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Best external HDD and SSD brands
A portable hard drive, or SSD, is a versatile data storage option that can store and transfer large libraries of materials to and from PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. In the event of a crash, it can also save full system backup files that restore your computer’s operating system and software. It’s crucial to balance pricing, speed, features, and even durability when choosing the best external hard drive or best external SSD for your requirements.
We test and review dozens of drives as they become available to help you choose the best portable SSDs and hard drives for your needs. Our list of particular picks for the top portable SSDs and hard drives is published on this page.
One of the top SSD and hard drive enclosure can be used to build your own external drive if you’re searching for a less expensive, more DIY option. You might also choose one of the top flash drives, which are all affordable but typically less effective than SSDs in terms of performance.
ADATA SE800
Despite having a high cost per gigabyte, the ADATA SE800 is a worthwhile purchase. The 2.8 by 1.7-inch shirt pocket SSD has an IP68 ingress protection grade, which means it is waterproof and dustproof. It can withstand immersion in water up to five feet deep for 30 minutes. Although the cords might be a little short for desktop usage, this brushed-aluminum beauty comes with two connections that let it be plugged into USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports without the need for adapters or dongles.
Even though you might not require a drive that can withstand a four-foot fall and wet days if you never take your laptop outside, it is comforting to know that the SE800 offers additional security for your data.
SanDisk Pro-G40 SSD
SanDisk Pro-G40 is a top-notch portable SSD all-around. It can connect to a variety of devices because it supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB, albeit you might require a Type-C to Type-A adaptor or cable. Overall efficiency is high, writing efficiency is excellent, and your experience should be quick. Despite the drive’s fairly outdated hardware, it is a well-established platform that performs admirably as a portable option. Another benefit is that the drive is kept cool by the metal and rubberized case, which also shields it from the majority of environmental dangers.
The Pro-G40’s pricing is its main drawback. If you don’t need Thunderbolt capabilities, there are better options available, including the Samsung T7 Shield. Alternatively, you can assemble your own portable solution by purchasing the proper enclosure and drive. However, if you want luxury mobility and performance in a robust design, the Pro-G40 is the drive for you.
SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB SSD
Western Digital, which owns SanDisk, offers both this SanDisk External Portable SSD and the WD My Passport SSD for essentially the same price. This model’s design appeals to me a little more, and it is more technically robust with an IP55 classification, which means it can tolerate a steady stream of water. Additionally, it boasts a USB-C interface and is shock-resistant.
The next-generation version, which is just somewhat more expensive for the 1TB version, nearly doubles that speed with up to 1,050 MBps (just over 1GB per second), whereas the less expensive “older” version only has transfer speeds up to 550 MBps.
When copying a single huge file, you should be able to achieve such quick transfer speeds, though your speed will vary if you’re moving a jumble of files to or from the USB device.
WD My Passport
WD My Passport external hard drive is a great option if you’re looking for a new one. With a proven track record, password protection, and storage capacities of up to 5TB, it is equipped to safely store most, if not all, of your data.
It is now a better value than ever thanks to the recent decline in street prices. It has a nice appearance and a generous 3-year warranty. AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection are also included as an added bonus to keep your content safe from prying eyes.
The Seagate Backup Plus Ultra portable hard drive, which comes with a strong software suite, AES 256-bit encryption, and USB-A and USB-C support through an adapter, is another option for individuals who want to spend a little less on a hard drive but don’t require 5TB of capacity.
Lexar SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD
It doesn’t matter if it isn’t flashy, but Lexar’s SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD has more to offer than just a stylish detachable stand, a handy carrying pouch, and beautiful RGB lighting to go with a blinged-out gaming setup. It is the fastest SSD available thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, and Lexar includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption in addition to a five-year warranty.
WD Black P50 and SL660 both have drawbacks. SL660’s peak capacity of 1TB is actually a bit tiny given today’s bulky games; you might choose a 2TB or 4TB drive from another vendor. The SL660 won’t offer its full performance unless your PC is one of the rare ones with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector. But if you’re a speed-obsessed, fashion-conscious gamer, this SSD is calling your name.
Seagate Game Drive 4TB
With an external drive, you can play games without lagging directly from the portable hard drive without having to worry about managing the storage capacity on your PS4. The Seagate Game Drive’s 2TB model costs $30 less, or $80, in comparison. But you might as well invest a little more money and acquire a 4TB external hard drive for your laptop.
Be aware that Seagate only produces SSD game drives for the Xbox and not the PlayStation 4. A 1TB storage disc costs roughly $160.
Samsung T7 Touch
With an external drive, you can play games without lagging directly from the portable hard drive without having to worry about managing the storage capacity on your PS4. The Seagate Game Drive’s 2TB model costs $30 less, or $80, in comparison. But you might as well invest a little more money and acquire a 4TB external hard drive for your laptop.
Be aware that Seagate only produces SSD game drives for Xbox and not PlayStation 4. A 1TB storage disc costs roughly $160.
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