Portable SSD Round-up: The Best Gigabytes On The Go

Whether you’re running low on system storage or just want to hoard more stuff, picking the right portable SSD can be tricky. Should you prioritise capacity, transfer speeds, or drive protection? That all depends on what you need it for. Here’s a rundown on what to look out for and our picks for the best SSDs to house your stash of pet pics.

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How to decide

1. Data restriction

Gone are the days of tiny SSD capacities, but naturally, you’ll still pay more for extra storage. Most start at 500GB, rising up to 4TB. The biggest cap out at 8TB, with pricing to match.

2. Data collection

File transfer rates can throttle your performance. Need a speedy workflow? Look for at least a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drive, which uses two data lanes to achieve rapid read and write speeds. Thunderbolt support might even makes things faster.

3. Data connection

USB-C is now the standard interface for portable SSDs. Most work with Windows and macOS, plus Android and iOS. Many are compatible with PS and Xbox consoles, but double-check the specs.

4. Data protection

A lot of drives have some drop-resistance, to keep files safe even if you fling them around. Most also offer 256-bit hardware encryption so you can secure your data from prying eyes.

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Daily drives

Kingston XS1000 – The featherweight filer

Like your average filing cabinet, this storage solution has a metal skin. But that’s where the similarities end. At 29g, the XS1000 is basically weightless – and read/write rates of 1,050MB/s mean it can process files approximately 1,050 times faster than you thumbing through an office drawer.

from R1,900 (1TB)

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD – The sturdy stash

Drives are safer inside your backpack than dangling off the outside. But if you like to live dangerously, try this tiny SanDisk: forged from aluminium and reinforced with silicone, its built-in loop makes it easy to lash to a
pack. And the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface unlocks nifty transfer times.

from R2,200 (500GB)

Samsung T7 Shield – The bouncy backup

Back in the days of physical disks, one drop was all it took to lose your entire library. Thanks to its rubber jacket, this shielded stash can shake off a fall from 3m. It’s water-resistant too, although you shouldn’t need to dunk it for extra cooling as its sleeve also helps to disperse heat.

from R3,150 (1TB)

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Gaming gear-ups

Asus TUF Gaming AS1000 Plus – The military-grade mod

Not everyone needs a super-fast SSD that passes US military drop tests. But if you’re the kind of gamer who rage-quits after every defeat, this one’s worth a look. Proofed against shocks, moisture and extreme temperatures, it’ll easily survive your next tantrum.

from R2,750 (1TB)

WD Black P40 Game Drive – The console companion

Styled like an ammo pack, this shockproof USB-C drive is made for taking game files on the go. Hooked up to the latest PlayStation or Xbox, it’ll deliver a storage boost of up to 2TB. Windows players with a signature colour scheme can even tweak the RGB lights around the rim.

from R4,000 (1TB)

Lexar SL660 Blaze – The light-up library

Lights won’t do anything to improve performance, but they can make your gaming rig look nice. Built to be on show, this desktop drive sits pretty beside your monitor. Docked on the optional stand, its sandblasted finish cuts a dash, while the RGB LEDs deliver a glow to go with your existing setup. Ready to play? Its 2,000MB/s max transfer speeds are hardly plain either.

from R4,000 (1TB)

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Creative caches

Glyph Atom Pro – The express expansion

When you’re working with 8K video, a sluggish drive can leave you twiddling your thumbs for hours. Turbocharge your workflow with this SSD: Thunderbolt 3 connectivity helps it hit up to 2,800MB/s. With a max capacity of 8TB, that makes it the biggest and fastest in this round up.

from R4,840 (1TB)

LaCie Rugged Mini – The reinforced roamer

Nothing says travel-proof quite like a bright orange bumper. Designed for snappers and video shooters on the move, this compact companion can take a bit of rough and tumble. Drops, dust and water don’t pose a threat.

from R2,100 (1TB)

Crucial X10 Pro – The video volume

Goldilocks didn’t need a portable SSD. But if she becomes a content creator in a modern reboot, this drive is just right. Smaller than Daddy Bear’s credit card, it can link directly to an iPhone for ProRes recording, while the aluminium housing and IP55 rating are handy if you need to exit pursued by a bear.

from R3,560 (1TB)