These aren’t your everyday portable drives, thunderbolt 4 external SSDs deliver blistering speeds, ultra-low latency, and pro-grade reliability. But with specs that sound similar on the surface, NVMe, PCIe 4.0, USB4 compatibility, it can get confusing fast.
So we’ve done the digging for you.
In this guide, we break down the best external SSDs with Thunderbolt 4, based on performance, reliability, durability, and real-world use cases.
Before we jump in, let’s talk about the problem.
Traditional external drives, especially older USB 3.0 or SATA-based models, just can’t keep up. You might have noticed:
- Transfer speeds crawling during large file moves
- Frame drops when editing directly from an external drive
- Connectivity issues or underwhelming performance despite “high-speed” labels
The root cause? Bandwidth limitations and outdated protocols. Thunderbolt 4 fixes that.
With up to 40Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth, daisy-chaining capability, and support for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, TB4 is at the top when it comes to external connectivity. It unifies the best of USB4, adds stricter certification, and ensures full feature support across devices.
For a filmmaker, motion graphics artist, music producer, 3D designer, or remote worker, this guide is suits you. You need speed, reliability, and peace of mind, and you’ll find it here.
We assess each Thunderbolt 4 external SSD against four key pillars that map to how you use the drive every day.
- Performance (Read/Write Speeds)
Speed isn’t just a number. We look at sequential speeds (for large file transfers) and random speeds (for software libraries, project assets). If it can’t deliver real-world performance close to its theoretical 2800MB/s+ speeds, it’s off our list. - Thermal Efficiency & Sustained Speed
Thermal throttling can cripple a drive mid-transfer. We examine thermal design, cooling strategies (passive or active), and how well the drive sustains its speed under heavy loads. - Build Quality & Portability
You may be mobile. Your SSD better be, too. We consider enclosure material, form factor, IP ratings, and shock resistance—especially if you’re working in the field. - Compatibility & Versatility
While Thunderbolt 4 is backward-compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3, we prioritize drives with broad device support and daisy-chaining capabilities for advanced setups.
Check out; Top 1TB external ssds in addition to the 500GB ones.
These are our top picks for the best external SSDs with Thunderbolt 4:
Contents
- PNY EliteX-PRO 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive
- SK hynix Beetle X31 1TB Portable SSD
- SSK Portable SSD 1 TB, up to 2000 MBs External Solid State Drive
- Kingston XS1000R 1TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive
- ORICO 1TB External SSD Up to 1050MBs, Hanging Hole Design Portable Solid State Drive
- SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano XTRM External SSD, USB 3.2 Thunderbolt 3
- LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 2TB Solid State Drive
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB External Solid State Drive
- LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 2TB Solid State Drive
- SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 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
- SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- 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
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive
- ORICO 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact
PNY EliteX-PRO 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD) |
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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 |
Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive |
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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 |
SK hynix Beetle X31 1TB Portable SSD |
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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 | Gold |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Functionality, Size, Speed |
SSK Portable SSD 1 TB, up to 2000 MBs 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, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal - Aluminium |
| Weight | 1.19 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Data security, Low power consumption, led indicator, fast transfer |
| Reasons to Buy | durable, high speed |
Kingston XS1000R 1TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive |
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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 | Red |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, compact |
| Reasons to Buy | Easy to use, Value for money, Large storage |
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 |
SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano XTRM External SSD, USB 3.2 Thunderbolt 3 |
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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 |
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 |
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 |
LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 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, iPad, iPhone |
| Data Transfer Speed | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB C |
| Color | Orange |
| Casing Material | Silicone, PVC, |
| Weight | 4 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Rugged |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance, High speed, durable design |
SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD |
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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 | 3000MB/S |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C, Thunderbolt |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal- Aluminum |
| Weight | 4.3 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP68 dust/Water Resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Durable, Good performance, Reliable |
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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| 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 |
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
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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 |
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac |
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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 | 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 |
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 |
ORICO 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact |
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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 | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 2.82 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, Encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance |
You can also have a look at the best external SSDs for editing video in addition to the best external ssds for Home use.
