The Best External SSDs of 2025 for All Your Data & Video Storage

Running out of storage on your laptop or needing a reliable place to back up important files and video projects is a common challenge. An external hard drive offers a practical solution, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. To simplify the selection process, we’ve tested numerous drives across different operating systems and use cases, focusing on storage, backups, gaming, and video editing. This guide highlights the top performers to help you find the perfect match for your needs.

For routine incremental backups, speed is less critical than reliability and cost-effectiveness. The Western Digital Elements desktop hard drive stands out as a top choice. These drives are not particularly sleek and require their own power supply, but they deliver exceptional value and proven durability. While transfer speeds are modest, around 120 MB/s for sequential writes, this is more than adequate for overnight backup tasks. They connect via USB-C with USB 3 support and work seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Capacities extend to a massive 20 terabytes, and it’s often possible to find a 10 or 12 TB model for a price only slightly higher than the 8 TB version. Compared to WD’s more expensive My Book or My Passport lines, the basic Elements drive provides all the essential features most users need for backups.

Frequent travelers require a more portable solution than a desktop drive. The Western Digital My Passport Ultra series is an excellent choice for backups on the go. It uses a standard USB-C cable, eliminating the hassle of carrying a proprietary cord. Though not the slimmest drive available, its sturdy build and rounded corners make it safe to carry in a bag. Available in capacities from 1 TB to 6 TB, performance is consistent across sizes, with tested speeds averaging 121 MB/s read and 115 MB/s write. These speeds are perfectly suitable for daily backups while traveling, though not ideal for quickly transferring large files for immediate client review.

When maximum speed is non-negotiable, the LaCie Rugged Pro5 with Thunderbolt 5 is in a class of its own. This drive boasts incredible claimed speeds of up to 6,700 MB/s read and 5,300 MB/s write, making it capable of handling real-time editing of demanding 8K and 6K RAW video footage. In real-world testing, it achieved nearly 5,800 MB/s read and 5,200 MB/s write, solidifying its position as the fastest option available. The primary drawback is the cost; the 4 TB model starts at around $600. However, for video professionals who need that level of performance, the investment is justified.

For those without Thunderbolt 5 hardware, the Corsair EX400U delivers impressive speeds over the more common USB4/Thunderbolt 4 interface. This compact drive consistently delivers sequential read speeds near 3,800 MB/s and write speeds around 3,550 MB/s. A clever MagSafe connector on the case also makes it a great option for backing up video directly from an iPhone. It represents a fantastic balance of high performance, portability, and a more accessible price point than the top-tier LaCie drive.

If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable portable SSD, the Crucial X6 is a strong contender. It’s lightweight, extremely compact, and reasonably priced. It’s important to note that its performance is limited by its internal SATA interface, resulting in speeds of about 550 MB/s read and 208 MB/s write. This makes it suitable for general file storage and backups, but it’s not recommended for gaming consoles. It does, however, work well with devices like the iPad Pro, making it a good everyday carry drive.

For those seeking additional options, the Seagate Expansion 8-TB external hard drive is another reliable and affordable choice for backup duties. Using drives from different manufacturers for multiple backups can also be a smart strategy to mitigate the risk of simultaneous failure.

(Source: Wired)