Best Portable SSDs: Speed, Durability & Portability
Portable SSDs have become indispensable for professionals, gamers, and everyday users seeking fast, reliable, and compact storage solutions. Whether you’re backing up critical data, editing high-resolution videos, or expanding your gaming library, the right portable SSD can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of top-rated portable SSDs available on Amazon, focusing on performance, durability, and value. Each selection offers a blend of speed, build quality, and features to cater to various needs and budgets.
Top 15 Portable SSDs
1. SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD
Price: $389.99
Highlights: Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 2,700MB/s read, rugged design
About Portable SSD: The SanDisk PRO-G40 offers exceptional performance with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces, delivering read speeds up to 2,700MB/s. Its rugged design ensures durability, making it ideal for professionals handling large files on the go. The drive is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems, providing versatility for various workflows.
2. Samsung Portable SSD T9
Price: $209.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 2,000MB/s read/write, durable rubberized casing
About Portable SSD: Samsung’s T9 SSD combines high-speed performance with a compact, durable design. With read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, it’s perfect for transferring large files quickly. The rubberized casing provides added protection against drops and shocks, making it suitable for travel.
3. Crucial X9 Pro
Price: $86.91
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read/write, compact and lightweight
About Portable SSD: The Crucial X9 Pro offers a balance of speed and portability, with read and write speeds up to 1,050MB/s. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, and it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Android. The drive is ideal for photographers and content creators needing reliable storage on the go.
4. KIOXIA EXCERIA Plus Portable SSD
Price: $225.42
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read, aluminum casing
About Portable SSD: The Kioxia Exceria Plus G2 delivers consistent performance with read speeds up to 1,050MB/s. Its aluminum casing provides durability and effective heat dissipation. The drive includes SSD Utility Management Software for Windows, offering features like password protection and drive monitoring.
5. Samsung Portable SSD T7
Price: $99.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read, sleek design
About Portable SSD: Samsung’s T7 SSD offers a sleek and compact design with impressive read speeds up to 1,050MB/s. It’s compatible with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and Android smartphones. The drive’s portability and speed make it a popular choice for everyday use.
6. Kingston XS2000
Price: $149.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 2,000MB/s read/write, compact form factor
About Portable SSD: The Kingston XS2000 offers ultra-fast read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface. Its compact size makes it highly portable, and it’s compatible with a wide range of devices. The drive is ideal for users needing high-speed data transfer in a small package.
7. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2
Price: $149.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read, IP55-rated for water and dust resistance
About Portable SSD: The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 combines speed and durability, offering read speeds up to 1,050MB/s. Its IP55 rating ensures protection against water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor use. The drive’s compact design and rugged build make it a reliable choice for professionals on the move.
8. ADATA SE920
Price: $159.99
Highlights: USB 4.0, up to 3,800MB/s read, advanced thermal design
About Portable SSD: The ADATA SE920 offers cutting-edge performance with read speeds up to 3,800MB/s, utilizing the USB 4.0 interface. Its advanced thermal design ensures sustained high-speed transfers without overheating. This drive is ideal for users requiring top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
9. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD
Price: $72.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 2,000MB/s read, RGB lighting
About Portable SSD: The Lexar ES3 is designed for gamers, featuring read speeds up to 2,000MB/s and customizable RGB lighting. Its durable aluminum casing provides protection, while the included stand allows for vertical placement. The drive offers both performance and style for gaming setups.
10. Transcend ESD380C
Price: $109.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 2,000MB/s read, military-grade shock resistance
About Portable SSD: The Transcend ESD380C delivers high-speed performance with read speeds up to 2,000MB/s. Its rugged design meets military-grade shock resistance standards, ensuring durability. The drive is compatible with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles.
11. Seagate Ultra Touch SSD
Price: $149.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,000MB/s read, fabric-covered design
About Portable SSD: The Seagate Ultra Touch SSD combines performance with a stylish fabric-covered design. With read speeds up to 1,000MB/s, it’s suitable for quick file transfers. The drive includes backup software and password protection for added security.
12. Western Digital My Passport SSD
Price: $94.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read, shock and vibration resistant
About Portable SSD: The WD My Passport SSD offers fast read speeds up to 1,050MB/s in a sleek, durable design. It’s resistant to shocks and vibrations, ensuring data safety during travel. The drive includes backup software and password protection features.
13. Crucial X9 Portable SSD
Price: $79.06
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read, anodized aluminum unibody core
About Portable SSD: The Crucial X8 offers read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, housed in a durable anodized aluminum unibody core. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Android. The drive’s robust build ensures reliability for everyday use.
14. PNY Pro Elite V3
Price: $94.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 2,000MB/s read, compact design
About Portable SSD: The PNY Pro Elite V3 delivers high-speed performance with read speeds up to 2,000MB/s. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, and it’s compatible with various devices. The drive is ideal for professionals needing fast data transfer on the go.
15. TeamGroup T-Force M200 Portable SSD
Price: $79.99
Highlights: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 2,000MB/s read, military-grade durability
About Portable SSD: The TeamGroup T-Force M200 offers robust performance with read speeds up to 2,000MB/s. Its military-grade durability ensures it can withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Editor’s Choices for the Best Portable SSDs
Best Overall Portable SSD: SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD
With blazing fast read speeds up to 2,700MB/s and dual support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2, the SanDisk PRO-G40 offers unmatched performance and versatility. Its rugged build makes it ideal for professionals who need both speed and durability on the go.
Best Budget Portable SSD: Samsung Portable SSD T7
The T7 strikes the perfect balance between affordability, speed, and portability. Offering up to 1,050MB/s in a sleek and durable design, it’s an excellent choice for students, remote workers, or anyone looking for reliable everyday storage.
Best Rugged Portable SSD: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2
If you need a tough drive that can handle the elements, the SanDisk Extreme V2 is a great pick. Its IP55 rating protects it from water and dust, and it still delivers speeds over 1,000MB/s, making it perfect for field work or travel.
Best Gaming SSD: Lexar SL660 BLAZE Gaming Portable SSD
Designed with gamers in mind, the SL660 features fast 2,000MB/s performance and customizable RGB lighting. It’s great for storing and transferring game libraries quickly while adding some extra flair to your gaming setup.
Best High-Performance Option: ADATA SE920
If speed is your top priority, the ADATA SE920’s 3,800MB/s read speeds via USB 4.0 make it one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market. It’s ideal for heavy data users such as video editors and media professionals.
Best Deal on the Best Portable SSDs
Top Budget Pick: Kingston XS2000
With 2,000MB/s read/write speeds and a compact form factor under $100, the Kingston XS2000 delivers incredible value. It’s a great starter SSD for anyone who needs speed without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Portable SSDs
Are portable SSDs better than external HDDs?
Yes—portable SSDs are faster, more durable (due to no moving parts), and more compact than traditional external hard drives. However, they are typically more expensive per gigabyte.
What size portable SSD should I get?
For general use and backups, 500GB–1TB is often sufficient. If you work with large media files or game libraries, 2TB or more may be necessary.
Do portable SSDs work with gaming consoles?
Yes, most are compatible with gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and older models—just ensure the drive supports USB 3.0 or higher and check compatibility requirements.
What’s the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2?
USB 3.2 Gen 2 typically supports speeds up to 10Gbps, while Gen 2×2 supports up to 20Gbps. Drives with Gen 2×2 can deliver read/write speeds close to or at 2,000MB/s when used with compatible ports.
Can I use a portable SSD with a smartphone or tablet?
Yes, many portable SSDs are compatible with mobile devices via USB-C and may work with Android and iPadOS out of the box. You may need to use a file manager app or format the drive to a supported file system like exFAT.
Best Portable SSDs Conclusion
A portable SSD offers fast, secure, and compact storage, making it an excellent investment whether you’re backing up your data, editing large files, or gaming on the go. From high-speed champions like the SanDisk PRO-G40 and ADATA SE920 to budget standouts like the Samsung T7 and Kingston XS2000, there’s a portable SSD for every type of user and use case.
Consider your speed needs, connectivity, durability preferences, and device compatibility to choose the right one for you. No matter your pick, these top-rated SSDs will help you store, access, and transfer data quickly and reliably—anytime, anywhere.
