Top 5 portable SSDs from Samsung, WD and more with faster read and write speeds
Portable SSDs are faster and secure option to carry your data with you. Check out these options from leading brands like Samsung, WD and more.
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SSDs have revolutionised data storage by combining speed, reliability and compact design. People who work with large amounts of data every day, like video editors, require faster transfer times and high capacity. A portable SSD can make the workflow effortless without needing any setup at all.
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Brands such as Samsung, SanDisk, Crucial, and Western Digital have introduced powerful options that are not only fast but also shock-resistant and easy to carry. In this article, we list the best portable SSDs in 2025, each offering superior speed, durability, and security for users who value performance on the move.
1. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a compact, high-speed external drive offering impressive NVMe performance with read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s. Its rugged build features IP65 water and dust resistance and can withstand drops up to three meters, making it ideal for creatives and professionals on the move.
Equipped with hardware encryption and compatible with PC, Mac, and Type-C smartphones, the SSD comes with a handy carabiner loop and silicone shell. Users enjoy its five-year warranty and reliable build quality, but some report mixed transfer speeds and question its price-to-value ratio.
Highly durable and water/dust resistant
Strong encryption and multi-device compatibility
Mixed transfer speeds reported
Some find it overpriced
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2TB NVMe
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1050MB/s / 1000MB/s
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IP65 water/dust, 3m drop
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PC, Mac, Type-C, Smartphone
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256-bit AES hardware
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers like the SSD's build, compact size, and portability. While most praise durability, transfer speeds and value get mixed feedback.
Why choose this product?
Pick this SSD for its rugged portability, hardware encryption, and high-end performance across multiple devices.
2. WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive 2TB
The WD_BLACK P40 2TB SSD excels with blazing transfer rates up to 2000MB/s, making it ideal for hardcore gamers and large file transfers. Customizable RGB lighting and a solid shock-resistant build add flair and peace of mind, with a two-meter drop protection and 5-year warranty ensuring longevity for your gaming library.
Compatible with desktops, Macs, and gaming consoles, the drive's USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface delivers exceptional responsiveness. Buyers enjoy the compact design, reliability, and value, though heat and SSD quality generate mixed reactions, particularly the RGB feature.
Ultra-fast gaming and file transfer speeds
Shock resistant with stylish RGB
Mixed feedback on SSD quality and heating
RGB only fully configurable on Windows
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2TB
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2000MB/s / 2000MB/s
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USB 3.2 Gen2x2
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Customizable (Windows only)
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5 years
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find it compact and perfect for gaming, with excellent speeds and value. Quality and heat levels divide opinion.
Why choose this product?
Choose the P40 for top-notch speed, gaming-specific features, and tough reliability.
3. Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1TB
Samsung's T7 Shield 1TB is built for adventure, featuring a rugged IP65-rated shell that resists water, dust, and drops up to 3 meters. With PCIe NVMe tech, it reaches read/write speeds up to 1050/1000MB/s, perfect for photographers, content creators, and travellers needing fast and resilient storage.
Compatibility spans across PC, Mac, Android, and consoles, but some customers faced connection issues. Despite this, users appreciate its sturdy build and performance, calling it a solid companion for travel and creative work on the go.
Rugged water/dust/drop protection
Fast NVMe speeds and portable design
Mixed connection compatibility
Higher price vs basic SSDs
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1 TB
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1050MB/s / 1000MB/s
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IP65, drop-resistant
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PC, Mac, Android, Consoles
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Samsung Magician
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the sturdy build and transfer speed. It's worth the price for many, but device compatibility concerns are a common complaint.
Why choose this product?
Opt for T7 Shield for a travel-ready rugged SSD that combines durability and high speed for creative workflows.
4. Samsung T9 Portable SSD 4TB
Samsung T9 Portable SSD offers high-capacity storage for creators, graphic designers, and videographers. Its USB 3.2 interface boasts sustained read/write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, maintaining top performance even during heavy workloads or large file transfers.
Noteworthy features include dynamic thermal guard cooling and compatibility across PCs, cameras, and consoles. Users comment on its reliability, speed, and compact design; however, some report inconsistencies with Mac compatibility and heat management, with divided views on overall value.
High-capacity and fast sustained transfers
Good device compatibility and cooling
Mixed Mac compatibility
Some heating under load
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4TB
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2000MB/s / 2000MB/s
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USB 3.2
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Dynamic cooling tech
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Samsung Magician
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find it reliable and speedy; compact for pro tasks, but heat and Mac usability get mixed reviews.
Why choose this product?
Choose T9 for heavy-duty creative storage needs, reliability, and speedy data management across platforms.
5. Lenovo PS8 Portable SSD 1TB
Lenovo PS8 1TB offers portable, high-speed NVMe storage at up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, supporting Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Built from solid aluminium and weighing only 40g, it's durable and travel-friendly, suited for creators and students alike.
Customers highlight its build quality, sleek design, and solid performance for backups and file storage. The drive gets warm with use and transfer rates can vary, but its three-year warranty and functional portability win trust for on-the-go users.
Lightweight, tough, and fast for on-the-go
Broad compatibility and strong warranty
Heats up with extended use
Transfer speeds vary for some users
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1TB
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1050MB/s / 1000MB/s
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USB 3.2 Gen2
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Aluminum, 40g
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Windows, Mac, Android
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers like the solid build, portability, and travel convenience; some note heating and variable speed but find general reliability.
Why choose this product?
Opt for PS8 if you want a fast, portable SSD with a quality build and convenience for work or study.
Is a portable SSD faster than a traditional hard drive?
Yes, portable SSDs are several times faster than HDDs, offering quicker data transfers, better reliability, and silent operation, making them ideal for modern workflows.
Can I use a portable SSD with smartphones or tablets?
Yes, most portable SSDs support USB-C connections and can easily connect to Android devices and tablets that support OTG functionality.
Do portable SSDs need special software to run?
No, they work instantly via plug-and-play on most systems. Some models include optional software for backup and encryption features.
Reasons to consider when buying a portable SSD
- Capacity: Always check for the storage capacity and buy one that suits your requirements.
- Read and write speed: Read and write speed is important for quick data transfers.
- Build quality: Choose shockproof and water-resistant designs for durability.
- Connectivity: Opt for USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 support for faster transfers.
- Security: Hardware encryption adds extra protection for sensitive files.
Top 3 features of portable SSDs
| Portable SSDs | Storage | Read/Write Speeds | Protection/Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme Portable | 2TB | 1050/1000 MB/s | IP65 & 3m drop, Silicone |
| WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive | 2TB | 2000/2000 MB/s | 2m drop, RGB lighting |
| Samsung T7 Shield | 1TB | 1050/1000 MB/s | IP65 & 3m drop, Rugged |
| Samsung T9 Portable SSD | 4TB | 2000/2000 MB/s | Dynamic cooling tech |
| Lenovo PS8 Portable SSD | 1TB | 1050/1000 MB/s | Aluminum, 40g, Durable |
FAQs
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Disclaimer: At HT Tech, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. HT Tech has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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