External SSDs (solid-state drives) have become faster, smaller, and more Apple-friendly. With the right external SSD, you can dramatically expand your storage, back up critical files, edit video on the fly, or move entire photo libraries, all without a hiccup.
In this guide, we’re helping you cut through the haze.
The dreaded “Storage Almost Full” notification on iphone or ipad always comes when least expected, when recording videos, photos, and massive project files on our iPad or iPhone.
Limited internal storage can feel like a bottleneck you didn’t sign up for if you’re a mobile content creator, a student juggling assignments, or simply someone who values seamless performance,
But here’s the reality: iPads and iPhones are more powerful than ever, yet Apple still doesn’t offer expandable storage. And with 4K video, RAW photography, and app-heavy workflows becoming standard, you’re often left facing the challenge of either deleting files or sacrificing productivity.
Storage isn’t just about space, it’s about speed, security, and the ability to access and transfer your data without friction. iOS and iPadOS, while fast and fluid, also have limitations on file handling and drive compatibility. You can’t just plug in any external drive and expect flawless performance. You need one that’s not only fast and compact, but also fully compatible with Apple’s ecosystem.
Add to that concerns around transfer speeds, file system formats (like exFAT, APFS, or HFS+), and the need for reliable USB-C or Lightning connectors, and you’re suddenly navigating a tech maze that most users aren’t prepared for.
If you are a creator, students, mobile professional, and everyday user who shoot in ProRes, sketch in Procreate, edit in LumaFusion, or just want your media library accessible and organized, this guide is for you.
We assess SSDs based on a few critical factors:
- Compatibility with iOS/iPadOS
The SSD must support plug-and-play with iPhones and iPads—especially via USB-C (for newer iPads) or via Lightning (with an adapter). Native file system support and seamless mounting in the Files app is essential.
- Performance: Read/Write Speeds
We look for high sequential read/write speeds (typically above 1000MB/s), which ensures fast file transfers—especially important when moving 4K video or working with large RAW files.
- Portability and Build Quality
These devices are meant to go where you go. That means we prioritize SSDs that are compact, rugged, and durable—bonus points for IP ratings or drop protection.
- Power Requirements
iPhones, and even some iPads, don’t supply enough power for every external drive. That’s why we recommend bus-powered SSDs or drives with low-power draw profiles that don’t require external batteries.
- Connector Type and Cable Inclusion
We favor SSDs that ship with both USB-C and USB-A cables (or adapters), as well as Lightning-friendly options. Native support for USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 ensures future-proof speed.
- Capacity Options
You’ll find SSDs with capacities from 500GB to 4TB. We focus on the sweet spot—1TB and 2TB—ideal for most content-heavy workflows without breaking the bank.
- Value for Money
Finally, pricing matters. We recommend SSDs that hit the right balance between performance, features, and cost per gigabyte.
These are the Best External SSDs for Both iPhone and iPad:
Contents
- SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 1TB USB 3.2 10Gbs External Aluminum Waterproof [IP67] SSD
- LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive
- ORICO 1TB External SSD Up to 1050MBs, Hanging Hole Design Portable Solid State Drive
- LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 2TB Solid State Drive
- ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano XTRM External SSD, USB 3.2 Thunderbolt 3
- Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- Transcend 1TB ESD260C, External Solild State Drive, Portable SSD
- SK hynix Tube T31 2TB Stick Type SSD
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB External Solid State Drive
- SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MBs, USB 3.2
- SSK 2TB Portable External SSD with Wi-Fi Hotspot,
- 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
SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 1TB USB 3.2 10Gbs External Aluminum Waterproof [IP67] SSD |
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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 | 2700MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 7.4 oz |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP67 Water and Dust Proof |
| Reasons to Buy | Portable and compact, high speeds, value for your money |
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB 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 | 2800MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3 USB C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Water resistant |
| Reasons to Buy | Value for money, Design |
ORICO 1TB External SSD Up to 1050MBs, Hanging Hole Design Portable 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 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 3.52 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | 2 in 1 USB C & A Cable: Adapt USB-C and USB-A devices(Smart phones, PC, Laptops and Tablets |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance, Portable |
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 2TB 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 | 2800MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3 USB C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Water resistant, shock proof |
| Reasons to Buy | Value for money, Design, Large capacity |
ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External 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 | 500 megabits per second |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Grey |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 3.84 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Encryption, Good performance |
| Reasons to Buy | Affordable, Value for money |
Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable 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 |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, USB TyPE C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 0.3 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Hardware encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage |
SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano XTRM External SSD, USB 3.2 Thunderbolt 3 |
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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 | 2700MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C Thunderbolt |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 2.2 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Performance, Reliable, Portable |
Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External 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 |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, USB TyPE C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 0.3 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Hardware encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Reliable storage |
Transcend 1TB ESD260C, External Solild State Drive, Portable SSD |
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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 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.06 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Password protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance |
SK hynix Tube T31 2TB Stick Type SSD |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android, Xbox, PS5 |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1000MBs |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 4.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Reliable, Good performance |
SSK Portable SSD 2TB 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, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 2.11 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Portable, 1050 MB/s, LED Light |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage capacity, High speeds, Good cheap drive |
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MBs, USB 3.2 |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| Storage Drive Type | Solid State Drive |
| 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 | Gray |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video |
| Reasons to Buy | PC, Gaming Console, Tablet, Smartphone, Mac |
SSK 2TB Portable External SSD with Wi-Fi Hotspot, |
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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 | 300MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 9.2 Ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Reasons to Buy | Large capacity |
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 |
You should also take a look at the top SSDs for Mac Mini in addition to the best ones for Your Music Library.
