10 Best External SSDs 2025 in the United States

The Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a strong contender for gamers seeking a portable external SSD. With impressive read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, it ensures quick loading times for your games, which can enhance your gaming experience significantly. This drive’s compatibility with popular gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S makes it a versatile choice, allowing users to store and manage their games seamlessly.

The design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and it’s built to withstand drops from up to two meters, adding a layer of durability. The customizable RGB lighting through the WD_BLACK Dashboard adds a personal touch, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of flair in their gaming setup.

It does have some limitations. While it provides 1TB of storage, those with larger libraries may want to consider the 2TB option. Additionally, the RGB customization feature is only available on Windows, which could be a drawback for Mac users who wish to personalize their drive. Moreover, while the build quality is robust, the size may not be as rugged as some might want for heavy-duty usage. In terms of security features, it lacks built-in encryption, which might be a concern for users prioritizing data protection. For most gamers, the performance and compatibility with gaming consoles will outweigh these drawbacks, making the WD P40 an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their gaming storage.

The ADATA Elite UE800 is a 2TB portable SSD that offers a substantial storage capacity, making it suitable for storing large files, games, and applications. With read and write speeds of up to 1,000MB/s, it delivers fast data transfer rates, which is beneficial for quick backups and efficient file management.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface ensures compatibility with a variety of devices, including PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and PlayStation 5, providing versatile usage options. The USB Type-C connector simplifies connectivity across modern devices, especially those without traditional USB ports.

Its compact and lightweight design (2.87 x 0.84 x 0.35 inches, 0.459 ounces) makes it highly portable and easy to carry around, fitting conveniently into pockets or bags. The 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind regarding long-term reliability. Despite its strengths, the product may have some limitations. The ADATA Elite UE800 does not mention specific security features such as hardware encryption, which could be a concern for users needing enhanced data protection.

The SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD is a robust option for anyone needing significant external storage capacity. With up to 8TB of space, it's perfect for storing extensive photo and video collections, music libraries, and critical documents. One of its standout features is its impressive read speed, reaching up to 1000 MB/s, which is notably faster than traditional desktop hard drives, making file access and transfers quick and efficient. For users who frequently back up their data, it supports automatic backups with Acronis True Image for Western Digital, and works seamlessly with Apple Time Machine for Mac users.

In terms of design, the compact and sleek form factor is an added bonus, allowing it to fit well in any workspace without taking up too much room. The inclusion of USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures compatibility with modern devices, and the exFAT formatting allows for easy use across both Windows and Mac platforms right out of the box.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the SSD's build quality is decent, it may not be the most rugged option on the market, so users needing extreme durability for travel might want to look elsewhere. Additionally, while the 1000 MB/s speed is impressive, actual speeds can vary depending on the device it’s connected to and the types of files being transferred. Lastly, while it offers a solid data recovery service, the product’s price point may be higher compared to other external storage solutions, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.