Despite modern-day Windows laptops and MacBooks offering plenty of storage, there are still times when you’d want space for a little more data. Be it either to make backups of files or when you need to take important data with you somewhere, external SSDs come in very handy. So if you’re looking for one, here are the best external (portable) SSD for Windows laptops you can buy right now!
These external SSDs for laptops are good alternatives for external HDDs. They are much more compact than HDDs and also offer better stability and longevity. Plus, did we mention that external SSDs are also more rugged than HDDs?
Overall, making them a very good purchase to safely store your data, carry it around, and transfer images and files between Windows laptops, MacBooks, and more. But before getting to this list, check out these posts as well.
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1. Crucial X6 Portable SSD
- Sequential Read/Write: 800MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C.
The Crucial X6 is among the best budget portable SSDs in the market and is very popular thanks to its aggressive price. It is available in multiple storage sizes and generally promises fast and responsive performance, especially for transferring smaller files.
However, the Crucial X6 does offer a smaller cache compared to most of its competitors, which results in reduced performance during longer transfers. It provides good compatibility and can be connected to nearly any host with a USB port.
Its sleek and lightweight form factor, along with the storage modules inside its shell ensures very good bang for the buck. So buy it if you want good performance while transferring for your games library or backing up your files and that too on a budget.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
2. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
- Sequential Read/Write: 1050/1000 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
This option from SanDisk is one of the most popular ones in the market and for obvious reasons. It’s rugged, offers good data transfer speeds, and still manages to retail at an aggressive price.
This SSD offers up to 1050MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds. This makes the SanDisk Extreme a portable, high-capacity drive perfect for transferring content or even capturing incredible footage.
It comes with some cool features, including password protection for your data. However, its biggest sell is its design which promises three-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
With over 45,000 user ratings on Amazon and an average rating of 4.7, the SanDisk Extreme is a trusted choice and easily one of the best external (portable) SSD for Windows laptops.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
- Sequential Read/Write: 1050/1000 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
The Samsung T7 SSD is arguably the most value for money, and one of the best external SSDs in the market right now! It is one of Samsung’s most popular accessories which packs plenty of plenty of fast storage inside a compact and stylish shell.
Be it your Windows laptop or your MacBook, this portable SSD can pair up with whatever device you own and help make your life easy. While its small and lightweight nature makes it easy to carry, it also makes it super simple to set up with devices.
This PCIe NVMe solid-state drive works on the USB 3.2 Gen 2 platform. It promises good read and write speeds at 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively. While this is not the fastest in the business, it is great for a drive of this size and price.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
4. Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD
- Sequential Read/Write: 1050/1000 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Like the Samsung T7 but need something more sturdy for your day-to-day work? Well, we have you covered. Check out the Samsung T7 Shield. It’s essentially a much more rugged version of the T7 portable SSD we covered in the list above.
So this drive isn’t just fast and spacious, it’s also tough and remains compact while doing so. As the name suggests, the T7 Shield is built to endure not just occasional drops and falls but also the elements. Its IP65 is rated for dust and water resistance. Plus, its hard shell ensures its shockproof to a good extent.
Transfer speeds are the same as the Samsung T7 Portable SSD. So you can transfer huge files fast and stable over the USB 3.2 Gen 2 platform for sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. Plus, its rubber shell not only protects but also helps control thermals to maintain steady performance.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
5. Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD
- Sequential Read/Write: 2000 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
You are looking for something speedier than your regular portable SSDs? Well, you’re in luck. The Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD is a drive that promises extreme speeds as it puts performance at the center stage.
This fast external SSD offers high-speed data transfer for no-lag PC gaming. This gaming SSD uses the FireCuda NVMe SSD as its base to provide some really fast transfer speeds going up to 2000MB/s. The FireCuda Gaming SSD includes customizable RGB LED lights that sync with the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Dock for an enhanced, fully-personalized desktop gaming setup.
It’s feature-rich and enhances the look and feel of your setup. But not at the cost of the basics. The FireCuda Gaming SSD is compact, lightweight, and features a design that is also sturdy thanks to the use of an aluminum enclosure.
Again, this also doubles up to improve performance by keeping the Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD cool by improving dissipation for more stable and long-lasting performance.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
FAQs About SSDs
Portable SSDs are extremely fast and on average around six times faster at transferring files than portable hard drives. They are easier to carry around and offer better device protection and durability. They also run cooler and consume less power. So yes, they are a good idea for PCs.
Yes, you most definitely can. Depending on the OS of choice, the process could be easier or slightly more complicated though. But in our opinion, booting from an SSD may not always be a great idea because a portable SSD usually offers around 1/2TB of data. For creating a boot drive, this amount of storage is mostly overkill.
Say Hello to SSDs!
If you already haven’t then it’s honestly time for you to say hello to SSDs. They offer many improvements over external hard drives and as such make for a very good upgrade for your data transfer needs. From this list of best external (portable) SSD for Windows laptops, we’d recommend going with either the Samsung T7 or T7 Shield. These are the two best options. However, if you need more speed, check out the Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD as well.
Last updated on 07 August, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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