Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallSamsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB | OutdoorsSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB | ValueCrucial X9 Pro 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £80–£110 | £80–£120 | £80–£110 |
| Best for | Best overall | Outdoors | Value |
| Key feature | Fast and compact | IP65 rugged design | Fast and tiny with IP55 |
| Speed | up to 1,050 MB/s | up to 1,050 MB/s | up to 1,050 MB/s |
| Capacity | 1 TB | — | — |
| Rating | — | IP65 | IP55 |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Samsung · External SSDs
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
Fast and compact.
- Buy it if
- you want a fast, reliable SSD
- Skip it if
- you need rugged protection
Pros
- Fast
- Small
- Reliable
Cons
- Not waterproof
Key specifications
- Speed
- up to 1,050 MB/s
- Capacity
- 1 TB
SanDisk · External SSDs
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
IP65 rugged design.
- Buy it if
- you need a tough drive
- Skip it if
- you need the fastest speeds
Pros
- Rugged
- Carabiner loop
- Fast
Cons
- Pricier at times
Key specifications
- Speed
- up to 1,050 MB/s
- Rating
- IP65
Crucial · External SSDs
Crucial X9 Pro 1TB
Fast and tiny with IP55.
- Buy it if
- you want value
- Skip it if
- you need a long cable
Pros
- Compact
- Fast
- IP55
Cons
- Short cable
Key specifications
- Speed
- up to 1,050 MB/s
- Rating
- IP55
Compare more External SSDs on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Portable SSDs for backups, photos and video, compared on speed, durability and capacity. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- USB-C 10 Gbps is fast enough for most people.
- Rugged models survive drops and rain.
- 1–2 TB suits most backups.
Buying in the UK
Keep a second copy of important photos off-site or in the cloud – one drive is not a backup strategy.
Frequently asked questions
SSD or hard drive?
SSDs are faster, smaller and tougher; hard drives are cheaper per terabyte.
Will it work with a Mac and PC?
Yes, if formatted as exFAT.