Table of Contents
Best External SSDs for 2025
The Crucial X9 Pro is our top pick due to its exceptional performance, compact design, and affordability. It offers read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it suitable for everyday backups and transfers. The drive is also IP55-rated, ensuring it can withstand dust and water splashes, and comes with a five-year warranty.
In comparison, the Kingston XS1000 is a more affordable option that offers similar performance to the Crucial X9 Pro. However, it lacks formal IP or drop ratings and has slower sustained write performance. The ADATA SE920, on the other hand, is a high-end option that uses the USB4 interface and offers blazingly fast speeds of up to 3,800 MB/s read and 3,700 MB/s write. However, it is larger and more expensive than our top picks.
Other External SSDs We Tested
We also tested other external SSDs, including the OWC Express 1M2, Crucial X10 Pro, Lexar SL600, and Samsung T9. While these drives offer good performance, they are either larger, more expensive, or have slower speeds compared to our top picks.
What to Consider Before Buying an External SSD
Capacity
When choosing an external SSD, consider the capacity you need. Most drives come in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB. A good rule of thumb is to buy a drive with twice the storage space of your computer’s internal storage.
Price
Prices for external SSDs vary depending on capacity and performance. Generally, you get a better price-per-gigabyte ratio with higher-capacity drives. However, consider your needs and budget before making a purchase.
Speed and USB Interface
External SSDs come with different USB interfaces, including Thunderbolt 5, USB4, and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Consider the interface your computer supports and choose a drive that matches or exceeds that speed.
Other Performance Factors and Enclosures
Other factors to consider include the drive’s controller, NAND flash memory, and DRAM cache. Some drives also come with enclosures that offer additional protection against dust and water.
Size, Durability, Endurance, and Warranty
Consider the drive’s size, durability, and endurance. Look for drives with robust casings and waterproofing, and check the warranty policy.
Encryption and Software
Some drives offer hardware-based encryption and companion software for added security and management.
How We Test External SSDs
We test external SSDs using a range of synthetic and real-world benchmark tests, including CrystalDiskMark, PCMark 10, and 3DMark. We also time how long it takes to read and write a custom 70GB folder.
Recent Updates
We regularly update this guide to ensure pricing and availability information is accurate. Our current top picks remain the same, but we will continue to monitor the market and update our recommendations as needed.
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