The 10 best portable SSDs for IT departments in 2025

Table of contents

Table of contents
5 key considerations when selecting a portable SSD
The 10 best portable SSDs for IT departments
Get the most out of your portable SSD

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The demands of IT departments are as diverse as the tools they rely on. From managing sensitive data on the go to optimizing data transfer across different locations, IT teams need portable storage that’s as versatile as it is reliable.

In recent years, cloud storage has gained significant attention as it offers advantages such as scalability, remote access, convenience, and automatic backups. According to O’Reilly’s 2021 report, more than 90% of organizations already use the cloud.

Despite the cloud’s many advantages, SSD technology has also taken significant leaps. In recent years, it has become significantly faster, more durable, and more affordable. Plus, SSDs can be more secure for IT departments storing sensitive data locally.

Due to SSDs’ many benefits, IT teams often use it alongside cloud storage. Many SSDs are available, with different features and for different scenarios. To help you choose the best SSD for your IT department, we have reviewed the top options below.

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5 key considerations when selecting a portable SSD

The key considerations of selecting a portable SSD are storage capacity, transfer speeds, compatibility, brand reliability, and security.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of each of these considerations.

Storage capacity

Depending on what the external SSD will be used for, you should choose a 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD.

According to Samsung, 500GB of storage space is suitable for basic file storage and backup. If your needs are anything more than that, such as transferring and storing heavy files, aim for a storage capacity of 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB.

If you’re looking to get into large-scale data management, consider opting for 4TB or 8TB options.

Transfer speeds

Two things affect the transfer speed: the underlying SSD technology used and the connection interface.

The importance you place on transfer speed will depend entirely on how the SSD is used. If you constantly move large files between different devices, you should select an SSD with fast transfer speeds. Keep in mind though that fast transfer speeds quickly increase the SSD’s price.

As for the connection interface, the most common is USB. There are differences in the USB interfaces, which you should be aware of.

USB 3.0 vs. USB 2.0 (Source)

The old standard was USB 2.0, which you should avoid as it only offers transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps.

Look for USB 3.0 or newer interfaces, such as USB 3.2, as they offer significantly faster transfer speeds.

As an alternative to a USB interface, you can look for the Thunderbolt 3 or 4 protocol, which uses the USB-C port type and offers fast transfer speeds.

Thunderbolt 3 connectivity (Source)

Compatibility (Mac, Windows, Linux, etc.)

If you use multiple operating systems, such as Windows and Mac, you should think about compatibility. In Windows, drives are formatted using NTFS (New Technology File System), in macOS, they are formatted using APFS (Apple File System).

The best SSDs are formatted to work with all the main OS, including Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions.

If you use a single OS, you may want to select an SSD that is most suitable for it, such as the best SSD for Mac we recommend later on.

Brand reliability & warranty

Before buying an external SSD, check whether it’s manufactured by a reliable brand with decades of experience. Some known brands include Samsung, SanDisk, Crucial, LaCie, and Adata.

The brand reliability goes hand in hand with the warranty.

The standard warranty for portable SSDs is three years, though there are options available with a five-year warranty. The warranty can also be based on usage limits, such as the total data written (or the first threshold reached).

The brands often mention the warranty on their website, as shown for SanDisk here:

SanDisk’s 3-year warranty

You should also check whether the company offers technical support. SanDisk, for example, offers knowledge base articles as well as phone, email, and chat support.

SanDisk contact support

Security

Last but not least, consider security. Security is especially important for IT teams storing sensitive and confidential information.

Portable SSDs’ two common security features include password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. The SSD should also be able to sync with file backup services to back up your files.

In addition, the provider should have an application for updating firmware and managing security settings easily. The best SSDs also integrate with third-party tools, like Atera, to monitor their health and usage, making it worth considering an Atera review to fully understand its capabilities.

The 10 best portable SSDs for IT departments

Below, we have reviewed the 10 best portable SSDs, which are the following:

Samsung T7 Shield – best overall portable SSD
Crucial X9 Pro – best budget portable SSD
SanDisk Desk Drive – best portable SSD for storage capacity
Adata SE920 – best portable SSD for performance
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 – best portable SSD for small businesses
Samsung T7 Touch – best portable SSD for data security
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro – best portable SSD for rugged environments
Kingston XS2000 – best portable SSD for compact design
OWC Envoy Pro FX – Best portable SSD for Macs
Samsung X5 – best Thunderbolt 3 port portable SSD

1. Samsung T7 Shield – best overall portable SSD

Samsung T7 Shield is our top choice for the best overall SSD due to its competitive speed, variety of storage options, compatibility with different devices, and affordability. It provides data security and comprehensive features while being suitable for rugged environments. The Samsung T7 Shield offers dust, water, and drop resistance up to 3 meters.

This external SSD comes with the Samsung Magician software, which lets you set up passwords, check the status and health of your SSD, and receive the latest firmware updates.

Specifications (Samsung T7 Shield)	Price: $149.99 Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: USB 3.2 Gen-2 (10Gb/s) Size: 59 mm x 88 mm x 13 mm Drive speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s Security: Password & AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption Warranty: 3-year limited warranty Cloud management: Samsung Magician management software
Reasons to choose this SSD	One of the most affordable 1TB / 2TB / 4TB portable SSDs with competitive transfer rates. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Protection from rain, dust, and drops.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	Alternative external SSDs come with faster transfer speeds, which IT teams might need, although this comes at an extra cost.

2. Crucial X9 Pro – best budget portable SSD

Crucial X9 Pro offers a compact design of 65 X 50mm, 1TB of storage space, and fast transfer speeds at an affordable price of $119.99. If you need more space, there are also 2TB and 4TB storage space options available. Crucial X9 Pro offers performance of up to 1,050 MB/s read and write speeds, making it ideal for fast data transfers and high-demand applications.

This SSD is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, PC, and Linux devices. It is also suitable for rugged environments and offers water, sand, and dust resistance.

Specifications (Crucial X9 Pro)	Price: $119.99 for the 1TB version Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: USB 3.2 Gen-2 (10Gb/s) Size: 65 x 50 mm Drive speed: Speeds up to 1,050Mb/s Security: Password protection and 256‐bit AES hardware encryption Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty Cloud management: Through the Crucial Storage Executive app
Reasons to choose this SSD	Affordable price, yet good performance. Standard data security through password protection and 256‐bit AES hardware encryption. It comes with a 5-year warranty. All new customers receive a one-month complimentary subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	Customer reviews indicate that the included USB-C cable is very short.

3. SanDisk Desk Drive – best portable SSD for storage capacity

SanDisk Desk Drive is our choice for the best external SSD in terms of storage capacity, and you can choose between 4TB and 8TB of storage capacity. Large storage space often compromises speed, which isn’t the case with SanDisk, as it comes with read speeds of up to 1,000Mb/s.

To back up your files, SanDisk works with Apple Time Machine for Macs and Acronis True Image for other devices. SanDisk also offers various apps for managing your passwords, updating the firmware, and following SSD performance and health.

A cheaper 8TB option is Samsung’s Portable SSD T5 Evo, although it comes with slower speeds (460MB/s) than what SanDisk Desk Drive offers.

Specifications (SanDisk Desk Drive)	Price: $599.99 Capacity: 4TB / 8TB Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Size: 99 x 99 x 40 mm Drive speed: Up to 1000MB/s Security: Password protection and 256‐bit AES hardware encryption Warranty: 3-year limited warranty Cloud management: Through the SanDisk apps
Reasons to choose this SSD	Large storage space of 4TB and 8TB to store files, images, videos, and important documents. SanDisk offers remote management apps and integrations with cybersecurity solutions. Automate your backups with the included SanDisk software.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	One of the most expensive external SSD solutions. It can be an overkill for small organizations only requiring simple backups.

4. Adata SE920 – best portable SSD for performance

Adata SE920 offers the fastest speeds of any external SSD, reaching transmission speeds of up to 3,800MB/s. According to the product page, you can transfer 10GB 4K video in just 3 seconds. The SE920 model adopts the latest USB4 technology, capable of speeds of up to 40Gbps. Thanks to USB4 technology, the SE920 model also performs well on Mac devices despite their limited port speeds.

In addition, this external SSD is compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 and supports Thunderbolt 3/4 connections. The SE930 model has a built-in micro fan to cool down the heat caused by high-speed transfer.

Specifications (Adata SE920)	Price: $179.99 for the 1TB version Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: USB4 (backward compatible with USB 3.2/2.0) Size: 105 x 64.2 x 15.9 mm Drive speed: Up to 3,800 MB/s Security: Password protection, encryption, and backup Warranty: 5-year limited warranty Cloud management: Through Adata SSD Toolbox
Reasons to choose this SSD	Faster read and write speeds than any other portable SSD. Built-in cooling system. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	The available USB4 technology increases the price, and it might not be required for basic SSD usage.

5. SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 – best portable SSD for small businesses

SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 may not be the most affordable portable SSD, but it offers fast transfer speeds of up to 3000MB/s, built-in cooling, data security, and rugged protection. It comes with a storage space of 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB, which is more than enough for most small businesses.

To keep your firmware updated, set up passwords, and manage the health and usage of the SSD, SanDisk offers different apps to download. The Professional PRO-G40 model is compatible with both Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB 3.2 interfaces, providing fast data transfers across a variety of devices.

Specifications (SanDisk Professional PRO-G40)	Price: $319.99 for the 2TB version Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) / Thunderbolt 3/4 Size: 111.0 x 57.9 x 11.9 mm Drive speed: Up to 3000MB/s Security: Password protection, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption, and backups Warranty: 5-year limited warranty Cloud management: Through the SanDisk apps
Reasons to choose this SSD	An excellent combination of speed, capacity, and security for small businesses. SanDisk is known as a highly reliable brand and offers excellent technical support. The warranty is up to 5 years. Offers both 10Gbps and Thunderbolt 3/4 connectivity.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	Pricey option when compared to slower alternatives.

6. Samsung T7 Touch – best portable SSD for data security

Samsung T7 Touch offers high storage space, compatibility with a range of devices, and advanced security. The security features include a built-in fingerprint scanner, password protection, AES 256-bit hardware encryption, and management software to manage the SSD and update firmware.

Although the T7 Touch offers high data security and a compact design, it arguably lacks when it comes to transfer speeds. It is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, and transfer speeds up to 10GBps. While this is suitable for basic file transfer, it is relatively low when compared to Adata and SanDisk SSDs recommended in this article.

Specifications (Samsung T7 Touch)	Price: $200 for the 1TB version Capacity: 500GB / 1TB / 2TB Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) Size: 85 x 57 x 8 mm Drive speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s Security: Fingerprint reader and password protection, cloud monitoring, and AES 256-bit encryption Warranty: 3-year limited warranty Cloud management: Through Samsung’s Magician Software
Reasons to choose this SSD	Built-in fingerprint reader screen and password protection. There is management software for PCs and Macs, as well as a mobile app for Android.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	Transfer speed is lacking as opposed to competitors, like SanDisk. The added security increases the price, which makes it less attractive for some businesses. PCs and Macs require software for fingerprint unlocking, which can be inconvenient.

7. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro – best portable SSD for rugged environments

As the name suggests, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is ideal for rugged environments and comes with extreme IP67 water and dust resistance. It offers drop protection from up to 3 meters and a drive-over weight of 2 tons. In addition to this, it offers fast transfer speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s, which makes it suitable for IT professionals who need reliable, high-performance storage in demanding conditions.

The storage capacity options for Rugged SSD Pro are 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. The high durability, excellent performance, and security can be arguably seen in the price, which varies from $419 to $1,049.99 depending on the storage capacity.

Specifications (LaCie Rugged SSD Pro)	Price: $419.99 for the 1TB version Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s) Size: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Drive speed: Up to 2800MB/s Security: Password protection and AES 256-bit encryption Warranty: 5-year limited warranty Cloud management: Through the LaCie Desktop Manager app
Reasons to choose this SSD	Ruggedness against dust, water, drops, and crush pressure. Fast transfer speeds. Compatible with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 on Windows and Mac devices.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	It comes at a heavy price.

8. Kingston XS2000 – best portable SSD for compact design

Kingston XS2000 is an excellent choice for IT professionals who prefer compactness without compromising much on performance. The XS2000 is not considered the fastest 20GBps option, but it is fast enough for most and fits easily in a pocket. Despite its small size, this SSD offers a variety of storage capacities, including 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB.

As a downside to Kingston XS2000, it lacks SSD management software that can be used to monitor the health and performance and update firmware. It also lacks a hardware-based encryption, which can be a dealbreaker for IT teams.

Specifications (Kingston XS2000)	Price: $115.99 for the 1TB version Capacity: 500GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) Size: 69.54 x 32.58 x 13.5 mm Drive speed: Up to 2,000MB/s Security: Security features not available Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty Cloud management: Not available
Reasons to choose this SSD	The most compact and lightweight portable SSD with a storage capacity of up to 4TB. Fits easily into a pocket. Speeds up to 2000MB/s.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	Lacks hardware-based encryption and SSD management software.

9. OWC Envoy Pro FX – Best portable SSD for Macs

While OWC Envoy Pro FX is compatible with various devices, including Windows and Linux, it is mostly used for Mac. Envoy Pro FX uses Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB 3.2 compatibility and is a good choice for Mac users who need high-speed performance. It offers transfer speeds up to 2800MB/s and is capable of handling large files and complex projects efficiently.

Its rugged, waterproof design also makes it ideal for on-the-go IT professionals who need dependable storage in varying environments.

Specifications (OWC Envoy Pro FX)	Price: $279.99 for the 1TB version Capacity: 480GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB Interface: Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB3.2 Gen Size: 20 x 11 x 6.5 mm Drive speed: Up to 2800MB/s Security: Password protection & built-in encryption Warranty: 3-year limited warranty Cloud management: Not available
Reasons to choose this SSD	Ideal option for Mac users with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. The package includes a Thunderbolt cable as well as a USB-C to USB-A Adapter. Excellent transfer speeds.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	The warranty is only 3 years. There is no SSD management software available.

10. Samsung X5 – best Thunderbolt 3 port portable SSD

Samsung X5 features a Thunderbolt 3 interface and offers transfer speeds of up to 2,800MB/s. This makes it ideal for handling complex applications, large files, and high-resolution media projects.

As compared to the OWC Envoy Pro FX, which we recommended previously, the Samsung X5 comes at a higher price point. However, the Samsung X5 does offer more advanced features, such as strong security, fast transfer speeds, and thermal management.

Like most Samsung SSDs, the X5 model comes with strong security, including AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption and password protection. In addition, you can manage firmware updates and SSD usage through the Samsung Magician app.

Specifications (Samsung Portable SSD X5)	Price: $499 for the 1TB version Capacity: 1TB / 2TB Connection type: Thunderbolt 3 Size: 119 x 62 x 19.7 mm Drive speed: Up to 2,800MB/s Security: Thermal management, password protection, cloud monitoring, and AES 256-bit encryption Warranty: 3-year limited warranty Cloud management: Through Samsung’s Magician Software
Reasons to choose this SSD	Thunderbolt 3 interface with fast transfer speeds. Advanced security, including full hardware-based encryption.
Reasons to not choose this SSD	Expensive and only comes with a 3-year warranty. Doesn’t include a cooling system and can get hot under high load.

Get the most out of your portable SSD

Once you’ve invested in an external SSD, you can do certain things to extend its lifespan.

Some of the preventive actions we recommend are:

Frequently update your firmware to ensure that technical issues and bugs are corrected
Maintain 10-15 percent of free space on the SSD to improve performance and reduce wear on storage cells
Use encryption to protect sensitive data and set up strong passwords to restrict unauthorized access

Plus, one of the things you can do is use an external self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology (SMART) tool, such as Atera, to track the health and performance of your SSDs. Atera provides reports on various indicators of drive reliability so that hardware failures can be prevented. If you’re interested in using Atera for your IT team, you can take advantage of the 30-day free trial. Or, contact our sales team for a custom demo.