Best External SSDs in 2026
Fast, reliable portable storage for backups, photo libraries, and video editing. We tested the top external SSDs for speed and durability.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB
$149.99
Pros
- +IP65 water and dust resistant
- +Fast 1,050 MB/s transfers
- +Rubberized rugged build
- +Hardware encryption
Cons
- −Gets warm during long transfers
- −USB-C only (adapter included)
SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB
$159.99
Pros
- +2,000 MB/s with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- +IP55 rated
- +Carabiner loop
- +Forged aluminum core
Cons
- −Needs USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for max speed
- −Pricier than T7
Crucial X9 Pro 2TB
$119.99
Pros
- +Best value per TB
- +1,050 MB/s
- +IP55 water resistant
- +Compact and light
Cons
- −Slower than SanDisk Extreme Pro
- −Plastic build feels less premium
External SSDs have replaced clunky hard drives for good reason — they're faster, smaller, more durable, and finally affordable. Whether you need backup storage, a portable photo/video library, or fast scratch storage for editing, a good external SSD is essential.
We tested the most popular 2TB models for real-world transfer speeds, durability, and value.
What We Tested
Sequential read/write speeds (large file transfers), random read/write (lots of small files), sustained performance (does it throttle during long transfers?), durability (drop tests, water resistance), and value per terabyte.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Samsung T7 Shield
The T7 Shield hits the perfect balance of speed, durability, and price. 1,050 MB/s transfers mean a 50GB video project copies in under a minute. The rubberized exterior and IP65 rating mean it survives drops, rain, and dusty environments.
Samsung's hardware AES 256-bit encryption protects your data with a password — important if you carry sensitive files. The drive gets warm during extended transfers but never throttled in our testing.
At $150 for 2TB, it's excellent value for a drive this capable.
Fastest: SanDisk Extreme Pro
If maximum speed matters — video editors, photographers culling large shoots — the Extreme Pro delivers 2,000 MB/s with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. That's nearly twice the T7 Shield's speed.
The caveat: you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to hit those speeds. Most current laptops only have Gen 2 (10Gbps), which caps the drive at ~1,000 MB/s — same as the Samsung. Check your laptop's specs before paying the premium.
The forged aluminum body with carabiner loop is practical for attaching to bags.
Best Value: Crucial X9 Pro
At $120 for 2TB, the X9 Pro offers the lowest cost per terabyte with no meaningful compromises. Speed matches the Samsung T7 Shield at 1,050 MB/s, and IP55 water resistance handles splashes and dust.
The plastic build doesn't feel as premium as the Samsung or SanDisk, but it's lighter (just 39g) and the compact size fits in any pocket. For backup storage and general use, it's the smart buy.
How Much Storage Do You Need?
| Use Case | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Document backup | 500GB - 1TB |
| Photo library | 1TB - 2TB |
| Video editing | 2TB - 4TB |
| Full system backup | Match your internal drive size |
For most people, 2TB is the sweet spot — enough for a large photo library and backups without breaking the bank.