Top 10 Best Portable SSDs in 2021 (Samsung, SanDisk, and More)

SanDisk's Extreme PRO is a portable SSD with 2,000 MB/s read and write speeds. It has an aluminum chassis that acts as a heatsink and has up to six-foot drop protection. 

This portable SSD is IP55, which means it's fairly water- and dust-resistant. It also has a built-in password protection system with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.

Reviewers warn that the maximum transfer speed of 2,000 MB/s is only possible if your equipment is compatible with the newer USB-C 3.2 2x2 specification. Without it, you will only reach the last generation's speeds of about 1,000 MB/s. Some reviewers also complain that the password protection software is too limited.

Regardless, most reviewers praise this portable SSD for its consistently fast transfer speeds, temperature control, and compact design. They like that it comes with two cables for different types of USB ports.

Samsung's X5 portable SSD has possibly the fastest transfer speeds of any portable SSD currently on the market. It has up to 2,800 MB/s read and 2,300 MB/s write speeds. However, you need a Thunderbolt 3 connector to get those speeds.

This portable SSD has a non-slip bottom, thermal guard, resistance to drops of up to six feet. It has optional password protection that uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption. It also comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Some reviewers complain that this portable SSD can get hot when in use for some time or while transferring large files, which also causes the transfer speeds to drop. A few of them also had issues using this SSD on Mac devices.

However, most reviewers are impressed by this portable SSD's very fast transfer speeds and general temperature management. They also think the physical design is stylish and functionally durable.

If Call of Duty is taking up all your storage space or you just want more games for your console, this portable SSD was made just for you. This device has up to 2000 MB/s read and write speeds. It's also made with aluminum, making it shock-resistant.

Some reviewers state that this portable SSD may get hot while in use. They also say the speeds can fluctuate. But they say this portable SSD is very fast and works well for transferring and playing games. They like that it has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent slipping and highly recommend this SSD for PlayStation 5 or 4.

This portable SSD has read and write speeds of 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively. It has fingerprint security and an LED status indicator. It can also withstand drops up to six feet.

Some reviewers complain that this portable SSD gets hot while in use. A few reviewers also had issues with using this device on Macs, stating that it has problems staying connected.

Most reviewers are highly satisfied with this portable SSD's speeds and fingerprint password functionality. They also like its sleek, lightweight, and compact design. 

Sabrent's Rocket Nano Rugged SSD combines speed and durability. At a rating of IP67, it's mostly waterproof and dustproof. It also has a rugged enclosure for drop protection and heat absorption. 

A few reviewers had issues with this portable SSD connecting to Macs. Some of them also had overheating issues when using this device for longer durations, which caused the performance to drop.

Most reviewers are impressed by this portable SSD's fast speeds and protective design. They like that it offers lots of storage but still can fit in your pocket.

This portable SSD has read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. It's shock-resistant with a built-in thermal guard for temperature control. It comes with software for password protection and firmware updates.

Although this portable SSD has a thermal guard layer, some reviewers say that it still gets very hot when transferring large files. They say that this device is best for computers with USB-C in order to get the fastest speeds.

Most reviewers praise this portable SSD for its fast speeds, choice of colors, and compact design. Many reviewers say this device worked well with their consoles for gaming.

This portable SSD has read and write speeds of 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively. It's shock- and vibration-resistant up to six and a half feet. It has 256-bit AES password protection and a five-year limited warranty.

Some reviewers state that this portable SSD can get pretty warm while in use, even while not transferring large files. It also doesn't come with a user manual. Most reviewers say this portable SSD is very fast and reliable. They like that it's small in physical size and includes hardware encryption to keep your files safe.

Crucial's X8 portable SSD has read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s. It's made with anodized aluminum with heat control, shock-resistance, and drop protection of up to seven and a half feet. It's also compatible with PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and more.

Reviewers complain that this portable SSD can get hot when transferring large files or using intensive programs. The heat can also drop its overall performance.

Despite that, most reviewers praise this portable SSD for its sturdy build, quality material, and fast speeds. They say that it's fairly quiet while in use and recommend it for quick backups.

ADATA's SE800 portable SSD has read and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. It has a hairline-brushed surface and is IP68, so it's fairly waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant. It also has a three-year limited warranty.

Although this portable SSD comes with a limited warranty, some reviewers complain that the customer service is subpar. A few reviewers also state that it's more water-resistant than waterproof. They warn that it may need reformatting for Macs.

Regardless, most reviewers praise this portable SSD for its fast speeds and durability. They like it has an indicator light and is pretty quiet while in use.

RAVPower's Portable External SSD Pro offers up to 540 MB/s read and write speeds. It's crafted with zinc-aluminum alloy for optimal heat dissipation and shock-resistance. It also comes with AES 256-bit hardware encryption password protection.

Reviewers warn that this portable SSD has around 953 GB of usable storage space rather than 1 TB. Most reviewers like that this portable SSD is very small with consistent speeds. They like that it comes with a suede pouch that holds it and the cables.