Jan 21, 2025

Best External SSD: Top Choices for 2025

If you’ve been struggling to keep up with your growing storage needs, let 2024 be the year that you finally upgrade to an external SSD. 

Whether you’re a professional content creator juggling 4K video files, a gamer looking to cut down load times, or someone who simply needs reliable portable storage, an external SSD is the ultimate solution. But, how do you choose the right one for you? 

With how many external SSDs are on the market, finding your ideal one may seem tough. But, that’s exactly why we’re here. 

In this guide, we’re breaking down our top five choices of the best external SSDs of 2024 so you can find your perfect match. Let’s get started. 

Why External SSDs are a Must-Have in 2024 

Before we talk about the best external SSDs on the market, let’s first establish what they are — and why they’re a must-have this year and beyond. 

External Solid-State Drives (SSDs) are advanced storage solutions that outperform traditional hard drives in speed, durability, and portability. 

These unique storage options have no moving parts, making them more resistant to physical damage and ensuring quieter, more efficient performance. And, let’s be honest, these days in 2024, the demand for high-speed, reliable storage is greater than ever. 

From handling 4K and 8K video files to running resource-intensive games, external SSDs provide lightning-fast read/write speeds and ample storage capacity to meet modern needs. 

Their compact, lightweight designs also make them perfect for on-the-go professionals and gamers alike.

So, regardless of whether you’re backing up data, editing a huge file, or gaming every day, an external SSD may be the tech upgrade you’ve been looking for. 

Our Top Picks: The Best External SSDs for 2024

If you’re having trouble figuring out which external SSD is right for you and your everyday uses, we’re here to help. 

Below, we’ve broken down our top five picks of the best external SSDs of 2024 based on price, portability, usage, and more. Let’s take a closer look at your fantastic upgrade options. 

5. Best Portable SSD for Travel: Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD 

When you’re looking for a high-quality portable SSD for your on-the-go self, Lexar’s Professional Go Portable SSD is the perfect option. 

Compact and lightweight, this external SSD measures just 1.71” x 0.98” x 0.32” and weighs a mere 13 grams, making it one of the most portable options available. 

But don’t let its small size fool you: this SSD packs a punch with storage capacities of up to 2TB, ensuring you can carry high-resolution videos, photos, and essential files wherever you go. Plus, its design is meant to withstand bumps, drops, and extreme conditions, making it great for all you adventurous travelers out there. 

Learn more about the best external SSDs for video editing in our blog post!

Whether you’re a photographer capturing breathtaking landscapes or a digital nomad working remotely, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD offers a seamless, reliable solution that fits easily in your pocket or bag.

4. Best Budget-Friendly SSD: Lexar SL200 Portable SSD 

Looking to save a bit of money without compromising quality or performance? Then Lexar’s SL200 Portable SSD is the right choice for you. 

This budget-friendly SSD provides read speeds of up to 550MB/s and write speeds of up to 400MB/s, making it a great choice for students, casual users, and anyone looking to upgrade from slower storage options.

Its sleek, slimline design with a premium finish not only looks great but also ensures portability. The SL200 is available in multiple capacities, ranging from 512GB to 2TB, giving you the flexibility to choose what best suits your needs. 

Despite its competitive price, it doesn’t skimp on security, featuring built-in 256-bit AES encryption to keep your files safe.

Overall, the SL200 offers the perfect balance between affordable and efficient. 

3. Best External SSD for Content Creators: Lexar SL500 Portable SSD 

Let’s be honest: content creators need a reliable and fast storage solution through and through. Thankfully, the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD fits the bill perfectly. 

With blazing-fast read speeds of up to 2000MB/s, it allows photographers, videographers, and designers to access and transfer large files quickly, enhancing their workflow efficiency.

Its slim, unibody aluminum construction not only offers a sleek, professional aesthetic but also ensures durability. The SL500 is available in capacities of up to 42TB, making it ideal for storing extensive libraries of high-resolution photos, 4K video files, and large editing projects.

Plus, if you’re an on-the-go creator, this SSD’s lightweight and compact design means it fits easily into your gear bag — ready to deliver top-tier performance wherever inspiration strikes. 

With its great mix of speed, capacity, and portability, the Lexar SL500 is a game-changer for creative professionals.

2. Best External SSD for Gamers: Lexar SL6060 BLAZE Gaming Portable SSD 

If you’re a gamer, Lexar’s SL660 BLAZE Gaming Portable SSD offers the high-speed performance you’ve been missing. 

With read speeds up to 2000MB/s and write speeds up to 1900MB/s, it significantly reduces game load times and ensures smooth performance during gameplay.

Don’t forget that the SL660 BLAZE is built for durability: it features a robust aluminum enclosure to protect against everyday wear and tear. Just in case. 

Compatible with both PCs and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, this SSD ensures you can carry your games wherever you go. Whether you’re battling it out online or loading massive open-world games, the Lexar SL660 BLAZE is the ultimate SSD for gamers.

1. Best Overall External SSD: Lexar Professional SL600 Portable SSD

The moment you’ve all been waiting for. This year, the Lexar Professional SL600 Portable SSD takes the top spot for the best external SSD of 2024. 

With blazing read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, it caters to professionals and enthusiasts who demand speed and reliability.

Encased in a durable aluminum enclosure, the SL600 is built to last, providing robust protection for your data while maintaining a sleek, modern design. It’s available in capacities up to 42TB, offering plenty of space for high-resolution files, video projects, and extensive gaming libraries.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional using high-capacity programs, the SL600 is a versatile and high-performance solution that delivers across the board.

Understanding SSD Features: What Matters Most

At the end of the day, choosing the right external SSD means understanding the features that impact performance, reliability, and usability — and how they influence your daily needs. Here are some key factors you should consider when picking out your ideal external SSD:

  • Transfer Speeds and Interfaces: Speed is one of the primary advantages of SSDs. Look for drives with high read/write speeds to ensure quick file transfers and seamless performance. And, if you’re working with large files, such as 4K videos or games, a high-speed SSD is crucial.
  • Capacity Options: External SSDs come in a variety of storage capacities, ranging from 256GB to several terabytes. For casual users, 512GB may suffice, but content creators, gamers, and professionals handling large data sets should consider 21TB or 42TB options to avoid running out of space.
  • Durability and Portability: Portable External SSDs are built to endure rough conditions, with features like shockproof casings and resistance to extreme temperatures. Compact and lightweight designs add to their portability, making them perfect for travel or on-the-go use.
  • Security Features: Data protection is key for professionals handling sensitive information. Many SSDs, like those from Lexar, offer 256-bit AES encryption and proprietary software to safeguard files from unauthorized access.

By focusing on these features, you can find an external SSD that fits your needs, no matter if you’re playing games with friends, editing, or simply backing up your files.

Find the Best External SSD for Your Needs with Lexar 

For anyone seeking fast, reliable, portable storage, external SSDs have quickly become essential tools. And, in 2024, Lexar leads the way with innovative SSDs that combine speed, capacity, and durability to create the best product options possible. 

From budget-friendly choices to ones that boast versatility and performance, there’s a Lexar SSD for everyone. 
When it’s time for you to upgrade your storage, explore Lexar’s full range of portable SSDs — soon, you’ll experience the difference that our cutting-edge performance and reliability can make.

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