Solid State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized storage with their shock resistance, high-speed data transfer, and silent operation. And at 500GB, you get an ideal mix of capacity and affordability, perfect for everyday backups, creative workflows, gaming assets, or bootable OS installs, or just even file transfers.
You can easily carry your projects, applications, or personal files.
500GB external SSD hits the sweet spot: enough capacity for everyday needs, blazing-fast performance, and ultra-portability without breaking the bank.
There’s a frustrating trade-off in digital storage: USB flash drives are compact but slow and often unreliable. Portable HDDs offer space, but they’re bulky, fragile, and painfully slow. And while cloud solutions are great for syncing, they’re dependent on internet access.
We built this guide for you: a developer, a YouTuber, a student, a professional, or just for home use.
To make sure we’re recommending only the top-performing and most dependable drives, we evaluated each 500GB SSD using a set of criteria. Here’s what we looked for.
- Transfer Speeds (Read/Write Performance)
Sustained performance matters, not just peak bursts. Most of the drives in our list support USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering read/write speeds over 900MB/s, though actual performance may vary by system.
- Port Compatibility
A great drive is only as good as its interface match. USB-C is now the standard, but we checked for USB-A backward compatibility and Thunderbolt support where available.
- Physical Design & Build
Compact size, lightweight casing, and rugged construction give you peace of mind when you’re on the move. We prioritized:
- Shockproof enclosures
- Heat-dissipating materials
- Designs that balance minimalism with practicality (e.g., built-in cables, status LEDs)
- Thermal Performance
No one wants throttling during a big transfer. We looked at the thermal consistency under stress, noting how each drive handled sustained workloads without speed drops.
- Security Features & Software
For sensitive data, hardware encryption, password protection, and backup utilities add an extra layer of value. Drives that offered native or bundled tools earned higher scores.
By the end, you’ll have a curated list of the best 500GB external SSDs available to buy, drives that are fast, durable, stylish, and purpose-built for real-world tasks.
We’ve handpicked drives from brands like Samsung, SanDisk, Crucial, Kingston, WD, and newer disruptors making serious waves in the storage space.
The Following are Recommendations for the Best 500GB External SSDs:
Contents
- Transcend 500GB ESD260C, External Solild State Drive, Portable SSD
- SSK Portable SSD 500GB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive
- Silicon Power 500GB MS70 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable External SSD
- Lenovo P6 Portable External Solid State Drive, 512GB SSD
- Transcend 500GB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable SSD
- SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives
- SK hynix Beetle X31 512GB Portable SSD
- ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 512GB USB 3.2 10Gbs External Aluminum Waterproof [IP67] SSD
- ORICO 512GB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact
Transcend 500GB ESD260C, External Solild State Drive, Portable SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| 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 | Silver |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.06 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Password protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance |
SSK Portable SSD 500GB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| 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 |
Silicon Power 500GB MS70 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable External SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| 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 | Rubber, Metal |
| Weight | 0.704 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | 5 year warranty |
| Reasons to Buy | High speed, portable, reliable |
Lenovo P6 Portable External Solid State Drive, 512GB SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 550MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.27 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Compatible with PC, Mac, Android |
| Reasons to Buy | Design, Performance, Reliability |
Transcend 500GB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| 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 | Good performance |
SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| 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 | High speeds, Good cheap drive |
SK hynix Beetle X31 512GB Portable SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| 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 |
ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| 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, USB C |
| Color | Blue |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 4 Ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Rugged, Encryption, |
| Reasons to Buy | High speed, Reliable, Value for money |
SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
|
|---|---|
 See This On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| 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 |
SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 512GB USB 3.2 10Gbs External Aluminum Waterproof [IP67] SSD |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| 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 |
ORICO 512GB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact |
|
|---|---|
 Check This Price On Amazon |
|
| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| 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 |
Also have a look at the best external ssds for school and also the best one for tablets.
