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Portable drives are storage devices that allow you to conveniently carry a large amount of data from one computer to another.
Or you can use one as an offline backup — tuck it away, and nobody can hack into your essential information.
Find below the list of the best portable drives I’ve tested. You’ll find one that goes well with your situation or makes a great gift for any occasion.
Dong’s note: I last updated this frequently revised post on May 23, 2022.
Table of Contents
Best Portable Drives: The lists
There are two lists.
One is portable drives that have what I’d call the “storage vault” level of security. The second list includes traditional portable drives for general usage.
Both lists consist of hard-drive-based and SSD-based portable drives. They also include devices of different interfaces, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Gen 2 (10Gbps), Gen 2×2 (20Gbps), and Thunderbolt 3/4 (40Gbps).
If you’re confused about these interfaces, you’re not alone. Check out this post on the USB-C port type, where I explained them all.
Important note: The number in front of each name is just the review order and not the ranking. Any of these will serve you well. It’s a question of how well, and that requires some reading — check out the full review!
Scroll to the bottom of the page to find out how their performance stacks up against one another.
A. The ultra-secure storage vaults
Again this list includes a portable drive for those with serious concerns about data breaches. They keep information absolutely safe from prying eyes.
In return, though, they will not keep the information from being destroyed, so don’t use any of them to store the only copy of your important data.
5. iStorage diskAshur M2: Super-Secure and rugged with a bit of Oddity
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list, the number is not the ranking.
The diskAshur M2 is another ultra-secure drive from iStorage that has two other members on this list.
The M2 is an ultra-compact portable SSD that has an interpreted keypad. The drive was excellent in my testing, except it uses a Micro-B SuperSpeed USB port instead of USB-C.
iStorage diskAshur M2's Rating
Pros
Strong hardware encryption and security keypad
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance
Rugged, compact design
USB cables included
Cros
Micro-B Superspeed port instead of USB-C
PIN management can be overwhelming
Capacity caps at 2TB
Software patch needed for each Windows computer
4. Apricorn Aegis Padlock SSD: The convenient keeper of secrets
Like the diskAshur PRO2 below, the Apricorn Aegis Padlock SSD portable drive has an integrated USB cable that makes it work right away out of the box — you’ll need a converter before it can connect to a USB-C port, however.
However, it’s a portable SSD and not a hard drive, so it’s much faster.
Apricorn Aegis Padlock SSD's Rating
Pros
Built-in strong hardware encryption and security keypad
Compact, rugged, light-weight and practical design
Fast SATA-based SSD performance
Built-in USB cable with the included extension
Fool-proof security approach
Cros
No USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, or NVMe storage
Aegis Configurator software costs extra
Manual management can be daunting
Runs a bit hot
3. Samsung T7 Touch: Security on the fingertip
The Samsung T7 Touch doesn’t have an integrated keypad, but it’s super-secure nonetheless, thanks to the built-in fingerprint scanner.
It’s also the only drive on this list that features USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and an NVMe SSD on the inside — it’s the fastest among ultra-secure portable SSDs.
Samsung T7/Touch's Rating
Pros
Hardware encryption with an optional integrated fingerprint scanner
Compact and rugged design
USB 3.2 Gen 2-Class performance
Includes both USB-C and compatible cables
Cros
Write speed reduction during extended operations
More expensive than similar portable SSDs
2. iStorage datAshur PRO2: The storage vault thumb drive
This tiny thumb drive is the most secure of its kind. It’s a storage device you can entrust your most confidential information. It’s a storage vault that fits inside your pocket.
iStorage datAshur PRO2's Rating
Pros
Top-notch security against data breach
Rugged, weatherproof, compact design
Fast performance
Cros
Expensive
No safeguard against deliberate data deletion
Loose sleeve
1. iStorage diskAshur PRO2: A Real Storage Vault in Your Palm
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list, the number is not the ranking.
The iStorage diskAshur PRO2 is the only hard-drive-based storage vault on this list. Other than the fact it’s the slowest one, it has the same security level as the next guy.
iStorage diskAshur Pro2's Rating
Pros
Genuinely secure
Fast performance
Compact design with built-in USB cable
Cros
Expensive
Keypad combos take some getting used to
No USB-C support
B. The day-to-day traditional portable drives
This list includes traditional portable drives, including those without any security features.
12. Samsung T7 Shield: Possibly the best portable SSD from Samsung to date
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list, the number is not the ranking.
The Samsung T7 Shield is more than just the rugged version of the T7/Touch above. The new drive proved to be faster in testing, especially in tests using USB 3.2 Gen 1.
On top of that, it comes with a reasonable price tag at launch. It’s an easy recommendation.
Samsung T7 Shield's Rating
Pros
Fast performance, compact and rugged design
Hardware encryption with effective password protection
USB cables included
Cros
The Android app is a joke
Attracts dirt easily
12. Silicon Power Armor A66: Military-grade rugged portable hard drive
The Silicon Power Armor A66 is a bit of irony, considering it’s a hard-drive-based storage device designed with military-grade ruggedness. It uses an internal hard drive that’s generally more susceptible to shocks and drops than an SSD.
So no military personnel will use it, but for the low cost, it can be an excellent buy for home users who needs a portable, spacious, and, well, rugged and water-resistant drive.
Silicon Power Armor A66's Rating
Pros
Fast hard-drive-based performance
Rugged and light design
Relatively affordable
Cros
USB-A female port instead of USB-C
Impractical connection design
Terrible SP Widget software
11. SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD: Western Digital’s latest tough guy in town
The G-Drive SSD is the fruit of merging SanDisk and G-Tech, two storage brands Western Digital acquired over the years, into a new professional lineup.
The new compact portable NVMe SSD is indeed quite pro. It has excellent performance, rugged chassis, and looks the part.
Though a bit pricey, the SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD has enough to be worth your consideration.
SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD's Rating
Pros
Fast NVMe-based performance
Rugged, water-resistant, compact design
USB-C with included cables
Effective security feature
Cros
No USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or USB 2.0 support
A bit pricey
Not convenient for Windows users
Runs a bit warm
10. OWC Envoy Pro SX: Underwhelmingly super-fast
The OWC Envoy Pro SX is the second Thunderbolt-exclusive portable SSD on this list. It’s the direct competitor of the Samsung X5 below.
As such, it’s a bit underwhelming due to the slower performance, but supporting Thunderbolt, this is still one of the fast, portable drives on the market.
OWC Envoy Pro SX Thunderbolt Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Rugged and compact
Fast Thunderbolt read performance
Relatively affordable
Cros
Write speed could be better
Not compatible with USB 3.2
9. WD Black D30 Game Drive SSD: A well-balanced console add-on storage
The WD Black D30 Game Drive SSD is an excellent alternative to the P50 below. No, it’s not faster, but it sure is more affordable and has just the right specs for many game consoles and computers on the market.
On top of that, it has a little stand that makes the whole package quite cute in use.
WD Black D30's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable NVMe-based performance
Cool-looking, rugged design with a practical stand
USB-C port with included USB-A-to-USB-C cable
Runs cool
Cros
No USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
No security feature for general use
USB-C cable not included
Not water resistant
A bit pricy
8. SanDisk Extreme Pro: The fastest USB portable SSD to date
The SanDisk Extreme Pro is the latest version to replace the model that came out last year.
It’s the first in the SanDisk Extreme family that sports the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) and standard and, among other things, proved to be the fastest USB portable SSD to date.
SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Super-fast performance thanks to the combo of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and NVMe SSD
Compact, rugged and beautiful design
Excellent security feature with built-in hardware encryption
Android support
Cros
A bit expensive
Slightly bulkier than the non-PRO model
Runs hot
7. WD Black P50 Game Drive: First USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 portable SSD
The WD Black P50 is the first portable SSD on the market that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which caps at 20Gbps.
And in my testing, it was one of the fastest on the market. That, plus the fact it’s super rugged and cool looking, means it looks the part as a storage device designed for gamers.
WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD's Rating
Pros
Super-fast NVMe-based performance
Compact, rugged design
Top USB specs with USB-C port
High compatibility
Cros
Expensive
Currently, there are no game consoles with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
No security feature for general use
6. SanDisk Extreme: An excellent sweet-sport portable SSD
This portable SSD is the non-PRO version of the SanDisk Extreme PRO above.
The only difference, though, is the lack of support for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Instead, it uses the older USB Gen 2 (10Gbps), which is slower.
To compensate for that, it’s significantly more affordable and a tad more compact. That and the fact that USB Gen 2 is a popular USB standard — most computers don’t have a faster option anyway — mean it’s an excellent buy.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Fast NVMe-based performance
Compact, yet rugged and beautiful design
Excellent security feature with built-in hardware encryption
Android support
Cros
No support for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Runs a bit hot
5. WD My Passport: A portable SSD with everything
The latest WD My Passport SSD is an entirely new drive compared to the previous model.
It now has everything you’d ask from in a portable SSD: Top speed, compact design, storage space, and security. While it’s not perfect and slightly more expensive than competing drives, it’s easily one of the best portable SSDs on the market.
WD My Passport SSD 2020's Rating
Pros
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance
Compact, rugged, practical design
USB-C-ready with cable and adapter included
Useful security feature
5- year warranty
Cros
Runs a bit hot
Useless WD Backup and WD Utilities applications
Slightly more expensive than competitors
4. Crucial X6: The tiniest 4TB portable SSD
In many ways, the Crucial X6 is the mini (and lesser) version of the Crucial X8 below. Since the latter is already ultra-compact, we’re now talking about a tiny portable storage device.
Despite the diminutive physical size, the X6 is a formidable portable SSD. It delivers up to 4 TB of storage space and has a matching performance. You won’t need to wait for a long time, even when you want to fill it up.
Crucial X6 Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Fast performance
Super compact yet rugged, beautiful design
USB-C-ready
Cros
Comparatively low perform cap
No USB-A converter or cable included
3. Crucial X8: Micron’s first portable SSD
Micron joined the portable SSD market with a bang. The Crucial X8 delivers stellar speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2 and is one of the fastest among its peers. And the fact the drive comes with a beautiful design and a friendly price tag doesn’t hurt.
Crucial X8 Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance
Friendly pricing
Compact, rugged, aesthetically pleasing design
USB-C ready, USB-A converter included
Cros
No bundled software or security feature
2. WD Black P10: The ultra-spacious rugged gamer’s portable hard drive
It’s a portable hard drive for gamers. The rugged, cool-looking drive delivers tons of storage space inside a tough casing.
It’s the only hard-drive-based portable drive on this list and suitable for those who need a ton of storage space instead of performance.
WD Black P10 Game Drive's Rating
Pros
Solid and stylish design
Fast performance
Plug-n-play out of the box
Cros
Expensive
A little bulky
No USB-C or encryption support
1. Samsung Portable SSD X5: The Thunderbolt 3 bootable speed demon
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list, the number is not the ranking.
The X5 is the fastest portable SSD by far. The catch is it only works with Thunderbolt 3 and not USB. For this reason, it’s more suitable for professional Mac environments, at least for now.
Samsung Portable SSD X5's Rating
Pros
Super-fast performance
Solid, pretty, rugged design
Compatible with Windows and Mac right out of the box
Useful and effective security feature
Can work as a boot drive
Cros
Only works with Thunderbolt 3
Expensive
Only one Thunderbolt 3 port
The 3-year warranty is a bit short.
Best Portable Drives: The performance
When it comes to portable drives, the most important performance is copy speeds. Find below how the drives mentioned above stacked against one another in my testing, using their fastest supported connection standard.
Again, keep in mind that this chart includes drives of different connection and storage types, not to mention the pricing, and therefore is only for references.
That’s because comparing them using their performances alone is like comparing apples to oranges. It’s a good idea to read their reviews to find out how well they fit your needs.
Extremely interesting write up. Your reviews are some of the best to be found.
I believe the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD would work on a Thunderbolt 4 port (which I do have on my laptop), but would it be able to reach near it’s maximum advertised speeds of 2,000 MB/s reading and writing on that port? Or would one have to have the specific USB 3.2 GEN 2×2 port in order to reach near those advertised speeds.
I noticed it did not even get close to those speeds in your test, but I am guessing you did not test it on a USB 3.2 GEN 2×2 port. Please correct me if I am wrong on that guess.
Thanks for your time.
Yes, J — you’re right. Thunderbolt 4 (and 3) encompasses USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. More in this post.
Hi, Dong! Thanks for the article!
Wondering if you could review the OWC Envoy Pro FX (Thunderbolt 3).
It’s rather pricey, but I’m looking for an external option for a Mac Mini (instead of paying Apple’s price for internal storage) – something that could get close to Apple’s internal storage read/write speeds.
I’d love to know your thoughts on the OWC! Thanks!
OWC tends to be overpriced and overrated, Mike. I’d go with other storage vendors.
Thanks! Is there anything faster than the X5 that you’d recommend?
Not really, Mike, for a portable drive. Make sure you have Thunderbolt 3.
Thanks, Dong! Really appreciate your time and responsiveness to everyone who posts!!
Will any of these storage devices allow me to download pictures and movies from my Samsung S10+ phone to the storage device?
It’s a matter of power delivery and app and you can make many SSD drives here work, Thomas. But if you want to make sure, get the Samsung T7 (Touch).
Thank you. I ordered the 500gGB storage in silver using your provided link.
Sure, Thomas. And thanks. 🙂
Picked up the 500gb drive. Works well and is easy to set up. The supplied USB C to USB C cable will not work with the Samsung S10+ phone. It will not stay locked in the phone. I suspect it is because of the rounded bezel on the phone. I ordered another cable that is supposed to work with the USB C connector on the Samsung S10+ phone
You can use the phone’s charging cable, Thomas.