Buying an External SSD: Your Guide to Fast, Reliable Storage

Constantly running out of storage space? Do file transfers take forever? Whether you're a photographer working with large RAW files, a gamer needing more space for a PS5, or simply want a reliable backup for your important documents, a good external storage solution is essential. However, the market for external storage can be overwhelming, with a flood of technical specifications and marketing promises.

My name is Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer. My job is to help you make the right choice by providing objective and practical information. In this article, we'll look at the key factors in choosing an external SSD and highlight some of the top choices for 2026.

What to Look for When Buying?

Before we dive into the products, here are a few key factors to help guide your decision.

1. SSD vs. Traditional Hard Drive (HDD)

The first choice you need to make is between a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

• External SSD: A portable SSD has no moving parts. This makes it much faster, more shock-resistant, and more compact than an HDD. It's ideal if you're frequently on the go or need to work with large files quickly.
• External hard drive (HDD): An HDD uses a spinning disk to store data. They are typically slower and more fragile but often offer more storage space for a lower price. This makes them a great option for archiving data or creating backups that you don't need to access daily.

2. Speed and Connection

The speed of your external storage determines how quickly you can read and write files. This is expressed in megabytes per second (MB/s). For high-speed external storage, an SSD is the clear winner. Pay attention to the following specifications:

• Read/Write Speed: Speeds around 1,000 MB/s are common for a modern external SSD with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Some models even reach 2,000 MB/s or more.
• USB Version: The USB port on both the drive and your computer is crucial. A fast drive will only perform at its best when connected to a compatible port. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) is a good standard, while USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) enables even higher speeds. So, check which ports your laptop, Mac, or PC has.

3. Capacity and Durability

How much space do you need? A 1TB external SSD is a popular and versatile choice for most users. Video editors or gamers might benefit more from 2TB or even 4TB.

If you often take your drive with you, durability is an important factor. A rugged external SSD with an IP rating (dust and water resistance) and drop protection provides extra peace of mind. This is especially useful for professionals working in varied environments.

Our Product Recommendations

Based on specifications and use cases, we have selected a few interesting options currently available.

1. Samsung T7 Shield 1TB

Samsung MU-PE1T0R 1TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2) Blue

Why It Stands Out The Samsung T7 Shield is designed for durability without compromising on speed. According to Samsung, its casing is IP65-certified, offering protection against dust and water, and it can withstand a drop of up to 3 metres.

Pros

• Read and write speeds: Up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s.
• Rugged design: IP65 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with Mac, PC, Android devices, and game consoles.
• Security: Optional password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for travellers, photographers, and anyone who needs a reliable and rugged external SSD that can take a beating. It's also suitable as an external SSD for Mac and PC users looking for a fast, portable solution.

2. ADATA HV300 1TB

ADATA HV300 external hard drive 1 TB 2.5" USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) Red

Why It Stands Out If budget is a key consideration and you primarily need a lot of storage for backups, the ADATA HV300 is an interesting option. This is a traditional external hard drive (HDD) with a very slim design.

Pros

• Compact: With a thickness of just 10.3 mm, it's easy to carry.
• Shock Sensors: Built-in sensors help protect the drive during physical shocks.
• Affordable: Offers large storage capacity for a relatively low price.
• Easy to Use: Plug-and-play functionality for both Windows and Mac.

Who is it for? The HV300 is ideal for students and home users looking for an affordable solution for backing up documents, photos, and other media. It's a great choice if you don't need the top speeds of an SSD.

3. Samsung T9 2TB

Samsung MU-PG2T0B 2TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Black

Why It Stands Out For users who demand maximum performance, there's the Samsung T9. Thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, this portable SSD delivers read speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, according to Samsung, which significantly speeds up the transfer of very large files.

Pros

• Extreme Speed: Read and write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s.
• Large Capacity: 2TB of storage for large projects and game libraries.
• Advanced Interface: Uses USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for top performance.
• Durable: Drop-resistant up to 3 metres.

Who is it for? This SSD is aimed at professionals like video editors working with 4K or 8K files and gamers looking for an external SSD for PS5 to store their games. To take full advantage of its maximum speed, you will need a device with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port.

Need More Options?

These three recommendations cover different needs, from durability to budget and pure speed. Don't see your perfect match? Everyone has different requirements when it comes to storage capacity, size, or brand.

For a broader overview of available models, check out our full range of external hard drives and SSDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main difference between an external SSD and an external hard drive? The biggest difference is the technology. An SSD has no moving parts, resulting in much higher speeds, better durability, and a more compact size. An external hard drive (HDD) is mechanical and therefore slower and more fragile, but it typically offers more gigabytes for your money.

2. Can I use an external SSD for my PlayStation 5? Yes, an external SSD for PS5 is a great way to expand your storage. You can play PS4 games directly from the external SSD. You can store PS5 games on the SSD to free up space on the internal console storage, but you must move them back to the internal storage to play them.

3. How do I format an external SSD to work on both Mac and Windows? To make a drive compatible with both macOS and Windows, it's best to format it to the exFAT file system. Both Windows and macOS can read and write to this system without any additional software. You can do this via Disk Utility on a Mac or Disk Management in Windows.