Top 13 best external SSD drives in 2021. How to choose a reliable drive?

External SSD - rating of the best models. An overview of solid state drives with descriptions, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Recommendations for choosing an external SSD.

External SSDs can be useful not only for expanding disk space.

Many of them have a high level of protection, such discs can be taken on trips and business trips without fear.

What other advantages do external SSDs have and which models are the best of the best in 2021, we will consider in this review.

If you are in a hurry and want to know right away the best offers in each rating category from different online storesyou can look at the table and see actual prices on the Yandex.Market service by clicking on the button in the table "find out the price" opposite the model.

Rating TOP 13 best external SSD drives

PlaceModel
Price
Best external ssd 250 GB
#1Smart Buy S3 256 GB
#2ADATA SD700 256 GB
#3Transcend StoreJet 500 256 GB
Best 500GB External SSDs
#1Samsung Portable SSD T5 500 GB
#2SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500 GB
#3Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 500 GB
#4Samsung Portable SSD X5 500 GB
Best 1000GB External SSDs
#1Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB
#2SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
#3Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 1TB
Top 2000 GB Models
#1Samsung Portable SSD T5 2TB
#2Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch 2TB
#3SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB

What to look for when choosing an external SSD?

The choice of an external solid state drive is determined by a number of factors, among which are not only technical parameters such as read and write speed, disk space and connection interface.

Keep in mind! Before buying, you should pay attention to the following:
  • Security.
    Rugged construction is the deciding factor when choosing an external SSD for travel, travel and business trips.
    No worries about potential negative consequences due to shock, moisture and dust will allow the presence of a metal case and compliance with a protection class of at least IP55.
  • Reliability.
    All manufacturers make reasonably reliable external SSDs.
    The technologies used significantly increase the reliability of solid state drives, unlike traditional HDDs.
    In any case, you should pay attention to the warranty period of a particular product, which is usually 2-3 years.
  • Safety.
    The large volume of the disk allows you to store a lot of information on it, which, in case of loss or theft of the device, can be irretrievably lost or become the property of unauthorized persons.
    Data unreadable by other users allows you to make hardware or software encryption.
  • Technical specifications.
    The mentioned capacity, speed and type of interface for connection are priority when choosing.
    The last two parameters are responsible for the speed of interaction of the external SSD with a computer or laptop.
    Newer versions of USB or Thunderbolt interfaces are much faster than their predecessors.

Best external ssd 250 GB

Devices shown below at a relatively low price, they combine high data exchange rates and protection against adverse effects.

Rating of the best external ssd drives with a capacity of 250 gb according to customer reviews and ratings.

Smart Buy S3 256 GB

An external SSD is a compact, highly reliable device for storing data with a guarantee of complete safety of information.

The SmartBuy S3 256 GB model consumes minimal power.

Its speed is much higher than that of HDD drives.

The presented external drive is not afraid of mechanical influences, it can be used on vacation, while traveling, during active sports.

The gadget is connected to a computer, laptop, tablet or phone via USB 3.0.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.0;
  • read / write speed - 425/400 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 70? 7? 100 mm;
  • weight - 100 g.

Advantages

  • compact dimensions;
  • light weight;
  • decent speed;
  • no heating.

Flaws

  • high price;
  • short cable for connection;
  • impact protection.

ADATA SD700 256 GB

The model weighs less than a mobile phone, but at the same time it has a solid amount of disk space and is equipped with a modern high-speed interface.

The write speed of the SSD in question is about four times faster than that of external HDDs.

The ADATA SD700 256 GB is protected from shock, water and dust ingress.

This media can be useful for users who work with documents, files, databases outside the home and office, owners of netbooks with limited internal memory.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 2.5?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 440/430 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 83.5? 13.9? 83.5 mm;
  • weight - 75 g.

Advantages

  • high write and read speed;
  • stylish appearance;
  • compactness;
  • low price.

Flaws

  • poor protection against moisture;
  • short cable for connection;
  • slight heating.

Transcend StoreJet 500 256 GB

The model, first of all, highlights the presence of the Thunderbolt interface, which provides the highest data transfer rate over the corresponding cable.

The presented device has a standard form factor 2.5 ?, the ability to connect via USB 3.0, protection against moisture and dust.

The Transcend StoreJet 500 256 GB drive is also shockproof.

All components of the device are mounted in a stylish, durable metal case.

The disk space is originally formatted in HFS+ for full compatibility with Mac OS computers.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 2.5?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.0, Thunderbolt;
  • read / write speed - 1250/1000 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 75.2? 13.5? 121.2 mm;
  • weight - 136 g.

Advantages

  • excellent read and write speed via Thunderbolt;
  • high quality workmanship;
  • convenient form factor;
  • metal case.

Flaws

  • not democratic price tag;
  • heating during operation;
  • USB speed is not the most impressive.

Best 500GB External SSDs

External SSDs with 500 GB capacity characterized by compact dimensions, good technical parameters and an affordable price tag.

The best 500 GB external drives in terms of price and quality.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 500 GB

External SSD is an ultra-compact accessory that can be used to offload free space on laptop or personal computer disks.

500 GB of built-in memory is enough to store a large number of files.

The case of the model is made of high-quality metal, which provides reliable protection of the disk from such external negative influences as moisture, dust and shock.

Connecting an external drive Samsung Portable SSD T5 500 GB to a personal computer or laptop is carried out via USB 3.1.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 540/450 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 57.3? 10.5? 74 mm;
  • weight - 51 g.

Advantages

  • fast writing and reading;
  • two cables included to connect to all devices;
  • light weight, compactness;
  • Ease of use.

Flaws

  • quickly scratched case;
  • unfriendly standard software;
  • The wires included are pretty stiff.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500 GB

The highly durable portable model, as an external high-speed solid state drive, will ensure fast transfer and recording of any data.

Massive storage space, high read speed and versatile connectivity make it ideal for storing documents, photos, music, high-definition video and more.

The high IP55 rating means that the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500 GB can be used in harsh environments such as high humidity and dust.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 550/450 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 49.55? 8.85? 96.2 mm;
  • weight - 79 g.

Advantages

  • compact dimensions;
  • high degree of protection;
  • Beautiful design;
  • 3 year warranty;
  • silent operation.

Flaws

  • high price tag;
  • short and hard cord;
  • drop in speed when copying large files.

Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 500 GB

External hard drive 2.5? can be successfully used as a personal storage of large amounts of information.

500 GB of storage space will be enough to store family photos, videos, audio files and movies.

The Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 500 GB is equipped with a high-speed USB 3.0 interface that allows you to transfer data in minutes.

If necessary, users can use the built-in data backup function.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 2.5?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.0;
  • read / write speed - 450/420 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 80 × 14.8 × 117 mm;
  • weight - 170 g.

Advantages

  • noiselessness;
  • stylish appearance;
  • lack of heating during operation;
  • slim slim body.

Flaws

  • easily soiled plastic case;
  • short wire for connection;
  • high price.

Samsung Portable SSD X5 500 GB

The model stands out for its ease of use, portable dimensions, robust design, ease of use and high speed.

The latter parameter is approaching record levels among solid-state devices in this class.

Read speeds of 2800 MB/s and write speeds of 2100 MB/s do not drop even when processing heavy applications or transferring large content from a computer or laptop.

In turn, the amount of free space in the Samsung Portable SSD X5 500 GB model allows you to store a sufficient amount of information.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 2.5?;
  • connection interface - Thunderbolt 3;
  • read / write speed - 2800/2100 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 62 × 19.7 × 119 mm;
  • weight - 150 g.

Advantages

  • high read and write speed;
  • modern design;
  • reliability;
  • small sizes.

Flaws

  • heating under load;
  • unshielded plastic case;
  • inflated price tag.

Best 1000GB External SSDs

Such drives guarantee not only a high data transfer rate, but also the possibility of long-term storage of large archives with video, audio and gaming content.

TOP 3 external solid state drives 1 TB according to experts.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB

The external solid-state drive received a colossal amount of memory for compact devices, small dimensions and a stylish case with a concise design.

The latter is made of high-quality metal and is reliably protected from all sorts of external influences, including falls and bumps.

The SSD is connected to other devices via the USB 3.1 interface.

To do this, the mini drive is equipped with USB-C and USB cables. The Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB is incredibly compact and lightweight.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 540/500 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 57.3? 10.5? 74 mm;
  • weight - 51 g.

Advantages

  • miniature dimensions and weight;
  • silent operation;
  • low power consumption;
  • non-failure operation.

Flaws

  • easily soiled case;
  • rigid, short complete cables;
  • inconvenient firmware.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB

The Rugged Model is an external SSD with impressive capacity and equally impressive performance.

A rugged plastic case that can withstand moisture and dust in accordance with the IP55 standard hides a modern high-performance controller and high-quality 3D TLC NAND memory.

The components allow you to demonstrate excellent performance and stable high read and write speeds.

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB comes with a pair of USB cables for connection. There is an option for cryptographic data protection.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 550/500 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 49.55? 8.85? 96.2 mm;
  • weight - 79 g.

Advantages

  • Ease of use;
  • protection against water and dust;
  • compact dimensions;
  • stable read and write speed.

Flaws

  • non-critical heating;
  • easily soiled case;
  • short USB cable.

Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 1TB

A terabyte external drive, due to the amount of its disk space, guarantees a high degree of freedom in choosing the amount of data placed by the user.

SSD capacity allows you to store large amounts of information on the disk for a long time.

Significant read and write speed allows you to quickly copy and transfer data.

The Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD 1TB model supports USB 3.1 interface, two corresponding cables are included for connection.

Additionally, the device is equipped with shock protection and bright LED backlight.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 2.5?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 540/500 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 79 × 9.1 × 93.45 mm;
  • weight - 140 g.

Advantages

  • nice design with backlight;
  • two cables for connection included;
  • instant synchronization with PC and mobile devices;
  • an impressive volume of 1 TB.

Flaws

  • the case quickly collects fingerprints;
  • rather heavy device;
  • not the most compact.

Top 2000 GB Models

Large volume - the main, but not the only advantage of 2 TB solid-state external drives.

The list of benefits also includes reliability and high data transfer rate.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 2TB

The model boasts not only a colossal capacity of 2000 GB, but also cosmic write / read speeds compared to those of HDDs.

High performance allows you to copy and store huge collections of large files on the device, including video, audio and games.

The metal case of the Samsung Portable SSD T5 2 TB reliably protects the components of the device from shock and other mechanical influences.

The SSD is equipped with a high-speed USB 3.1 interface.

Connection to a computer or laptop is carried out using the USB and USB-C cables included with the device.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 540/450 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 57.3? 10.5? 74 mm;
  • weight - 51 g.

Advantages

  • speed corresponds to the declared;
  • very compact model;
  • there is data encryption;
  • suitable for games (as storage);
  • aluminum body.

Flaws

  • disk encryption software does not work on Mac OS;
  • no case included;
  • the bundled cables are too thick for such a light and compact device.

Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch 2TB

Thanks to the impressive amount of virtual space in the SSD drive, users will forget about the lack of free space for data for a long time.

The presented device will especially appeal to owners of netbooks with a small amount of internal memory.

With a read speed of 1050 MB and a write speed of 1000 MB in one second, data transfer is almost instantaneous.

The metal case of the device Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch 2 TB reliably protects 3D NAND TLC memory chips and a high-performance branded controller.

Users also have access to a built-in data protection function.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 1050/1000 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 57? 8? 85 mm;
  • weight - 58 g.

Advantages

  • large volume;
  • durable aluminum body;
  • concise design;
  • high sequential read speed.

Flaws

  • recording speed drops when copying large files;
  • easily soiled case;
  • decent price tag.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB

An external solid state drive is an ultra-durable storage device.

The device withstands drops to a concrete surface from a height of up to two meters and is protected from water and dust.

The large capacity of the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB is combined with the highest transfer speeds.

This allows users to watch movies, edit photos and perform other tasks without copying files to a computer or laptop.

After installing the SanDisk SecureAccess proprietary application, the user can lock the drive by protecting it with a powerful password with 128-bit encryption.

This SSD is fully compatible with laptops and PCs running Windows and Mac OS. USB-C cable and USB-A adapter included.

Key parameters:

  • form factor - 1.8?;
  • connection interface - USB 3.1;
  • read / write speed - 550/450 MB / s;
  • dimensions (W? H? D) - 49.55? 8.85? 96.2 mm;
  • weight - 79 g.

Advantages

  • small dimensions;
  • large volume;
  • high-quality complete USB-C cable and adapter to USB 3.1;
  • high degree of data protection.

Flaws

  • overpriced;
  • write speed is not the most outstanding;
  • case quickly collects fingerprints.

Reviews

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Conclusion and Conclusions

  • External SSDs have a number of advantages in front of external hard drives, this is, first of all, high speed, quietness, mobility and data security.
  • When choosing external solid state drive costs pay attention to the read / write speeds declared by the manufacturer, capacity, connection interface and disk protection level.
  • The price tag of an external SSD primarily reflects the nominal amount of disk space.
    Regardless of the brand the 2TB model will cost significantly more than the 256GB model.

Useful video

This video provides an overview and comparison of the TOP 5 external SSD drives:


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