Best Portable SSDs & External Hard Drives for Laptops in 2026

In 2025, choosing external storage for a laptop comes down to two things: speed vs. capacity and port compatibility. This guide shortlists 7 proven options—from fast portable SSDs like Samsung T9 and SanDisk Extreme PRO (up to ~2,000 MB/s on supported ports) to high-capacity external hard drives like Seagate Backup Plus Hub (up to 12TB) for affordable backups. Gift Pals
Jump to Top Picks or the Comparison Table to pick the best drive for your workflow.

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Top Picks by Goal

• Best overall SSD: Samsung T9 (fast + durable)
• Best rugged/travel SSD: SanDisk Extreme PRO (IP65 + drop protection) 
• Best budget SSD: Crucial X10 Pro 
• Best gaming SSD: WD Black P50 
• Best high-capacity HDD: Seagate Backup Plus Hub 
• Best for video editors/RAID: LaCie Rugged RAID Pro 
• Best portable HDD: WD My Passport Ultra
• Compare the 7 best picks 
• FAQs

Best Portable SSDs of 2026

Portable SSDs offer faster speeds, better durability, and compact designs—perfect for professionals on the go. Here are the top picks for 2026:

1. Best Overall SSD: Samsung T9 Portable SSD 

✔ Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s (USB 4.0)
✔ Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
✔ Durability: Drop-resistant, IP65 water/dustproof
✔ Best For: Professionals, students, and anyone needing fast and reliable storage

💡 Why It Stands Out: This SSD is one of the best SSDs for video editing, offering high-speed performance and reliability. It's also a top-rated portable hard drive for backup, ensuring your files are secure and easily accessible.
Samsung has refined the T-series SSDs to near perfection. The T9’s ultra-fast speeds, robust encryption, and seamless integration with Windows, macOS, and even Android make it the best all-around SSD for 2026.

2. Best Rugged SSD: SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO

✔ Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s read and write speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface.
✔ Capacity: Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants.
✔ Durability: IP65-rated for water and dust resistance, with up to three-meter drop protection.
✔ Best For: Photographers, videographers, and professionals requiring fast, reliable, and portable storage solutions.

💡 Why It Stands Out:
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD offers high speed, durability, and a compact design, making it perfect for managing large media files in tough conditions. Its carabiner loop allows easy attachment to gear for on-the-go convenience.

3. Best Budget SSD: Crucial X10 Pro

✔ Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
✔ Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
✔ Durability: Shock-resistant, limited water resistance
✔ Best For: Students and budget-conscious buyers

💡 Why It Stands Out:
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable SSD at a lower price, the Crucial X10 Pro delivers solid performance for basic backups, gaming, and everyday storage needs.

4. Best SSD for Gaming: WD Black P50

✔ Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s (USB 4.0)
✔ Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
✔ Durability: Shock-resistant, military-grade build
✔ Best For: Gamers and creative professionals

💡 Why It Stands Out:
The WD Black P50 is optimized for gaming, providing faster load times, seamless gameplay, and enough storage for massive game libraries. It’s also great for video editors working with high-res files.

Best External Hard Drives of 2026

While SSDs offer speed, external hard drives (HDDs) provide higher capacities at lower prices—perfect for backups and media storage. Here are the top picks for 2026:

5. Best High-Capacity HDD: Seagate Backup Plus Hub

✔ Capacity: 4TB, 8TB, 12TB
✔ Speed: 160 MB/s (USB 3.2)
✔ Best For: Backup storage, large media files, and professionals needing massive capacity

💡 Why It Stands Out:
Seagate’s Backup Plus Hub offers huge storage at an affordable price, making it perfect for photographers, video editors, and anyone needing long-term backup solutions.

6. Best Portable HDD: WD My Passport Ultra

✔ Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 5TB
✔ Speed: 140 MB/s (USB-C)
✔ Best For: Students, travelers, and everyday users

💡 Why It Stands Out:
The WD My Passport Ultra is a sleek, ultra-portable HDD that’s perfect for backing up files on the go. It also features AES 256-bit encryption for extra security.

7. Best for Video Editors & Creatives: LaCie Rugged RAID Pro

✔ Capacity: 4TB, 8TB
✔ Speed: 250 MB/s (USB 3.2)
✔ Best For: Filmmakers, content creators, and professionals needing RAID storage

💡 Why It Stands Out:
LaCie’s Rugged RAID Pro is a top pick for filmmakers and video editors, offering RAID redundancy for extra data protection. It’s built to survive drops, dust, and water exposure, making it perfect for creatives on the move.

Top Brands for Portable SSDs & External Hard Drives

1. Samsung

Samsung is a leader in SSD technology, known for its high-speed, durable, and reliable storage solutions. The T-series SSDs are among the best for professionals and gamers.

2. Western Digital (WD)

WD specializes in both SSDs and HDDs, offering top-tier gaming SSDs like the WD Black series and reliable backup solutions like My Passport Ultra.

3. SanDisk

A trusted name in portable storage, SanDisk excels in rugged, high-speed SSDs designed for creatives and outdoor professionals.

4. Seagate

Seagate is a top choice for high-capacity external hard drives, delivering affordable, large-scale storage solutions for personal and professional use. 

Comparison Table: Best Portable SSDs & HDDs of 2026

How to Choose the Best External Storage in 2026

Wondering how to pick the best external storage for gaming or professional use? Choosing between SSDs and HDDs depends on factors like speed, capacity, and durability. Here’s a guide to help you make the right decision.

Speed vs. Capacity

• SSDs are faster and more durable but more expensive per GB.
• HDDs offer more storage at a lower price but are slower and less durable.

Use Case Considerations

• For work & professionals: Go for a Samsung T9 or SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD.
• For gaming: Choose a WD Black P50 SSD.
• For budget-conscious buyers: The Crucial X10 Pro SSD is the best option.
• For massive storage & backups:  The Seagate Backup Plus Hub HDD wins.
• For video editors:  The LaCie Rugged RAID Pro HDD is the best pick. 

Which Portable Storage Option Is Best for You?

Choosing the right external storage depends on your specific needs—whether it's speed, capacity, or durability. If you're looking for more in-depth comparisons or reviews, check out our guide on the best SSDs for gaming and top external hard drives for professionals.

👉 If you need speed, go for an SSD like the Samsung T9 or WD Black P50.
👉 If you need high-capacity storage on a budget, get an HDD like Seagate Backup Plus.
👉 If you travel a lot, the SanDisk Extreme Pro or WD My Passport Ultra are great picks.