Best portable SSD and external drive deals
External drives are the simplest way to back up photos, move files between computers, or expand a console's storage. These are the portable SSDs and external hard drives we are tracking on Amazon now.
Quick picks
What to look for
- SSD vs HDD: portable SSDs are much faster and more durable; external hard drives give far more capacity per dollar for backups.
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) is the common fast tier; Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) needs a supporting port to reach full speed.
- Consoles: Xbox and PlayStation can store (and for older titles, play) games from USB drives. Check the platform's requirements.
- Macs: drives formatted for Windows may need reformatting (exFAT works on both).
- Keep at least one backup on a separate device from your main computer.
The picks
1. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD, Supports Apple 4K 60fps ProRes, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Listed at $249.99 on Amazon when we last checked, under this guide's $250 cap. From the listing: 2TB · USB 3.2 Gen 2. Confirm the final price, seller and any coupon on Amazon before you buy.
2. UGREEN NeoDrive Go 1TB Portable SSD, 40Gbps Built-in Cable, Up to 4000MB/s
Listed at $199.99 on Amazon when we last checked, under this guide's $250 cap. From the listing: 1TB. Confirm the final price, seller and any coupon on Amazon before you buy.
3. 1TB WD Elements Portable Hard Drive for Windows, Mac and Compatible Devices - WDBDTV0010BBK-WESN for
Listed at $90.00 on Amazon when we last checked, under this guide's $250 cap. From the listing: 1TB. Confirm the final price, seller and any coupon on Amazon before you buy.
4. Verbatim 1TB Pocket Portable SSD
Listed at $179.99 on Amazon when we last checked, under this guide's $250 cap. From the listing: 1TB. Confirm the final price, seller and any coupon on Amazon before you buy.
5. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD
Listed at $94.85 on Amazon when we last checked, under this guide's $250 cap. From the listing: 2TB. Confirm the final price, seller and any coupon on Amazon before you buy.
FAQ
Is a portable SSD worth it over a hard drive?
If you move files often or need speed, yes. For bulk backups that sit on a shelf, an external hard drive is cheaper per terabyte.
Can I play PS5 games from an external drive?
PS5 games can be stored on USB drives but must run from internal storage; PS4 games can run from USB.
What format should I use?
exFAT works across Windows and macOS for most uses.
As an Amazon Associate, Usual Deals earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change often; the price on Amazon at checkout is what applies. We do not write reviews or test products for these guides. Picks are listings from our deal tracker that match the criteria above.
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