Find the best portable SSDs in 2026

Portable SSDs should offer:

A Fast Connection - USB 3.2 Gen 2 reaches about 1,000 MB/s; Gen 2x2, USB4 and Thunderbolt go faster
Port Compatibility - The computer's port must support that speed to reach it
Rugged Build - Drop protection and an IP rating for travel and field work
Compact Size - Small and light enough to carry every day

Budget:

Any price Under €70 Under €100 Under €300 Premium

Brand:

All Brands Samsung Crucial Kingston WD SanDisk TEAMGROUP Lexar Corsair

No SSDs under €70 yet. See our top picks under €300

No SSDs under €100 yet. See our top picks under €300

Best SSDs under €300 for portable use

Best Pick

1TB SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2

80.7 Portable SSDs Score

1TBUSB 3.2 Gen 2External1,050 MB/s

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Price €241

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Verbatim 32190 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2

60.3 Portable SSDs Score

1TBUSB 3.2 Gen 2External1,000 MB/s

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Price €141

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Seagate 8TB Portable SSD USB 3.2 Gen 1

56.6 Portable SSDs Score

8TBUSB 3.2 Gen 1External

Why we recommend this ▼

The 8TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface deliver straightforward drag-and-drop file transfers for desktop users needing bulk storage. Preformatted exFAT ensures out-of-the-box compatibility with both Windows and Mac, while the included 18W power adapter and Rescue Data Recovery Services add practical value. This drive suits budget-conscious PC and Mac owners consolidating large media libraries or backups, though it is not designed for console use.

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Price €234

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Kingston 512GB SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2

51.7 Portable SSDs Score

512GBUSB 3.2 Gen 2External1,050 MB/s

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Price €132

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Lexar 512GB SSD USB 3.2 Gen 1

37.9 Portable SSDs Score

512GBUSB 3.2 Gen 1External390 MB/s

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Price €126

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Premium SSDs for portable use

Best Pick

Western Digital 4TB SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

88.8 Portable SSDs Score

4TBUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2External2,000 MB/s

Why we recommend this

The 4TB NVMe drive hits 2000 MB/s reads and writes over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, with a forged aluminum chassis that doubles as a heatsink for sustained speeds. It adds AES 256-bit hardware encryption, IP55 water and dust resistance, and a 2-meter drop rating, backed by a 5-year warranty. Best for on-the-go professionals who need rugged, high-capacity storage for large video or photo files.