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| Model | Interface | Sequential Read | Sequential Write | Storage | Connectivity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Portable SSD T9 Samsung | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) | Up to 2,000 MB/s | Up to 2,000 MB/s (4TB) / Up to 1,950 MB/s (1TB/2TB) | 2TB (up to 4TB available) | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) | 88 x 60 x 14 mm |
Portable SSDs have become the most popular external storage solution today, gradually replacing traditional HDD external drives. With superior read/write speeds, compact size, and higher durability, portable SSDs are the ideal choice for office workers, photographers, gamers, and anyone who frequently moves large amounts of data.
Portable SSDs can reach speeds of up to 2000MB/s or even 4000MB/s with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and Thunderbolt, allowing you to copy hundreds of GB of data in just minutes. This guide will help you choose the portable SSD that best fits your needs.
Four main factors to consider: speed, capacity, durability and water/dust resistance, and connection interface.
Speed is measured by sequential and random read/write speeds. Sequential speed matters when copying large files like 4K video, while random speed matters when working with many small files. Current portable SSDs range from 500MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 1) to 4000MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt 3/4).
Capacity commonly ranges from 256GB to 4TB. Choose based on your needs: 500GB-1TB for average users, 2TB+ for video editors or gamers with many large games.
Durability includes shock resistance (drops), water and dust resistance (IP65-IP68). If you frequently travel or work outdoors, choose an SSD with high dust/water resistance ratings.
| Specification | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1/Gen 2/Gen 2×2, Thunderbolt 3/4 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) for most users |
| Read Speed | 500 - 4000 MB/s | 1000MB/s+ for working with large files |
| Write Speed | 500 - 4000 MB/s | Similar to read speed for balanced performance |
| Capacity | 256GB - 4TB (8TB models available) | 1TB is the sweet spot |
| Water/Dust Rating | IP55 to IP68 | IP65+ if frequently taken outdoors |
| Shock Resistance | Drop from up to 2m | 2m drop-rated is standard |
| Encryption | Hardware AES 256-bit encryption | Important for sensitive data |
| Size | Typically credit card size or smaller | Compactness is a key advantage |
This is the most common type, with real-world speeds around 900-1050 MB/s. Broadly compatible with any device that has USB-C or USB-A. Suitable for most users. Examples: Samsung T7, SanDisk Extreme, Crucial X9.
Double the speed, up to 2000 MB/s. Requires a device that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Examples: Samsung T9, SanDisk Extreme Pro, WD My Passport SSD (20Gbps version).
Highest speed, up to 2800-4000 MB/s. Requires a Thunderbolt port on your computer. Usually more expensive and requires a dedicated Thunderbolt cable. Suitable for video editing, AI, and large data processing. Examples: Samsung X5, LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, OWC Envoy Pro FX.
You can buy a separate portable SSD enclosure and install an NVMe SSD into it. More economical if you already have an SSD. Enclosures from ORICO, Acasis, Sabrent, or ROG Arion support speeds of 10-40Gbps depending on the model.
| Segment | Price (1TB) | Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 - 1.5 million VND | 500MB/s speed, no encryption, plastic casing | WD My Passport SSD (older), Kingston XS1000 |
| Mid-Range | 1.5 - 2.5 million VND | 1000MB/s speed, AES encryption, aluminum casing | Samsung T7, Crucial X9, SanDisk Extreme |
| High-End | 2.5 - 4 million VND | 2000MB/s speed, IP65+ water resistance, long warranty | Samsung T9, SanDisk Extreme Pro, LaCie Rugged |
| Flagship | Over 4 million VND | Thunderbolt 40Gbps, ultra-durable, 3000MB/s+ speed | Samsung X5, LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, OWC Envoy Pro FX |
| Brand | Known For | Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Best-selling T7/T9 series, Magician software, consistent quality | Mid-Range - Flagship |
| SanDisk | Rugged Extreme/Extreme Pro, IP65, handy carabiner loop | Mid-Range - High-End |
| LaCie | Beautiful design, high durability (Rugged series), USB-C included | High-End - Flagship |
| Crucial | Great value, stable performance, bundled Acronis software | Mid-Range - High-End |
| Western Digital | WD Black D30 for gaming, My Passport for office use | Mid-Range - High-End |
| ADATA | Affordable, high capacity, many options | Basic - Mid-Range |
HDDs are much cheaper (around 500K-1 million VND for 1TB) and offer larger capacities (up to 5TB+ at affordable prices). However, HDDs are 3-5 times slower (100-150MB/s), more prone to damage from shock, heavier, and larger. If you back up data infrequently and need large capacity on a budget, HDDs still have their place. If you work with large files daily, an SSD is the obvious choice.
USB flash drives are smaller, cheaper, and more convenient. However, they are typically slower than SSDs (especially for writes), more fragile, and often lack security features. A portable SSD is a proper drive — more durable and reliable for important data.
NAS allows data access over the network from multiple devices. A portable SSD is local storage — you need to plug it directly. NAS is more expensive and complex. If you're an individual user, a portable SSD is sufficient. If you work in a team with multiple devices, consider NAS.
A portable SSD is one of the most worthwhile upgrades for your workflow. The Samsung T7 (1TB, around 2 million VND) is the best choice for most users: 1000MB/s speed, AES encryption, premium aluminum design, and excellent reliability. If you edit video or need higher speed, the Samsung T9 (2000MB/s) or LaCie Rugged SSD Pro are premium options. If your budget is tight, the Crucial X9 or Kingston XS1000 offer great value.
Final advice: don't skimp on storage — losing data is far more expensive than the cost of a quality SSD. Buy more capacity than you think you need, and always maintain a backup.
Further reading: Tom's Hardware Portable SSD Guide, PCMag Best External SSDs