To make room for more music, movies, or all the pictures and videos you shoot with your phone, do you need to expand the local storage on your Mac or PC? An external solid-state drive (SSD) installation is a quick and simple fix. Trendyreviews has been thoroughly benchmark testing and reviewing internal and external drives ever since the first SSD versions were available. Important factors in our study include speed, capacity, cost per gigabyte, physical size, style, durability, security features, and interface. This manual explains these and many other concepts. The Crucial X9 Pro is currently our top pick overall for the majority of use cases, even though we stand by all of our recommendations, which are selected for specific use cases and price ranges.View them all below, then read on for a detailed guide to shopping for the drive that best meets your needs.
1.Crucial X9 Pro
A compact and extremely powerful 4TB external SSD is the Crucial X9 Pro. It did well in our benchmark tests. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard is supported by the USB port on your computer, enabling practically global interoperability (although an adaptor is needed to connect to a USB-A port). The core ruggedization features of the X9 Pro, along with 256-bit AES encryption, protect it from falls, travel accidents, and human and weather dangers.
For the majority of users, the Crucial X9 Pro is an extremely portable external SSD at a price that’s competitive. For those looking for a portable SSD that is swift, secure, and somewhat robust, this is a great option.
The Crucial X9 Pro has almost everything a user could desire in an external SSD.including competitive benchmark scores, a sturdy, lightweight, and tiny chassis, capacities up to 4TB, and hardware-based encryption with 256 bits. While the Editors’ Choice-winning Crucial X10 Pro, intended for filmmakers and creative pros, delivers more raw speed, the less priced X9 Pro can perform at its peak without the need for additional hardware. Because of this, it is regarded as Editors’ Choice for general-purpose solid-state drives and is a better choice for most users.
Made of anodized aluminum, the matte-gray, rectangular X9 Pro is slim and light, weighing only 1.5 ounces. It features a black rubberized base. It measures 0.3 inches by 2.6 inches by 2 inches (HWD). Its beveled corners, one of which features a hole that may be used to hang a lanyard, enhance its straightforward yet attractive design. The hole allows you to see the status LED indicator of the drive.
A USB-C connector is located in the center of one of the short ends of the X9 Pro, and a very short USB-C-to-USB-C connection is included. The X9 Pro should be compatible with most laptops and desktops that have USB-C or USB-A ports because it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2. (For the latter, you will need a C-to-A adaptor connector or cable.) While the Crucial X10 Pro is compatible with the speedier USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard, you will need to add a Gen 2×2 expansion card or have a compatible computer, not all recent models are. For additional information on the variations between the USB interfaces, view our USB-C explainer.
Having an Ingress Protection rating of IP55, the X9 Pro has some cred in the toughness department. This shows that the drive is certified to withstand dust and water, although it is not completely immune to fine particles, and its ability to withstand water is restricted to light misting or sprinkling rather than full submersion. Certain external SSDs—like the IP68-rated ADATA SE800—are even more ruggedized and offer superior defense against dust and water. Additionally, the X9 Pro is approved as drop-proof up to 7.5 feet.
pros
Drop-proof up to 7.5 feet
Lightweight and compact
Cons
Included USB-C cable is short
2.ADATA Elite SE880 External SSD
The ADATA Elite SE880 is a slim, fashionable external drive with a compact design. It had a reasonable cost per GB and displayed fast sequential write and (especially) read speeds when paired with appropriate hardware. It looks tiny compared to its highly regarded predecessor, the ADATA SE800, and can attain almost twice the speed when connected over a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection. It is better suited for interior, office, or local application even though it is not ruggedized. Its guarantee is longer, though.
The ADATA Elite SE880 is a superb choice for a portable external SSD for users using because of its lightning-fast throughput speeds (almost twice that of drives with the standard 3.2 Gen 2 interface, especially its read performance).computer with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface or who are willing to invest in a Gen 2×2 desktop expansion card. It’s affordable and stylish, and you could carry more of them in your pocket.
Since USB 4.0 is taking too long to catch on, manufacturers of external SSDs have begun to reverse course and embrace a technology that the majority of them had previously disregarded. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
The Adata Elite SE880 is one of these products that supports Gen 2×2, if your USB port is strong enough. If needed, it can also operate as a Gen2 or even a Gen1 device.
Like other external SSDs, the SE880 includes a USB-C interface at the end of its somewhat peculiar tube form. However, Adata provides cables for both USB-C and USB-A connections, rather than just an adaptor.
With a length of only 64.8mm, the drive is quite portable, however there is no pouch included to store the cables.
A 4TB option is not available, and we had problems locating a 2TB capacity. The accessible capacities are 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Yes, Adata offers a suite of tools that let the customer optimize the drive’s capacity.and automate the security of files and folders. Among these is a firmware upgrading tool, which may come in handy in the event that a firmware problem occurs—as it did with SanDisk lately.
Pros
5-year warranty
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
Cons
No 4TB option
3.Samsung Portable SSD T9
With a length of only 64.8mm, the drive is quite portable, however there is no pouch included to store the cables.A 4TB option is not available, and we had problems locating a 2TB capacity. The accessible capacities are 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Adata does offer a suite of tools that let the customer optimize the drive’s capacity and automate file and folder security. One of these is a firmware upgrade tool that could be useful if a firmware issue arises, as it recently happened with SanDisk.
Even if the 1TB variant is more than $85; this isn’t the most economical way to get a Gen 2×2 performance drive. Nevertheless, you get both USB cords, so keep that in mind.Marketed as the Samsung Portable SSD T9 as a drive for creators, is a solid option for Windows or Mac users who need to quickly access or backup huge files. With capacities up to 4TB, this powerful drive is ideal for power users and creators using either a Mac or a Windows computer. (Android devices can also utilize it.)
For content artists, Samsung has created a beautiful external solid-state drive called the Portable SSD T9. As evaluated, it begins at 4TB. The drive is compatible with AES 256-bit encryption, and the already excellent Samsung Magician software suite has been updated. The T9 was unmatched in terms of performance when we tested it utilizing an external SSD with an Apple MacBook Pro that had a Thunderbolt 3 port and a Windows testbed that was compatible with the fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard.
With dimensions of 0.3 by 3.5 by 2.4 inches and a weight of 4.3 ounces, the Samsung Portable SSD T9 is small and light, but it is a little larger and heavier than other competing drives, such as the Crucial X10 Pro. similar to the Samsung Portable in terms of appearance SSD T7 Shield, the T9 is black and has a rubberized frame that showcases a textured wave pattern. Additionally, the rough surface facilitates a firm hold on the drive. The model name is displayed on the bottom of the T9, while the Samsung name is displayed on top.
One end of the drive features an oval-shaped USB-C port in the center, flanked by status lights. The connector is officially compatible with the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, as we will explain below. It might also unofficially support Thunderbolt and/or USB 4. These days, you can add that interface to an older system using a desktop PCI Express expansion card (such as the one we use in our Orico external drive testbed), but not many laptops have it built in. Some pricey desktop motherboards do. You can use the drive even if your PC can only support USB 3.2 Gen 2, however the SSD can only run at 10Gbps Gen 2 speeds. For more details on the distinctions between the different interfaces, view our USB-C explainer.
The T9 has three different capacity options, with a 4TB maximum. It’s reassuring to see that, according to list prices, the cost per gigabyte decreases as capacity increases; with certain manufacturers, the maximum capacity comes at a premium. 4TB external SSDs were rare until recently, but more and more drive families are starting to offer a 4TB member as an option. The most recent examples of these drive families include the Crucial X9 Pro and X10 Pro, as well as the Kingston XS2000.
Pros
Certified drop-proof
Comes in capacities up to 4TB
Cons
A bit pricey
4.Lexar SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD
Lexar’s SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD is a feature-rich storage device that comes with a stylish retractable stand, a protective case, and RGB lighting that matches any well-equipped gaming setup. However, that’s not all it has to offer. At the top of the SSD speed ladder thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, Lexar also includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption and a five-year warranty.
Similar to the WD Black P50, the SL660’s top capacity of 1TB is actually a little limited given the bulky games of today; you might choose a 2TB or 4TB drive from another manufacturer. It also won’t function at its best unless your PC is among the few having a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector. But this SSD is definitely meant for you if you’re a speed-obsessed, fashion-forward gamer.
The quick change from 2020’s slow, entry-level Lexar SL200 to the quick, RGB-lit Lexar SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD shows that Lexar can be flexible when it comes to external solid-state drive architecture. The SL660 Blaze might benefit from USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speed support on your hardware. It also includes a protective pouch and a useful retractable stand. It also performed quite well on our PCMark 10 Storage benchmark, which measures how quickly a disk loads games and applications. It is a good device with a gamer’s design, yet there are more capacious solutions available if you are attempting to keep a library of games.
With the stand, which is a grooved cradle that holds the drive on edge, added, the 2.8-ounce SL660 Blaze weighs 5 ounces. It measures 0.4 by 2.3 by 4.4 inches. It is housed in a dark aluminum chassis that Lexar refers to as graphite gray. The Blaze’s RGB LED light show is one of the stand’s features.
Pros
Five-year warranty
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support and 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Cons
Top capacity is just 1TB
5.WD Black D50 Game Dock NVMe SSD
If your PC lacks a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, you can discard the WD Black D50 Game Dock. However, if your system is capable of supporting it, the D50 offers an abundance of ports for additional peripherals and monitors, including two USB 3.2 Type-C ports (one front, one rear), three USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one front, two rear), a front audio jack, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (one of which has 87 watts of USB power delivery), an Ethernet jack, and a DisplayPort 1.4 video output. The external device shares the same black shipping container design as the WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD and measures 4.7 inches square.
The D50 Game Dock has some of the quickest sequential reads and writes of any external drive in addition to stunning RGB lights, though it would be much more helpful if it included an HDMI display port. It’s a really smart docking station and game/movie storage combo.
The WD Black D50 Game Dock improves the connectivity and storage of your laptop or small desktop computer. It boasts a fast solid-state drive and a ton of useful ports, unless you’re using the base version. For individuals who need to save a lot of videos and photos or have a vast gaming library, the 2TB SSD model we tested offers significant speed and capacity. The D50 may easily be used to add a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and other peripherals. It can also be used to power a laptop through its interface and connect to a local area network (LAN). Just two things to be mindful of are that it is very expensive and cannot be used on PCs that do not have a Thunderbolt port.
WD Black D50 is a square device box that measures 2.2 by 4.7 by 4.7 inches (HWD), with a form factor similar to that of a tiny PC or palmtop projector. The WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD, which looks like the kind of shipping container you might use for cover in a first-person shooter game, is one example of the industrial-chic design that this all-black drive emulates. The model name is written in white letters on the upper lid of the D50, which also has a corrugated texture similar to that of a packing crate on the top and bottom.
The front and back of the pier are home to many ports, especially the latter. Along with a grille for a cooling fan and a jack for the 180-watt power adapter, you’ll find an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet jack, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (one of which offers 87 watts of USB power delivery), a DisplayPort 1.4 connector, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connectors.
Up front are more USB-C and USB-A ports in addition to a headphone jack. The two remaining sides are devoid of any ports or openings, while the other has simply a large ventilation grille.
Compared to the writing on the right side, the left side of the drive’s labeling seems oddly upside-down, indicating that the D50 will operate simply as well when turned over. For that matter, you can stand it on end, resting it on the featureless side, with the grille edge facing upward.
Pros
Up to 2TB capacity
Bristling with ports
Cons
Expensive
6.LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is a combination of a Seagate FireCuda NVMe solid-state drive and a Thunderbolt 3 interface. It comes in an aluminum shell with an amazing IP67 ruggedness rating, silicone wrapping, and crush resistance. This means that the Thunderbolt 3 port can resist 30 minutes in shallow water and remain dust-tight without even requiring the user to close the standard rubber flap. All of this adds up to a fairly specialized equipment that delivers an outstanding blend of durability and speed, but is best appreciated by filmmakers who use MacBook computers (the kind most likely to have Thunderbolt ports) for outside shooting. Even while the LaCie isn’t inexpensive—more versatile portable SSDs and even a few robust competitors easily beat its price per gigabyte—it is made with specifically for Apple content creators.
It is unlikely that most customers will need or want to pay for the remarkable speed and durability of LaCie’s Rugged SSD Pro external solid-state drive. But, if you’re a professional who works in the field, like a filmmaker or videographer, and you have a laptop with Thunderbolt-3 installed so you can fully utilize the device’s capabilities, you could think it’s a good deal. Our latest Editors’ Choice for premium, long-lasting external SSDs is the LaCie. It is packaged in a silicone-wrapped, crush-resistant metal shell that is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. In addition, it is strong enough to meet IP67 requirements for water and dust resistance and is certified to withstand falls of up to three meters (10 feet) in height. Additionally, it is made to fit in an overnight express envelope and survive the trip, so you can ship it to the office or studio when data connections are slow or nonexistent.
The speed and durability of the Rugged SSD Pro are nearly equal in terms of their most impressive features. In the first example, it connects a Seagate FireCuda NVMe SSD to a Thunderbolt 3 port. LaCie rates the combination at 2,800MBps for both disk reads and writes, which is faster than the Samsung Portable SSD X5, another SSD that combines NVMe with Thunderbolt 3, and the only other drive we’ve tested to date with comparable speed. The two were virtually tied in our tests, leaving the other outcomes in the dust. Together, they effectively recast the concept of fast in terms of an external drive.
Pros
Also works with USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports
Field-leading speed
Cons
High price per gigabyte
Buying Guide: The Best External SSDs for 2024
There is a large selection of portable SSDs, as you can see above. When shopping, consider factors like capacity, weight and size, interface or PC connection, and whether you need a drive with a tough housing.
First, here is why an SSD is preferable to a hard disk. A solid-state drive stores data on a collection of “persistent” flash memory cells as opposed to a hard drive, which stores data on those rotating platters accessed by a moving magnetic head. They save your data even in the event of an electrical power outage, much like the silicon that makes up a computer’s RAM.