Solid-state drives (SSD) have become highly sought after by gamers and multimedia professionals.
They offer dazzling speeds and better durability than hard-disk drives due to the absence of moving components (no spinning platters!).
Although SSDs are still expensive, their prices have come down to make them more accessible to everyday users. You can get up to 2TB SSD storage for around $150.
Speeds, build, and thermal dynamics are the most significant lookouts for 2TB SSD drives. It is also a good idea to check the USB-C connector is well-protected as it can be prone to damage in less optimal designs.
Top 10 Best 2TB Portable External SSD 2024 (USB 3.2 Gen 2 & Type-C)
While Samsung and SanDisk occupy prestigious and well-entrenched positions in this category, users can also consider newer options like Crucial and Seagate.
Good old Western Digital has some inexpensive but competent solid-state drives. Curated are the best picks available in stores on a $150 to $250 budget.
1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
Pros
- High speeds
- Trustworthy build
- Backward compatible
- Offers password protection and encryption
Cons
- The cable is a bit small
- It lacks a power indicator
This speedy and resilient SSD offers read/write rates of 1050MB/s and stays unaffected by water and dust (IP65).
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme at $158 is immensely popular in this space, coveted for its portability and fall resistance (up to 3 meters).
Although it is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive, you can connect it to USB-A ports. The backward compatibility makes it a flexible data solution, while its 256-bit AES encryption keeps your data safe.
2. SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External SSD
Pros
- Good and speedy performance
- Aluminum build for longevity
- Efficient heat management
Cons
- Quite expensive
- The warranty cover is for three years and not five as provided by some competitors
The SAMSUNG SSD T7 lives up to its family legacy, delivering speeds of 1,050 MB/s, performance, and reliability.
This USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive is ideal for gamers and creative professionals because of its steeper pricing. However, it can also work well for business and student use.
The thermal frontier is worth applauding as the drive remains comfortably cool for extended periods. Further, the compact body uses aluminum to keep your drive safe longer and avoid fall-related damage (6 feet).
3. Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB
Pros
- Perfect for Xbox gamers
- Offers quick resume
- Very easy to set up
Cons
- Too pricey
- May be overkill for casual gamers
- The speed is lower than that of an internal SSD
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB is worth every dollar if you are an Xbox gaming aficionado.
It costs around $250 but has fantastic space for an Xbox Series X|S console. It also supports quick resumes to let you continue the game where you last left, with no time wasted.
Specially designed for the Velocity architecture, this SSD allows you to switch between titles in a blink while maintaining frame rates and graphical performance.
4. SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD
Pros
- Affordable SSD
- Suitable for versatile uses, including photography
- Portable design
Cons
- The speeds are relatively low
- Lower drop protection
The SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD is more affordable for day-to-day computing needs.
It will cost you approximately $119 and provide rates of 800MB/s. The speeds are lower than many competitors, but you can still transfer high-resolution multimedia much faster than HDDs.
It is a portable and well-built drive, sustaining falls of up to two feet, although we don’t suggest you give that a test! Many users attach it to a backpack; the rubber hook is sturdy.
5. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD
Pros
- Brilliant pick for content professionals
- Resilient build and design with color options
- Compatible with numerous devices, including iPhones
- Competent speeds
Cons
- Not affordable for all users
Creative pros will find much to love in the SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB drive, built to weather rough handling, water, dust, and falls up to 9.8 feet.
This IP65-rated SSD operates at 1050MB/s and can store heaps of intensive data to free up space on your primary device.
Samsung guarantees multi-device compatibility, from gaming consoles to iPhones and Type-A ports. These drives are available in bright colors like blue – why be boring?
6. SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
Pros
- Excellent speeds for gamers
- Stays cool during operation
- Has integrated software to monitor drive performance
Cons
- The price point is steep
- Some users may not find it offers value for money
The speeds in this category are by no means limited. The futurist Kurzweil claims that technological progress and innovation accelerate exponentially.
Consequently, the SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB operates at 2,000MB/s. This $239 SSD is superb for fluid gameplay and professionals who use demanding applications at work, like photographers and data scientists.
Samsung uses effective thermals and dedicated Magician Software to keep the drive healthy and optimal.
7. Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD
Pros
- Good all-round data storage solution
- Durable construction
- Employs data security measures like encryption
Cons
- Lower fall tolerance
- The cable is small
- It does not have an activity light, which can be confusing
As a tech manufacturer, Western Digital has sustained in a fierce market, primarily due to its quality products.
The Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD is rugged and sturdy, delivering portable data storage for different users. It can withstand falls up to 1.98 meters. The speeds range up to 1,050 MB/s.
This drive emphasizes your privacy and provides hardware-based encryption and password protection.
8. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD
Pros
- Electrifying speeds
- Resistance to water and dust is solid
- Stunning and meticulous design with activity light
Cons
- Some users may miss the security of a more established brand
- Actual speeds can be inconsistent
- The drop protection is not the best
Imagine read/write speeds of 2,000 to 2,100MB/s – what a thrill for anyone who values time! The Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD is sturdily built, compact, and lasting.
Crucial even offers up freebies like a free subscription to Mylio Photos+.
The design, created with Micron, stands out for its use of anodized aluminum, a rubberized feel, and an activity light many rivals miss.
9. SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD
Pros
- Among the highest R/W speeds in the category
- Higher dust and water resistance than competitors
- Compatible with various ports like Thunderbolt 3
- Good resistance to crush
Cons
- Intimidatingly priced
- Some users complain about the cable design
Much like the name, the SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD caters to audio-visual experts who demand raw speeds up to 3000MB/s and best-in-class protection from dust and water (IP68).
It is compatible with multiple ports and devices, including Thunderbolt 3.
It is a durable device, boasting fall protection up to 3 meters and a crush resistance of 4000 lbs. The aluminum design also contributes to favorable thermal dynamics.
10. Western Digital 2TB D30 Game SSD
Pros
- Cheap choice for gaming consoles
- Stylish design for entertainment dens
- Robust build
Cons
- The speeds are somewhat low
- Not the best all-round choice compared to other SSDs
A reasonably priced SSD for gaming consoles, the Western Digital 2TB D30 Game SSD works with PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs.
It offers 900MB/s speeds – a tad low, but good for the price – and gives you a convenient and speedy data storage option.
You can enjoy your cherished gaming titles comfortably without the frustration of slow-load screens.
What to look for – 2TB Portable External SSD
Speed being a highlight of SSDs, you cannot compromise on the rates while purchasing these storage drives. The general data read/write rates you can expect are 1,050 MB/s.
An optimized heat management system is paramount to keeping the drive cool. It also makes it more sustainable and circumvents the problem of excessive heat, a common complaint of many HDDs.
While purchasing a portable SSD, you should also check the build quality. For instance, a metallic body will be more durable and damage-resistant to daily use. Many manufacturers offer resistance to shock, vibration, and falls up to 10 feet.
Conclusion
Samsung SSDs stand out in a highly competitive market for their reliability, performance, and heat management. SanDisk drives are excellent picks for diverse users, including gamers and business-people.
Brands like Crucial are experimenting with innovative designs. Whichever drive you pick, know that you are bringing home fantastic, high-speed storage that will ramp up day-to-day computing in style.