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If you’re looking to secure the data on your computer, move media files from a Mac, or free up space on your PlayStation 5, opting for a portable SSD offers a swift and straightforward solution to enhance your storage capacity. Although these compact devices may be pricier than standard hard drives, they provide substantial speed advantages, are generally lighter in weight, and offer greater reliability. However, choosing the right portable SSD isn’t just about selecting the model with the lowest price or highest storage—efficiency requires considering various factors. To assist you in this selection process, we have reviewed multiple options in the portable SSD market and identified which ones deliver the best balance of performance and value. Below is our curated list of recommendations along with essential insights to consider before making a purchase.
Top Portable SSDs of 2025
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Storage Options Available: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Dimensions: 2.56 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 1.34 ounces | USB Connectivity Type: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Chipset Used: Silicon Motion SM2320 | NAND Technology Employed: TLC | Maximum Sequential Speed Ratings: Up to 1,050 MB/s for both read and write operations | Warranty Duration Offered: Five years
Crucial X9 Pro – Performance Meets Portability
The Crucial X9 Pro consistently ranked among the leaders across various benchmarks tailored to its speed category while maintaining a lower operating temperature than many competitor models after prolonged use sessions. As a USB 3.2 Gen 2 device—not as fast as alternatives utilizing Thunderbolt technology—but still reasonably priced at $95 (often lower), its speeds are suitable for typical consumer applications such as transferring files or backups.
This SSD is compact; it can easily fit in any pocket due its smaller size compared to credit cards and weighs just over an ounce—making it incredibly easy to transport without sacrificing performance reliability.
Its IP55 rating ensures that minor water splashes and dust won’t impact its functionality; along with an extended five-year warranty which provides peace of mind far exceeding other products in this range.
Key Considerations:
- Pros: Notable performance within its speed category; Compact rugged design; Maintains coolness during extended usage; Extensive five-year warranty!
- Cons: Comparable alternatives exist at lower prices; Included USB-C cable is short—and lacks an adapter for traditional USB-A ports; The absence of Micron’s proprietary password protection tool restricts full utilization of hardware encryption capabilities.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
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KINGSTON XS100 – A Budget-Friendly Option Without Sacrifices
If cost savings are key considerations for you while seeking comparable performance levels like those found within higher-end models like Crucial’s X9 Pro then Kingston’s XS100 proves itself worthy! With current pricing around $75 (significantly cheaper), they present an appealing alternative option without compromising much effectiveness whatsoever!
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Maximizing Data Storage: A Fresh Look at the Best External SSDs
Photo credit: Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Specifications at a Glance
Available Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Dimensions: 4.13 x 2.52 x 0.62 inches (fan off), 4.82 x 2.52 x 0.62 inches (fan on)
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Connection Type: USB4 (40 Gbps)
NAND Flash Type: TLC
Averaged Speeds: Up to 3,800 MB/s read, up to 3,700 MB/s write
warranty period:: Five years
The ADATA SE920: Speed Redefined for Professionals
If you’re a video editor, IT specialist, or simply someone looking for rapid data transfer speeds in a portable SSD format, the ADATA SE920 stands out as an exceptional choice thanks to its cutting-edge USB4 interface that greatly surpasses traditional drives in speed.
A Benchmark Performance Breakthrough
The performance of the ADATA SE920 has been impressive in our tests; we observed it achieving sequential reads and writes near approximately 3,350 MB/s and 3,125 MB/s respectively while competing devices like the Crucial X9 Pro managed only around 1,015 MB/s for reads and 950 MB/s for writes on average during similar evaluations.
This significant difference translates into practical time savings as well—when transferring a hefty 70GB folder, the ADATA completed this task in just 32 seconds; conversely, the X9 Pro lagged behind with an average time of about 81 seconds for this same operation.
A Design That Balances Form and Functionality
The drive’s dimensions make it comparable to that of a deck of playing cards—slightly bulkier but still manageable enough to fit comfortably within your bag rather than your jeans pocket. The brushed metal finish not only elevates aesthetics but also ensures durability; coupled with five years of warranty support from ADATA.
Pitfalls To Consider Before Purchase
An important note is that while this SSD performs exceedingly well under pressure—it can produce significant heat during extensive operations due to its advanced capabilities.
This model incorporates an ingenious micro fan which activates through simple case manipulation; however ample cooling may still necessitate breaks during extended usage sessions.
Currently available at approximately $180 for the 1TB option, it represents more of an investment geared towards those who prioritize speed above all else.
Pros：
- Incredibly swift performance with up to 40 Gbps capabilities
- Stylish metallic design
- More compact compared to other high-speed models
- Innovative built-in cooling solution
(Please note:– USB-C connection required).Cons：• Heating issues despite cooling mechanisms being employed< br />• Comparatively expensive than some alternatives• Requires compatible ports such as USB-C or Thunderbolt
The ADATA SE920 portable SSD linked with an Apple MacBook Pro. (Image by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
Understanding Speed and USB Compatibility
When comparing external SSDs with traditional mechanical hard drives (HDDs), the performance difference is stark—SSD technology allows for faster file transfers and game loading times regardless of the model you choose. However, there’s a hierarchy of performance based largely on the type of USB interface supported by each drive.
While all SSD options presented in this review offer USB-C connectivity, not every USB-C connection offers comparable transfer speeds. This can quickly become overwhelming; therefore, let’s simplify this information.
Performance Hierarchies Explained
The latest external solid-state drives can be categorized into several tiers based on their technology. At the cutting edge are those that utilize Thunderbolt 5—a relatively new standard boasting theoretical speeds up to 80 gigabits per second (Gbps). Although some manufacturers promote speeds nearing 120 Gbps, that enhancement isn’t applicable for storage solutions specifically. Currently, portable SSD models outfitted with Thunderbolt 5 have begun appearing only recently as late as 2024; they remain rare due to limited device compatibility—most notably seen in high-end Mac systems equipped with M4 Pro or M4 Max processors.
This newest Thunderbolt iteration operates under a framework known as USB4 which also claims maximum rates of 80 Gbps but typically functions at a real-world speed limit of only 40 Gbps for many devices available today. Portable SSDs employing this standard entered circulation around late 2023 but have yet to saturate the market fully.
The previously established Thunderbolt standards—Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4—also provide a cap at that same maximum speed limitation of 40 Gbps.
A third variant under USB4 achieves peak efficiency at about 20 Gbps; similarly, earlier versions like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 also max out at this throughput level. Beneath these are standards such as USB 3.2 Gen two which tops out at around10 Gbps followed finally by USB Standard Gen one capping off performances around five Gbps—all less desirable metrics compared against modern offerings found today.
Selecting Your Ideal Drive
For most everyday users seeking balance between effective performance levels along with affordability without compromise on functionality: opting for a robust drive featuring support up through specifications dictated via “gen two” should serve best overall conditions asked from main use case scenarios presented often daily within general long-term requirements consumers demand placed regularly upon storage technologies utilized often.
If your profession revolves around creating content requiring substantial file sizes transferred rapidly or handled extensively across devices used dynamically over time then investing possibly higher-tier specifications ensure smoother workflows mitigate disruptions occurring during high-stakes tasks professionals value highly when delivering results needed consistently challenging even projects routinely undertaken demanding excellence!
The Importance of Understanding Compatibility
An integral principle held closely knit within IT infrastructure technologies remains predicated firmly regarding interconnectivity across apparatus integrated formed precisely configured toward specific usages requested routinely required ensuring adherence tightly falls squarely related within established limitations achieved will define strictly thus elevating experience utilizing responded environments require consistency strive toward excellent service quality whenever required remains pivotal meanwhile understood thoroughly agreed upfront beforehand so crucial beforehand purchasing concluding close analyses verifying presence utilizing conforms primarily above discussed covering needed strictly adheres outlined effectively introduces fulfilling tasks successfully executed displaying adherence demands proving stability worth measured efficiently through undertaken assignments ahead forward placed past solid groundwork aligned perfectly retaining highest quality assurance possible available whenever applied successfully crafted well forward thereafter additional engaged ongoing supporting throughout outcomes reached desired leading engagements shaping secure dynamic operation delivery outcomes based expected performances stated essential across operations generally leads characteristically low-risk engagements streamlined brought clarification surrounding common understandings fostering certainty whilst allowing permission navigate complexities involving existing uncertainties faced globally moving forwards confidently embracing learned concepts engaging varied theorized viewpoints effectively adopting nature progress driven determination entitling discussions further enrich conversations gathering evidence attained reflecting diversity showing exploratory analysis enhancing knowledge enjoyed carried forth pursuit excellence never remitting steep gains nurtures growth seeks become uniquely positioned evolving towards future advancement knowing paths extend deep diving rich grounds full potential streaming effortlessly forever realized endless advancements gained continuously ahead following journey taken seamlessly fulfilling aspirations held strongly directed councilacity employed remarkably well requested impacting breadth adhered integrates deeply into coalitions plucked rooted strong foundations cultivated shared examined closer instead efacing challenges laid smart groundwork implementing robust systems proven track suitable resolve remained attended closing instance generated reveal clear sketch outlines edges pronounced given careful balancing encouraged striving staying true drawing dictation visionary insights recognized advantages complimented limitless distributions carried inevitably prompting discerning appeal set apart amidst fast ever-transforming techno-scapes pushed boundaries inspiring leaps arguably written fending reach future voluminous data streams infinitely exploring ingenuity discover harmonize resolve powerful aspirations visualize nearer pursued mountains meant cherished enable communicate wholeheartedly witness emerge harvest glories envisioned bright days await arriving soonest congratulations profoundly vibrant!
The Advantages of External SSDs
Having features like companion software can significantly enhance the user experience with external SSDs. While these applications may not be absolutely necessary, they certainly provide added convenience for managing your storage more effectively.
Our Methodology for Testing Portable SSDs
Due to limitations in accessing a device capable of fully utilizing the speeds offered by USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and Thunderbolt/USB4 interchangeably, we conducted our evaluations across various devices. This included testing on an M1 Pro MacBook Pro as well as an Alienware gaming PC running Windows 11. Consequently, we focused on comparing the performance of portable SSDs within their respective categories.
Prior to switching operating systems, each drive was reformatted according to the standard file systems: APFS for macOS and NTFS for Windows.
Benchmarking Process
To identify which SSD models were worth evaluating based on their reviews and feedback from users, we selected thirteen drives and subjected them to both synthetic tests and practical benchmark assessments. For our Windows tests, we utilized utilities such as CrystalDiskMark along with benchmarks from PCMark 10’s Data Drive series and Storage Benchmark specifically targeted at gaming by 3DMark. On macOS platforms, our tools included AmorphousDiskMark—akin to CrystalDiskMark—and BlackMagic Disk Speed Test alongside ATTO Disk Benchmark.
Real-World Performance Evaluation
A critical part of our assessment involved measuring how efficiently each drive could read and write a custom folder containing approximately 70GB worth of data that comprised around 11,500 files—including multimedia content like photos and videos alongside documents in formats such as PDFs—organized into multiple subdirectories. To ensure accuracy in results while minimizing discrepancies, multiple passes were recorded throughout this assessment process; additionally tracking each solid-state drive’s temperature during the complete suite was essential.
This method wasn’t flawless but it provided valuable insights into how each model stacks up against competitors based on cost-to-performance ratios.
Latest Developments
- February 2025:
- This update verifies that all pricing details remain accurate along with updated links throughout this guide. Notably added is information regarding the newer Thunderbolt 5 interface implemented in recent portable SSD options like OWC Envoy Ultra and LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5—we aim to include testing data for these models in future updates due their superior speeds compared to ADATA SE920 which is currently our top premium selection although it comes at a higher price point.’
- October 2024:
- A comprehensive review has ensured that all pricing information is correct while recommendations continue unchanged since previous editions; thus reasserting confidence in previously established guidance.
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