Whether or not you wish to again up the information in your PC, switch movies out of your Mac or offload a couple of video games out of your PlayStation 5, a transportable SSD is a simple option to increase your storage. These little bricks might price greater than conventional exterior arduous drives, however they’re considerably sooner, lighter and extra dependable. However determining the most effective transportable SSD for you isn’t so simple as simply choosing the one with the bottom value or probably the most house. (Properly, it can be, however that wouldn’t be very environment friendly.) To assist, we’ve spent the previous few months weeding via the transportable SSD market, testing a bunch of contenders and checking out which of them present probably the most worth. You could find our prime picks, plus an outline of what to know earlier than shopping for, beneath.
What to think about earlier than shopping for a transportable SSD
Capability
The very first thing to determine earlier than shopping for a transportable SSD is simply how a lot space for storing you want. A lot of the drives we thought-about for this information can be found in capacities starting from 1TB to 4TB, although loads of smaller and bigger choices exist.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for which dimension is “best” — that’ll finally rely in your price range and what precisely you’re seeking to stash. However generally, it’s higher to overcompensate than underdo it. No one desires to be pressured into shopping for a second drive as a result of they crammed the primary one up too rapidly. For those who’re backing up a PC, rule of thumb is to purchase a transportable SSD with twice as a lot house as your pc’s inner storage. This manner, it can save you no less than one full backup whereas additionally having room for added information. If you wish to retailer a bunch of PlayStation or Xbox video games with large set up sizes, you might want more room. For those who simply wish to again up a small assortment of recordsdata, you might be higher off saving your money and simply getting a smaller USB flash drive as a substitute, which aren’t fairly the identical because the transportable SSDs we examined for this information.
Value
Normally, you get a greater price-per-gigabyte ratio the additional you go up the capability ladder. As of this writing, the 1TB Samsung T9 is priced at $135, or $0.14 per gigabyte (GB), whereas the 4TB model is accessible for $360, or $0.09 per GB. That technically makes the bigger mannequin a greater “value,” however not everybody must pay that rather more upfront.
SSDs in the identical velocity class are likely to not range too wildly by way of efficiency, so a part of our decision-making for this information got here all the way down to which of them are sometimes the most affordable. However costs can fluctuate over time; if you happen to see that one in all our prime picks is priced manner greater than a comparable honorable point out, be at liberty to get the latter. At this cut-off date, prices are broadly trending upwards.
Velocity and USB interface
Nearly all transportable SSDs are considerably sooner than mechanical arduous drives, so that you’ll save time ready for recordsdata to switch and video games to load it doesn’t matter what. Throughout the market, nevertheless, there are distinct efficiency tiers. These are outlined largely by the USB interface a drive helps. Whereas the entire SSDs we thought-about for this information can join over USB-C, some USB-C connections can provide sooner switch speeds than others. Sorting via this may get actual complicated actual quick, so we’ll attempt to put it in easy phrases.
Primarily, you possibly can divide in the present day’s crop of transportable SSDs into 5 segments. On the prime are drives that make the most of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 or the more moderen USB4 spec, which have a theoretical most switch fee of 40 gigabits per second (Gbps). Be aware that USB4 is available in two completely different variants, although, one in all which is proscribed to twenty Gbps. Beneath that’s USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which additionally tops out at 20 Gbps. (Getting confused but?) Then you’ve gotten USB 3.2 Gen 2, which maxes at 10 Gbps. Subsequent is USB 3.2 Gen 1, which is capped at 5 Gbps. Lastly, we’ll bundle collectively SSDs that use older requirements and aren’t value contemplating right here.
For on a regular basis of us, USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive is the candy spot between quick sufficient efficiency and an inexpensive sufficient value, so these make up our chief suggestions beneath. For those who work in a inventive discipline or don’t thoughts paying additional to shave seconds off your massive file transfers, although, a “higher-tier” mannequin would make sense. Nevertheless, be aware that programs that make the most of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 aren’t tremendous widespread — no Mac helps it, for one — and the interface is successfully being changed by USB4.
Normally, your chain is barely as sturdy as its weakest hyperlink: In case your pc solely has USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, for instance, you might nonetheless use a Thunderbolt SSD, however you gained’t get past Gen 2 speeds. Be sure you know what you’re working with before you purchase.
As a refresher, storage units are broadly measured by way of learn and write speeds. The previous refers to how lengthy it takes to entry one thing from the drive; the latter, how lengthy it takes to save lots of one thing to it. From there, you possibly can break these metrics into sequential and random efficiency. Sequential speeds are likely to matter extra with transportable SSDs, since most individuals use them to save lots of or entry lengthy, fixed streams of information equivalent to a bunch of high-res photographs. Random speeds could be vital if you wish to run video video games off the drive, since that’d contain studying and writing smaller, extra scattered recordsdata. Both manner, how effectively an SSD can maintain its efficiency with prolonged use can be crucial.
Different efficiency components and enclosures
A contemporary transportable SSD’s speeds aren’t nearly its USB interface, although. Its efficiency may depend upon how superior its controller is, whether or not it has a local USB flash controller or a separate bridge chip to speak with a number machine, the sort and high quality of NAND flash reminiscence it makes use of, whether or not it has a DRAM cache or it’s DRAM-less, and extra.
We’re simplifying issues, however listed here are some fast ideas: Drives with triple-level cell (TLC) reminiscence aren’t as low-cost as quad-level cell (QLC) SSDs, however they’re typically extra dependable and so they supply higher write efficiency. Having a devoted DRAM cache helps if you happen to plan to hit your drive with extra intense, sustained workloads, however might not be value the additional price for most individuals. Some fashions with native flash controllers might not carry out in addition to these with a bridging chip, relying on the SSD inside, however they usually draw much less warmth and are bodily smaller. All of that is to say {that a} transportable SSD’s speeds aren’t fairly as easy as what the producer chooses to promote on the field.
It’s additionally value remembering you can flip an “internal” SSD into a transportable resolution with enclosure. You probably have a spare drive and don’t thoughts going the DIY route, this could be a cheaper and extra versatile resolution, although we’ve caught to pre-built fashions for this information for the sake of simplicity.
Dimension, sturdiness, endurance and guarantee
Most transportable SSDs are impressively small and light-weight, in order that they gained’t be troublesome to tuck in a bag (or perhaps a pocket) and tackle the go. We be aware beneath if any drive is bulkier than traditional.
Nothing we’re speaking about issues in case your drive can’t final in the long run. It’s arduous to definitively say which transportable SSDs are probably the most dependable, however we scoured via consumer evaluations and suggestions whereas researching this information to make sure none of our picks present a sample of catastrophic errors. If there was an excessive amount of smoke round a selected mannequin, we steered clear. We dominated out sure drives from SanDisk and WD, as an illustration, after experiences from Ars Technica and The Verge famous a difficulty that led to information loss (and lawsuits) in 2023.
That stated, one of many huge causes you’d purchase an SSD generally is its superior sturdiness. As a result of it has no transferring mechanical elements inside, a transportable SSD has far fewer avenues to failure than an exterior arduous drive. You continue to don’t wish to be careless with them, however an unintended drop shouldn’t be the top of the world.
Some transportable SSDs construct on this inherent ruggedness with plastic or rubberized casings and extra sturdy waterproofing. These aren’t crucial for everybody, however if you happen to’re a frequent traveler or somebody who typically works open air, there are alternatives for you.
Nonetheless, all drives can fail. You probably have any form of information you’d be distraught to lose, it is best to again it up repeatedly, then make a second backup, ideally with a cloud service. Alongside these protecting traces, we additionally took be aware of the guarantee coverage for every drive we examined. Nearly all of them are backed for both three or 5 years; after all, longer is best.
Encryption and software program
It’s not unusual to retailer delicate information on a transportable SSD, so some fashions supply additional security measures like hardware-based encryption — i.e., direct scrambling of information saved on the drive itself — built-in keypads and fingerprint readers to guard in opposition to unauthorized entry if the drive is misplaced or stolen. Whereas not prime necessities, perks like these are definitely good to have. Some SSDs additionally include companion software program to additional handle the drive. The most effective of these could be helpful to have round, however we wouldn’t name them important.
How we take a look at transportable SSDs
Sadly, we didn’t have entry to a tool that may make full use of USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and Thunderbolt 4/USB4 speeds interchangeably, so we needed to cut up our testing throughout a number of units, together with an M1 Professional MacBook Professional and an Alienware gaming PC operating Home windows 11. Due to this, we primarily in contrast the transportable SSDs inside every “class” in opposition to each other. Earlier than switching OSes, we reformatted every drive to every platform’s customary file system format: APFS for macOS and NTFS for Home windows.
After researching which SSDs had sufficient optimistic suggestions to be value testing within the first place, we put 13 drives via a variety of artificial and “real-world” benchmark assessments. On Home windows, these included CrystalDiskMark, PCMark 10’s Information Drive Benchmark and 3DMark’s gaming-focused Storage Benchmark. On macOS, we used AmorphousDiskMark (successfully a Mac model of CrystalDiskMark), BlackMagic Disk Velocity Take a look at and ATTO Disk Benchmark.
We additionally timed how lengthy it took for every drive to learn and write a customized 70GB folder full of roughly 11,500 completely different recordsdata, together with photographs, movies, music recordsdata, PDFs and different massive and small information sorts scattered throughout quite a few subfolders. We carried out a number of passes for every take a look at to keep away from irregularities, and we saved observe of every SSD’s warmth ranges over the course of the entire suite. Our course of wasn’t an ideal science, however it gave us a common sense of how every drive compares to different fashions in its value and efficiency vary.
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Dimension: 2.56 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 1.34 ounces | USB interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Controller/bridge chip: Silicon Movement SM2320 | NAND kind: TLC | Rated most sequential speeds: 1,050 MB/s learn, 1,050 MB/s write | Guarantee: 5 years
The Essential X9 Professional completed at or simply below the highest in every of our benchmarks relative to its velocity class, and it stayed noticeably cooler than many of the different drives we examined after prolonged use. It’s a USB 3.2 Gen 2 mannequin, so it’s slower than alternate options based mostly on Thunderbolt, USB4 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, however it prices much less, and it’s nonetheless fast sufficient for the non-professional duties most individuals do with a transportable SSD. Ports that may really make the most of USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds are typically extra ubiquitous on mainstream computer systems, too. This isn’t the most affordable 10 Gbps drive round, however it’s in the identical ballpark as its friends and isn’t too costly. As of this writing, a 1TB mannequin is accessible for $95, although we’ve seen it fall as little as $60 previously. 2TB and 4TB variations are additionally obtainable.
Apart from its comparatively speedy efficiency, the X9 Professional stands out for being so tiny. Its aluminum case is shorter than a bank card and simple to slot in a pocket, weighing in at simply 1.34 ounces. The entire thing is IP55-rated, so it’ll survive mud and water splashes, and it’s backed with a five-year guarantee, which is a pair years longer than some alternate options.
Our solely actual complaints are that the included USB-C cable is small and there’s no adapter for USB-A ports within the field. And although the X9 Professional can make the most of 256-bit hardware-based encryption, Micron (Essential’s mother or father firm) has but to launch a promised password safety device to make the most of it. We’ll additionally be aware that there’s a less expensive non-”Professional” X9, however that one makes use of QLC flash, so it’s not as sturdy or quick (particularly with sustained writes). The X9 Professional is the higher purchase.
- Nice efficiency for its velocity class
- Rugged and tremendous compact design
- Stays comparatively cool with prolonged use
- 5-year guarantee
- There are cheaper 10 Gbps drives
- Included USB-C cable is brief, and there is not any USB-A cable within the field
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Capacities: 1TB, 2TB | Dimension: 2.74 x 1.28 x 0.53 inches | Weight: 1.01 ounces | USB interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Controller/bridge chip: Silicon Movement SM2320 | NAND kind: TLC | Rated most sequential speeds: 1,050 MB/s learn, 1,000 MB/s write | Guarantee: 5 years
The Kingston XS1000 performs equally to the Essential X9 Professional however has bought for much less during the last a number of months, so it’s different if you wish to avoid wasting money. A 1TB mannequin is accessible for $75 as of this writing, which is $20 lower than the X9 Professional, whereas the 2TB model is all the way down to $120, which is a roughly $40 drop. There’s no 4TB possibility, although.
At these costs, the XS1000 is an effective worth for on a regular basis backups and transfers. It saved up with or barely edged the X9 Professional throughout our benchmarks: In our customized file switch take a look at, for instance, its reads have been a second sooner, whereas its writes have been solely six seconds slower. (The 2 drives seem to have comparable internals and are based mostly on the same controller — the Silicon Energy SM2320G — so this might not be an enormous shock.) It topped each USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive we examined in 3DMark’s gaming storage benchmark as effectively. It’s barely thicker than the X9 Professional however nonetheless splendidly transportable, with its stubby rectangular design weighing simply over an oz. Just like the Essential drive, it’s backed by a five-year guarantee.
The place Kingston’s mannequin falls behind Essential’s X9 Professional is within the extras. There’s no formal IP or drop scores, so we wouldn’t really feel as comfy chucking it round on the go. It lacks hardware-based encryption, and it solely comes with a USB-C to A cable, so that you’ll want to produce your individual adapter in case your laptop computer solely has USB-C ports. It doesn’t keep fairly as cool because the X9 Professional with steady use, and its sustained write efficiency isn’t as quick both, so it’s value paying up if you happen to plan to repeatedly copy lots of of gigabytes to the SSD (and might’t simply get a higher-class mannequin). For the cash, although, all of this can be simpler to miss.
- Sooner than most 10 Gbps drives we examined
- Aggressively priced
- Extremely transportable
- 5-year guarantee
- No formal water-resistance or drop safety
- No USB-C to C cable within the field
- Solely obtainable in 1TB or 2TB
- Slower sustained write efficiency than X9 Professional with very massive recordsdata
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Dimension: 4.13 x 2.52 x 0.62 inches (with fan off), 4.82 x 2.52 x 0.62 inches (with fan on) | Weight: 6.4 ounces | USB interface: USB4 (40 Gbps) | Controller/bridge chip: Asmedia ASM2464PD | NAND kind: TLC | Rated most sequential speeds: 3,800 MB/s learn, 3,700 MB/s write | Guarantee: 5 years
For those who’re a media editor, IT skilled or simply an fanatic keen to pay for the quickest transportable SSD doable, get the ADATA SE920. It makes use of the newer USB4 interface, and it blew away each non-40 Gbps drive we examined throughout our benchmark assessments. In AmorphousDiskMark, for instance, the Essential X9 Professional delivered sequential reads and writes round 1,015 MB/s and 950 MB/s, respectively; right here, these have been about 3,350 MB/s and three,125 MB/s. In our customized blended file switch take a look at, we have been in a position to transfer our 70GB folder to our MacBook in 32 seconds; with the X9 Professional, that course of took about 81 seconds on common. Writing the folder to the drive, in the meantime, was about 30 seconds sooner. For those who’re shopping for a transportable SSD to maneuver round massive chunks of information, this type of leap provides up.
The drive itself is considerably greater and thicker than both of our picks above, however it’s not so massive that we’d name it unwieldy. It’s concerning the dimension of a deck of playing cards, so it’ll match higher in a bag than a pants pocket. Past that, the brushed steel exterior feels crisp to the contact, and ADATA helps the machine with a five-year guarantee.
That stated, this factor can get critically sizzling. The design features a built-in micro fan to assist dissipate warmth, which you activate simply by clicking the case down; that’s intelligent, however it’s not sufficient to maintain the drive cool by itself. All of this comes at a value premium, too, with a 1TB mannequin presently obtainable for $180. But when efficiency is the one factor that issues to you, it’s arduous to do higher.
- Blazingly quick 40 Gbps efficiency
- Slick steel enclosure
- Smaller than different Thunderbolt SSDs we examined
- Intelligent built-in fan
- 5-year guarantee
- Will get sizzling even with fan activated
- Pricier and nonetheless bigger than different picks
- Requires USB4 port to achieve most speeds
Different transportable SSDs we examined
The pre-built OWC Categorical 1M2 is a premium-feeling USB4 SSD that’s roughly as quick because the ADATA SE920, however it’s bigger and considerably dearer as of this writing.
For those who’re within the comparatively small group with a PC that helps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 however not Thunderbolt or USB4, the Essential X10 Professional is basically a sooner model of our prime choose. The Lexar SL600 is a bigger however barely faster possibility, whereas the Lexar SL500, Kingston XS2000 or Samsung T9 might additionally work if you happen to see them on low cost. As a reminder, although, drives like these are aimed primarily at content material creators and different professionals, and you need to be sure you gained’t improve to a tool with a sooner USB interface anytime quickly.
The Samsung T7 Protect has a conveniently rugged design with a rubberized, IP65-rated shell. It additionally comes with each USB-C and USB-A cables. But it surely was constantly slower than the X9 Professional and XS1000 in our benchmark assessments, plus it has a shorter three-year guarantee.
The Silicon Energy PX10 is an particularly reasonably priced USB 3.2 Gen 2 mannequin. Its peak speeds weren’t too far off the X9 Professional or XS1000 in artificial benchmarks, however it could possibly get distractingly sizzling and its sustained writes are markedly worse. It took 50 seconds longer to maneuver our 70GB customized take a look at folder to this drive in comparison with the X9 Professional, for instance.
The Essential X6 is one other low-cost possibility that’s bit slower than our prime picks. It’s restricted to a three-year guarantee and lacks an IP score as effectively. It’s not a horrible possibility for the fundamentals, however there’s little cause to get it over the XS1000 when their costs are related.
The OWC Envoy Professional FX is well-built and helps Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2, however it’s a smidge slower than the SE920 and Categorical 1M2, and it’s a lot pricier than the previous.
