest portable SSDs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 50GB (which is perfect for less frequent use or lots of smaller documents like Word docs) to 2TB, making it a better option when adding media like photographs, movies, and other files. If you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that the more storage capacity, the more expensive it is.
Even when downloading or exchanging large data, some SSDs may achieve blazingly fast speeds. However, not all of these possess the capacity, and a painfully slow disk has a significant effect on workflows. Throughout our evaluations, we benchmarked every top portable SSD choice so you could compare claimed and actual transfer speeds. The quickest communication over USB is provided by a Thunderbolt 3 or PCIe interface, but not all PCs and laptops are compatible with this connection, so make sure before buying, especially if you plan to connect a lot of different devices to it.
So, which external SSD should you buy?
The features and prices of our top SSD selections range greatly, but all should provide enough of speed and security if that’s what you want from your portable storage. We guarantee that at least one of the models in the spec chart and summary reviews above is ideal for you.
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