The best portable SSDs for 2024

External SSDs offer a faster, smaller, and more reliable alternative to traditional portable hard drives for backing up data, transferring files, or offloading games. When choosing an external SSD, consider the storage capacity needed, with a general rule of thumb being twice the size of your computer's internal storage. Price is also a factor, with larger capacity drives often offering a better price-per-gigabyte ratio. Transfer speeds vary based on the USB interface supported, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 being a sweet spot for everyday users, while Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 offer the fastest speeds. Beyond the interface, performance depends on factors like the controller, flash memory type, and DRAM cache. Durability is a key advantage of SSDs due to their lack of moving parts, and some models offer added ruggedness and waterproofing. While SSDs are generally reliable, regular backups are crucial, and longer warranty periods offer peace of mind. Encryption and software features can enhance security and management, but are not essential for all users. To evaluate performance, we tested SSDs within their respective speed classes, considering factors like sequential and random read/write speeds. We prioritized models with positive user feedback and avoided those with reported reliability issues. Size and weight are generally negligible for most portable SSDs, but we highlight any outliers. Our testing involved both macOS and Windows systems, formatting drives accordingly. We focused on pre-built models for simplicity, although DIY options using enclosures exist. Ultimately, the best external SSD for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and the capabilities of your devices.