The Best Portable SSDs of 2026
- Yurteck
- Dec 17, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
When it comes to fast, reliable external storage, the best options available today deliver ultra-fast data transfer speeds, rugged drop-resistant durability, and advanced data encryption. It features that define the best portable SSDs of 2026 for users who need secure, high-performance storage in a compact and portable form.
Our top pick: Samsung Portable SSD T9
The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a blazingly fast external drive designed for professionals and creators. With its rapid USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, you can transfer massive files, like 4GB videos, in just a couple of seconds.
As someone who regularly handles large video and photo files, the T9 is a game-changer. Its speed, hitting sequential read/write rates of up to 2,000 MB/s, is instantly noticeable when transferring huge folders. It really cuts down on waiting time, keeping my workflow smooth even when moving terabytes of data. The exterior has a textured, rubberized feel that's much more comfortable to handle and less prone to slipping than previous versions. While it looks sleek, the robust design also gives me confidence, knowing my data is safe from accidental drops of up to three meters. The five-year limited warranty adds a layer of reassurance that this is a reliable piece of kit. The main drawback is that you absolutely need a computer with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to get the full speed benefit; otherwise, you're paying a premium for performance you can't access, but if your setup supports it, this drive is fantastic.
Pros:
Extremely fast sequential speeds
Durable, rugged exterior shell
Excellent heat management
Includes hardware-based encryption
Generous 5-year limited warranty
Cons:
Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for max speed
Higher price point than slower alternatives
Design can attract and show dust
No official IP water/dust resistance rating
Speed benefit is minimal for some tasks (e.g., general gaming)
Hardware Specifications
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
Max Sequential Read: Up to 2,000 MB/s
Max Sequential Write: Up to 2,000 MB/s (up to 1,950 MB/s on 1TB/2TB models)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 88 x 60 x 14 mm
Weight: 122 grams
Samsung Portable SSD T9 External Hard Drive, USB 3.2 Gen.2x2
The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is built for speed and reliability ,making it a great choice for creators who work with large files.
What we recommend: Crucial X9 Portable SSD.
The Crucial X9 is an ultra-compact and affordable external SSD, delivering fast performance via the USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface. It offers quick file transfers and reliable everyday storage in a durable shell.
Holding the Crucial X9, its featherlight and genuinely small size is the first thing you notice—it’s designed to be effortlessly portable. For the vast majority of users, the 1,050 MB/s speed is a massive upgrade from any portable hard drive and handles large media backups and transfers with ease. This speed, limited to 10Gbps, is actually a strength for most people, as almost all modern computers can utilize its full performance without needing special, rare ports. The plastic housing, while not as premium as aluminum models, contributes to its lightweight feel and is still shock-proof for drops up to 7.5 feet. It's a simple, reliable, plug-and-play device that integrates seamlessly into any workflow, whether you're using a PC, Mac, or Android device. It's an excellent value proposition for anyone needing dependable, fast, and pocket-sized storage without the premium cost of higher-spec models.
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and small
Excellent everyday transfer speed
Very budget-friendly
Drop-proof durability
Universally compatible (10Gbps)
Cons:
Limited to 10Gbps max speed
Plastic casing (not aluminum)
No built-in hardware encryption
Only 3-year limited warranty
No IP rating (water/dust resistance)
Hardware Specifications
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
Max Sequential Read: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Max Sequential Write: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Dimensions (W x H x D): 50 x 65 x 10 mm
Weight: 32 g
Crucial X9 SSD 1TB Portable, Up to 1050MB/s,External Solid Hard Drive, USB-C 3.2
The Crucial X9 Portable SSD is a fast ,compact external drive with speeds up to1,050MB/s, ideal for quick file transfers and portable storage.
Budget Pick: Seagate One Touch SSD
An ultra-fast external SSD, perfect for creative professionals and users on the go. Buy it for its 1030 MB/s speed and compact, premium design.
The Seagate One Touch SSD is the ideal solution for carrying large files without hassle. With lightning-fast transfer speeds up to 1030 MB/s, it allows you to back up high-resolution photos or 4K videos in seconds, or even work directly from the drive. Its design is notably compact and lightweight (around 74 g), featuring a stylish textured metal or fabric finish that suits a modern lifestyle. It is plug-and-play, supporting both USB-C and USB 3.0, and works seamlessly with Windows and Mac systems without needing reformatting. Beyond physical durability, it includes the Toolkit software for customizable backups and the valuable Rescue Data Recovery Services.
Pros:
Extremely fast file transfers (1030 MB/s)
Very compact and highly portable design
Includes valuable data recovery service
Native support for both USB-C and USB-A (cables included)
Toolkit software enables easy, scheduled backups
Cons:
Base version often uses slower USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connection
Less water/dust protection than some other external SSDs
Max speeds (1030 MB/s) require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
Hardware security requires password activation
Performance can be throttled during sustained, large transfers
Hardware Specifications
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
Max Sequential Read: Up to 1,030 MB/s
Max Sequential Write: Up to 1,030 MB/s
Dimensions (H x W x D): 10.6 x 50.0 x 70.0 mm
Weight: 45 g
Seagate One Touch Portable External Hard Drive ,USB 3.0
Seagate One Touch SSD portable drive offers fast ,secure storage for backups and file transfers ,and daily use.
Offer Pick: Kingston XS1000 External SSD
An incredibly tiny and fast external SSD for backup and quick data transfer. Buy it for its high 1050 MB/s speed and a minimalist design that is smaller than a key fob.
The Kingston XS1000 is one of the smallest high-performance external SSDs available, designed for maximum portability. Despite its size—which is roughly half the width of a credit card—it delivers blazing transfer speeds up to 1050 MB/s using the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard. This rapid speed makes it excellent for demanding tasks like editing high-resolution video directly from the drive or quickly backing up large photo libraries. The drive features a sleek, durable metal casing with a black matte finish and a built-in loop for attaching it to a keyring. It connects via a single USB Type-C port and is compatible with PC, Mac, and various game consoles. Its combination of extreme speed and pocket-sized dimensions makes it an outstanding choice for users who prioritize performance without adding bulk to their everyday carry.
Pros:
Exceptional performance for its size
Extremely small and lightweight
Good value for the speed tier
Durable, sleek metal casing
Works with older USB-A ports (cable included)
Cons:
No built-in hardware encryption feature
Only one color option (black/silver)
No rubberized shock protection
Lacks the higher 20 Gbps (Gen 2x2) speed
No included backup software bundle
Hardware Specifications
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
Max Sequential Read: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Max Sequential Write: Up to 1,000 MB/s
Dimensions (H x W x D): 13.5 x 32.58 x 69.54 mm
Weight: 28.7 g
Kingston XS1000 2TB External Solid State Drive USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable
EThe Kingston XS1000 is an incredibly tiny ,featherlight SSD delivering fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance(1,050MB/s).
Special Pick: WD My Passport SSD
The WD My Passport SSD is a sleek, durable, and highly secure portable NVMe drive. It offers 1,050 MB/s speed and hardware encryption. Buy it for fast, secure file storage with robust protection against drops and a premium metal design.
The WD My Passport SSD balances high performance with excellent durability and security. Utilizing NVMe technology, it achieves sequential read speeds up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1000 MB/s via its USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) interface. This speed is sufficient for professional use, such as running virtual machines or editing high-res video. Its compact, bold metal design is not just stylish (available in multiple colors); it's engineered to be shock-resistant and withstand drops up to 6.5 feet (1.98m). A key advantage is its password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption, providing top-tier data security without sacrificing speed. While it can run warm during intensive transfers, it comes with backup software and a generous 5-year warranty, making it a highly reliable choice for safeguarding important data.
Pros:
Excellent data security via hardware encryption
Very high durability and drop resistance rating
Long 5-year limited warranty
Wide range of attractive colors and capacities (up to 4TB)
Slim, compact, and lightweight design
Cons:
Runs noticeably warm during heavy use
Short included USB-C cable
Higher pricing than some non-encrypted rivals
Lacks a formal IP (Ingress Protection) water/dust rating
No status/activity light
Hardware Specifications
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
Max Sequential Read: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Max Sequential Write: Up to 1,000 MB/s
Dimensions (L x W x H): 100.0 x 55.0 x 9.0 mm
Weight: 45.7 g
WD My Passport 1TB External Portable SSD External Hard Drive
The WD My Passport SSD is a sleek ,durable, and highly secure portable NVMe drive. It offers 1,050 MB/s speed and hardware encryption.
Honorable Mention: SanDisk Extreme Portable External SSD
The SanDisk Extreme is a rugged, go-anywhere portable drive offering 1,050 MB/s speeds via USB-C. It features IP65 water/dust resistance. Buy it for fast file transfers and professional durability—it's built to withstand the elements and keep your data safe, wherever you work.
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 is the go-to external drive for users who prioritize durability and resilience alongside high speed. It delivers excellent performance, with sequential read speeds up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1000 MB/s, thanks to the NVMe technology and USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. Unlike many competitors, this drive boasts an IP55 rating, making it water-resistant and dust-resistant. Its ruggedized, rubberized casing and aluminum chassis also allow it to withstand drops of up to two meters. For security, it includes password-protected 256-bit AES hardware encryption. The drive's compact size and integrated carabiner loop make it easy to secure to a backpack or belt loop. This V2 model is a significant improvement over the original, offering robust performance and peace of mind for fieldwork or travel.
Pros:
Excellent durability and water/dust resistance
Reliable performance (1050 MB/s read)
Top-tier hardware encryption included
Generous 5-year warranty
USB-C and USB-A cable included
Cons:
Can run very hot during heavy use
Slower sustained write speeds than read speeds
Lacks the faster 2000 MB/s speed tier
Rubberized coating attracts lint/dust
Initial setup software sometimes required
Hardware Specifications
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
Max Sequential Read: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Max Sequential Write: Up to 1,000 MB/s
Dimensions (L x W x H): 100.8 x 52.5 x 9.6 mm
Weight: ~52 g
SanDisk Extreme Portable External SSD, Hard Drive with Read Speed up to 1050MB/s
The leading rugged SSD for outdoor and profesional use. Buy it for its high 1050 MB/S speed, superior IP55 durability.
