Joybuy Insights

Buying an external SSD: how to choose fast, suitable portable storage

An external SSD is useful for backups, photos, videos, games and extra storage for your laptop or smartphone. However, not every portable SSD is suitable for every situation. For example, a high speed stated on the packaging means little if your laptop only has a slower USB port.

The most common buying mistakes arise from three pitfalls:

  • Confusing speed with real-world performance: a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSD can reach around 2,000 MB/s, but only with a compatible port and cable.
  • Choosing too little storage capacity: an SSD 1TB may be enough for documents and photos, but fills up more quickly with 4K video, large games or extensive backups.
  • Overlooking compatibility: USB-C describes the shape of the connector, not automatically the speed or support offered by your device. For example, an iPhone 14 or older will not work with every magnetic SSD marketed for newer iPhones.

What should you look for in an external SSD?

1. Connector, USB version and cable

Check both the SSD’s connector and the connector on the device you intend to use it with. A USB-C SSD physically fits many modern laptops, tablets and smartphones, but the transfer speed depends on the USB standard.

Pay attention to these differences:

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2: theoretical transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s; models such as the Samsung T7 Shield quote read and write speeds of around 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: theoretical transfer speeds of up to 20 Gb/s; the Samsung T9 and DigiEra LPS2000M-3 quote speeds of around 2,000 MB/s.
  • USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 Gen 1: suitable for everyday copying and backups, but generally slower than an NVMe SSD.

A USB-C-to-A cable can be useful for older laptops. Check that the supplied cable supports the speed you want; otherwise, the external storage may operate below the level stated in the product specifications.

2. Capacity: 1TB, 2TB or more

Choose the capacity based on your files, not just the amount of free space currently available on your laptop.

  • SSD 1TB: suitable for study, office files, photos, light video editing and a compact media library.
  • SSD 2TB: a practical choice for photographers, video creators and users who back up multiple devices.
  • 4TB to 6TB: appealing for large archives and long-term storage. In this capacity range, you will often end up choosing an external hard drive, such as WD Elements.

Allow for formatting and system files: the usable space will be slightly lower than the figure shown on the packaging. For use with Windows and Mac, exFAT can be useful, particularly when you want to move files larger than 4 GB.

3. SSD or external hard drive?

An SSD uses flash memory and has no rotating disks. As a result, a portable SSD is generally quieter, lighter and better able to withstand normal movement during transport. This makes it suitable for use with a laptop in a lecture theatre, in a camera bag or as part of a mobile workstation.

An external hard drive, such as WD Elements or WD My Passport, often provides more gigabytes for the same budget. The trade-off is lower transfer speeds and greater sensitivity to shocks. You should move an HDD as little as possible while it is actively transferring data.

Neither type of storage replaces a backup. Ideally, important files should be stored in at least two different locations.

Recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
WD Elements Portable 1TB USB-C - Graphite Black

WD Elements Portable 1TB USB-C - Graphite Black

Why it suits this profile: This external hard drive provides simple plug-and-play storage for documents, photos and videos. The USB-C connection works with many modern laptops and devices.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states that this is an HDD. So do not expect SSD speeds; choose it for affordable capacity and straightforward backups.

Key benefit & advantages

1TB of storage, USB-C, plug-and-play functionality and a casing made with more than 50% recycled material, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Samsung MU-PG2T0B 2TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2x2

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

Why it suits this profile: The Samsung T9 combines 2TB of storage with quoted read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. That makes it suitable for large media files and frequent transfers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity helps prevent a video library from filling up quickly. However, check that your computer supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 if you want to take advantage of the stated speed.

Key benefit & advantages

2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, hardware encryption and supplied USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables, according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
DigiEra 1TB Magnetic Portable SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

DigiEra 1TB Magnetic Portable SSD – USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

Why it suits this profile: This magnetic SSD is designed for mobile creators using a USB-C iPhone, laptop, tablet, camera or console. The product description mentions direct ProRes recording for supported iPhone models.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The compatibility limitation is clearly stated: the magnetic attachment is intended for iPhone 15 and newer, not iPhone 14 or older.

Key benefit & advantages

Quoted read and write speeds of up to 2,000 and 1,800 MB/s, a weight of approximately 46 grams and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about external SSDs

Does an external SSD work with a MacBook and laptop?

Usually, yes, provided the connector, file system and cable are suitable. An SSD for MacBook and laptop may be pre-formatted for Windows. For use with both systems, exFAT is often practical. Always check the instructions for the specific model.

How long does a portable SSD last?

Its lifespan depends on usage, write operations, heat, cable quality and how it is handled physically. Keep the SSD dry, avoid prolonged exposure to heat and safely eject it. You should also make a second backup regularly, as an SSD can fail too.

Is an external SSD suitable for PS5?

A compatible external SSD can be used for additional storage. PS4 games can be played from external storage; according to Samsung’s product information, PS5 games must first be moved to the internal storage before you can play them. Check your console’s requirements and use a suitable USB port.