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10 Best External Ssds 2025 in the UK

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 2 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Titanium Grey (MU-PC2T0T/WW)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,472
Read and Write Speeds
Form Factor
Interface
Read and Write Speeds
Experience blazing fast and reliable storage with the Samsung T7, boasting lightning-fast data transfer speeds that significantly reduce file transfer times.
Form Factor
The sleek and compact design of the T7, available in stylish metallic colors, fits comfortably in your pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
Interface
Seamlessly compatible with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles, the T7 provides versatile storage solutions for any tech-savvy individual.
Durability and Build Quality
Built to withstand daily use, this SSD offers shock-resistant construction that can endure drops of up to 2 meters, ensuring your data remains safe.
Security Features
With intuitive software features like password protection and firmware updates, the T7 offers peace of mind with secure data handling.

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD offers a robust storage solution with a substantial 2 TB capacity, making it ideal for users who need to store large amounts of data. Its standout feature is the impressive read/write speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and 1000 MB/s, respectively, thanks to the USB 3.2 Gen.2 interface, which is significantly faster than traditional external hard drives. This speed makes it suitable for transferring large files quickly, such as videos, games, and high-resolution photos.

The compact and elegant aluminium housing ensures durability while being visually appealing, with a choice of metallic red, indigo blue, or titanium grey colors adding a touch of personalization. It is lightweight at just 72 grams, enhancing its portability. Compatibility is broad, as it includes both USB Type-C to C and Type-C to A cables, allowing connections to a wide range of devices including PCs, Macs, Android devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

However, it lacks specific security features like hardware encryption which might be a consideration for users handling sensitive data. Additionally, while it boasts impressive speed, the reliance on USB 3.0 may limit potential performance benefits available with newer interfaces. Users looking for a reliable, high-speed, and portable SSD will find the Samsung T7 meets their needs, though those needing advanced security features might need to look elsewhere.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,472
Read and Write Speeds
Form Factor
Interface
Read and Write Speeds
Experience blazing fast and reliable storage with the Samsung T7, boasting lightning-fast data transfer speeds that significantly reduce file transfer times.
Form Factor
The sleek and compact design of the T7, available in stylish metallic colors, fits comfortably in your pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
Interface
Seamlessly compatible with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles, the T7 provides versatile storage solutions for any tech-savvy individual.
Durability and Build Quality
Built to withstand daily use, this SSD offers shock-resistant construction that can endure drops of up to 2 meters, ensuring your data remains safe.
Security Features
With intuitive software features like password protection and firmware updates, the T7 offers peace of mind with secure data handling.
#2

Samsung Portable SSD T7, SSD 4 TB, USB 3.2 Gen.2, 1,050 MB/s read, 1,000 MB/s write, external SSD hard drive for iPhone, Mac, PC, smartphone and game console, grey, MU-PC4T0T/WW

Rating
9.6
Read and Write Speeds
Form Factor
Interface
Read and Write Speeds
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD delivers blazing fast performance with read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, making file transfers incredibly quick and efficient.
Form Factor
Its compact and sleek design fits comfortably in your pocket, making it a perfect companion for work, travel, or creative projects.
Interface
The T7's USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface provides lightning-fast data transfer speeds, significantly improving productivity.
Durability and Build Quality
Built to withstand daily use and travel, the Samsung T7 features a shock-resistant construction that can handle drops of up to 2 meters.
Security Features
AES 256-bit hardware encryption ensures your data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.

The Samsung T7 4TB Portable SSD offers substantial storage capacity in a compact and portable form, making it a great option for those needing to store large amounts of data on-the-go. With read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively, it delivers fast performance, significantly outpacing traditional external hard drives. This speed is facilitated by its USB 3.2 Gen.2 interface, ensuring quick data transfer and efficient workflow for tasks such as 4K video recording and editing.

The SSD's sleek and robust aluminum casing not only looks stylish but also provides durability, with the ability to withstand drops from up to 2 meters. Additionally, it comes with two USB cables (Type-C to C and Type-C to A), making it versatile and compatible with various devices including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and gaming consoles. Security is another strong point, as it supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption, providing peace of mind for users who need to protect sensitive data. The included Samsung Magician software helps optimize the drive's performance and keep it updated with the latest firmware.

However, one downside might be its price point, which could be higher compared to other external SSDs with similar capacities. Also, while durable, the aluminum casing may show scratches or dents over time with heavy use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Samsung T7 is a high-quality, reliable choice for users seeking a fast, secure, and durable portable SSD.

Rating
9.6
Read and Write Speeds
Form Factor
Interface
Read and Write Speeds
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD delivers blazing fast performance with read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, making file transfers incredibly quick and efficient.
Form Factor
Its compact and sleek design fits comfortably in your pocket, making it a perfect companion for work, travel, or creative projects.
Interface
The T7's USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface provides lightning-fast data transfer speeds, significantly improving productivity.
Durability and Build Quality
Built to withstand daily use and travel, the Samsung T7 features a shock-resistant construction that can handle drops of up to 2 meters.
Security Features
AES 256-bit hardware encryption ensures your data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.
#3

Samsung T9 Portable SSD 4TB, Up to 2,000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Up to 3 m drop resistant, for Creative professionals, YouTubers, Content creators, Mac compatible, MU-PG4T0B

Rating
9.3
Read and Write Speeds
Form Factor
Interface
Read and Write Speeds
This SSD is perfect for video editing, effortlessly keeping up with high-demand rendering speeds.
Form Factor
Compact and lightweight, the device fits comfortably in your hand, making it highly portable.
Interface
Included USB leads eliminate the need for extra adapters, enhancing convenience.
Durability and Build Quality
The silicone material provides excellent protection against accidental drops, though it tends to attract dust.

The Samsung T9 Portable SSD offers a generous storage capacity of 4TB, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals, YouTubers, and content creators who need ample space for large files. Its standout feature is the remarkable read and write speed of up to 2,000MB/s, thanks to the NVMe SSD technology and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface. This speed can significantly enhance workflow efficiency, especially during large file transfers.

The device's broad compatibility with PCs, Macs, Android devices, and more, adds flexibility, allowing users to connect with various platforms. Measuring just 8.8 x 6 x 1.4 cm and weighing 122 grams, the T9 is compact and portable, a plus for users always on the move. It's designed to withstand drops from up to 3 meters, providing a sense of security against accidental damage. The non-slip surface further complements its durable build.

Additionally, Samsung's 5-year limited warranty is a reassuring feature for long-term use. The inclusion of Dynamic Thermal Guard helps prevent overheating, which is crucial for maintaining performance over extended periods. The Samsung T9 is a robust and high-performing external SSD ideal for those needing large storage and swift data access.

Rating
9.3
Read and Write Speeds
Form Factor
Interface
Read and Write Speeds
This SSD is perfect for video editing, effortlessly keeping up with high-demand rendering speeds.
Form Factor
Compact and lightweight, the device fits comfortably in your hand, making it highly portable.
Interface
Included USB leads eliminate the need for extra adapters, enhancing convenience.
Durability and Build Quality
The silicone material provides excellent protection against accidental drops, though it tends to attract dust.

Buying Guide for the Best External Ssds

When choosing an external SSD (Solid State Drive), it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. External SSDs are used for storing and transferring data quickly and reliably, making them ideal for tasks like backing up files, expanding storage, and improving the performance of your computer. Understanding the key specs will help you make an informed decision and select the right SSD for your specific requirements.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the SSD can hold, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). This is important because it determines how much data you can store on the drive. If you need to store large files like videos, photos, or games, you should opt for a higher capacity SSD, such as 1TB or more. For basic tasks like document storage or transferring smaller files, a lower capacity SSD, such as 256GB or 512GB, may be sufficient. Consider your storage needs and choose a capacity that provides enough space for your current and future data.
Read and Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly data can be read from or written to the SSD, measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Higher speeds mean faster data transfer and better performance. If you frequently transfer large files or use the SSD for tasks that require quick access to data, such as video editing or gaming, look for an SSD with higher read and write speeds, typically above 500 MB/s. For general use, such as backing up files or storing documents, standard speeds around 300-500 MB/s may be adequate. Assess your performance needs to determine the appropriate speed for your SSD.
Form FactorThe form factor refers to the physical size and shape of the SSD. Common form factors for external SSDs include 2.5-inch drives and more compact, portable designs. The form factor is important because it affects the portability and compatibility of the SSD with your devices. If you need a highly portable SSD for on-the-go use, consider a smaller, lightweight model. For stationary use or if you need to connect the SSD to a specific device, ensure the form factor is compatible with your setup. Choose a form factor that fits your usage scenario and physical space requirements.
InterfaceThe interface is the connection type used to connect the SSD to your computer or other devices. Common interfaces include USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. The interface affects the data transfer speed and compatibility with your devices. For the fastest transfer speeds, look for SSDs with USB-C or Thunderbolt interfaces, which can offer speeds up to 40 Gbps. USB 3.0 is also a good option for general use, providing speeds up to 5 Gbps. Ensure the interface of the SSD matches the ports available on your devices to avoid compatibility issues. Select an interface that meets your speed requirements and device compatibility.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the SSD can withstand physical damage and wear over time. This is important if you plan to use the SSD in various environments or carry it with you frequently. Look for SSDs with rugged designs, such as those with shock resistance, water resistance, or reinforced casings. These features can help protect your data from accidental drops, spills, and other hazards. If you need a reliable SSD for travel or outdoor use, prioritize durability. For home or office use, standard build quality may be sufficient. Consider your usage environment to determine the necessary level of durability.
Security FeaturesSecurity features refer to the measures in place to protect your data from unauthorized access. This is important if you store sensitive or personal information on the SSD. Common security features include hardware encryption, password protection, and biometric authentication. Hardware encryption ensures that your data is encrypted and secure, even if the SSD is lost or stolen. Password protection and biometric authentication add additional layers of security. If data security is a priority for you, look for SSDs with robust security features. For general use, basic security measures may be adequate. Evaluate your security needs to choose the right features.