How to keep your personal music, video clips, pictures, from your phone, project videos for social media and documents and all other digital data files safe & secure for personal & professional use? The best answer is External SSD's for demanding needs of storage capacity & useability now a days.
An external SSD (Solid State Drive) is one of the best storage media options available for both Mac and PC users. SSDs utilize cutting-edge flash memory technology to deliver exceptional speed, reliability, and performance. They are particularly advantageous when used as external drives due to their compact size and versatility.
When connected to a Mac or PC, an external SSD provides a seamless way to expand storage capacity, allowing users to store and access large amounts of data, including documents, photos, videos, and applications. With significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), external SSDs ensure quicker file transfers, smoother application launches, and overall snappier system performance.
Mac users can easily integrate external SSDs into their workflows, whether it's for backup purposes using Time Machine, storing multimedia projects, or running resource-intensive applications. Similarly, PC users can benefit from the enhanced speed and reliability of external SSDs, whether for gaming, content creation, data backup, or general file storage.
Furthermore, external SSDs are compatible with various connectivity options such as USB-C, Thunderbolt, and USB 3.0, enabling users to choose the best interface for their specific needs and system compatibility.
In summary, an external SSD is a top-tier storage media choice for both Mac and PC users, offering the best of speed, durability, and versatility. It's an ideal solution to effectively manage and expand storage while optimizing overall system performance.
Below is a detailed guide of few best models from recent launches & reviews we have checked.
Crucial - Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage
Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD Up to 800MB/s USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive, USB-C - CT1000X6SSD9
(Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage)
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Pros:
High-Speed Performance: The Crucial X6 offers read and write speeds of up to 800MB/s, which significantly accelerates data transfer and load times compared to traditional HDDs.
Portable and Compact: The X6 is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it highly portable and suitable for users who need to carry their data with them.
Decent Storage Capacity: With 1TB of storage space, the X6 provides ample room for storing a variety of files, from documents to media libraries.
USB-C Connection: The USB-C interface ensures fast and reliable connections, especially when used with compatible devices. It also makes the drive compatible with a wide range of modern devices.
Plug-and-Play: The drive is ready to use as soon as it's plugged in, requiring no external power source and minimizing setup time.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: The drive comes preformatted with exFAT, ensuring it works seamlessly with both macOS and Windows systems without the need for reformatting.
Affordability: The Crucial X6 is generally priced more competitively compared to higher-end portable SSDs, offering good value for the provided storage capacity and performance.
Shock and Vibration Resistance: The drive is built to withstand shocks and vibrations, adding to its durability and reliability during travel and daily usage.
Cons:
Speed Limitation: While the X6 offers decent speeds, it's not as fast as some other external SSDs with higher read and write speeds, which might matter to users with more demanding performance requirements.
Limited Encryption Options: The X6 might not offer the same level of hardware-based encryption and password protection as higher-end models, potentially leaving sensitive data less secure.
Heat Dissipation: Like most portable SSDs, prolonged high-speed usage might lead to heat generation and potentially reduce performance. However, this is a common issue across many similar devices.
No USB-A Adapter: The X6 comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, but some users might require an additional adapter or cable to connect to USB-A ports, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Lower Endurance: The drive's durability might not match that of some higher-end models, especially in terms of write endurance for heavy workloads.
Lack of Color Options: If aesthetic appeal is important to you, the limited color options of the X6 might not be as appealing as other drives on the market.
SanDisk - Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD 1050MB/s R, 1000MB/s W,Upto 2 Meter Drop Protection with IP55 Water/dust Resistance, HW Encryption, PC,MAC & TypeC Smartphone Compatible, 5Y Warranty, Usb,External SSD
(Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage)
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Pros:
High-Speed Performance: The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers impressive read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively, enabling swift data transfers and quicker access to stored files.
Durable Build: The SSD boasts a robust design with up to 2 meters of drop protection, making it more resistant to accidental drops or impacts. Additionally, its IP55 rating provides water and dust resistance, enhancing its durability.
Secure Encryption: The drive features hardware-based encryption to safeguard your sensitive data, ensuring an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: The SSD is compatible with both PCs and Macs, making it versatile for users who work across different platforms. It also supports Type-C smartphones, allowing for easy file transfers.
USB-C Interface: The USB-C connectivity offers faster data transfer speeds and reversibility, making it easy to connect the drive to modern devices without worrying about cable orientation.
Compact and Portable: Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, fitting into pockets or bags for on-the-go storage needs.
Software Bundle: The drive comes with software that assists in data management and backup, enhancing the overall user experience.
Long Warranty: SanDisk offers a 5-year warranty with the Extreme Portable SSD, giving users peace of mind regarding the drive's longevity and performance.
Pricing: The higher performance, durability, and security features of the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD might translate to a higher price point compared to basic external SSDs.
Potential for Heat Generation: Like most high-speed portable SSDs, the drive might generate heat during prolonged usage, which could potentially impact performance.
Cable Compatibility: While the drive supports USB-C connectivity, users might need to use additional adapters or cables to connect to devices with USB-A ports, which could be inconvenient.
Limited Color Options: The drive's color options might be limited, which could be a consideration for users who value aesthetics.
Smudge and Fingerprint Magnet: The surface of the SSD might be prone to picking up smudges and fingerprints, which could affect its appearance over time.
Performance Sensitive to Temperature: In extreme temperature conditions, the drive's performance might be impacted. However, this is a common concern for many electronic devices.
Not Thunderbolt Compatible: The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD does not support Thunderbolt connectivity, limiting its potential speed on systems equipped with Thunderbolt ports.
Samsung - Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage
Samsung T7 Shield 1TB, Portable SSD, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, Extenal Solid State Drive, Blue
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Pros:
Impressive Speed: The Samsung T7 Shield boasts read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s, ensuring swift data transfers and rapid access to files, which is particularly beneficial for photographers, content creators, and gamers.
Rugged Design: The drive features a rugged build that can withstand everyday bumps and drops, providing an added layer of protection for your data during transportation.
IP65 Water and Dust Resistance: With an IP65 rating, the T7 Shield is designed to be both water and dust resistant, making it suitable for use in various environments and enhancing its durability.
Security Features: The SSD offers built-in hardware-based encryption to protect your data from unauthorized access, ensuring that your sensitive files remain secure.
Compact and Portable: Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, fitting into pockets, bags, or laptop cases with ease.
USB-C Connectivity: The USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C connection provides faster data transfer speeds and improved compatibility with modern devices, and it's also reversible for convenient plugging.
Software Suite: The drive comes with Samsung's software suite, including the Samsung Portable SSD Software, which offers features like data backup and password protection for added peace of mind.
Versatile Use Cases: The T7 Shield is designed with photographers, content creators, and gamers in mind, making it an appealing choice for individuals who require high-speed storage for their demanding workflows.
Cons:
Higher Price: The combination of high-speed performance, rugged design, and security features might result in a higher price compared to more basic portable SSD options.
Heat Dissipation: Like other high-performance SSDs, the T7 Shield might generate heat during extended usage, which could potentially impact performance over time.
Cable Compatibility: While the drive supports USB-C connectivity, users might need additional adapters or cables to connect to devices with USB-A ports.
Limited Color Options: The color options for the T7 Shield might be limited, which might not be ideal for users who value aesthetics.
No Thunderbolt Support: The drive does not support Thunderbolt connectivity, which might limit its potential speed on systems equipped with Thunderbolt ports.
Performance in Extreme Temperatures: In extremely hot or cold conditions, the drive's performance might be affected. However, this is a common concern for electronic devices.
Capacity Limitation: The T7 Shield's maximum capacity is 1TB, which might not be sufficient for users with exceptionally large storage needs.
Western Digital - Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage
Western Digital WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD 500GB, 2000MB/s R, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, for PS4, X Box, PC & Mac, 5Y Warranty
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Pros:
High-Speed Performance: The WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD offers impressive read speeds of up to 2000MB/s, ensuring fast loading times for games and applications, which is particularly beneficial for gamers.
Wide Compatibility: Designed for PS4, Xbox, PC, and Mac, the drive can be used across multiple platforms, making it versatile for gamers who play on various devices.
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface provides exceptionally fast data transfer speeds and enhanced performance, ideal for handling large game files and high-resolution media.
Compact Design: The portable and compact design of the P50 Game Drive SSD makes it convenient to carry with you, whether you're gaming on the go or need to transfer data between devices.
Plug-and-Play: The drive requires no additional power source and is ready to use as soon as it's plugged in, allowing for seamless setup and quick access to stored content.
Durability: While not as rugged as some models, the P50 Game Drive SSD is built to withstand regular use and offers a level of protection against minor bumps and shocks.
5-Year Warranty: Western Digital provides a 5-year limited warranty, giving users peace of mind regarding the drive's longevity and performance.
Cons:
Higher Price: The combination of high-speed performance and gaming-focused features might lead to a higher price compared to basic external SSDs.
Limited Capacity: The maximum capacity of 500GB might not be sufficient for users with larger storage needs, especially considering the size of modern games and media files.
No Hardware Encryption: The drive might lack advanced hardware-based encryption and security features, which could be a concern for users who prioritize data security.
Compatibility with Gen 2x2: The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface might not be supported by all devices, potentially limiting its performance on systems with different USB configurations.
Adapter for Older USB Ports: To connect the P50 Game Drive SSD to devices with older USB-A ports, users might need an additional adapter or cable.
No Thunderbolt Support: The drive does not support Thunderbolt connectivity, which might limit its speed on systems equipped with Thunderbolt ports.
Heat Dissipation: Like other high-performance SSDs, the P50 Game Drive SSD might generate heat during extended usage, which could impact performance over time.
Samsung T7 2TB Up to 1,050MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, Type-C) External Solid State Drive (Portable SSD) Grey(MU-PC2T0T)
(Best Buy SSD Drive External Hard Disk for Data Storage)
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Pros:
Impressive Speed: The Samsung T7 Shield boasts read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s, ensuring swift data transfers and rapid access to files, which is particularly beneficial for photographers, content creators, and gamers.
Rugged Design: The drive features a rugged build that can withstand everyday bumps and drops, providing an added layer of protection for your data during transportation.
IP65 Water and Dust Resistance: With an IP65 rating, the T7 Shield is designed to be both water and dust resistant, making it suitable for use in various environments and enhancing its durability.
Security Features: The SSD offers built-in hardware-based encryption to protect your data from unauthorized access, ensuring that your sensitive files remain secure.
Compact and Portable: Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, fitting into pockets, bags, or laptop cases with ease.
USB-C Connectivity: The USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C connection provides faster data transfer speeds and improved compatibility with modern devices, and it's also reversible for convenient plugging.
Software Suite: The drive comes with Samsung's software suite, including the Samsung Portable SSD Software, which offers features like data backup and password protection for added peace of mind.
Versatile Use Cases: The T7 Shield is designed with photographers, content creators, and gamers in mind, making it an appealing choice for individuals who require high-speed storage for their demanding workflows.
Cons:
Higher Price: The combination of high-speed performance, rugged design, and security features might result in a higher price compared to more basic portable SSD options.
Heat Dissipation: Like other high-performance SSDs, the T7 Shield might generate heat during extended usage, which could potentially impact performance over time.
Cable Compatibility: While the drive supports USB-C connectivity, users might need additional adapters or cables to connect to devices with USB-A ports.
Limited Color Options: The color options for the T7 Shield might be limited, which might not be ideal for users who value aesthetics.
No Thunderbolt Support: The drive does not support Thunderbolt connectivity, which might limit its potential speed on systems equipped with Thunderbolt ports.
Performance in Extreme Temperatures: In extremely hot or cold conditions, the drive's performance might be affected. However, this is a common concern for electronic devices.
Capacity Limitation: The T7 Shield's maximum capacity is 1TB, which might not be sufficient for users with exceptionally large storage needs.
Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD Up to 1050MB/s USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive, USB-C, USB-A CT2000X8SSD9, Black, 2 inches(5cm)
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Pros:
Impressive Speeds: The Crucial X8 offers read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s, which significantly enhances data transfer and load times compared to traditional HDDs.
Portable Design: The compact and lightweight design of the X8 makes it easy to carry and transport, making it a great companion for those on the go.
High Capacity: With a generous 2TB storage capacity, the X8 provides ample space for storing large files, media libraries, and backups, catering to users with extensive storage needs.
Durability: The X8 features a rugged construction with shockproof and vibration-resistant properties, ensuring that your data remains safe even in more challenging environments.
Multiple Connection Options: The X8 supports both USB-C and USB-A connections, offering versatile compatibility with a wide range of devices, including both newer and older systems.
Plug-and-Play: The device requires no external power supply and is ready to use as soon as it's plugged in, allowing for hassle-free setup and immediate data access.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: The drive comes formatted with exFAT, making it compatible with both macOS and Windows without needing reformatting.
Data Security: The hardware-based encryption and password protection ensure that your sensitive data remains secure, adding an extra layer of protection.
Cons:
Price: The high-performance features of the Crucial X8 come at a cost, and it may be more expensive than traditional HDDs with similar storage capacities.
Heat Dissipation: During prolonged high-speed transfers, the drive can generate heat. While it is designed to manage this, prolonged heavy usage might result in reduced performance.
Cable Management: While the multiple connection options are a pro, users might need to keep track of multiple cables (USB-C and USB-A) to ensure compatibility with various devices.
No Thunderbolt Support: The X8 lacks Thunderbolt support, which could limit its speed potential on systems equipped with Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports.
Not Immune to Physical Damage: Despite its durability features, the drive is still susceptible to physical damage if dropped from significant heights or exposed to extreme conditions.
Limited Color Options: The drive might not offer a wide range of color choices for users who value aesthetic preferences.
Lacie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 1TB SSD Portable Hard Drive (STFS1000401)
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Pros:
Rugged Design: The LaCie Rugged SSD features a durable design that can withstand shocks, drops, and vibration, making it suitable for use in challenging environments.
Thunderbolt and USB-C Connectivity: The drive offers both Thunderbolt and USB-C connections, providing versatile compatibility with a wide range of devices, including high-speed data transfer capabilities with Thunderbolt.
Fast Transfer Speeds: The Thunderbolt interface provides high-speed data transfer, allowing for quick backups, file transfers, and smooth media editing.
Hardware Encryption: The drive offers AES 256-bit hardware encryption for enhanced data security, ensuring your sensitive files are protected.
Compact and Portable: The compact size and rugged design of the LaCie Rugged SSD make it suitable for users who are often on the move.
Time Machine Compatibility: The drive can be used with macOS's Time Machine for seamless backups of your data.
Drop Resistance: The drive is built to withstand drops of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters), providing additional protection against accidental falls.
Water and Dust Resistant: The drive comes with an IP67 rating, making it resistant to water and dust, which adds to its durability and reliability.
Cons:
Higher Price: The ruggedness, high-speed interfaces, and security features of the LaCie Rugged SSD might lead to a higher price compared to more basic portable SSDs.
Limited Storage Options: The model you mentioned has a capacity of 1TB, which might not be sufficient for users with larger storage needs.
Limited Thunderbolt Compatibility: Thunderbolt support is primarily beneficial for users with Thunderbolt-enabled devices, and it might not be compatible with all systems.
Cable Compatibility: While the drive supports both Thunderbolt and USB-C, users might need additional cables or adapters to connect to devices with different types of ports.
Heat Dissipation: Like other high-performance SSDs, the LaCie Rugged SSD might generate heat during extended usage, potentially impacting performance over time.
No Thunderbolt 4: The drive might not support the newer Thunderbolt 4 standard, which could limit its performance on systems equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Limited Color Options: The color options for the LaCie Rugged SSD might be limited, which might not be ideal for users who value aesthetics.
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