Best External Solid State Drives

Can you use this Samsung SSD for storing and downloading large files? Yes, absolutely. The device is perfectly dependable, and the transfer won’t take hours to complete. Out of free space for the new gaming titles or project files? This external drive is all ready to help.

Great, but does this one heat up when used? Just a bit, and it never overheats, which makes it even more reliable. It’s also fall-proof and won’t take damage if you sweep it off the table. The solid aluminum body is extra sturdy for the falls of up to 6 ft. Compact and durable, this SSD can be taken from home to office, on a business trip or a vacation.

The device comes with the Type-C to C / Type-C to A cables. It is recommended to use these cables, as non-native ones may downgrade the performance. On the plus side, you can use the SSD right off the bat and without any extra shopping.

So, are there any downsides to this device? Yes, if you count the somewhat clunky software/firmware installation. Other than that, the Samsung SDD is an amazing choice for storing your precious data.

To sum up, this portable external drive offers the new heights of transfer speed and data protection, both for home and office.

Data loss is often a result of unscrupulous hackers gaining access to your information but let’s not forget about the other equally common cause - damage to the drive. That’s exactly why we appreciate the VectoTech Rapid’s sturdy and reinforced casing, made to be completely damage-resistant. The insides of the drive are also protected to withstand vibration and shocks which makes transportation safer. We can’t say much about the heat protection as it’s not as useful as the former two but it’s a nice bonus for sure.

However, there is absolutely no protection against the aforementioned hackers or, really, anyone looking to gain access to your data. You don’t even get a chance to put a password that might deter potential snooping. That’s a substantial security gap in our opinion.

It’s all the stranger as the VectoTech Rapid is pretty modern in terms of compatibility, offering full software for stable connection to both Windows- and Mac-using laptops. That coupled with excellent damage resistance and a large storage capacity raise the VectoTech Rapid above many of the competitors. We highly recommend this external SSD for laptop storage and personal use as long as you don’t plan on keeping any sensitive information on the drive.

What makes this external drive so impressive is its wide compatibility. Windows, Linux, Mac, iPad, Android – and also PS4 & Xbox One. No problem using it with your office MacBook or home Windows PC.

Avid gamers can store their smaller titles (or DLCs) right on the SSD and free the precious space for even more exciting content. Keep in mind, though, that the updates on gaming compatibilities are somewhat lacking for this device.

Now to the speeds that make or break your user experience. Thanks to the Crucial, you can now game, stream, or transfer data with the read speeds of up to 800MB/s, which is actually faster than most of the hard drives. Yes, there may be some speed drop-offs with larger transfers, but not the deal breaking ones.

As this unit is so very small, you run the better risks of losing it. That’s why encrypting the sensible data is always a good option. The Crucial is all ready to protect your info with the supported encryption tools. This also works great for open spaces and shared workplaces.

All in all, the Crucial portable external drive is a) fast, b) reliable, and c) works with almost anything. A great choice for big office projects, movies, or game updates.

The SanDisk is not only practical, but also highly portable. The durable silicone casing is a pleasure to the touch, and the up to 2 m drop resistance is simply great for accidental falls. Take the drive anywhere you go for work or fun; the device is IP55 water and dust proof. Less worries for outdoor pros or avid backpack hikers.

Speaking about the latter; if you’re planning to take this SSD on a demanding trip, great news for you. The SanDisk offers a super handy carabiner loop, so you can simply attach it to your belt or rucksack. Preserve your camping trip memories – and never lose them on a trying path.

Does this external disk heat up at work? Unfortunately, yes, and you will feel it getting warm when used for a long period of time. This is something to be improved, as high temps usually mean the shorter product life for SSDs.

Finally, the design of this device is a nice cross between the hi-tech and adventuring vibe. Be sure to show off this SSD to your friends or colleagues, and they may want to get it for themselves.

In short, the SanDisk portable SSD is pure gold for the active lifestyle customers. Fast, extra reliable, and secure, it gives you solid value for the money.

This external drive supports USB-C / USB-A, so you can easily connect it to nearly any standard PC/laptop. Enjoy the stable speeds that don’t drop off after a few seconds. You can always work directly from the drive, editing your pics or videos without overloading your PC. The same goes for the bulky project files that eat up the hard drive free space.

Avid gamer? This SSD supports PS5/PS4, so you can add even more titles, patches, or updates. The loading times are also great, no worries here. Don’t feel limited by your console and add up space without overpaying for a huge, lagging drive.

Need a solid backup for your old PC? The Buffalo will keep your data safe and protected at all times. Sturdy on the outside and made to last in terms of storage, it can take up your old photo collection, home vids, or excessive project files. Clone the whole drive or make yourself a nice working VM; all in a couple hours and not overnight. Extremely portable, this unit is “the” choice for storing files you don’t need daily.

As evident, the SSD by Buffalo wins by being very compact, fast, and reliable. Home, office, or fun, it’s always there for your needs.