The Best External SSDs for Windows, Mac or Consoles - 13 Different Models Tested

Looking for an External SSD? You should probably watch this! Shopping links below!
If you enjoyed this, please like the video and leave a comment :)

The following are my recommendations based on current pricing (May 2020). Keep in mind prices can change from day to day, that's why I list a few top picks and you can compare on the day you're shopping. (These links are affiliate links)

Best affordable external SSDs:

Fastest external (USB) SSDs:

Best external SSD for Encryption:

Thunderbolt 3 SSDs:

Other SSD's discussed in the video:

Notes:
- All USB SSDs were tested on an ASUS Maximus XI Gene motherboard with Intel Core i9-9900K in Windows 10. All Thunderbolt SSDs were tested on a Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme with i9-9900K in Windows 10.
- All USB SSDs except for the Minix Neo Storage also work fine on a Playstation. Playstation 4 users should follow my recommendations for the best affordable SSDs. I don't have an Xbox One to test with unfortunately.
- On the Thunderbolt SSDs. Note these file copies were started after the drive was hot and the thermal measurement was done with a probe. The FLIR image and the copy window serve as a visual cue of the effect only!
- Many test results don't make it into the video to prevent clutter. If there are any questions, ask!

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction, Why get an SSD?
1:32 - Explaining the various SSD categories
3:56 - Affordable USB (SATA) SSDs
6:19 - Fast USB (NVMe) SSDs
9:21 - Thunderbolt 3 SSDs
11:54 - Summary - My recommendations in each category

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Disclosure:
- Some of these products were store bought, others provided by their respective manufacturers. Either way, no manufacturer got any say in this review.
- Amazon links I provide are (typically) affiliate links. Using these does not cost you anything at all. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means they do provide me with a small commission when you decide to buy a product at no cost to you.

#External #SSD #BuyGuide

[TechTesters]

I'm working on a full update video to this one, but that will take a little bit longer still. Stay tuned!

[rsmakishi]

This is not an external SSD buying guide, this is THE external SSD buying guide! you covered every freaking angle, keep up with the great work!

[Shivartin]

6:31 is the best part :D I love that it was not edited away

[noaharkkitect]

This is probably one of the best, most informative tech videos I've ever seen. Everything was really well done and easy to understand/digest. Great work! 👍

[saranrajv]

Very deep research on SSD, excellent video editing as well . Well done 👍

[abdulazeez.]

That's a lot of work to benchmark them all, nice video as always!

[TylerAlbers]

This isn't normally the type of channel I would subscribe to... but the absolutely ridiculous amount of work you put into this video, coupled with the easy-to-follow breakdown of all the different specs made clicking the subscribe and bell icon super easy!

PS Thank you for highlighting the different bars of the graph as you were talking about them, made following the video much easier.

[pcsecuritychannel]

Very thorough test results and exactly what I was looking for. Would love to see a similar take on other tech products since your presentation is really good!

[carloscastano]

Best review for external ssds since you cover a lot of them in just one video. Very detailed and awesome edition, love your videos. Thunderbolt speeds attracts but it's important to have USB C 3.2 compatibility along with the Thunderbolt 3, so you can use in other devices.

[xelence]

Absolutely fantastic comparison video. Literally couldn’t be better. The only thing I wished it included was the current updated Samsung T7, and the Western Digital Black SSD. Writing this comment in July 2021. Thanks!

[kalynbarrett]

This was literally the most helpful video. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH. And I REALLY appreciate how you organized the video with benchmarks!!

[up_rises]

After watched bunch of reviews for the Sandisk Extreme and Extreme PRO, I still in doubt.
But after I have watched yours, I feel like, I'll go for Extreme PRO without any hesitation.
Thanks a lot for your great work. :)

[guillandanthony]

My absolute favourite is the Samsung T5. Very small, lightweight and discreet. It is very useful also when travelling. It is expensive, I agree, but worth any penny.

[CescoCDN]

Nicely done. Have both the Crucial X8, 1 TB and the Samsung T5, 500 MB both work well. I use the Crucial for Time Machine and the T5 to clone my iMac. Speaking of heat, I bought ADATA’s latest se800 and within 2 weeks locked up solid and no longer recognized by my Mac. Back it went...

[zankiepoo]

i like the contrast between the plants and all the techie stuff ! :) love your video! i’ve subscribed! ❤️🌱

[hontam]

One year on, this video still helps so much! Awesome!

[jesusalaniz]

Wow I've never seen a video about ssd's with this much detail, I just subscribed, good video😎

[stevec.]

Comprehensive review, encompasses all the questions I had to ask. Very professionally done.

[ayyteal]

Thankyou, finally an informative and straight to the point SSD review with benchmarks!

[ChaosAlpha]

Just purchased the Crucial X8 2tb at a bargain of £189 from Amazon. It is far cheaper than it's competitors. I will be using it with my PS5. Great video. Thanks.