The best external hard drives of 2020. The My Passport SSD is the best hard drive for most people and should set you up for many years of backing up files with a fast experience. Last update on 2020-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. While there are a lot of options out there when looking for the best external SSDs for video editing, we currently really love the Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB and is our best choice for an SSD for laptops. The best external hard drives and SSDs for Mac and PC users in 2020 By Matt Hanson 27 November 2020 Having the best external hard drive or SSD for your Mac or PC is essential if you have lots of creative work to store.
External storage drives have been deemed commodities for nearly a decade now. And when SSDs arrived on the scene, we had some respite but most of the initial drives used the SATA interface and given that USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports didn't have power delivery capabilities, it was not possible to use more powerful storage medium in an portable external casing. That changed with the USB Type-C port and over the years we've seen several advances which have made it possible to connect power consuming high-performance drives but SSDs themselves have become more affordable. You can now have external SSDs which are just as fast as internal NVMe SSDs. Even current gen game consoles have incorporated NVMe SSDs and can benefit from high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 external drives. (Note – Only the Xbox Series X supports installing games on an external drive, the PS5 doesn't.) Over the last two years, we've seen manufacturers take additional steps to make external drives more premium such as incorporating better build, including encryption software as well as offering more accessories with the devices. That coupled with the speed bump have brought much needed excitement to this segment.
Winner : Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD
Being the only USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 drive on the market, this was an easy victory for the Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD. That's 20 Gbps for those wondering how fast this drive can run and it is twice that of its nearest competitor. Installing games on this drive connected to a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 drive is as good as installing the game on an internal NVMe SSD. There aren't many motherboards with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports in the mid-range segment but with several new PC platform launches around the corner, this should soon change. Nevertheless, if you want blazing fast storage, then the FireCuda Gaming SSD is just what the doctor ordered. And gamers who like to have a little RGB pizzaz on everything they own would like this drive. Click here to buy.
Runner-up : SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD (2020)
This was a tough battle between two of WD's own SSDs. One being the WD My Passport SSD (2020) and the other being the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD (2020). We've seen SanDisk and WD SKUs use the same internals in the past for SSDs so it wouldn't be a surprise if that's the exact same in this case as well. Both drives use USB 3.2 Gen 2 with a peak transfer speed of 10 Gbps but when pitted against each other across five benchmark runs, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD came out on top by a sliver. It also features a more rugged exterior with rubberised coating, hard clam shell and a loop for attaching the drive to a hook. We don't consider features while deciding the Zero1 Awards but you can see how these factors make it a better drive than the WD My Passport (2020).
Best Buy: WD My Passport SSD (2020)
If a rugged drive isn't what you're looking for then the WD My Passport SSD (2020) gives you nearly the same performance as this year's runner up at a lesser price. This is what makes the WD My Passport SSD (2020) a better buy from a price-to-performance perspective. It's also got a slimmer profile compared to the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD (2020).
This was a tough battle between two of WD's own SSDs. One being the WD My Passport SSD (2020) and the other being the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD (2020). We've seen SanDisk and WD SKUs use the same internals in the past for SSDs so it wouldn't be a surprise if that's the exact same in this case as well. Both drives use USB 3.2 Gen 2 with a peak transfer speed of 10 Gbps but when pitted against each other across five benchmark runs, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD came out on top by a sliver. It also features a more rugged exterior with rubberised coating, hard clam shell and a loop for attaching the drive to a hook. We don't consider features while deciding the Zero1 Awards but you can see how these factors make it a better drive than the WD My Passport (2020).
Best Buy: WD My Passport SSD (2020)
If a rugged drive isn't what you're looking for then the WD My Passport SSD (2020) gives you nearly the same performance as this year's runner up at a lesser price. This is what makes the WD My Passport SSD (2020) a better buy from a price-to-performance perspective. It's also got a slimmer profile compared to the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD (2020).
About Digit Zero 1 Awards:
With a legacy of 20 years, the Digit Zero 1 Awards is recognized as the Industry's only performance-based awards. Digit rewards brands for putting in years of research in developing and introducing performance-driven products for their audience. All products are made to pass through a rigorous and scientific test process and compete with competitor brands in the same category. The Winner in each category is announced on the basis of their total score post complete performance analysis done across an average of 56 tests conducted for every category, across key performance parameters. The test process for the Zero1 Awards does not consider scores for features, price or design. The aim is to identify the very best products that money can buy, celebrate the innovations that push the industry forward, and reward the products that dare to disrupt the market.
Gaming requires a lot of memory. For some of the best gaming laptops, the default memory storage isn't quite enough. Using some best budget ssd for gaming is the best way to increase storage on your console or PC at an affordable price. And Some fastest external ssd drive can take the pressure off of your machine and also provides you with the ability to store more games at the same time. So, we have brought the Best External SSD For Gaming to you.
Installing a new internal SSD can be a tiresome and difficult process plus it cost extra if you have it installed by a professional which is an unnecessary cost too. And the Best External SSD for Gaming is extremely easy to use. SO, all you need to do is just plug them in. Using some fastest external ssd for mac and pc, you can install games on multiple computers. Generally, no file formatting is required to use a best external ssd for macbook pro and pc.
Some best budget ssd for gaming are the fastest, quietest, and most reliable storage devices. And the biggest advantage is that they reduce boot time. Thus, speeding up your programs and games and ultimately making your computer much faster. And when it comes to Speed, there is a drastic comparison relative to conventional HDD.
If you can compromise a bit on speed and are looking for more budget-friendly options, then HDD is what you have been looking for. And it provides you with an average speed of 100 MB/s. And you won't have to pay this much too. So, do check out our Best External Hard Drive For Gaming Laptop.
We have compiled a list of Best External SSD For Gaming for you.
Table of Contents1) Samsung T5 SSD
Samsung is one of the top-notch leaders when it comes to SSD, and they continue their winning streak with the T5. For power users who are willing to pay a premium price and want everything, that is, speed, capacity, and portability, Samsung T5 SSD is the slickest solution out there. And that's what makes it our top pick in Best External SSD For Gaming.
T5 is an ideal SSD for gaming available in the market today. It's sleek and simple design makes it cool and highly portable. And yes, it does come in black. This spunky little drive shares the same DNA as Samsung 860 EVO SSD but in a smaller package. Because of all these amazing features, Samsung T5 SSD has earned first place in our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
Compatibility
It works amazingly well as a laptop gaming SSD and fastest external ssd for mac. And it is also compatible with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Because of these amazing features, Samsung T5 SSD is our top pick for Best External SSD For Gaming.
Transfer Speed
The average data transfer rate of fastest external ssd for mac and pc comes around 540 MB/s, making it fantastic for running high-resolution games. And it also offers blazingly fast copying speeds.
Capacity
T5 SSD comes in a minimum of 500 GB and a maximum of 2 TB capacity. And this capacity is more than enough to store dozens of games for even the most serious gamers.
Form-Factor
The compact form factor of Samsung T5 SSD gives it an amazingly cool look. You can fit T5 in the palm of your hand. And that means it is extremely easy to carry around and store, which makes it highly portable.
Colors
Samsung T5 SSD comes in various colors. So, you have the freedom to match your SSD with your console's color.
Security
It has AES-256 bit hardware encryption which keeps your games, data, and other personal files safe and secure.
Type-C
T5 SSD fastest external ssd drive comes with two cables that are, USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C. So, you don't have to worry about Type-C connectivity.
Shock-Resistance
As the T5 features no moving parts, it can survive bumps and drops from up to 2 meters.
Warranty
It comes with a 3-years warranty.
Buy Now2) Seagate Barracuda SSD
Seagate Barracuda SSD is its series of fastest external ssd drive which provides a combination of rapid speed, generous capacity, and portability. And the futuristic design of best budget ssd for gaming looks amazing and you can even match it with your gaming laptop or console. And it can store dozens of high resolution of games for even the most serious Gamer's. After all, This SSD is best budget ssd for gaming. And that is why it has earned its place in our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
The Seagate Barracuda SSD provides great speeds and generous capacity but in a small package. And this SSD is made specifically for gaming and is highly compatible with gaming consoles as well as best external ssd for macbook pro. And that's why it has earned second place in our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
Compatibility
This is the best external ssd for gaming laptop. And it is also compatible with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Because of these amazing features, Seagate Barracuda SSD has made our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
Transfer Speed
The average data transfer rate of fastest external ssd for mac and pc comes around 540 MB/s which makes it one of the best choices for running high-resolution games.
Capacity
Fastest external SSD drive Comes in a minimum of 500 Gb and a maximum of 2 TB capacity. And this capacity is more than enough to store your games and other personal data. Winrar 64 bit 5 40.
Form-Factor
The compact size of Seagate Barracuda SSD gives it a futuristic look. And you can easily fit this SSD in your pocket or bag, making it extremely easy to carry around.
Type-C
Barracuda SSD comes with two cables that are, USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C. So, you don't have to worry about Type-C connectivity in the future.
Warranty
Stay assured as it comes with a limited product protection plan.
See Best External Hard Drive For Gaming Laptop
Buy Now3) VectoTech Rapid SSD
The VectoTech Rapid SSD is one of the fastest external ssd for mac , PC and laptops available in the market today. It is for those who want amazingly fast speed and reliability of an SSD but with more storage space. And this SSD is one of the rare ones because it comes in 4 TB size.
Because of this, it has earned its place in our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
This SSD is in the list of fastest external ssd drive for gaming. And it can also be a reliable companion for your laptops because of its generous capacity. It can store dozens of games. And you can also stream 4K resolution videos directly from this SSD.
Compatibility
It works very well with gaming laptops. And it is also compatible with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Because of these amazing features, VectoTech Rapid SSD has made our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
Capacity
Best Ssd For Gaming 2020
This SSD comes in a minimum of 1 TB and maximum of 4 TB capacity.
Transfer Speed
The average data transfer rate of VectoTech Rapid SSD comes around 540 MB/s. And this SSD is one of the fastest external ssd drive in its class.
Durability
The aluminum case of this SSD is designed specifically to provide exceptional durability. Because of this, it can survive drops from up to 6 feet and extreme temperatures from -25C to 85C.
Form-Factor
The slim and simple design of this SSD gives it exceptional portability, making it easy to carry around.
Type-C
It comes with two cables that are, USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C.
Warranty
It comes with a 3-years extended warranty.
Buy Now4) Sandisk Extreme SSD
The Sandisk Extreme SSD is one of the most reliable and best budget ssd for gaming available in the market today. Sandisk is considered one of the leaders and pioneers when it comes to delivering superior performance. And this SSD is sure to keep up to the name. It combines it all, speed, capacity, and reliability. Because of this, it has made its way to our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
You can store dozens of games and other personal data in this SSD. And its design provides you with extreme portability. You can also stream 4K videos directly from this SSD.
Compatibility
It works exceptionally well with gaming laptops. And it is also compatible with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Because of these features, this SSD has earned its place in our list of Best External SSD For Gaming.
Capacity
The fastest external ssd drive comes in a minimum of 250 GB and a maximum of 2 TB capacity. And it is more than enough to dozens of mainstream games.
Transfer Speed
The average data transfer rate of this SSD comes around 550 MB/s. And this is one the fastest SSD available in the market today.
Durability
It is IP55 rated, making it water and dust-resistant. Its shock and vibration-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures from -20C to 70C. Thus, increasing its durability to another level.
Form-Factor
Its slim and simple design makes it portable and extremely easy to carry around. And you can easily fit it in your pocket or bag.
Type-C
The fastest external ssd drive comes with two included cables that are, USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C. So, you don't have to worry about Type-C connectivity.
Warranty
It comes with a 3-years limited manufacturer's warranty.
Buy NowFastest Internal Ssd 2020
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