The Best Portable SSD

If you frequently work with large media files, run projects from an external drive, or just want a dependable way to back up your laptop while traveling, a portable SSD is the ideal solution. Unlike traditional hard drives with spinning platters, SSDs have no moving parts, which makes them dramatically faster, more shock-resistant, and better suited for life in a backpack or camera bag.

Portable SSDs do cost more per gigabyte than portable hard drives, but the performance and durability benefits are worth it for most people. After comparing dozens of models across speed, thermal performance, portability, and real-world reliability, we’ve found that a great portable SSD can be both fast and affordable without sacrificing build quality. This guide will break down what to look for, which features actually matter, and how to choose the right drive for your workflow.

Corsair EX400U (1 TB)

Best Overall Option

A fast and durable portable SSD with high transfer speeds, solid build quality, and universal USB-C connectivity, making it ideal for backups, media, travel, and everyday use.

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The Corsair EX400U (1 TB) is reliable, fast, and reasonably priced, and it is compact enough to carry in a pants pocket. It has a single USB-C port that supports transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps through USB4, which is far ahead of older USB 3.2 drives. A built-in magnetic ring lets the drive clip to the back of any MagSafe-compatible iPhone or any phone case with a magnetic ring, which adds a layer of convenience when working on the go. This makes it a practical choice for creators who move files between devices and want a drive that stays attached while transferring data.

USB4 represents a meaningful leap forward for portable SSDs. The specification is capable of transfers at speeds of at least 20 Gbps, which is a significant improvement over the 10 Gbps limit common to USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSDs. Large files can copy simultaneously at up to 3.2 GB per second when connected to a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port. USB4 uses the familiar USB-C connector, but newer cables are required to achieve full speed. Many modern laptops and desktops already include USB4 or Thunderbolt ports, though it is worth checking a computer’s technical specifications to be sure the feature is supported.

When compared with an external hard drive, the performance gap is substantial. Benchmark tests such as CrystalDiskMark show how dramatic the improvement can be when moving large files. While a typical external hard drive may reach read speeds around 129 MB/s and write speeds around 119 MB/s, the EX400U can reach sequential speeds measured in thousands of megabytes per second. This level of performance reduces wait times during backups and large media transfers, which is especially useful for video editors and photographers working with large project folders.

The drive also performs well when handling many small files or when used as an extension of a laptop or game console’s internal storage. Random read and write speeds can have a noticeable impact when launching applications directly from the drive or when moving folders packed with small items. Faster write performance can shorten the time it takes to back up large game installations on a console, making it practical to rotate titles in and out of storage without downloading them again.

A simple drive-activity LED sits next to the USB-C port and provides helpful feedback during use. It gives a clear indication when the drive is transferring files, which helps prevent accidental disconnection during an active transfer. Small design touches like this add peace of mind, especially when moving important files.

Portability is one of the EX400U’s strongest advantages. The drive measures only about 2.6 inches across and is less than half an inch thick. The metal and plastic casing feels sturdy despite the small size, and the square layout allows it to slip easily into a jacket pocket or small tech pouch. Its compact design makes it a sensible choice for travelers who need fast storage in a minimal amount of space.

The magnetic ring on the underside lines up with the MagSafe coils on an iPhone 12 or newer, snapping securely into place. This allows the drive to sit flush against the phone while transferring files or while being carried. While a portable SSD is not ideal for quick photo backups on a phone, the feature is still useful. With a stick-on magnetic ring, the drive can also attach to a laptop lid while backing up or cloning files, helping keep cables organized.

There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. The drive does not include a USB-A cable, which could matter for older computers or situations where all USB-C ports are occupied. USB-A delivers slower speeds, and most modern laptops include multiple USB-C ports, so the absence of a USB-A cable is less limiting than it once was. The EX400U also comes with a three-year warranty, which is shorter than the five-year coverage offered by some competitors, but it still exceeds the support length common for many external hard drives.

Corsair EX400U (4 TB)

Best Upgrade Option

A high-capacity portable SSD with fast USB4 transfer speeds, durable compact design, and reliable performance for large media libraries and backups.

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The Corsair EX400U (4 TB) is just as compact, durable, and fast as the 1 TB model but offers a much larger amount of storage. It maintains the same square form factor and USB4 connectivity that enables very high transfer speeds, which makes it a practical choice for moving large media libraries and working with demanding files. The compact build allows it to fit easily in a pocket or camera bag, which is useful when managing projects in multiple locations.

The 4 TB version offers an economical boost in storage capacity. While it carries a price premium of more than double the cost of the 1 TB model, the increase in capacity is three times greater. The lower cost per gigabyte makes the upgrade attractive for anyone who regularly works with large files or wants to consolidate multiple external drives into one. This larger capacity opens the door to storing full photo archives, organizing long-term backups, or maintaining a portable project drive for active work.

The higher storage capacity is especially useful for 4K video and raw photo workflows. While 1 TB can hold a significant amount of 1080p and 4K footage at default settings, professional formats can consume storage much more quickly. A minute of broadcast-quality 10 bit HDR ProRES video at 30 fps in 4K can require about 6 GB of space. Phones such as the iPhone 15 Pro can record directly to an external SSD through the USB-C port, allowing the EX400U to function as a primary capture drive while preserving internal storage for essential apps and files. This also makes it simple to hand footage to an editor without sharing the phone itself.

There are a few shortcomings that carry over from the smaller version. It does not include a USB-A cable, which may be inconvenient if a computer has only older ports available. A USB-A cable is inexpensive to add, and USB-C is still the preferred connector for reaching the drive’s maximum speed. The warranty length is also the same at three years, which is shorter than some competitors but still reasonable for a portable SSD used for active projects and backups.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

Best Budget Option

A affordable portable SSD with solid USB 3.2 speeds, rugged water resistant design, and reliable performance for travel backups and everyday file storage.

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The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD delivers NVMe solid state performance in a compact and durable design. It reaches up to 1050 MB per second read speeds and up to 1000 MB per second write speeds, which is fast enough for everyday backups, large file transfers, and working directly off the drive in many creative workflows. Actual performance can vary based on device and conditions, but the drive offers a noticeable step up from standard portable hard drives and older SATA based SSDs.

Durability is a core feature of this model. It has up to 3 meter drop protection along with an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. That makes it suitable for outdoor shooting environments, travel, or frequent use in busy workspaces where accidents happen. A built in carabiner loop makes it easy to clip the drive to a bag or belt loop, which helps prevent loss or drops when moving between locations.

Security and storage management features are included. Hardware based 256 bit AES encryption helps keep private files protected behind a password, which is especially useful for sensitive documents or creative work in progress. The companion Memory Zone app can help organize content and free up space automatically, making it easier to manage projects across devices without juggling folders or duplication.

The size and design make it a practical budget conscious choice for most users. While it does not reach the speed of newer USB4 based models, it provides a strong balance of speed, price, and reliability. The rugged construction, solid performance, and added protection features offer peace of mind for everyday use. A 5 year limited warranty provides long term coverage, which reinforces its value as a dependable portable SSD.

Portable SSDs have become one of the most practical upgrades for anyone who works with digital files. The combination of compact size, fast transfer speeds, and improved durability makes them a versatile tool for both everyday backups and demanding creative work. Modern interfaces like USB4 and Thunderbolt make it possible to move large projects in seconds, and even more affordable models provide a clear performance advantage over traditional portable hard drives.

Choosing the right drive comes down to knowing how you use storage. If you regularly handle large video files, run apps from an external drive, or need dependable backup on the road, investing in higher performance and capacity will pay off over time. If your needs are simpler, a solid and more affordable SSD will still give you impressive speed and reliability. Whichever route you take, a good portable SSD offers peace of mind, faster workflows, and flexibility that is hard to match with any other form of mobile storage.