In this article, we are going to introduce you the best portable external SSD memories suitable for gaming. Finding the best external SSD storage is a simple way to increase your storage space and speed up the loading time of the best PC games without the hassle of digging around inside the system. Just connect one of them to a free USB port on your personal computer or gaming laptop, install the game you want and play safely.
Portable SSDs don’t have to be boring. For example, Datata uses a special design with honeycomb RGB lighting, and SanDisk offers a dust- and water-resistant NVMe memory that fits in the palm of your hand. Even if you have an extra internal NVMe drive, you can turn your existing drive into a portable storage device using a case from Asus.
Of course, portable and external options have disadvantages, including slower speeds. However, they are a significant improvement over hard drives. But if you are looking for the best performance, you should get the best SSD for gaming.
Why should we buy an external SSD memory? The advantage of a portable SSD is that you can easily move it between different devices. With a wide range of prices and read speeds from 540MB/s to 2,800MB/s, we’ve rounded up options for every use and budget so you can pick the best external gaming SSD of 2024.
The best SSD external gaming memories
1. Samsung Portable T7 Shield
Strengths:
- Strong and durable structure
- Compact design
The Samsung Portable T7 Shield offers the same specs as the Samsung T7 and uses USB 3.2 for transfer speeds of up to 1,000MB/s and read and write speeds of 1,050MB/s respectively. We’ve recommended this rugged external SSD as our best choice because it combines a reasonable price, durable design, high transfer speeds, and a hassle-free overall experience.
In terms of appearance, this SSD is not exclusively designed for gamers and therefore looks a bit simple and functional. Its exterior is made of rubber and Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard technology controls heat to maintain performance even during heavy data transfers. The SSD’s IP65 rating also means it’s water and dust resistant, so you can be sure it’ll keep working even after spills or accidental drops.
If you are looking for a versatile, protected and affordable external SSD for gaming, the Samsung Portable T7 Shield is the best choice for you. If you don’t need extra protection, consider the standard T7 model introduced below.
2. Edita SE900G
Strengths:
- Stylish RGB lighting
- Very high transmission speed
Edita’s NVMe-based model is one of the fastest external drives we’ve seen, with read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, respectively. The drive connects via a USB Type-C cable, but Edita has included a Type-A converter in the box to make it compatible with more devices.
We recommend the 1TB model, although it’s also available in 512GB and 2TB capacities. The RGB lighting that covers the top of the drive gives it an attractive look and matches well with the best gaming keyboards and mice.
3. SanDisk Extreme Portable V2
Strengths:
- Water and dust resistance with IP55 standard
- 5 year warranty
- Small enough to be attached to a key holder
We love SanDisk’s Extreme Portable, which has now reached V2 due to its continued popularity. Despite its small size of 2.07 x 3.97 inches, the Extreme Portable packs a powerful punch. Due to the NVMe drive inside, it offers read and write speeds of 1050 MB/s and 1000 MB/s respectively.
The drive is drop-resistant from a height of two meters and IP55 for water and dust resistance, making it an ideal companion for gaming laptops. Of course, we do not recommend that you treat it harshly.
The drive connects via USB Type-C, but a Type-A converter is also included in the box. You can get this drive in different capacities from 500GB to 4TB, and from 1TB up it comes in two attractive blue colors. It’s truly a portable memory stick, and with a hole in the corner, you can attach it to your keys or bag.
4. Lexar SL660 Blaze Portable SSD
Strengths:
- 256-bit hardware encryption (AES).
- Aluminum body
If you’re looking for a portable gaming SSD, Lexar’s Blaze SL660 is the right choice for you. Compatible with PC as well as PS5, PS4 and Xbox consoles, this memory offers a combination of reliability and performance at an affordable price. This SSD isn’t the fastest option on this list, but support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 2×2 ensures fast read and write speeds.
Blaze also has beautiful RGB lighting. At only 2.5 inches wide, this memory stick is truly portable and comes with a detachable stand for added functionality. Its aluminum structure also protects against shock and falling. In terms of security, this product offers a 256-bit AES encryption software solution to protect your data.
The downside of Lexar’s Blaze SL660 gaming SSD is that it requires a 2×2 USB 3.2 generation connection to achieve the best performance. It also maxes out at 1TB, which may be a bit low for some users, but if you’re looking for a truly portable SSD to complement a larger hard drive, this might not be a problem.
5. Samsung Portable SSD T7
Strengths:
- Very small and compact
- low temperature
The Samsung T7 uses USB 3.2 to provide fast NVMe transfer speeds, which helps keep the price down. This SSD is the best option for the price, being almost nine times faster than an external hard drive, offering read and write speeds of 1,000MB/s and 1,050MB/s, respectively, double that of the similarly priced T5.
The T7 is well built and comes with a solid metal body that can be purchased in a variety of bright colors. While it’s not quite as durable as the T7 Shield, which tops our guide, it’s still an incredibly affordable option. By receiving a three-year warranty, you can have peace of mind in your purchase for a while.
The all-metal body gives it a solid feel and helps it withstand drops from a height of two meters. Also, if security is important to you, you can use Samsung’s software to lock the drive with an encrypted 256-bit password.
6. Seagate Storage Expansion Card
Strengths:
- Easy setup
Xbox Series X/S consoles don’t allow you to install and play current generation games on any random external SSD and instead use an extra slot on the back of the console.
Seagate’s NVMe model is currently the only model that plugs into Microsoft’s dedicated port and offers read and write speeds similar to the console’s internal SSD drive. However, there is no USB connection, so this is only an external SSD for the new Xbox consoles and not for your PC.
Why get SSD memory instead of HDD?
SSD technology has been mass-produced in recent years, and conventional HDD memory does not perform well in comparison. The risk of having moving parts in storage that are prone to failure or damage means that SSD technology is much better in terms of safety and security, as well as higher read and write speeds.
Do SSDs come with security features?
Some SSDs have security features you can enable, from simple password protection to fingerprint recognition. If this feature is important to you, be sure to check the specifications of each device carefully to see what features they offer you.
What is the lifespan of SSD memories?
There is no age limit for SSD. Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts, so they are much less likely to fail even after a decade of use.
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