External SSDs come in handy if you run out of storage on your PC, or just want to extend its storage space. Their portability and compatibility with a wide range of devices such as PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc, make it easier to access a large amount of data anywhere you want. Some external SSDs also come with a range of safety and durability measures that make them ideal for storing data for the long term. With so many options available, it can be quite a task to select an external SSD that is most suitable for your needs. This is why we have selected the best ones available and made these available to you in a list. So, let’s dive into the selection of the best 1TB external SSDs you can currently buy on the market.
Things to consider while buying external SSDs
Portability: Some external SSDs are weighty and bigger, others are lightweight and compact. If you are planning to carry around the SSD a lot and don’t want it to take too much space in your backpack, you should ideally purchase an external SSD that is lightweight and has compact dimensions.
Durability: An external SSD that is built with high-quality materials and features IP dust and water-resistance rating or similar durability rating, can easily survive a fall or splash of water. These SSDs don’t break or get damaged easily. This ensures that the data inside remains safe even with a bit of rough usage. These protections especially matter if you are going to use an external SSD to store data for the long term.
Data transfer speeds and port compatibility: While it is true that external SSDs generally offer fast data transfer speeds compared to HDDs, you should still focus on the data transfer speed the manufacturer is claiming to offer in their SSDs. The data transfer speed depends on many factors, including the ports the manufacturer is using on the SSD, what ports your PCs, smartphones or tablets have and the storage type they’re using. If, for instance, the storage inside your PC has slow read/write speeds, your SSD is going to offer you a similar performance as your PC. And, even if your PC’s storage is faster, the speed the external SSD offers depends on the type of ports you are using to send and receive the on both ends. For instance, A USB-C Gen 2 port on your PC and your external SSD will offer faster data transfer speeds compared to a USB-C Gen 2 port on your PC and a USB-C Gen 1 port on your SSD. Before purchasing any external SSD, you must focus on the ports your PC or any other devices you’re going to the SSD to is using, and the ports of the SSD itself.
Hardware encryption: If you’re going to use the SSD to store sensitive data, you must ensure that it supports hardware encryption. Hardware encryption in SSDs, also known as self-encrypting drives, includes a built-in circuitry for encrypting and decrypting data on the fly, and since this encryption and decryption process is happening on the drive itself, it is faster compared to software-based solutions. This always-on encryption also makes it harder for attackers to gain access to the stored data.
Device compatibility: Ensure the external SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices such as PC, Mac, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and more, so you can connect it to any device you want.
Best 1TB external SSDs you can buy on Amazon India
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
We start with a renowned and reliable brand in the flash storage space, SanDisk. This SanDisk SSD has compact dimensions, making it easy to carry in your travel backpack. Additionally, there is a carabiner loop that lets you easily tie it to your backpack. The high capacity 1TB NVMe SSD offers up to 1,050MB/s read speed and 1,000MB/s of write speeds. In terms of durability, it comes with two-meter drop protection, shock-proof design, X-ray protection, and IP55 water and dust resistance. You also get a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable to make it easy to connect with smartphones and tablets, a USB-A to USB Type-C adaptor for connecting with PCs and Macs, and more. And if you want to store any sensitive data, you can use the 256-bit AES hardware encryption to make sure it stays safe. Overall, this is a great portable external SSD that should be on your watchlist if you’re in the market for one.
Samsung T7
Next on our list is Samsung T7 SSD, built with a sturdy metal body. It has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and claims to offer up to 1,050MB/s read speed and 1,000MB/s of write speed when connected to similar ports. It uses ePCM technology and Dynamic Thermal Guard to offer high performance even at high temperatures. You also get 256-bit AES encryption for data protection. The Samsung T7 SSD has a size similar to a credit card and weighs just about 58 grams making it extremely lightweight and compact. It ensures compatibility with a range of devices like gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, tablets, and more. You also get USB Type-C to USB Type-C and USB Type-C to USB Type-A cables as well. This is a well-rounded, compact, and lightweight SSD you should consider.
Western Digital Elements
Moving on with our list, we have an affordable SSD from Western Digital. This one also has a compact design and supports plug and play functionality to easily connect with devices. It has read speeds up to 400MB/s and can easily take up to a two-meter fall without getting damaged. To ensure peace of mind, Western Digital is also giving a 3-year limited warranty with this SSD. Its pocketable design and affordability aspects make this SSD worth considering.
SanDisk Portable
Next up on our list is another affordable portable SSD from SanDisk. It is compact and offers up to 520MB/s read speeds. In terms of design, you get a rubber hook to secure the drive to your belt loop or backpack and it can also take a two-meter fall easily, ensuring its durability. It is also compatible with PC, Linux, and Macs. SanDisk has also included a USB-C to USB-A cable with this SSD. If you’re in the market for a reliable, value-for-money SSD, this is the one we can easily recommend.
Western Digital My Passport
Western Digital My Passport 1TB SSD comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption to protect sensitive data and supports speeds up to 1050MB/s. It comes with a range of durability features that include shock resistance, vibration resistance, drop resistance, and a body made of metal, ensuring its long life. The SSD is cross-compatible with USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB Type-C ports. Additionally, it includes a USB Type-C cable that is compatible with the USB 3.2 Gen-2 standard, and a USB Type-C to Type-A adaptor to work with other devices. If you want a durable and speedy drive, this should be on your watchlist.
Crucial X8
Crucial X8 features an anodized aluminium unibody core design and the manufacturer claims it has gone through extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration tests to ensure its durability. Additionally, it can also withstand a 7 feet fall. Crucial X8 can easily work with Windows, Mac, iPads, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox. It uses a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 interface for high-speed data transfers and can offer up to 1050MB/s read speeds. It also includes a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable and USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable in the box itself. If you want a durable and compact external SSD, Crucial X8 is what we recommended.
Seagate Firecuda
If you want an SSD that doesn’t compromise on anything and offers a premium design, we recommend Seagate Firecuda. It can reach up to 2,000 Mb/s speeds with its USB 3.2 gen 2×2 technology. The SSD comes in an aluminium body and offers cooling and heat dissipation for extended reliability, claims the company. You also get RGB LED colours and light patterns on the SSD which can be customised with the included Toolkit software. Seagate has also included a USB Type-C cable and USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable for legacy device compatibility. While Seagate claims the Firecuda is specially made for gaming, it can be used as any other external NVMe SSD.
Crucial X6
Crucial is one of the most popular and reliable names in the electronic market. And it makes some of the best SSDs on the market. You can rely on the Crucial X6 1TB SSD to store your memories long-term for peace of mind. Its larger 1TB capacity is enough to store up to 20,000 photos, 100 hours of videos, and up to 6,000 photos, as well as 400GB of documents on this SSD with enough room left to store other things. Crucial X6 has a read speed of up to 800MB/s so you can easily access the store contents on the drive. Further, to endure peace of mind, the manufacturer has tested this SSD to withstand up to 2 metres falls and is additionally shockproof as well as vibration-proof for longer durability. The compact SSD works with a range of devices – including PC, Android, iPad, Mac, and game consoles such as Playstation and Xbox – to ensure your data is portable. Lastly, the drive works with encryption tools such as Bitlocker, Apple Time Machine, and Windows Backup so you use this to safeguard your important data.
EVM EnSave
EVM EnSave 1TB capacity SSD is another quality choice for you if you’re searching for a quality SSD to store your data. The SSD uses 3D-NAND flash memory for extremely fast data transfer speeds, which measure at – 550MB/s read and 500MB/s for write speed. Moreover, it uses the latest USB 3.1 Gen Type-C interface you broad compatibility and fast transfer rates. Further, it gets a built-in M.2 socket 3 interface so it is compatible with devices such as PCs, Macs, smartphones, and other devices. The SSD is built to withstand vibrations, drops, and is resistant to wear and tear, so the data inside remains safe and sound, always. This compact SSD is further IP55 rated for dust and water resistance. It also gets hardware encryption that uses you can use to protect sensitive data. And since the encryption is backed by hardware, you won’t have to face slow data transfer speeds. And what’s more, the manufacturer is bundling a Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A USB cable for a complete package.
Samsung T7 Shield
Samsung’s T series of SSDs are one of the most reliable SSDs on the market. And its rugged T7 Shield is an excellent choice if you want extreme reliability. The outer layer of the SSD features an elastomer build, which provides protection against heat and other extreme environmental conditions, and can easily withstand a drop from 3 metres. Further, it also features IP65 ratings to protect from water and dust. Samsung T7 Shield uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe, NVMe to achieve speedy data transfers and gets up to 1,050/1,000MB/s read and write speeds, respectively. It also gets hardware encryption to protect your data. T7 is also compatible with devices such as Mac and Android, as well as gaming consoles. Buyers also recommend the Samsung T7 Shield for its compact form factor and reliable and fast data transfer speeds.
Kingston XS2000
Kingston is another reliable brand for its quality hardware. Its pocket-sized Kingston XS2000 offers up to 2,000MB/s data transfer speeds, which can transfer an 8GB file within 8 seconds. The company says it archives these staggering speeds by using the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 tech. If you’re a gamer or a creator who works videos then these high data transfer speeds will come in handy, and as such, this Kingston is one of the best choices available in the market. Apart from that, it also supports 8K videos, larger documents, and high-resolution images. The SSD is water resistant (IP55), can withstand shocks and provides protection against dust as well. It also comes with a removable rubber sleeve. This one is also highly recommended by its users specifically for its high data transfer speeds and excellent build quality.
Lexar SL660 Blaze
Lexar SL660 Blaze features a premium aluminium enclosure with a sandblasted finish. This gives it shock resistance and vibration resistance. If you want a durable SSD to store your data, this is another choice. This Lexar SSD can give up to 2,000MB/s read speeds using USB 3.2 Gen2x2; perfect for games that store and access a huge library of games. Add to that, it also gets has RGB LEDs to add a gamer accessory look. Further, it also comes with a detachable stand. Lexar SL660 Blaze also gets 256-bit AES encryption support. This gives you the flexibility to store sensitive data in an isolated and protected environment so nobody, except you, has access to the data. It also gets a USB Type-C port for increased flexibility and the manufacturer is also bundling USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to standard USB Type-A cable for a more complete package. Lastly, the company is giving up to five years of limited product support as well.
A-DATA SE800
A-DATA SE800 has a rugged design and features an IP68 rating for protection from dust and water submersion. It packs a USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB Type-C port, which can offer up to 1,000MB/s read/write speeds. Its design further ensures a compact and lightweight form factor, weighing in at just 39 grams. It is compatible with a wide range of devices including those running on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you want a rugged external SSD that withstands rough usage and daily wear and tear without a hitch, A-DATA SE800 is what we recommend.
