Excellent speed, tons of storage, and much better durability than traditional HDDs – what more could an ardent gamer or multimedia expert ask for? External solid-state drives deliver fantastic data storage and transfer rates and are getting more affordable.
Not everyone will be looking for 4TB of storage; you want that heft of space for high-resolution videos, raw photographs, competitive games, and demanding audio-visual projects. In these areas, USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSDs deliver and how.
Usually, you will find external SSDs designed for Type-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports. However, they offer backward compatibility with Type-A to keep your usage flexible and convenient.
Top 7 Best 4TB Portable External SSD 2024 (USB 3.2 Gen 2 & Type-C)
The SSDs below operate at speeds in the 2,000 to 3,000 MB/s range and are highly rated for durable performance.
Many are from the Samsung and SanDisk portfolios – the giants in this category – but competitors like Western Digital and Crucial also have impressive drives.
1. SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD
Pros
- High-speed, durable performance
- Shows resistance to dust and water
- Includes hardware encryption
- Compact, portable design
Cons
- Expensive
- The drive can get too hot
- Some users find the speeds lower than stated
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO SSD operates at 2000MB/s while offering excellent resistance to water and dust (IP65) and drops up to three meters. This sturdily-built drive uses the latest firmware and justifies its steep price tag of $319.
The drive uses hardware encryption to safeguard your data. It is well suited to travel with its compact body that easily fits into your pocket. Plus, it works with multiple devices, including Mac and Type-A ports, so flexibility isn’t a concern.
2. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD
Pros
- Good damage resistance
- Uses custom software to monitor drive health
- Smooth device compatibility includes iPhone 15
- Eye-catching and colorful design
Cons
- Quite costly
- The speeds are not the highest
- Can attract dust
The SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB is best known for its attractive, rugged, and colorful design that withstands dust and water. It won’t get damaged after falls of up to almost 3 meters (9.8 feet).
This SSD runs at around 1050MB/s. It is a bit lower than other picks on the list but still thrillingly fast.
Its compatibility with other devices is hassle-free, covering laptops, Android devices, Macs, consoles, and an iPhone 15. The Magician software monitors the drive’s health, assisting with optimization, security, and LED colors.
3. SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD
Pros
- Decent all-round performance
- Can handle natural elements like dust
- Keeps sensitive data secure
- Shows backward compatibility
Cons
- Some SSDs offer higher speeds
- The USB-C connector needs more protection to avoid damage
One of the most loved external SSDs by avid gamers is the SanDisk 4TB Extreme, rated up to 1050MB/s. It is a resilient drive designed to tolerate dust and water (IP65) and drops of three meters.
It also boasts design elements that enhance portability, like a carabiner loop to attach to a backpack. The contents of your drive stay safe through AES hardware encryption (256-bit).
4. SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB
Pros
- Brilliant speeds
- Good thermal management
- Suitable for different audiences
- Compatible with several devices, including an iPhone 15
Cons
- Steep pricing
- You might need an expansion card to achieve the advertised speeds
- It might be overkill for some users
The SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD can give you immersive experiences, albeit at a higher budget of around $350. This USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSD can operate at 2,000MB/s.
Satisfying thermals and compatibility with various devices are prime bonuses of this drive. You can also use it with an iPhone 15, with the drive easily fitting into your tech ecosystem. The Magician software keeps tabs on drive health for you.
5. Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD
Pros
- Compact and highly portable design
- Helpful for diverse users
- Good day-to-day performance
- Offers 5-year manufacturer warranty (limited)
Cons
- You can find higher speeds in rival portfolios
- Lower drop resistance
- The cable can feel short
Trustworthy and an excellent traveler, the Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD is a fabulous everyday drive. It shows speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and is compatible with USB-A ports.
It can handle vibration, shock, and falls, although the drop limit is lower, at 1.98 meters.
The hallmark of this efficient drive is 256-bit AES hardware encryption to protect your data. Plus, it comes in vivid colors like red to brighten your day!
6. Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD
Pros
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Can withstand dust and water
- Well-suited to creative professionals
- Reputed for meticulous design
Cons
- You might struggle to find a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port
- The drop resistance is only 2 meters
The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB portable SSD is a relatively newer brand delighting audiences with its superb speeds of up to 2100MB/s.
It comes from the house of Micron, the well-established American company, and offers good dust and water resistance. Crucial provides a free time-bound subscription to Mylio Photos+ with the purchase, thus sweetening the deal.
It is a long-lasting, well-designed drive with resistance to water, dust, and falls.
7. SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD
Pros
- Top-tier speeds
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3
- Higher water and dust resistance than competitors
Cons
- Super expensive
- You will get lower speeds via USB-C
Professionals, the SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD can be your best friend, exactly as claimed. It can work at speeds of 3000MB/s, depending on your port availability.
This USB-C drive also works with Thunderbolt 3, rated at 40Gbps.
Another stellar feature of this SSD is its IP68 resistance to dust and water, making traveling bother-free. While it caters mainly to ardent gamers and creative professionals, business users or students can benefit from the unbridled performance if they have the budget (around $400).
What to look for – 4TB Portable External SSD
You obviously desire immense space and speed if you invest in a 4TB external SSD. So, ensure you get rates upwards of 1,050 MB/s going up to 3,000.
The drive must be sturdy and reliable, designed to weather daily usage, shocks, vibrations, and falls. You should get drop protection of at least 2 meters, if not more – life can be unpredictable!
The thermal configuration of the SSD is imperative to keeping things cool and sustainable. Preferably, look for a build that prioritizes protection for the USB-C connectors and has convenient cabling.
You can secure your data as some drives support hardware encryption and password-led security.
Device compatibility is another must for any drive worth its weight. The SSD should work with laptops, gaming consoles, and older ports like Type-A.
Some drives are specially tailored for consoles like Xbox and offer tailored features like a speedy connection to the Velocity architecture and quick resume for ongoing games.
You can find SSDs in varied designs and build standards. Portability-boosting features like a lanyard hole, a rubber grip, etc., can be handy for frequent travelers.
Conclusion
Getting an external SSD to support a gaming passion can be one of your best decisions. The improvement in overall speeds and convenience is terrific.
With multiple choices available in the market, it is better to pick per your individual needs of transfer rates, device compatibility, rough handling habits, and special features like password protection.