In the rapidly advancing world of technology, portable SSDs have become indispensable for professionals and enthusiasts seeking high-speed, dependable, and compact storage solutions. With an abundance of options flooding the market, selecting the right portable SSD can be a daunting task. To help you in making an informed decision, we have curated a list of the top recommended portable SSDs for 2023.
Best Overall SSD: Samsung T7 Shield
The Samsung T7 Shield is a top-performing external SSD that excels in speed, security, and durability. With its rugged housing and drop-resistant, IP65-certified, rubberized shell, it offers excellent durability. While it doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner like the T7 Touch, it compensates with industry-leading AES 256-bit hardware encryption. The T7 Shield delivers impressive performance with 1000 MB/s writes and 1050 MB/s reads via USB 3.2 Gen 2. Its sustained performance has also been improved, ensuring maximum speed during longer transfers. There is also a variant with a fingerprint reader for users who prioritize advanced security.
Best travel SSD: SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD V2
The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2 is the flagship model from SanDisk, offering read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s. This makes it nearly twice as fast as the non-Pro version. It is designed to withstand water immersion and drops from up to 2 meters, ensuring the safety of your files during travel. The SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD V2 combines speed and durability, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers.
Best game storage SSD: WD_Black D30
The WD_Black D30 is a compact and lightweight external SSD designed specifically for game storage. With storage capacities of up to 2TB, it offers ample space for your PC or console games. The WD_BLACK D30 Game Drive is a plug-and-play solution, requiring no additional power cables or supplies. Simply connect it via USB, and you’re good to go. Its compatibility and easy-to-use nature make it the best choice for gamers seeking additional storage space.
Best budget SSD: WD My Passport SSD
The WD My Passport SSD is the latest version of WD’s popular portable SSD lineup. With a smooth and rounded design, it offers a fresh look without compromising performance. CrystalDiskMark measurements indicate read/write rates of 1041MB/s and 1002MB/s, showcasing its speed capabilities. The My Passport SSD is available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, and it features a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface. The package also includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter for broader compatibility. It is an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Best rugged SSD: SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD stands out with its ruggedized design, offering protection against drops up to 3 meters and 1000lb of crushing force. It is also IP67-rated to resist dust and moisture. Despite its robust exterior, the dimensions of the drive remain relatively compact. The G-Drive SSD delivers fast data transfer speeds of up to 560MB/s and connects via a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C connection. The package includes a Type-A converter for compatibility with older computers. If you prioritize durability without compromising speed, the SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD is an excellent choice.
Best lightweight SSD: Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD
Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD is a compact external drive with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds, delivering up to 2,000MB/s transfer speeds. It’s ideal for content creators handling high-res images, 8K videos, and large documents. With up to 4TB of storage capacity, it accommodates games, pictures, and videos without compromises.
The XS2000 is future-proofed to meet growing storage demands and works seamlessly with most devices out of the box. Its NAND flash technology ensures reliable data storage, functioning like a traditional hard drive. It connects via USB Type-C, a widespread standard, enabling access to data from various devices. The XS2000 includes a removable ruggedized sleeve for drop protection, and its IP55 rating safeguards it against water and dust, making it suitable for on-location photoshoots or adventures.
Best portable SSDs 2023 Conclusion
In 2023, portable SSDs continue to evolve, offering high-speed performance, advanced security features, and rugged designs. The Samsung T7 Shield is the best overall choice, providing an exceptional balance of speed, security, and durability.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD V2 is perfect for travelers with its impressive speed and ruggedness. Gamers can rely on the WD_Black D30 for additional storage space. For those on a budget, the WD My Passport SSD offers affordability without sacrificing performance.
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD excels in ruggedness while maintaining fast data transfer speeds. Lastly, the Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD is a compact external drive with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds, and features a removable ruggedized sleeve for drop protection, its IP55 rating safeguards it against water and dust, making it suitable for on-location photoshoots or adventures.
Consider your specific needs and budget to select the best portable SSD that meets your requirements in 2023.
