An external SSD comes in very handy when you need that extra storage. With so many choices, how do you select the right one to meet your needs? To help you out, here is our handy “top 10 external SSDs” list:
Our pick for The Best External SSD is Samsung T1 Portable External SSD (1TB).
Samsung T1 looks great, feels sleek and works flawlessly.
It gives you the speed and performance of an internal SSD, with very fast access to your files.
T1’s compact, portable design lets you keep your data with you all the time and easily take it wherever you go. At only 2.8×2.0x.4, it fits easily in your pocket, wallet or bag.
Since T1 is a solid state drive, it does not have any moving parts. That means its shock and vibration resistant. It is also equipped with Dynamic Thermal Guard which protects data against high temperatures.
T1 is embedded with the most modern encryption technology for advanced security. It uses an AES 256 bit encryption algorithm to secure your valuable data.
Installation is a breeze – i.e. no installation is required. Moreover, all your data can be accessed with one password.
Online customers seem to love this drive. Read customer reviews here.
Samsung T1 Portable External External SSD
- super fast read-write speeds of up to 450 mb/s driven by turbo write technology. transfer rate - 450 mb/s
- easy password protection - embedded aes 256 bit encryption for cutting edge data security. encryption - aes 256-bit
- slim compact shape, combining style and portability featuring laser patterning and black chrome metalized finish. interface - usb 3.0, usb 2.0
- capacity: 1tb, form factor: portable
- interface - compatible with usb 3.1(gen.1, 5gbps), 3.0, 2.0
Top Rated External Solid State Drives (SSDs)
External Solid State Drive Reviews
With our storage needs growing and storage costs shrinking, the market for storage devices has exploded. While there are many forms of storage available, in this post, our focus will be on portable external solid state drives (SSD).
Our pick for the best alternative to Samsung is [easyazon_link asin=”B00K75U6G6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Transcend TS128GESD400K External Solid State Drive [/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link asin=”B00K75U6G6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Transcend TS128GESD400K [/easyazon_link] is sturdy, durable and nicely designed external SSD that will help manage your extra storage needs seamlessly.
Update: Price has been further reduced on [easyazon_link asin=”B00K75U6G6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Transcend TS128GESD400K 128GB[/easyazon_link].
I have been using this external SSD for about a month now and it works flawlessly. I transferred a fair amount of video, music & picture files, all without any issues and quickly.
It is fairly small compared to other external drives I have purchased in the past. It is easy to carry, fast and competitively priced. Measuring just 3.6 x 0.4 x 2.4 inches and weighing only about 1.9 ounces, this [easyazon_link asin=”B00K75U6G6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Transcend ESD400 SSD [/easyazon_link] fits conveniently in your pocket. It even comes with its own handy travel pouch for travel protection.
Transcend is equipped with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connection interface that supports UASP and provides 10 times the bandwidth of USB 2.0. Read and write speeds are awesome at speeds of up to 410MB/s and 380MB/s respectively. You can get it up to 1TB which allows you to save almost everything you need in it.
Of the solid state drives I have used in the past, this one is fairly quiet – it’s silent. Moreover, it can withstand normal drops, shocks and vibration – makes it pretty reliable if you are like me who constantly drops phones, drives, – anything that’s playing card sized.
If you use Transcend’s Elite Software, it comes with One-Touch auto-backup button for instant data backup and synchronization. The software and data management tools will help you keep your files organized, protected and synced, so that you always have access to what you need when you need it.
Transcend TS128GESD400K External Solid Solid State Drive
- boost your computer's speed and capacity with a transcend ssd
- 410mb/s and 380mb/s
- light weight yet durable
- features uasp support
- one touch auto-backup button
Other Extrenal SSD That Are Also Great
Seagate STCM240100 Portable Solid State External Drive
[easyazon_link asin=”B00I6CVPVC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Seagate STCM240100[/easyazon_link] is another solid SSD that will keep you happy for your backup needs.
It is light. At only 5.1 ounces and 4.5 x 3 x 0.4 inches it is sleek and designed well for travel.
It’s fast. The spec states transfer sppeds up to 430MB/s. I was able to open and edit my video files directly from the drive itself.
It’s very quiet.
[easyazon_link asin=”B00I6CVPVC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Seagate STCM240100[/easyazon_link] comes pre-loaded with backup software included in the easy-to-use Seagate Dashboard. You can quickly create custom backup plans to protect your files. It also comes with the free Seagate Mobile Backup app allowing you to back up pictures and videos form iOS and Android devices.
It’s currently avaiable only at [easyazon_link asin=”B00I6CVPVC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]256GB[/easyazon_link] (which should suffice most of your needs).
Seagate STCM240100 STCM240100
- up to 2x faster than other portable drives
- up to 2x more capacity than other portable drives
- automatic backup software
- small size means you can take all your files with you
- use between pc and mac computers without reformatting
Shadow Mini™ Portable Solid State Drive SSD
[easyazon_link asin=”B00KNK1DE4″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]The Shadow Mini SSD [/easyazon_link] looks stunning – the stylish design features an ultra-compact aluminum casing that is just plain beautiful. The aluminum body is engineered to effectively dissipate heat and provide convenient portability.
It’s great for A/V professionals and works seamlessly when editing Videos directly from the drive.
The Shadow Mini is capable of speeds of around 400 MB/s when connected to a USB 3.0 port.
It works well, it’s compact, looks great and is overall a great device for your backup needs. And the price is great.
You can buy a 120GB for your basic needs. It’s also available at [easyazon_link asin=”B00J5UUBNW” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]240GB [/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link asin=”B00J5UUDI0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]480GB [/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”B00KNK1DE4″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1TB [/easyazon_link].
Shadow Mini Portable Solid State Drive SSD
- interface: usb 3.1 (up to 575 mb/sec). dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 0.40 inches
- rock-solid durability - no moving parts, able to withstand high impact (1500gs operating shock)
- aluminum housing provides excellent protection and heat dissipation
- compatible with usb 3.1 / 3.0 / 2.0
- backed by a 3-year warranty
Looking for internal SSD? Take a look at our guide to The Best Internal SSD.
MyDigitalSSD OTG SSD
[easyazon_link asin=”B00EZ2FRP2″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]MyDigitalSSD OTG[/easyazon_link] is 3 and 6/16″ long, 1 and 14/16″ wide and 6/16″ deep. The length and width is similar in size to a credit card. The unit weighs an ounce or so.
It’s another external drive that truly lives up to the SSD hype. The USB 3.0 offers 5Gbps performance with any USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) compliant system resulting in real SSD speeds up to 460MB/s.
Its tough outer case designed to withstand the day-to-day bumps, shakes, and drops – so you can use it comfortable as your back up device.
The [easyazon_link asin=”B00E3WWF9A” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]64GB [/easyazon_link] is available on for your most basic needs. You can also get the [easyazon_link asin=”B00EZ2FRU2″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]128GB[/easyazon_link]; [easyazon_link asin=”B00EZ2FRP2″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]256GB[/easyazon_link]; [easyazon_link asin=”B00E3WWF8Q” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]512GB [/easyazon_link]; or, [easyazon_link asin=”B00E3WWF9U” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”wraws-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1 TB[/easyazon_link]
MyDigitalSSD OTG SSD YDigitalSSD OTG SSD
- interface: usb 3.1 (up to 575 mb/sec). dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 0.40 inches
- rock-solid durability - no moving parts, able to withstand high impact (1500gs operating shock)
- aluminum housing provides excellent protection and heat dissipation
- compatible with usb 3.1 / 3.0 / 2.0
- backed by a 3-year warranty
Our Top Pick for The Best External SSD
Samsung T1 Portable External External SSD
- super fast read-write speeds of up to 450 mb/s driven by turbo write technology. transfer rate - 450 mb/s
- easy password protection - embedded aes 256 bit encryption for cutting edge data security. encryption - aes 256-bit
- slim compact shape, combining style and portability featuring laser patterning and black chrome metalized finish. interface - usb 3.0, usb 2.0
- capacity: 1tb, form factor: portable
- interface - compatible with usb 3.1(gen.1, 5gbps), 3.0, 2.0
Patrick Cooper
Patrick has over a decade’s experience writing about consumer electronics on the web. An avid traveller, he is the father of two adopted pitbulls and a greyhound. Cheif editor at WhatRocksAndWhatSucks.com, right now Patrick lives in Austin, TX. Reach him at patrick@wraws.com.