The finest portable SSDs are definitely worth the cost, despite how pricey they are. While the finest external hard drives still have a place in the world and are great choices for individuals who want to keep costs down, portable external solid-state drives have several benefits over external hard drives that are exclusive to them.
The ability of portable SSDs to instantly provide you with access to your information while guaranteeing that those contents are maintained safe is what makes them so exceptional in general. They are not only meant to be quick but also secure and less vulnerable to failure since they are becoming more and more durable and efficient.
Additionally, because of their portability, they are more robustly constructed to withstand drops, bumps, and any other potential mishaps. They also make it simple to transmit data across your PCs.
Consequently, purchasing one of the best portable SSDs may be the finest course of action if you need to add additional storage space to a crowded laptop, require a device to backup critical data, or simply want a drive that will allow you to carry your files with you everywhere you go. They aren’t as inexpensive as portable hard drives, so you’ll need to be willing to spend a bit more.
In this guide, we’ll help you to choose one of the best portable SSD for your laptop and PC.
Here is the list of the 10 best portable SSD’s you can buy in 2022.
- Seagate Fast SSD
- Samsung T7 SSD
- Samsung T5 SSD
- Samsung X5 Portable SSD
- WD My Passport Portable SSD
- Adata SE730H External SSD
- Adata AD700 External SSD
- Teamgroup T-Force M200 External SSD
- Kingston XS2000 Gen 2×2 External SSD
- LaCie Portable SSD
1. Seagate Fast SSD – Portable SSD that offers excellent value
A well-known name in storage, Seagate has introduced the amazing Seagate Fast SSD, which leverages its remarkable experience in the portable SSD industry.
This solid-state drive has a slim and smart design which is 9mm thick and has dimensions of 94 x 79 mm. This indicates that it can be comfortably carried about and readily slipped into your pocket. Although it is not quite as small as the My Passport SSD, it is still incredibly light and tiny at 82g.
Without using any type of fancy tricks, this drive was among the quickest in terms of performance. On Crystal Disk Mark and Atto, Seagate’s newest storage offering nearly tied the G-Drive Slim SSD in performance. HD Tune Pro and AS SSD performance were also among the finest we’ve seen. The benchmarks were not run on a USB Type-C to Type-C connection, which explains why they are somewhat lower than Seagate’s promises of up to 540MBps.
The drive is exFAT formatted, making it instantly compatible with both Windows and Mac. Additionally, Seagate’s own Toolkit package, which supports folder mirroring and backup, is available for free download.
The best side of this SSD is that it performs very well and has a 3-years warranty. It is relatively thin as compared to other SSD and is available at a reasonable price. If you are looking for the finest portable SSD for your laptop or PC at a good and reasonable price, then you should buy Seagate Fast SSD.
Specs
- Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB
- Interface: Type-C USB
- Format: exFAT
- Warranty: 3 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Excellent performance ✔️3-years warranty ✔️Slim and attractive design ✔️Compact size | ⭕The length of the cable is short ⭕Average read/write speed |
2. Samsung T7 SSD – Best SSD For Security-Conscious
If you’re searching for a portable SSD with a lot of capabilities, you should consider the Samsung T7 SSD. This external storage device is not only fast, with sequential read and write rates of up to 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s, respectively, but it also packs a lot of useful functions into its palm-sized container.
The most crucial of these functions is undoubtedly its built-in security measures, which support fingerprint sign-in and utilize AES 256-bit encryption. You may configure these capabilities using its management program.
The T7 Touch resembles the T5 in appearance but is somewhat larger and heavier. The former is 85 x 57 x 8.0 mm and weighs 58g, while the latter measures 74 x 57.3 x 10.5 mm and weighs 51g. The weight rise is due to the hardware required for the biometric function.
To alert the user quickly about the SSD’s activities, the LED square additionally glows a cool blue colour. Either of the two bundled wires may be attached to a Type-C connector.
To provide much higher performance, Samsung has switched the SATA-based SSD with an NVMe SSD beneath the USB 3.2 Gen 2 bridge. The T7 Touch most likely employs sixth-generation 136-layer V-NAND as compared to the 64-layer V-NAND found in the T5.
Even if the Samsung T7 SSD is not cheap and might use tough housing, it is still among the finest portable SSDs currently on the market and a purchase is definitely worth taking into account.
Specs
- Capacity: 50GB, 1TB and 2 TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2
- Transfer speed: up to 1,050 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Lightning Fast ✔️3-years warranty ✔️Slim and attractive design ✔️Build-in security with finger sensor | ⭕The length of the cable is short ⭕Bit expensive ⭕Samsung cloud is not bundled |
3. Samsung T5 SSD – Best portable SSD
There are many Samsung products on our list, and the firm has produced several excellent portable SSDs. However, the Samsung Portable SSD T5 is our choice for the best portable SSD of 2022.
A masterpiece of portable storage is the Samsung Portable SSD T5. It serves as evidence that an external storage device may be smaller than a stack of credit cards or a powerful power bank.
Additionally, it features a 10Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 port, which doubles the theoretical maximum transfer rate of its predecessors. This makes it a powerful device.
The drive is compact and lightweight enough to fit easily into even a small front pocket of pants, measuring 74 x 57 x 10.5mm and weighing only 51g. Except for the large Samsung logo on the front, the power LED, and the Type-C connector, it is totally composed of metal. It doesn’t really change much from the T3.
The drive has capacities between 250GB and 2TB and uses an ASMedia mSATA-to-USB bridge controller rather than a Samsung-specific one. The major advancement is due to the adoption of newer, more sophisticated 64-layer 3D V-NAND Triple Level Cell flash memory, upgraded software, and support for TRIM through the UASP protocol.
With acceptable read/write rates of 433MBps and 323MBps, a 10GB file transfer took only 47 seconds, giving it a real-world transfer rate of slightly over 212MBps.
If you need to transport or relocate extremely huge volumes of data, the Samsung T5 is a fantastic all-around SSD. The T5 proves that Samsung is at the top of its NAND technology game and delivers high-quality products with a quick transfer rate and a three-year guarantee.
Specs
- Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2 TB
- Interface: USB Type-C
- Transfer speed: up to 540 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Lightning Fast ✔️3-years warranty ✔️Slim and attractive design ✔️Easy-to-use software | ⭕Expensive ⭕Backup Software is not available |
4. Samsung X5 Portable SSD – Absolute Favorite For Speed
The Samsung X5 Portable SSD is the finest portable SSD for you if performance is your top priority and cost is irrelevant to you. It has a Thunderbolt 3 connection, allowing you to fully benefit from the excellent Samsung 970 Evo NVMe SSD’s lightning-fast speeds.
Well, this drive is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB storage capacity. The 500GB will cost you $219, $399 for 1TB and $695 for 2TB storage. However, this is an expensive external SSD, and the first cost is financial. Additionally, compared to the Samsung T3 or Samsung T5, which are also on this list, it is bigger and heavier. With a weight of 150g and dimensions of 116 x 60 x 18 mm, the gadget is more appropriately categorized as portable than small.
The Samsung Galaxy X5 has an oblong, pebble-like form, a solid metal body, what the company calls a glossy finish, and a red, non-slip bottom mat. It also includes an inbuilt heat sink, a protective guard, and all of these features.
In this SSD, you will find one USB-C Type connector, a white status LED and a 45cm long thunderbolt cable. These all items are made up of premium quality which can last for quite a long time but I’ll recommend you protect it from water because this SSD is not water resistant.
Well, if you talk about the software, the device is exFAT formatted and has Samsung’s portable SSD software, which offers optional password security and AES 256-bit hardware data encryption.
The read and write speed of this SSD is 2.8 GB/s and 2.3 GB/s respectively. The drive may utilise all four PCIe lanes, which is advantageous. The Samsung X5 Portable SSD is unquestionably the best portable SSD to choose from when it comes to performance.
Specs
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB and 2 TB
- Interface: Thunderbolt 3
- Transfer speed: up to 2.1 GB/s
- Warranty: 3 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Lightning Fast ✔️3-years warranty ✔️Read and write sequentially performance ✔️Excellent performance | ⭕Expensive ⭕DGT tech affects its performance ⭕Non-waterproof |
5. WD My Passport Portable SSD – The Ideal Portable SSD for Photographers Who Travel
When it comes to storage devices geared exclusively at pro photographers, Western Digital is no stranger, and with the WD My Passport Wireless SSD, it has built another excellent product that photographers (or even normal users) will enjoy.
The WD My Passport Wireless SSD is the newest addition to WD’s expanding line of wireless hard drives, which make it convenient to view and move data via a Wi-Fi connection rather than a cable.
However, while using Wi-Fi, the SSD’s full performance is not being used. Additionally, a USB 3.0 connection is made, which provides very decent rates but is not quite as quick as Thunderbolt or USB Type-C. A built-in SD card reader makes the WD My Passport Wireless SSD one of the finest portable SSDs for photographers, but its versatility and toughness are also alluring.
Well, this drive is available in different capacity ranges: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. You can buy 250GB for $230 to $800 for a 2TB range capacity and you also get a 2-years warranty. With an inbuilt Li-Ion battery that provides up to 10 hours of continuous wireless usage, the My Passport Wireless SSD was designed for life on the road. It includes a built-in SD card reader, 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking, and these features.
The gadget has a detachable drop-resistant rubber bumper that gives it a tough appearance and a non-slip surface to help with grip, even if it is not weather- or dust-proof. Additionally, all of the ports and buttons are flat with the outside, which along with the bumper’s thickness should help shield the drive from the environment and unintentional scratches.
If you look at the top of the SSD, you’ll find a power button, USB 3.0 port, and OTG (ON-THE-GO) USB 2.0 socket. The top of the device has a second button that activates the battery indicator, starts SD card transfers, and serves as the WPS switch for the initial Wi-Fi setup. The most interesting thing is that there is a light indicator for battery, Wi-Fi and power indicator.
Specs
- Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2 TB
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Transfer speed: up to 390 MB/s
- Warranty: 2 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Drop-resistant rubber bumper ✔️2-years warranty ✔️In-build SD card acceptor ✔️Long-lasting battery ✔️USB transfer speed is amazing | ⭕Quite Expensive ⭕A challenge to utilize with laptops that only have USB Type-C ⭕Extra SSD speed is worthless over Wi-Fi |
6. Adata SE730H Portable SSD – The Ideal Fast External Storage Device
This little, portable hard drive is highly quick and has a tough housing that protects it from spills, bumps, and water. It’s not the quickest drive available because it still relies on outdated SATA technology rather than the newer, faster NVMe technology, but for the money, you’re still getting a fantastic performance.
The Adata company claims that this portable SSD is one of the most compact SSD that Adata can produce. However, the dimensions of this SSD measure 72.7x44x12.2 mm and have a weight of approximately 37g. Moreover, the drive’s unusual shape from the side seems to be a constricted oval cylinder which makes it simpler to handle due to higher degrees of grip.
Well, if you compare it with Samsung’s T3 and T5, you’ll see that it is lighter and smaller than them. However, this SSD is expensive but it also provides military-certified protection.
This drive, which is constructed of rubber and aluminium, is one of just a few on the market to receive IP68 certification. The drive can survive underwater for almost an hour at a depth of 1.5 metres, provided the cap covering the USB Type-C socket is securely fastened.
With over 3-years warranties, this SSD is available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. When used in conjunction with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps connection, the drive, according to Adata, may achieve read/write rates of 500MBps.
The inclusion of a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port is Adata’s primary point of differentiation in this scenario, but regrettably, this claim is without foundation because the Adata SE730H continues to employ constrained SATA technology. It would be resolved if we switched to NVMe, however, the cost of the drive would go up dramatically.
Specs
- Capacity: 256GB, 512GB and 1TB
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen2
- Transfer speed: up to 500 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Small in size ✔️3-years warranty ✔️The cable has a USB Type-C port on both ends ✔️Excellent performance ✔️Water, dust and dirt resistant | ⭕Storage space tops out at 1TB ⭕Expensive than its competitors |
7. Adata SD700 External SSD – One of the Most Inexpensive SSD
Those searching for a durable storage option with plenty of space at a reasonable price may benefit from the Adata SD700. It provides decent speeds and is IP68 certified, so you can take it around without worrying about it getting damaged.
You won’t have to worry about running out of storage space since the Adata SD700 External SSD is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models in either bright yellow or black colour schemes. Speeds aren’t nearly as fast as they might be because it doesn’t have the latest USB Type-C connector. The weight of this SSD is only about 78g which you can hold easily in your daily routine.
ADATA’s logo and the word SSD are clearly displayed on top, and the blue status light is located just below. The drive is secured by a non-removable rubber ring, and the electronics are housed within an aluminium chassis.
Well, Adata SD700 gives you a 3-year warranty with a read and write speed of 433MB/s and 427MB/s respectively. This is around a factor of ten times quicker than magnetic hard disc devices.
Specs
- Capacity: 256GB, 512GB and 1TB
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Transfer speed: up to 440 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Reasonable in price ✔️3-years warranty ✔️Solid and compact design ✔️Water, dust and dirt resistant | ⭕No Type-C Port ⭕The backup software is old |
8. Teamgroup T-Force M200 External SSD – Made for big Capacity
When it comes to reasonably priced yet functional storage goods, Teamgroup has quietly become a force to be reckoned with because this company has given many products in this niche which are quite reasonable and exceptional. The M200 is the latest portable SSD introduced by Teamgroup which fails to surprise everyone because it is so much expensive and only those people who want extreme storage can buy this SSD.
However, it will show to be a winner if Teamgroup can find a way to lower the price with its tough appearance, a design modelled after the storied M200 sniper rifle, and a lengthy five-year warranty.
The USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, which enables the Teamgroup T-Force M200 to reach read and write rates of up to 2GBps, is its hidden weapon. Unfortunately, only compatible systems can deliver this level of performance. We would much prefer to use Thunderbolt 3 or USB 4, both of which are future-proof.
The capacity range in which this SSD is available in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB. The 2TB drive is around $800 and the 8TB drive is about $1336. The dimensions of the M200 are 105 x 56 x 11 mm with a weight of 83g. There isn’t much to remark on here besides the Type-C connection and an activity LED. There is a gap as well, which Teamgroup refers to as a “hanging hole.” You also get 2 long cables with this SSD.
The system includes an ASMedia ASM2364 USB Bridge, a Phison E16 controller, and a full-size M.2 NVMe SSD. The MP34Q is the most likely choice since its available capacities match those of the M200 and it has dual cache technology with a combination of SLC and DRAM. It utilises QLC NAND (from Crucial), as predicted, and can achieve read/write rates of up to 3.4GBps/3GBps. Well, if you want to buy this SSD, you should have a powerful compatible system like USB 3.2 Gen2.
Specs
- Capacity: 2TB, 4TB and 8TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2
- Transfer speed: up to 2000 MB/s
- Warranty: 5 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Available in 8TB capacity ✔️5-years warranty ✔️Solid and beautiful design | ⭕Much bigger than other SSDs ⭕Not have any Software bundle ⭕Not have an IP rating ⭕Expensive |
9. Kingston XS2000 Gen 2×2 External SSD – Perfect If You Want a Small, Portable Option
One of the earliest and maybe the first portable SSDs with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is the Kingston XS2000. The device offers excellent read/write speeds; Kingston claims they can reach up to 20000MBps. However, keep in mind that to utilize this portable drive to its maximum potential, your gear must be USB 3.2 Gen2 compliant.
Well, it is not only quick, but it is also 29g light and relatively small. To further safeguard this water-resistant, dust-resistant, and shockproof drive, Kingston also adds a rubber cover. The cost is also really fair given its capabilities.
Additionally, it has a five-year warranty that leads the market and is more portable than many of its competitors on this list of the best portable SSDs.
The Kingston XS2000 is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacity range with a price range of $100, $160 and $285 respectively. You’ll find the same price range for different SSD but they probably will be bigger in size and have short warranty period years.
The most interesting thing to note is that there is no cloud backup software for this drive. You cannot recover your lost files from this portable SSD.
Specs
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB and 2TB
- Interface: USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen2
- Transfer speed: up to 2,000 MB/s
- Warranty: 5 years
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Fast speed ✔️5-years warranty ✔️Solid and beautiful design ✔️Lightweight | ⭕Need the appropriate hardware to keep USP ⭕If you only need a lot of rapid storage, it’s expensive |
10. LaCie Portable SSD – Great option for a light and simple design
There is a reason why LaCie is one of the few companies that both artists and digital nomads trust. The company created its hard drives and solid-state drives with portability in mind. They are lightweight (weighing only 100g), shock-resistant, and tough enough to withstand the majority of accidental drops.
In other words, even if it lacks the tough design that makes LaCie’s storage devices famous, it is nevertheless designed for travel. It has a variety of connectivity choices as well. It does contain the USB-C port, which is great for MacBooks and the Dell XPS series, but it also supports USB 3.0 for compatibility with other laptops.
Well, it is available in 3 different capacity ranges: 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. 500GB drive will cost you $100, $170 for 1TB and approximately $330 for a 2TB drive. A Type-C connection, a status light, and the LaCie logo are carved into the drive’s monoblock of the machined aluminium exterior.
A USB Type-C connector, information about Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery services, and a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership are available inside the box.
If you want a drive that has an excellent design and looks attractive, then you should buy LaCie portable SSD.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️Looks beautiful ✔️3-years warranty ✔️Shock resistant ✔️Lightweight | ⭕The cable length is short ⭕Quite expensive |
Specs
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB and 2TB
- Interface: USB-C, USB 3.0
- Transfer speed: up to 2,000 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 years
Conclusions
You should be very careful while selecting the SSD for your PC or laptop because it is very important to have a compatible system which will suit the SSD you buy.
I hope this guide of the 10 best portable SSDs will help you to select such SSD which is your requirement. If you need any further information, you can ask in the comments and I’ll definitely answer your queries related to SSD.
