1. Fastest overall
2. Fastest for Mac
3. Fastest on a budget
4. Fastest rugged
5. Fastest for capacity
6. Fastest for security
7. Fastest portable
FAQs
In the realm of digital storage, finding the fastest external SSD is a game-changer for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Consistently moving around gigabytes or terabytes worth of data is becoming the norm for many.
For the sake of this guide, we're zeroing in on portable SSDs that adhere to NVMe standards. External SATA SSDs have disappeared from shelves as it no longer made sense to manufacture them.
Our spotlight is on the best SSDs and best portable SSDs with self-powered USB or Thunderbolt connectivity, eschewing any network-attached storage (NAS) or direct-attached storage (DAS). And, while the allure of HDDs might still linger for some, we're setting them aside as well – this guide is all about SSDs.
I examined more than 100 external SSDs from 20 vendors, to determine the fastest external SSD right now for a number of use cases. So, if speed is your endgame and you're in pursuit of the best external hard drives equivalent in SSD form, welcome aboard. Every product mentioned here is readily available for purchase, but remember: the swiftest portable SSD doesn't always equate to the overall best. Let's dive in!
The fastest external SSD in 2024
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the fastest external SSD options on our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
Fastest external SSD overall
For fastest external SSD, you’ll be hard-pushed to beat the Adata SE920. In our tests, it scored high marks for speed, portability, well-suited for all rapid data transfer needs.
Using AJA System Test Light, this SSD recorded read speeds of 3201MB/s and write speeds of 3045MB/s. Although we needed to switch off the write cache to achieve those write speeds. With these sorts of speeds, handling large files and demanding apps is effortless.
There are limits to the SSD. With up to 2TB storage capacity, this won’t fit the needs for heavy creative work, large video files, or other media (and lots of it). If you’re running Mac or Linux, you are going to need to perform some manual setup to get the drive working, which won’t appeal to those who want plug-and-play. And while the full metal exterior feels premium, other areas, such as the cooling fan mechanism, are less well-constructed.
For sheer speed from a portable SSD, the Adata SE920 excels.
Read our full Adata SE920 external SSD review
Fastest external SSD for Mac
The OWC Express 1M2 is our top choice for Mac - and it’s practically tailor-made for storing content.
With up to 8TB storage capacity, up to 3151MB/s speeds, and that Apple-friendly interface, media and content creation are the main focus here. Creators will have no trouble storing and managing large video, image, and files. But it’s just as suitable for high-volume data storage and back-up in offices and home offices.
The external drive is constructed from what the company calls ‘aircraft-grade aluminum’, and features USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt connectivity. You can also choose between DIY and pre-built models, letting you pick the best configuration and future-proofing your set-up. The Express 1M2 is available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB models, and you can choose between NVMe M.2 2230, 2242, and 2280 SSD.
We’ve called in a review sample - and we’ll let you know our thoughts once we go hands-on with the drive.
Fastest budget external SSD
For a cheap but fast external SSD, the SSK 1TB SSD looks like a good choice for under $100. This drive hasn’t been tested by us, but it’s generally been well-received, with good reviews on Amazon.
Promising 2000 MB/s, the device is available 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, which clocks in at $280 at the time of review. The company also suggests the SSD can maintain a transfer speed of 1.44GB/s even for a 250GB file. Overall, it appears to be a good all-rounder for data storage and back-up.
If you’d rather a budget SSD from a trusted brand that’s been reviewed by us, we recommend the Sandisk Extreme Pro V2. Like the SSK, this is an all-rounder. It’s also one of the fastest rugged external SSDs you can get, and costs a little over $100. For more details, check our Sandisk Extreme Pro V2 1TB external portable SSD review
Fastest rugged external SSD
Durable and fast, the LaCie Rugged Mini is the ideal choice for anyone working out in the field.
The Rugged Mini comes in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB variants. We tested the 2TB model, which managed sequential read/write speeds of 2049MB/s and 1842MB/s respectively. Connected to a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, it’s possible to hit 2,000MB/s transfer speeds.
For added peace of mind when transporting the external SSD, it boasts a 4ft (1.2m) drop resistance and a crush resistance of one ton. It also has a P54-rated for water and dust protection - so you’re protected against the rain, but not much else. The unit is also highly dependent on a single rubber plug to protect the ports.
If you’re looking for higher IP and MIL-STD ratings, and you’re happy to sacrifice some external SSD speeds, see our round-up of the best rugged hard drives.
Read our full LaCie Rugged Mini SSD review
Fastest external SSD for capacity
For large-scale data storage and fast file access, the 8TB version of the Teamgroup T-Force M200 is an excellent, unpretentious unit.
With a maximum storage capacity of 8TB, the Teamgroup T-Force M200 is matched only by the Mac-centric OWC Express 1M2 when it comes to our fastest external SSD recommendations. We went hands-on with the 4TB version, while a 2TB model is available if your capacity needs are smaller. We did find the drive - particularly at the 8TB mark - is expensive, and we were disappointed not to see lower capacity options available.
Testing via USB-C on a Windows 11 proved slower than we’d like. CrystalDiskMark: benchmarking results showed read/write speeds of 986MB/s and 1036MBps (write). However, the company states read/write speeds of up to 2GB/s are possible. So, to get the absolute best performance from the T-Force M200, we strongly recommend making sure you can have (or can add) USB 3.2 Gen2x2 functionality to your set-up.
Read our full Teamgroup T-Force M200 4TB external SSD review
Fastest secure external SSD
Designed and assembled in the USA, the Aegis NVX from Apricorn is a rugged, portable solid-state drive with an emphasis on security.
It seems like data is more valuable than gold or oil these days, so it’s absolutely vital to store, back-up, and protect it in a device built for security. The Aegis NVX boasts hardware-based 256-Bit AES XTS encryption, software-free setup, and a host-free onboard keypad authentication. Features include defense against brute-force attacks, admin and user modes, and a self-destruct PIN for when you fear the device has been lost or stolen. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it even has a IP68 IP rating for physical protection, too.
What the Aegis NVX lacks is a good connectivity range. The interface is only USB-C, but is compatible across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and Symbian.
When it comes to speed, Apricorn’s secure device has an advertised transfer speeds of 1000MB/s. We’ve requested a review sample to see how well it holds up during real-world testing.
For full security details, see the official Apricorn Aegis NVX site.
Fastest portable external SSD
For the fastest external SSD that’s as portable as they come, the Adata Elite UE800 ticks all the boxes.
This is one compact external drive, measuring just 73 x 21.3 x 8.9mm, and weight 13g. And just to prove how small and portable it is, the design also includes a loop for attaching a lanyard.
The drive is capable of up to 1000MB/s read/write - and in our own benchmarking tests, that appeared largely accurate. For example, in our CrystalDiskMark test, the Elite UE800 managed read/write speeds of 1074MB/s and 1001/MB/s.
Unfortunately, for a device this small, there’s no IP rating. Having said that, adding extra caps and rugged features would mess up the simple, pop-out functionality of the drive. But while it’s perfect for portability, we’d recommend making sure it’s safe and secure in transport.
Read our full Adata Elite UE800 1TB review
Fastest external SSD: FAQs
Why are external SSDs slower than internal SSDs?
The fastest SSD we’ve tested is the Crucial T705 which reaches read/write speeds of 14.1GB/s and 12.6GB/s respectively using the popular CrystalDiskMark test. In comparison, the fastest external SSD can only deliver 3.8GB/s and 3.05GB/s with the same software.
The performance disparity between internal and external SSDs stems from their connection methods to the computer. Internal SSDs utilize interfaces such as SATA, PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, or even PCIe 5.0, which enable SSD drives to operate at their native speeds by providing a direct motherboard connection.
Conversely, external SSDs connect through USB or Thunderbolt ports - the standard external interfaces on computers - which create a bottleneck. Historically, these have been slower than internal connections. However, as technology advances, this gap is closing.
Modern external SSDs connected via USB are typically limited to 10Gbps, or 20Gbps with USB 3.2 2x2. Thunderbolt 3 SSDs are capped at a theoretical 40Gbps, translating to around 2900MB/s in practical use. USB4 SSDs improve upon this with up to 3800MB/s real-world performance.
The upcoming Thunderbolt 5 promises to further reduce the gap with 80Gbps, surpassing many internal SSDs’ capabilities. Thus, while SSD speeds have improved rapidly, port connection speeds are catching up, heralding a future with a hope for a more narrow performance gap between internal and external SSDs.
What are the differences between USB flash drives and external SSDs?
In recent years, technological improvements have allowed external SSDs to be squeezed into form factors that are similar to USB flash drives (or thumb sticks as they are often called). As such, there has been a number of vendors that have products that straddle both categories. An external SSD that has the shape of a flash drive is usually faster and slightly more expensive than its counterpart, at similar capacities. They will have the same connector (USB Type-C and/or USB Type-A) and are usually available in higher capacities.
How can I get a faster external SSD?
The maximum theoretical speed of Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4.0 is 5GBps. Which means that the current speed champion, the Adata SE920, is not that far once you account for data overheads. 4GBps is definitely doable but beyond this, it will be a matter of marginal benefits. Faster speeds are coming as Thunderbolt 5 rolls out but don’t expect any improvements for a couple of years.
Should I build my own super fast external SSD?
Yes, you absolutely can and it is much easier than you think. Get an internal SSD and a compatible empty enclosure, preferably one that is USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt 4 compliant and off you go! Remember that what you gain in terms of flexibility (you can swap SSDs when you want), you lose in terms of size as they are usually much bigger (and heavier) due to lack of integration. Although technically possible, I have yet to see an enclosure that can combine two NVMe internal SSDs into one virtual drive and doesn’t need an external power supply.
- Thanks to Larry O'Connor, CEO and Founder of Other World Computing, for his advice when writing this piece.
I have also produced a guide of the fastest SSDs you can get right now.
