Joybuy Insights

Buying a portable SSD: what to consider when it comes to speed, storage and compatibility

A portable SSD is a practical alternative to a traditional external hard drive for many people. It has no moving parts, is compact and can transfer large files much faster. However, impressive figures on the packaging don’t automatically mean it’s the right choice for you. The key is making sure the connection, device, storage capacity and intended use are all a good match.

Common misconceptions when buying a portable SSD

1. Maximum speeds aren’t available on every USB-C port

A USB-C socket describes the shape of the connector, but it can support different standards. A USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSD can only reach its advertised speed of up to 2,000 MB/s if your computer, smartphone and cable also support this standard. Transfer speeds will be lower when connected to a slower USB 3.2 or USB 2.0 port.

2. ‘Up to’ doesn’t mean all the time

Manufacturer figures such as 1.050 MB/s or 2.000 MB/s usually refer to sequential read or write speeds under specific conditions. The actual performance may be lower when transferring lots of small files, using a nearly full drive, dealing with heat build-up or copying from a slower source drive. So the highest MB/s figure isn’t the only thing that matters for backups and documents.

3. Magnetic attachment doesn’t automatically mean a secure connection

A MagSafe SSD can be useful when filming on an iPhone. However, the magnet doesn’t replace a secure data connection. For ProRes recording, your smartphone, operating system, storage drive and cable all need to work together. You should also check that your iPhone model supports USB-C and the external recording feature you want to use. Compatibility may be limited on older devices.

The most important things to consider

Connection and transfer standard

For an external SSD for Mac and PC, a USB-C connection with a suitable cable offers plenty of flexibility. Ideally, the box should include both a USB-C-to-C and a USB-C-to-A cable. That way, you can also connect the SSD to older computers.

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2: theoretically up to 10 Gbit/s; many models reach around 1,000 MB/s sequentially.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: theoretically up to 20 Gbit/s; compatible models are advertised at speeds of up to around 2,000 MB/s.
  • Thunderbolt and USB4: can offer higher bandwidth, but they’re not interchangeable with every USB-C SSD.

Check the technical specifications of your device before buying. A high-performance drive will often work with a slower connection, but you won’t get the most out of it.

Plan your storage capacity realistically

A 1TB SSD is suitable for documents, photo collections, game installations and regular backups. If you often store 4K videos, RAW photos or large project files, consider a 2TB SSD. The available capacity will be slightly less than the figure on the label because of formatting and system management.

Your portable SSD shouldn’t be the only place you store important files. Keeping an additional copy on a second drive or in a separate location reduces the risk of losing all your data.

Casing, protection and heat

An aluminium casing can help dissipate heat, but it doesn’t replace adequate ventilation. Read claims about shock resistance and an IP65 rating carefully:

  • IP65 means protection against dust and low-pressure water jets, not immersion in water.
  • A stated drop height is a test figure, not a recommendation to drop the drive regularly.
  • A fast SSD may heat up during long transfers, which can reduce its speed.

If you often use your external SSD on the go, in the studio or on location, also consider its weight, cable protection and whether it has a non-slip surface.

Our picks for different users

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

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

Why this product suits this user: Its 1TB capacity and compact design make it a good fit for documents, photos, media libraries and regular backups on a PC or Mac.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The included USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables reduce the risk of needing to buy an unsuitable cable separately. Its advertised read speeds of up to 1.050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1.000 MB/s should be considered in the context of compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

Main benefits and strengths

Aluminium casing, optional 256-bit AES hardware encryption and support for Windows, macOS, Android and games consoles.

Ideal for: quality-conscious buyers
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

Why this product suits this user: This model combines USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 with a casing designed for mobile workspaces, photo archives and larger video files.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The IP65 rating means protection against dust and water jets; it doesn’t mean the drive can be submerged. Read speeds of up to 2.100 MB/s require a compatible host port.

Main benefits and strengths

Write speeds of up to 2.000 MB/s, AES hardware encryption, an aluminium casing and a stated drop resistance of up to 2 metres.

Ideal for: specialist uses and power users
Lexar ES5 Portable SSD 2TB

Lexar ES5 Portable SSD 2TB

Why this product suits this user: Its 2TB of storage, MagSafe compatibility and support for Apple ProRes 4K make it a good choice for content creators and anyone working on large media projects on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 may deliver lower performance. The IP65 rating does not protect the drive against immersion.

Main benefits and strengths

Read and write speeds of up to 2.000 MB/s, 2TB capacity, MagSafe attachment and a stated drop height of up to 3 metres.

Ideal for: iPhone and console users
DigiEra 1TB Magnetic Portable SSD

DigiEra 1TB Magnetic Portable SSD

Why this product suits this user: Its magnetic attachment and USB-C interface are designed for mobile filming, iPhone use and flexible connections to a laptop, camera or PS5.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Compatibility is limited to iPhone models from the 15 series onwards; according to the product information, older iPhones aren’t supported. Speeds of up to 2.000 MB/s are only available with compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 systems.

Main benefits and strengths

1TB of storage, stated read speeds of up to 2.000 MB/s, a magnetic mount and shock resistance of up to 1,500 G according to the manufacturer.

Looking for more options?

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

Practical tips before you buy

  • Check the connection on your computer, smartphone or console, and use a suitable cable.
  • Only format the drive if its file system is compatible with your devices. exFAT may be a good choice if you’ll use it with multiple platforms; back up important data first.
  • Safely eject the SSD using your operating system before unplugging it.
  • Keep backups of important recordings and documents on a second storage device.
  • If you’re looking for a portable SSD for PS5, check the console’s specific requirements. An external SSD can be used to store compatible games, but not every game can be played directly from every external drive.

Portable SSD FAQs

How long does a portable SSD last?

Its lifespan depends on the memory cells, amount of data written, temperature and how it’s used. It can serve for a long time as a drive for everyday backups and media storage. Regular backups are still essential, as an SSD can fail even though it has no moving parts.

Is an external SSD faster than an external hard drive?

In many everyday situations, an external SSD offers faster access times and higher transfer speeds. Its actual performance depends on the USB standard, cable, file type and source device. The difference can be especially noticeable when transferring large, continuous files.

Which capacity should you choose: a 1TB or 2TB SSD?

A 1TB SSD is often enough for office files, photos and occasional backups. For 4K videos, RAW photography, game libraries or longer projects, a 2TB SSD gives you more room and means you won’t need to move files around as often.