External SSDs are portable drives that connect over USB and are used to move, store and back up files, photos and video. Our range includes more than 350 models from 128 GB to 4 TB, with brands such as ADATA, SanDisk, Verbatim, Transcend and Samsung.
They suit anyone who wants to carry data between computers, a phone or a camera faster and with more resistance to knocks than a traditional external hard drive allows.
How to choose an external SSD
USB standard. Speed depends most on the interface. Most models in our range use USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) or USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps), and there are also USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (up to 20 Gbps) and USB4 drives. The fastest drives need a matching port on your computer, otherwise they will run more slowly.
Read and write speed. Read speeds in our range go from 500 MB/s to 3800 MB/s, with values around 1000 and 2000 MB/s appearing often. Write speed on some models is noticeably lower than read speed, so if you regularly copy large video files, check that figure in particular.
Capacity. Most models we list are 1 TB or 2 TB, with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 4 TB also available. 512 GB is enough for documents and photos, while video archives and full computer backups are better served by 2 TB or more.
Connector and cable. Most models have a USB Type-C connector, but Micro-USB B and USB Type-A also appear. Before buying, check which port your computer or phone has and whether a suitable cable is included.
Housing and operating conditions. An aluminium housing helps dissipate heat, while rubber or silicone softens knocks. Operating temperatures vary too: some drives are rated for 5 to 50 °C, others for -10 to 59 °C, so if you carry the drive outdoors or travel with it, a wider range is worth choosing.
Brands in our range
- ADATA: known for portable drives that resist knocks, dust and moisture, as well as slim aluminium models.
- SanDisk and Western Digital: both are known for everyday portable SSDs, such as the SanDisk Extreme Portable and WD My Passport SSD.
- Samsung: uses its own memory and controllers in its drives, and the T series portable SSDs are known for their small size.
- Seagate and LaCie: LaCie belongs to Seagate and is known for its design and rugged drives, often chosen by photographers and video creators.
- Transcend: offers shock-resistant external drives with a protective rubber casing.
- Toshiba: the company that invented NAND flash memory, which is used in modern SSDs.
- Kingston: a memory maker known for its pocket-sized XS series external SSDs.
Also in our range: Verbatim, Intenso and Silicon Power drives.
External SSD FAQ
Is an external SSD better than an external hard drive?
In most cases yes: an SSD has no moving parts, so it is faster and handles knocks and vibration better. For large archives that you rarely access, a hard drive can still be enough.
What capacity of external SSD should I choose?
512 GB or 1 TB is enough for documents, photos and regular backups. For video, a game library or a full computer backup, choose 2 TB or more, and make sure the capacity is at least equal to your computer's internal drive.
Will a fast external SSD work in a slower USB port?
Yes, it will work, but the speed is limited by the slowest link, either the port or the cable. For example, a 2000 MB/s drive connected to a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port will reach only part of its potential.
Can I connect an external SSD to a phone?
Often yes, provided the drive has a USB Type-C connector and the phone or tablet supports external storage. Drives with Type-A or Micro-USB connectors may need an adapter, so check your device's specifications first.
