Best External SSDs Under $500
All External SSDsHand-picked external ssds priced under $500, ranked by weighted Amazon ratings. 7 picks updated regularly.
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB offers the same 1050/1000MB/s performance and AES 256-bit encryption as the larger model, in a 58g aluminum body certified to a 6-foot drop. Buyers cite reliable Mac an...
Why we like it: The everyday 2TB workhorse external SSD; runs warm under heavy continuous workloads but holds rated speeds for normal use.
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB hits the sweet spot of price and capacity with up to 1050MB/s reads, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and password protection via the Samsung Magician app
Why we like it: A great value 1TB pocket SSD with brisk speeds; software-only encryption is its only real shortfall.
A 1TB USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSD with up to 1050 MB/s reads and IP65 dust and water resistance. Reviewers praise the rugged enclosure and reliability, while some note the older controller has had fi...
Why we like it: A trusted rugged portable SSD for travelers needing fast on-the-go storage.
SanDisk Extreme 2TB delivers up to 1050 MB/s with USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and an IP65 rating against water and dust. Buyers praise the rugged silicone shell and the carabiner loop for clipping to a bag. Some ...
Why we like it: A road-warrior SSD that survives the kind of abuse mobile creators throw at it.
Crucial X9 hits up to 1050 MB/s over USB 3.2 USB-C and weighs barely an ounce in a pocket-sized aluminum shell
Why we like it: A reliable everyday portable SSD that nails the price-to-speed ratio for backups and game libraries.
A 1TB pocketable SSD with hardware encryption and 256-bit AES password protection
Why we like it: A solid option for users who prioritize hardware encryption and brand reliability.
A waterproof IP67-rated 1TB external SSD in an aluminum shell with a removable bumper guard
Why we like it: A go-anywhere rugged SSD for outdoor photographers and travelers.
Compare Features
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Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB
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Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
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SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD (Old Model)
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SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD up to 1050 MB/s IP65
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Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD up to 1050 MB/s
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Western Digital 1TB My Passport Portable SSD
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SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 1TB IP67 USB 3.2 SSD
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 TB | 1 TB | 1TB | — | — | 1TB | 1TB |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | — | — | USB-C | USB 3.2 10 Gb/s |
| Read Speed | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | — | — | — | — | — |
| Write Speed | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | — | — | — | — | — |
| Weight | 58g | 58g | — | — | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 in | 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 in | — | — | — | — | — |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | — | — | — | 256-bit AES | — |
| Speeds | — | — | up to 1050 MB/s | — | — | — | — |
| Rating | — | — | IP65 | — | — | — | IP67 |
| Capacity | — | — | — | 2TB | 2TB | — | — |
| Speeds | — | — | — | Up to 1050 MB/s | Up to 1050 MB/s | — | — |
| Interface | — | — | — | USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C | USB 3.2 USB-C | — | — |
| Durability | — | — | — | IP65 water and dust resistant | — | — | — |
| Loop | — | — | — | Carabiner loop | — | — | — |
| Updated | — | — | — | Updated firmware | — | — | — |
| Weight | — | — | — | — | Pocket sized | — | — |
| Compatibility | — | — | — | — | Windows Mac Android | — | — |
| Color | — | — | — | — | Black | — | — |
| Form Factor | — | — | — | — | — | pocketable | — |
| Build | — | — | — | — | — | — | aluminum with bumper |
| Rating | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Price | $399.99 | $234.99 | $187.99 | $294.18 | $226.30 | $218.63 | $136.57 |
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