SSDs – solid state drives – come with umpteen benefits for computing, led by excellent speed and durability. Unlike hard-disk drives (HDDs), they lack moving parts like spinning platters, which helps them resist damage.
Most commonly, you will find SSDs with a USB 3.2 Type-C interface, operating at 10 Gbps. However, they can work with other ports as well so you have the flexibility of using them with various devices.
That said, external SSDs are still more expensive than hard disk drives. For instance, 4TB HDDs are available in the $100 to $200 range. So, while you will need hard disk drives to accommodate massive data on a budget, SSDs offer unmatched speeds and performance for gaming, photo editing, etc.
Solid-state drives also make good choices for storing backups. Keeping your primary backup on a hard drive can be risky. A safer approach is SSD storage combined with a desktop drive and the cloud.
Top 7 Best 1TB Portable External SSD 2024 (USB 3.2 Gen 2 & Type-C)
Curated here are easy-to-use, fast external SSDs to store games, audio-visual files, business documents, you name it.
Multiple options exist in the marketplace, from drives by market leaders like Samsung to more adventurous offerings by Crucial. The pricing starts at as low as $80, making high-speed data storage accessible to more users.
1. SAMSUNG T7 Portable 1TB SSD
Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Compatible with multiple devices
- Durable and attractive design
- Good thermal management
Cons
- It does not have a five-year warranty
- Pricier than some other drives
Experience rapid speeds and reliability with the SAMSUNG SSD T7, reasonably priced at around $100. It is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive delivering speeds up to 1,050 MB/s.
Connecting it to various devices (laptops, Macs, consoles, etc.) and ports (Type A and C) is straightforward. Thanks to dynamic thermal management, things remain cool.
This device uses aluminum for additional protection and offers shock resistance and password protection. Samsung keeps you covered with a three-year warranty.
2. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
Pros
- Speedy performance
- Durable build to resist falls
- Compatible with different ports and devices
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- The USB-C port could do with better protection
- It can get hot during operation
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme is another great pick for durable, spacious storage. It boasts data transfer speeds of 1050MB/s.
Portability is an immense advantage of this drive, letting gamers, multimedia professionals, etc., carry along their world of data. Or, you can attach it to a belt or backpack.
SanDisk guarantees fall protection up to 3 meters (almost 10 feet), even better than its Samsung contemporary. Plus, it is IP65-rated to withstand water and dust.
3. Seagate Storage Expansion Card For Xbox Series XS
Pros
- Ideal for Xbox gaming consoles
- Direct setup
- Offers quick resume for your games
Cons
- Much more expensive than other options
- Does not offer value to gamers who prefer other consoles
This external SSD is perfect for Xbox lovers (or Xbox 360 and One) desiring smooth, fluid connection without compromising frame rates or graphics quality.
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card can connect to the Velocity architecture in seconds. The essence of this architecture is asset streaming, improving load times while reducing space occupied.
Overall, it is a plug-and-play drive performing the part of your console’s internal SSD in style. The company offers a 3-year warranty.
4. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB Portable External Solid State Drive
Pros
- Good value for money for diverse audiences
- Speedy data transfer
- Offers optimization settings
- Cool and durable
Cons
- The warranty period is three years
- The design is somewhat bulky
Another top-notch SSD from the leading tech manufacturer is the SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB, popular for reliability and performance. It has competent data transfer speeds of 1050MB/s, which is terrific for gamers and creative professionals like photographers.
The USB 3.2 Gen2 drive bears an IP65 rating for resistance to dust and water. It is also strong enough to handle major drops of 9.8 feet.
Another advantage is the Samsung Magician toolkit for optimization, monitoring, LED colors, etc., and satisfying heat management.
5. SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 1TB
Pros
- Super-fast speeds
- Good heat management
- Benefits from regular drive health monitoring
- High portability
Cons
- Feels more expensive
- Some users complain about dust collection
Speed-wise, the SAMSUNG T9 supports speeds of 2,000MB/s. It is among the highest in this category, delighting gamers and professionals alike. For example, you can enjoy 4K video at 60fps on an iPhone 15 Pro.
The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drive uses an efficient heat management system to keep the performance unaffected. The Magician Software checks on your drive, monitoring its health and offering encryption. It’s a welcome feature to up the longevity of your drive, saving money for other gaming essentials.
6. WD 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
Pros
- Good all-round performance for day-to-day tasks
- Visually appealing and durable design
- Supports password protection
- Has backward compatibility
Cons
- The drop resistance is lower than available in this space
- The cables feel a little short for comfort
A cost-effective and capable external SSD is the WD 1TB, costing less than $100. It has a rugged, silvery appearance and good speeds of 1050MB/s.
Further, you can use password-based security and hardware encryption to keep your confidential data safe. It is also backward-compatible to allow use with Type-A ports.
WD has created a long-lasting drive that can resist shocks, vibrations, and drops (up to 6.5 feet).
7. Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD
Pros
- Among the fastest available drives
- Standout design with aluminum body
- Resistant to dust and water
Cons
- Lesser known brand, with some users reporting quality concerns
- The drop resistance is relatively low
Check this out: the Crucial X10 Pro 1TB can transfer data at speeds up to 2100MB/s. The splendid drive works with multiple devices – Mac included – and resists water and dust.
It is a portable, value-for-money pick for anyone who appreciates blazing-fast speeds. A three-month subscription to Mylio Photos+ is a nice bonus.
The design elements of this USB 3.2 external SSD are awe-inspiring, thanks to the inputs from Micron. The compact body uses anodized aluminum and has a rubberized base, an activity light, and a lanyard hole.
What to look for – 1TB Portable External SSD
The priority for most users is speed. A 1TB external SSD can operate between 1,050 to over 2,000 MB/s, facilitating faster data transfer for gamers and audio-visual connoisseurs. The drive should be sustainably built with efficient heat management to remain optimal over time.
Ensure the external SSD is compatible with your device, whether a Mac, a gaming console, etc. Generally, most manufacturers integrate backward compatibility with Type-A ports.
The build quality is another consideration. In this chaotic, fast-paced world, prioritizing sturdiness and resistance to dust and water is vital.
Since portability is prime for these drives, you should get protection against shocks, falls, etc. A typical fall protection range is 6 to 10 feet. You can find products in bright colors, like red and blue, with metallic bodies and compact form factors.
Further, the drive should store your data reliably, employing encryption, password protection, etc., for sensitive files.
Conclusion
Samsung and SanDisk are the leading players in the 1TB external SSD space, followed by Seagate and WD. These brands deliver high quality and durability with terrific speeds suitable for versatile audiences.
Newer companies like Crucial are attempting to surpass the speed standards of their competitors. It’s a rich market out there, with plenty of choices for you to peruse.