
Too Many External SSDs? Here's How to Choose the Right One
Consider these five key factors when selecting the perfect external SSD for your needs.
Last updated 3 weeks ago. Automatically generated content.


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Storage capacity determines how much data an external SSD can hold, influencing the types of files and the total amount of data you can store. Selecting the right capacity is crucial for ensuring you have enough space for your needs, whether for personal use or professional projects.
Popular options
Up to 1 TB
Typical price
76,– to 160,–Ideal for users who need to store basic files such as documents, photos, and some videos.
Best for everyday use and casual storage needs, offering a budget-friendly solution.
Bestseller
1 - 2 TB
Typical price
120,– to 220,–Offers ample space for larger media files like movies, music libraries, and extensive photo collections.
Suitable for moderate to heavy users who require additional storage for work or entertainment.
Bestseller
2 - 4 TB
Typical price
170,– to 440,–Provides a large amount of storage, accommodating extensive digital libraries and professional files.
Perfect for professionals and content creators who need significant storage capacity for large projects.
Bestseller
Write transfer speed refers to how quickly data can be written to the SSD, which affects the performance of tasks such as saving files or transferring data. Choosing the right speed is crucial for ensuring efficient workflows, especially for tasks that involve large file sizes or frequent data writes.
Popular options
Up to 500 MB/s
Typical price
76,– to 460,–Provides basic write speeds, suitable for everyday tasks like document editing or casual media storage.
Ideal for users with light data transfer needs, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on basic functionality.
Bestseller
501 - 1000 MB/s
Typical price
89,– to 200,–Offers moderate write speeds, balancing performance and efficiency for diverse tasks.
Perfect for users who regularly handle moderate-sized files, ensuring smoother and faster data handling.
Bestseller
1001 - 2000 MB/s
Typical price
120,– to 290,–Delivers high write speeds for demanding tasks like video editing or large data transfers.
Recommended for professionals and power users who require quick and efficient data writing capabilities for optimal productivity.
Bestseller
The interface of an external SSD determines how it connects to a computer or device, influencing data transfer speeds. Choosing the right interface is crucial for achieving optimal performance and compatibility with your devices.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
USB-C
Typical price
94,– to 290,–Supports high-speed data transfer and power delivery capabilities.
Ideal for modern devices, offering versatility and faster connections compared to older USB standards.
Bestseller
Thunderbolt 3
Typical price
230,– to 840,–Provides extremely fast data transfer rates, significantly higher than standard USB interfaces.
Best for professional users needing rapid data access, such as video editors or graphic designers.
Bestseller
USB 3.2 Gen 2
Typical price
89,– to 190,–Offers enhanced data transfer speeds compared to USB 3.0, up to 10 Gbps.
Suitable for users who need faster transfer rates without the premium cost of Thunderbolt 3.
Bestseller
USB 3.0
Typical price
48,– to 170,–Delivers reliable performance with data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps.
Good for general use, offering compatibility with a wide range of devices at an affordable price.
Bestseller
The form factor of an external SSD determines its size, shape, and compatibility with different devices. Choosing the right form factor is crucial as it affects portability, installation, and overall convenience when using the SSD in various settings.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
2.5"
Typical price
130,– to 490,–Standard size for most external SSDs, offering wide compatibility with laptops and desktops.
Ideal for users seeking a balance between portability and storage capacity, fitting easily into most external enclosures.
Bestseller
M.2
Typical price
85,– to 300,–Compact and slim design, typically used for internal installations but available in enclosures for external use.
Perfect for users needing high-speed data transfer in a portable form, suitable for ultrabooks and compact devices.
Bestseller
3.5"
Typical price
130,– to 180,–Larger form factor usually associated with desktop drives, providing extensive storage capacity.
Best suited for users prioritizing storage space over portability, often used in stationary setups.
Bestseller
M.2 2280
Typical price
89,– to 260,–Specific variant of M.2 with an 80mm length, offering high performance in a compact size.
Useful for those requiring a blend of speed and small footprint, compatible with many modern laptops and devices.
Bestseller
Choosing the right brand for an external SSD can significantly impact reliability, performance, and compatibility. Brands like Samsung, SanDisk, and WD offer a range of options tailored to different needs, from high-speed data transfer to robust durability.
Popular brands (you can select more than one)
Samsung
Renowned for its high-performance SSDs with advanced V-NAND technology.
Ideal for demanding applications, offering exceptional speed and longevity.
Bestseller
Sandisk
Known for affordable and versatile external SSD solutions.
Provides reliable options for everyday use, perfect for those seeking value without compromising on quality.
Bestseller
Seagate
Offers a broad range of external storage devices, including robust SSDs.
Great for users needing extensive storage with a balance of speed and portability.
Bestseller
WD
Specializes in durable SSDs with strong security features.
Excellent choice for professionals requiring secure and dependable data storage.
Bestseller
Kingston
Famous for cost-effective SSDs with reliable performance.
Suitable for budget-conscious users looking for dependable everyday storage solutions.
Bestseller