Joybuy Insights

Buying a portable external SSD: a guide for iPhone, Mac, PC and PS5

A portable external SSD can transfer large video, photo and game files much faster than a traditional hard drive. But impressive speed claims and features such as MagSafe don’t automatically mean a drive is right for you. The key is making sure the SSD, cable and device you’re connecting it to are technically compatible.

Common misconceptions when buying a portable SSD

1. High MB/s speeds aren’t available through every connection

Depending on the model, a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSD can reach speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. However, both your computer’s port and the cable you use must support this standard. Speeds may be significantly lower when connected to an older USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.

Macs and smartphones don’t necessarily support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 either. Manufacturer figures should therefore be treated as maximum speeds. In practice, transfer speeds are affected by the connection, file size, temperature and write activity.

2. Magnetic attachment doesn’t mean wireless charging

A MagSafe SSD, or magnetic SSD for iPhone, attaches using a magnetic ring or a compatible case. Data is still transferred via a cable. This also applies to models that attach directly to an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16.

When choosing a drive, also check whether your smartphone has a USB-C port and whether it supports the specific video resolution you need. A magnetic mount doesn’t replace a technical compatibility check.

3. Shock resistance isn’t a substitute for backing up your data

A shock-resistant external SSD has no moving parts, making it generally less vulnerable to knocks and vibrations than a traditional HDD. However, claims such as ‘survives drops of up to 2 or 3 metres’ come from the product specifications and won’t apply to every real-world situation.

You should also keep important files backed up somewhere else. Don’t disconnect the SSD while it’s writing data, as this could damage files.

The key buying criteria explained

Storage capacity: 1TB or 2TB external SSD?

A 1TB external SSD is suitable for documents, photos, music, backups and shorter video projects. But for 4K video, RAW photos or large game libraries, available storage can quickly run low.

A 2TB external SSD gives you more room for professional workflows and large media collections. The usable capacity will be slightly lower than advertised because of formatting and system management. If you regularly transfer video footage, work out the file sizes involved in your workflow before buying.

Connection and speed

These figures are especially relevant for current USB-C devices:

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2: theoretically up to 10 Gbit/s; many models reach around 1,000 MB/s.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: theoretically up to 20 Gbit/s; compatible SSDs can transfer data at up to 2,000 MB/s.
  • USB-C: mainly describes the connector shape, not the speed.

So a 2,000 MB/s model won’t necessarily be faster than a 1,000 MB/s SSD when connected to any USB-C port. Make sure the connection standard and included cable are compatible with your Mac, PC, camera or games console.

iPhone, ProRes and MagSafe

To record ProRes footage to an external SSD, your iPhone needs a compatible drive, a suitable USB-C connection and sufficiently fast write speeds. Support may vary depending on the iPhone model, resolution and frame rate.

If you’re looking for an SSD for iPhone 15 and 16, pay particular attention to these points:

  1. Does the product explicitly say it supports direct video recording to the drive?
  2. Is a suitable USB-C cable included?
  3. Will the magnetic attachment work with the case you use?
  4. Is the drive supplied with just the mount or with a magnetic ring as well?

For an SSD for Mac and PC, the file system and encryption software also matter. You may be able to reformat an SSD, but doing so will erase any data already on it. For PS5, an external SSD is suitable for storing and moving compatible games. To play PS5 games, you’ll generally need to move them to the internal storage or a compatible expansion drive.

Products by user profile

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
Samsung Portable SSD T7 1TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2

Samsung Portable SSD T7 1TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2

Why this product suits this profile: The 1TB version is designed for anyone looking for a compact SSD for documents, photos, backups and everyday file transfers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its rated speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write are suited to USB 3.2 Gen 2 and don’t require a Gen 2x2 interface.

Key benefits and strengths

1TB of storage, an aluminium casing, hardware encryption, and USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.

Ideal for: Quality-focused buyers
Samsung T9 1TB external portable SSD

Samsung T9 1TB external portable SSD

Why this product suits this profile: For users with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, the T9 is equipped for high-speed transfers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

To achieve the advertised speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, you’ll need a compatible host connection and cable. Performance will be lower with slower ports.

Key benefits and strengths

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, and drop protection up to 3 metres according to the product specifications.

Ideal for: Specialist uses and heavy users
Lexar ES5 Portable SSD 2TB

Lexar ES5 Portable SSD 2TB

Why this product suits this profile: Its 2TB capacity and magnetic attachment make it suitable for mobile video workflows with compatible iPhones and other devices.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions MagSafe attachment and ProRes support, while also noting that performance will be lower on systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.

Key benefits and strengths

2TB, read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, IP65 protection against dust and water, and drop protection up to 3 metres.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.

FAQs about portable external SSDs

Which portable external SSD is suitable for iPhone?

Models with a USB-C connection are suitable for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 devices with USB-C. For ProRes recording, the drive should be explicitly suitable for recording directly to external storage. With magnetic models, make sure the case, magnetic ring and cable connection are all compatible.

How long does an external SSD last?

Lifespan depends on the amount of data written, temperature, usage and storage conditions. Keep your SSD dry and away from excessive heat, and don’t disconnect it while transferring data. It’s still a good idea to keep an additional backup of important files.

Does a portable SSD use a lot of power?

Power consumption is generally low compared with larger desktop drives, but power is supplied by the connected device. During longer recording sessions or high-speed transfers, your smartphone or laptop battery may drain more quickly. Using a suitable cable and connecting directly can help prevent unnecessary connection problems.