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If you’re in the market for a portable SSD, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a photographer backing up thousands of RAW images, a student juggling projects between devices, or a remote worker who needs reliable on-the-go storage, having the best portable SSD can make a huge difference. Compared to traditional hard drives, these high-speed SSDs are smaller, faster, and far more durable—perfect for travel, creative work, or daily backups.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top portable SSDs in 2025, highlighting models with the best balance of speed, size, durability, and value. From USB-C drives for Mac users to rugged SSDs built for outdoor shoots, we’ve included something for every workflow and budget. If you’re comparing options like Thunderbolt vs. USB 3.2, or wondering whether a portable external SSD is worth it over a thumb drive or cloud storage, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the top-rated picks worth your money.
Quick Overview: Best Portable SSD
Editor's Choice
Best Budget
Best for Mac users
Best Rugged
Best for Gamers
Crucial X9 Pro
Crucial X6
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
LaCie Rugged
WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock
$89.23
$74.50
$214.89
$149.99
$204.89
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Editor's Choice
Crucial X9 Pro
$89.23
Buy Now
Best Budget
Crucial X6
$74.50
Buy Now
Best for Mac users
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
$214.89
Buy Now
Best Rugged
LaCie Rugged
$149.99
Buy Now
Best for Gamers
WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock
$204.89
Buy Now
Crucial X9 Pro
Editor’s Choice
Capacity: Up to 4TB | Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Read Speed: ~1,050MB/s | Encryption: AES 256-bit | Water/Dust Resistance: IP55 | Drop Rating: 7.5 ft | Warranty: 5 years
The Crucial X9 Pro is a sleek and compact portable SSD that strikes a near-perfect balance between everyday performance, physical durability, and secure storage. Weighing just 1.5 ounces and measuring barely larger than a credit card, this featherlight drive is built with a rugged anodized aluminum chassis and a rubberized base, making it drop-resistant up to 7.5 feet. Whether you’re backing up files on the go, working remotely, or just need reliable storage for your photos and media, the X9 Pro delivers dependable speed and peace of mind in a travel-friendly design.
Performance-wise, it leverages a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface for sequential read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s—solid numbers for day-to-day use, large file transfers, and backup jobs. It may not reach the blistering pace of Gen 2×2 drives like the X10 Pro, but it doesn’t require specialized hardware to achieve its rated speeds. That makes it more accessible and practical for most users, especially creatives, students, and mobile professionals. Plus, with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your data stays secure whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, iPad, Android phone, or even a gaming console.
With capacity options ranging from 1TB to 4TB and a generous five-year warranty, the X9 Pro is one of the best portable SSDs for users who want durability and value without compromise. It’s water- and dust-resistant (IP55), supports exFAT out of the box, and comes ready for work or play.
Check current price and availability for the Crucial X9 Pro
Crucial X9 Pro 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C,...
$89.23
Crucial X6
Best Budget
Capacity: 1TB / 2TB | Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Read Speed: Up to 540MB/s | Encryption: None | Water/Dust Resistance: Drop-resistant up to 6.5 ft | Weight: 42g | Warranty: 3 years
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly portable SSD that’s compact and gets the job done, the Crucial X6 is a solid option. Designed for casual users, this SSD delivers snappy performance for its price point—ideal for backups, storing photos, or expanding your console storage. It supports read speeds up to 540MB/s via USB-C, and while it’s not the fastest drive out there, it’s light, pocket-sized, and durable enough to withstand everyday drops up to 6.5 feet.
The Crucial X6 is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iPad Pro, and most gaming consoles. However, it lacks AES encryption and slows down significantly during sustained write workloads due to its QLC NAND and DRAM-less design. Still, for casual use and light media management, it’s one of the best portable SSDs under $100—especially at the 1TB or 2TB mark.
Check current price and availability for the Crucial X6
Sale
Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C...
−$25.49
$74.50
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
Best for Mac users
Capacity: 2TB / 4TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 5 | Read Speed: Up to 4,864MB/s | Encryption: None specified | Water/Dust Resistance: IP68 | Drop Rating: 10 ft | Warranty: 3 years (assumed)
Designed for creative professionals and video editors on bleeding-edge Apple silicon, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is built to push Thunderbolt 5 to its limits. This portable SSD combines blazing-fast real-world transfer speeds with ultra-rugged durability, including IP68 water and dust protection, 10-foot drop resistance, and even crush resistance. Its bold blue rubberized shell might look playful, but inside is a serious performer—able to handle 8K workflows, massive file transfers, and real-time editing without breaking a sweat.
In benchmark tests, the Rugged Pro5 delivered consistent read/write speeds north of 4,000MB/s on Thunderbolt 5, and still held strong even under load. Just be aware that thermal throttling during sustained writes can cause occasional dips. Still, if you need a portable SSD for professional workloads in harsh environments, this is one of the best portable SSDs you can buy—especially if you’re already rocking a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or workstation.
Check current price and availability for the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5
Sale
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive — USB-C Thunderbolt 3, Drop...
−$15.10
$214.89
LaCie Rugged
Best Rugged
Capacity: Up to 5TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 2 / USB-C | Read Speed: ~130MB/s (HDD) | Encryption: None | Water/Dust Resistance: IP54 | Drop Rating: 1.4m / crushproof | Warranty: 3 years
The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C isn’t an SSD, but it earns its spot as a reliable portable hard drive thanks to its exceptional build quality and multi-port flexibility. Ideal for photographers or travelers who need high-capacity storage, this drive supports both Thunderbolt 2 and USB-C connections, making it a versatile companion for older Macs, new USB-C laptops, and everything in between. The integrated Thunderbolt cable is handy, and the design is rated for rain, dust, and accidental drops.
While it’s nowhere near as fast as a portable SSD—topping out around 130MB/s—the ruggedness, 5TB capacity, and multiple port options make this drive a dependable and future-proof backup solution for large media libraries. Just don’t expect lightning speed. It’s best used for archiving, photo dumps, and Time Machine backups where durability and space matter more than raw performance.
Check current price and availability for the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C
Sale
LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD - USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible,...
−$20.00
$149.99
WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock
Best for Gamers
Capacity: 1TB / 2TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 3 | Read Speed: Up to 3,108MB/s | Encryption: None | Water/Dust Resistance: None | Drop Rating: N/A | Warranty: 3 years
The WD_Black D50 Game Dock is more than just a portable SSD—it’s a full-fledged docking station designed to transform your laptop into a desktop gaming setup. With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, blazing-fast NVMe storage, and a suite of high-speed ports (including DisplayPort, Ethernet, and USB-C), this all-in-one hub lets you offload games, connect peripherals, and charge your laptop all from a single cable. For gamers or content creators short on ports and fast storage, it’s a powerhouse in disguise.
In testing, the Game Dock’s SSD exceeded its rated 3,000MB/s read/write speeds, easily handling AAA games and heavy creative workloads. While it doesn’t offer ruggedness or waterproofing like other drives in this roundup, its versatility and performance make it an excellent fit for static setups or work-from-home rigs. Just be sure you’ve got a Thunderbolt 3 port—standard USB-C won’t cut it.
Check current price and availability for the WD_Black D50 Game Dock
Sale
WD_BLACK 1TB D50 Game Dock NVMe SSD Solid State Drive, RGB with Thunderbolt...
−$25.00
$204.89
Why Choose a Portable SSD Over an External Hard Drive?
When it comes to external storage, many users still wonder whether to go with a traditional hard drive or upgrade to a portable SSD. The difference comes down to speed, durability, and overall performance. Compared to external hard drives, portable SSDs offer much faster read and write speeds, making them ideal for large file transfers, high-res photo editing, and even running apps or games directly off the drive. They also have no moving parts, which means they’re more shock-resistant and compact—perfect for travel or on-the-go use.
If you’re weighing SSD vs HDD for external storage, think about how often you transfer data or work with large files. A portable SSD might cost more upfront, but the time savings and reliability often make it worth it. For professionals, creatives, and anyone who values speed and convenience, the benefits of portable SSDs easily outweigh the extra cost.
Note: this article may contain affiliate links that help support our authors and keep the Phandroid servers running.
The post Best Portable SSD in 2025: Top Picks for Speed, Size & Durability appeared first on Phandroid.
More...
In this guide, we’ll break down the top portable SSDs in 2025, highlighting models with the best balance of speed, size, durability, and value. From USB-C drives for Mac users to rugged SSDs built for outdoor shoots, we’ve included something for every workflow and budget. If you’re comparing options like Thunderbolt vs. USB 3.2, or wondering whether a portable external SSD is worth it over a thumb drive or cloud storage, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the top-rated picks worth your money.
Quick Overview: Best Portable SSD
Editor's Choice
Best Budget
Best for Mac users
Best Rugged
Best for Gamers
Crucial X9 Pro
Crucial X6
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
LaCie Rugged
WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock
$89.23
$74.50
$214.89
$149.99
$204.89
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Editor's Choice
Crucial X9 Pro
$89.23
Buy Now
Best Budget
Crucial X6
$74.50
Buy Now
Best for Mac users
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
$214.89
Buy Now
Best Rugged
LaCie Rugged
$149.99
Buy Now
Best for Gamers
WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock
$204.89
Buy Now
Crucial X9 Pro
Editor’s ChoiceCapacity: Up to 4TB | Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Read Speed: ~1,050MB/s | Encryption: AES 256-bit | Water/Dust Resistance: IP55 | Drop Rating: 7.5 ft | Warranty: 5 years
The Crucial X9 Pro is a sleek and compact portable SSD that strikes a near-perfect balance between everyday performance, physical durability, and secure storage. Weighing just 1.5 ounces and measuring barely larger than a credit card, this featherlight drive is built with a rugged anodized aluminum chassis and a rubberized base, making it drop-resistant up to 7.5 feet. Whether you’re backing up files on the go, working remotely, or just need reliable storage for your photos and media, the X9 Pro delivers dependable speed and peace of mind in a travel-friendly design.
Performance-wise, it leverages a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface for sequential read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s—solid numbers for day-to-day use, large file transfers, and backup jobs. It may not reach the blistering pace of Gen 2×2 drives like the X10 Pro, but it doesn’t require specialized hardware to achieve its rated speeds. That makes it more accessible and practical for most users, especially creatives, students, and mobile professionals. Plus, with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your data stays secure whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, iPad, Android phone, or even a gaming console.
With capacity options ranging from 1TB to 4TB and a generous five-year warranty, the X9 Pro is one of the best portable SSDs for users who want durability and value without compromise. It’s water- and dust-resistant (IP55), supports exFAT out of the box, and comes ready for work or play.
Check current price and availability for the Crucial X9 ProCrucial X9 Pro 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C,...
$89.23
Crucial X6
Best BudgetCapacity: 1TB / 2TB | Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Read Speed: Up to 540MB/s | Encryption: None | Water/Dust Resistance: Drop-resistant up to 6.5 ft | Weight: 42g | Warranty: 3 years
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly portable SSD that’s compact and gets the job done, the Crucial X6 is a solid option. Designed for casual users, this SSD delivers snappy performance for its price point—ideal for backups, storing photos, or expanding your console storage. It supports read speeds up to 540MB/s via USB-C, and while it’s not the fastest drive out there, it’s light, pocket-sized, and durable enough to withstand everyday drops up to 6.5 feet.
The Crucial X6 is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iPad Pro, and most gaming consoles. However, it lacks AES encryption and slows down significantly during sustained write workloads due to its QLC NAND and DRAM-less design. Still, for casual use and light media management, it’s one of the best portable SSDs under $100—especially at the 1TB or 2TB mark.
Check current price and availability for the Crucial X6Sale
Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C...
−$25.49
$74.50
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
Best for Mac usersCapacity: 2TB / 4TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 5 | Read Speed: Up to 4,864MB/s | Encryption: None specified | Water/Dust Resistance: IP68 | Drop Rating: 10 ft | Warranty: 3 years (assumed)
Designed for creative professionals and video editors on bleeding-edge Apple silicon, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is built to push Thunderbolt 5 to its limits. This portable SSD combines blazing-fast real-world transfer speeds with ultra-rugged durability, including IP68 water and dust protection, 10-foot drop resistance, and even crush resistance. Its bold blue rubberized shell might look playful, but inside is a serious performer—able to handle 8K workflows, massive file transfers, and real-time editing without breaking a sweat.
In benchmark tests, the Rugged Pro5 delivered consistent read/write speeds north of 4,000MB/s on Thunderbolt 5, and still held strong even under load. Just be aware that thermal throttling during sustained writes can cause occasional dips. Still, if you need a portable SSD for professional workloads in harsh environments, this is one of the best portable SSDs you can buy—especially if you’re already rocking a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or workstation.
Check current price and availability for the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5Sale
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive — USB-C Thunderbolt 3, Drop...
−$15.10
$214.89
LaCie Rugged
Best RuggedCapacity: Up to 5TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 2 / USB-C | Read Speed: ~130MB/s (HDD) | Encryption: None | Water/Dust Resistance: IP54 | Drop Rating: 1.4m / crushproof | Warranty: 3 years
The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C isn’t an SSD, but it earns its spot as a reliable portable hard drive thanks to its exceptional build quality and multi-port flexibility. Ideal for photographers or travelers who need high-capacity storage, this drive supports both Thunderbolt 2 and USB-C connections, making it a versatile companion for older Macs, new USB-C laptops, and everything in between. The integrated Thunderbolt cable is handy, and the design is rated for rain, dust, and accidental drops.
While it’s nowhere near as fast as a portable SSD—topping out around 130MB/s—the ruggedness, 5TB capacity, and multiple port options make this drive a dependable and future-proof backup solution for large media libraries. Just don’t expect lightning speed. It’s best used for archiving, photo dumps, and Time Machine backups where durability and space matter more than raw performance.
Check current price and availability for the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-CSale
LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD - USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible,...
−$20.00
$149.99
WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock
Best for GamersCapacity: 1TB / 2TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 3 | Read Speed: Up to 3,108MB/s | Encryption: None | Water/Dust Resistance: None | Drop Rating: N/A | Warranty: 3 years
The WD_Black D50 Game Dock is more than just a portable SSD—it’s a full-fledged docking station designed to transform your laptop into a desktop gaming setup. With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, blazing-fast NVMe storage, and a suite of high-speed ports (including DisplayPort, Ethernet, and USB-C), this all-in-one hub lets you offload games, connect peripherals, and charge your laptop all from a single cable. For gamers or content creators short on ports and fast storage, it’s a powerhouse in disguise.
In testing, the Game Dock’s SSD exceeded its rated 3,000MB/s read/write speeds, easily handling AAA games and heavy creative workloads. While it doesn’t offer ruggedness or waterproofing like other drives in this roundup, its versatility and performance make it an excellent fit for static setups or work-from-home rigs. Just be sure you’ve got a Thunderbolt 3 port—standard USB-C won’t cut it.
Check current price and availability for the WD_Black D50 Game DockSale
WD_BLACK 1TB D50 Game Dock NVMe SSD Solid State Drive, RGB with Thunderbolt...
−$25.00
$204.89
Why Choose a Portable SSD Over an External Hard Drive?
When it comes to external storage, many users still wonder whether to go with a traditional hard drive or upgrade to a portable SSD. The difference comes down to speed, durability, and overall performance. Compared to external hard drives, portable SSDs offer much faster read and write speeds, making them ideal for large file transfers, high-res photo editing, and even running apps or games directly off the drive. They also have no moving parts, which means they’re more shock-resistant and compact—perfect for travel or on-the-go use.
If you’re weighing SSD vs HDD for external storage, think about how often you transfer data or work with large files. A portable SSD might cost more upfront, but the time savings and reliability often make it worth it. For professionals, creatives, and anyone who values speed and convenience, the benefits of portable SSDs easily outweigh the extra cost.
Note: this article may contain affiliate links that help support our authors and keep the Phandroid servers running.
The post Best Portable SSD in 2025: Top Picks for Speed, Size & Durability appeared first on Phandroid.
More...
