Best External SSD 2026: Top Portable Drives for Gaming & Work
Updated January 2026 | By TestBeforeYouBuy Team
Quick Summary
External SSDs have become essential for gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs fast, portable storage. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1050MB/s and rugged designs that survive drops, the best external SSDs in 2026 offer reliability, speed, and portability in a pocket-sized package.
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Top External SSD Picks
Samsung T7 1TB
1050MB/s read/write, USB 3.2 Gen 2, password protection, compact metal design, 3-year warranty.
$121.47
Samsung T7 2TB
Same fast performance with double the storage, great for game libraries and video projects.
$187.99
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB
IP65 water/dust resistant, rubber exterior survives 3m drops, same fast speeds, perfect for outdoor use.
$226.59
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Beige
Same rugged protection in stylish beige colorway, popular with content creators.
$219.99
External SSD Uses
Gaming Storage
Store game libraries for quick transfers between PCs. Xbox Series X/S can play Xbox One games directly from external SSDs. PS5 uses external drives for PS4 games and PS5 game storage (not play).
Content Creation
Edit 4K video directly from external SSDs. Transfer large project files between machines. Back up raw footage on location with rugged drives.
Portable Workspace
Carry your entire work environment between computers. Boot portable operating systems. Keep sensitive files encrypted with hardware password protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play PS5 games from an external SSD?
PS5 games must be played from internal storage or an NVMe SSD in the expansion slot. External SSDs store PS5 games for transfer and play PS4 games directly.
What speed external SSD do I need?
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (~1000MB/s) is sufficient for most uses. Video editors working with 4K+ footage may want Thunderbolt drives with 2000MB/s+ speeds.
How long do external SSDs last?
Quality external SSDs last 5-10 years with normal use. They're more durable than HDDs with no moving parts. Look for 3-5 year warranties.
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