To support the flow of your design work, we’ve chosen external SSDs that are fast, reliable, and built to perform under creative pressure. These are drives that stay cool, run quietly, and deliver consistent high-speed performance.
As a graphic designer, your tools shape your creative process. The speed at which assets load, save, and render directly affects how fast, and how freely, you can work in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or multi-layered files in Figma or Affinity Suite, A sluggish external drive slows everything down, interrupts your flow, and ultimately impacts the quality of your output.
That’s why external SSDs have become essential gear for modern graphic designers. They provide vital extra space and also ensures your files open quickly, your applications run smoothly, and your backups don’t get in the way of your momentum.
Graphic design isn’t just about large files, though those are certainly part of the equation. It’s about repeated access to hundreds of assets, complex project folders, and high-resolution images that can balloon in size quickly.
We assessed each drive through criteria that matter specifically for design work, especially real creative workflows.
First, we look at sustained read and write performance. Many design files are large and layered, meaning a drive needs to maintain consistent throughput during transfers, exports, and autosaves. All of the drives in this guide maintain speeds well above 800MB/s without major dips, even with large Illustrator or Photoshop files.
Next, we consider interface compatibility. The drives here support modern high-speed interfaces in MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3, an iMac with USB-C, or a Windows desktop with USB 3.2 Gen 2. Additionally, each model also ships with appropriate cables out of the box, reducing setup friction.
Thermal design is another critical point. Graphic design can involve long working sessions, and some SSDs overheat and throttle down mid-project. We choose drives with passive cooling systems, typically aluminum or alloy enclosures, that maintain performance silently and efficiently. But that does not mean that polycarbonate drives cannot sustain good speeds.
Durability and portability also matter, especially if you’re working between studio and home, or on the move. The drives in this list are shock-resistant, slim enough for a laptop bag, and built for professional use.
Finally, we look at macOS and Windows compatibility. All drives here are easily reformatted to APFS, exFAT, or NTFS, depending on your platform. They also work seamlessly with design-focused backup solutions, like Time Machine or third-party sync tools such as ChronoSync and GoodSync. Also have a look at the best external ssds for content creators and also for DJs.
These are the Best External SSDs for graphic designers:
Contents
- BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac
- SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Kingston XS1000 2TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive
- Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive
- BUFFALO External SSD 2TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac
- Lenovo P8 Portable External Solid State Drive, 2TB SSD
- SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MBs - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive
- SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD
- SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB ,up to 1050MBs, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive
- PNY EliteX-PRO 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)
- SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- Kingston XS2000 4TB High Performance Portable SSD with USB-C Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive
- Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 340MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Compact, Reliable, High Speed |
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video |
| Reasons to Buy | Good read and write speeds |
Kingston XS1000 2TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Compact, Quality Build, Large storage, Easy to Use |
Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.1, Type C |
| Color | Blue Navy |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 3.07 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Ruggedized |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage, Good performance |
BUFFALO External SSD 2TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 340MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Compact, Reliable, High Speed |
Lenovo P8 Portable External Solid State Drive, 2TB SSD |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050 MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 3.87 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High Data Transfer Speed, Compatible with PC, Mac, Android |
| Reasons to Buy | High storage capacity, Good performance, Value for money |
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MBs - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Rate | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber |
| Weight | 2.75 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage space, resistance to dust, suitable for high speed operations |
SSK Portable SSD 2TB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.19 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Data security, Low power consumption, led indicator, fast transfer |
| Reasons to Buy | Highly functional, durable, high speed |
SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Darke Grey |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Functionality, Size, Speed |
SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB ,up to 1050MBs, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal Casing |
| Weight | 2 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Fingerprint Security |
| Reasons to Buy | Secure, encryption |
PNY EliteX-PRO 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD) |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1500MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 3.87 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Functional, Highly portable, Good performance |
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, USB-C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Dust Resistant, Water Resistant, Portable, Hardware Encryption |
Kingston XS2000 4TB High Performance Portable SSD with USB-C Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 1.02 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Water Resistant |
| Reasons to Buy | Good build Quality, High read and write speeds, compact |
Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.1, Type C |
| Color | Blue Navy |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 3.07 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Ruggedized |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage, Good performance |
You also have to look at the top external ssds with fingerprint sensor and also the best ones for Youtubers.
