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Best Portable SSDs for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 28th, 2024

💾Hey there! If you're like me, always running out of storage space or needing to quickly transfer large files, you'll know how essential a good external SSD is. In 2024, thanks to all the new tech and faster interfaces like USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt, portable SSDs have become the go-to choice over traditional hard drives.

They're just faster, more reliable, and super handy for all sorts of tasks. Whether you need blisteringly fast performance, unbeatable value, or durability that can withstand some bumps and bruises, I've got some top picks that should cover all your needs.

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Overall Best: SanDisk Professional PRO-G40

SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD - Up to 3000MB/s, Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps), USB-C (10Gbps), IP68 dust/Water Resistance, External Solid State Drive - SDPS31H-004T-GBCND

The SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 stands out as our top pick for the best overall portable SSD in 2024. Featuring impressive read speeds nearing 3000MB/s via Thunderbolt, this SSD is perfect for professionals who need ultra-fast file transfers. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand drops and water exposure, making it a reliable companion for those constantly on the move. Although it commands a premium price, the PRO-G40 excels in delivering top-tier performance and reliability, making it worth every penny for serious users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$392.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How durable is the SanDisk PRO-G40 SSD?

The SanDisk PRO-G40 SSD, particularly the 4TB model, is built tough to handle high-speed data tasks. It offers fast transfer speeds—up to 3000MB/s reading and 2500MB/s writing using Thunderbolt 3. It's described by the manufacturer as supporting both Thunderbolt 3 at 40Gbps and USB-C at 10Gbps, which makes it pretty flexible for different devices and setups. This can be super handy for folks like video editors or graphic designers working with big files. On the durability front, the PRO-G40 is quite strong, featuring IP68 dust and water resistance. Our research points out that it's a solid pick for anyone needing a drive that can survive a bit of rough treatment, perfect for those always on the move. Its rugged design helps keep your data safe even if you're working in challenging environments. However, there are a few hiccups. Some people have run into issues with the [Thunderbolt 3 cable](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DThunderbolt%2B3%2Bcable%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) that comes with it, which has led to annoying connectivity drops. If you get this drive, you might want to think about getting a better quality Thunderbolt cable to avoid these problems and make the most out of its capabilities. There's also been some talk about performance being inconsistent on different systems. You might need to update the firmware or reformat the SSD to get it working just right. Also, the drive can heat up during heavy use, so keeping an eye on temperatures might help with long-term reliability. In short, the SanDisk PRO-G40 is a high-performing and durable SSD, but be ready to make a few tweaks, like dealing with the cable and managing heat. Once sorted, it should serve you well in demanding professional settings.

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Does the SanDisk PRO-G40 SSD work with both Thunderbolt and USB-C?

Hey! About the SanDisk PRO-G40 SSD, it does a great job working with both Thunderbolt and USB-C connections. According to the manufacturer's info and what we've found, it's compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 as well as USB-C. When you use it with Thunderbolt 3, you'll notice it really shines. The manufacturer claims it can reach read speeds up to 3000 MB/s and write speeds up to 2500 MB/s, which makes it ideal for stuff like video editing or handling big file transfers. It takes advantage of the 40 Gbps bandwidth that Thunderbolt 3/4 offers to speed up those large data transfers. Now, even though Thunderbolt is its strong suit, the SSD also does a pretty solid job with USB-C. It's not quite as fast as Thunderbolt, but still good for most people who prefer or need this connection. The SSD operates at USB 10 Gbps, and from what we've gathered in our research, you might see read speeds around 2480 MB/s and writes close to 2400 MB/s, which is impressive for USB-C. A heads-up: the quality of the cable can make a difference. Some folks found the cable that comes with it to be a bit iffy, which might cause connection issues or affect performance. You might want to consider getting a reliable [third-party Thunderbolt cable](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dthird-party%2Bthunderbolt%2Bcable%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to make sure you're getting the most out of your SSD. In short, if you're looking for a fast and durable external SSD that works with both Thunderbolt and USB-C, the SanDisk PRO-G40 is a solid pick. Just make sure you've got a good cable to ensure optimal performance.

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What is the transfer speed of the SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD?

The SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD is known for its impressive transfer speeds. According to the manufacturer's description, it supports both [Thunderbolt 3](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dthunderbolt%2B3%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [USB-C](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dusbc%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) connectivity, offering read speeds up to 3000 MB/s and write speeds up to 2500 MB/s. This makes it a solid option for tasks that involve moving large files, like video editing. That said, getting those top speeds isn't always a given. Our research points out that some folks have noticed slower transfer rates, especially with the cable that comes with the SSD. It seems the bundled cable might default to lower USB speeds instead of fully taking advantage of Thunderbolt. A common suggestion is to switch to a high-quality [Thunderbolt 3](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dthunderbolt%2B3%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Thunderbolt 4](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dthunderbolt%2B4%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) cable to get better stability and closer to the advertised speeds. Keep in mind that actual performance can vary due to factors like your connection type, the quality of your cable, and your system's compatibility. For example, to really tap into this SSD's potential, your device needs to support Thunderbolt 3. In short, the PRO-G40 SSD can deliver great performance if you tackle any initial cable issues with a reliable third-party choice. With the right setup, you can hit those high speeds and enjoy fast data transfers. If you’re looking for even faster performance, you might want to consider other Thunderbolt-based storage options, but that could mean spending more and dealing with a bit more setup complexity.

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Runner-up: Crucial X10 Pro

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write - Water and dust Resistant, PC and Mac, with Mylio Photos+ Offer - USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive - CT4000X10PROSSD902

For those seeking an excellent combination of performance, durability, and price, the Crucial X10 Pro is our runner-up pick. It offers swift data transfer speeds of up to 2000MB/s and is available in capacities of up to 4TB. With an IP55 protection rating, the X10 Pro is both dust and water-resistant, making it suitable for various environments. Additionally, it incorporates hardware encryption to secure your data, making it a solid choice for both general consumers and professionals alike.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$289.99 at Amazon

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Budget Option: Transcend ESD310C

If you're on a budget but still need a reliable portable SSD, the Transcend ESD310C is an excellent choice. While it may not boast the fastest speeds available—delivering solid performance for its price—it’s ideal for casual users needing to back up files or transfer documents efficiently. The drive's dual USB Type-A and Type-C ports provide added versatility, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, which is a significant advantage at this price point.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$38.99 at Amazon

Best for Durability: LaCie Rugged Mini SSD

LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 2TB Solid State Drive - USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, speeds up to 2000MB/s, Compatible with PC, Mac, and iPad (STMF2000400)

When durability is a priority, the LaCie Rugged Mini SSD is an outstanding pick. Designed by Neil Poulton, its bright orange, shock-absorbing sleeve makes it highly visible and able to withstand harsh conditions. With read speeds up to 1050MB/s, it combines toughness with solid performance, making it an ideal choice for fieldwork or travel. Users have appreciated its resilience and reliability, making it a go-to for those who need an SSD that can handle rugged environments.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$189.99 at Amazon

Best for Gaming: Samsung T7 Touch

SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD - 2 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Metallic Silver (MU-PC2T0S/WW)

For gamers seeking fast, secure storage, the Samsung T7 Touch is our top recommendation. It delivers speeds of up to 1050MB/s, ensuring quick load times and smooth gaming experiences. The built-in fingerprint scanner offers an extra layer of security for your data. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, making it perfect for gaming on the go. According to user reviews, its combination of speed and security has made it a favorite in the gaming community.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$339.99 at Amazon

Best Value: Adata SE760

ADATA SE760 1TB SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C Up to 1000 MB/s External Portable SSD Black (ASE760-1TU32G2-CBK) 1 tb black

The Adata SE760 is our pick for best value, offering remarkable data transfer speeds and a durable build at a budget-friendly price. It supports both USB Type-C and Type-A connections, which adds flexibility for different devices. Available in capacities from 250GB to 1TB, it provides excellent performance without breaking the bank. Users have praised its affordability and reliable performance, making it an excellent option for anyone seeking a high-quality SSD within a budget.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$119.00 at Amazon

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