Despite the rise of USB-C, millions of devices still rely on USB-A, from desktop towers and older MacBooks to TVs, routers, and even some cameras. But the performance gap between USB-A and USB-C, and the confusion around port versions (USB 3.2 Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 2×2, etc.), can make buying an external SSD feel like walking through a tech minefield.
You want speed, yes, but also compatibility is important. That means owning an SSD that works flawlessly across both USB-A and USB-C systems without sacrificing performance or reliability.
We’ve curated the best dual-compatible external SSDs, ones that offer fast transfer speeds whether you plug into a modern USB-C laptop or a legacy USB-A port. These drives come with versatile cables or adapters, use controller chipsets that negotiate protocols intelligently, and deliver consistent performance regardless of the interface.
This guide is built for users who move between different machines, maybe creative professionals, IT technicians, students, and frequent travelers. You need a drive that adapts to your workflow when backing up a desktop at home, editing on a MacBook Pro, or transferring files to a studio PC with no USB-C,
When assessing external SSDs for USB-A and USB-C users, we focused on real-world criteria:
- Dual-Port or Cable Support: We prioritize drives that come with both USB-C and USB-A cables, or use detachable, reversible cables with adapters that don’t throttle performance.
- Interface Version Awareness: USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives advertised as “USB-C” might still bottleneck under USB-A (3.0). We looked at transfer speeds across both interfaces to verify performance claims.
- Build Quality and Portability: Devices often used across systems should be rugged, compact, and durable. We look for solid enclosures and travel-friendly designs.
- Backward Compatibility: We confirm that drives fall back gracefully on USB 2.0/3.0 without instability or data transfer issues—useful for everything from routers to car infotainment systems.
USB-A and USB-C compatible SSD options:
Contents
- PNY Pro Elite 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive
- Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB, Up to 2,000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive
- Corsair EX100U 1TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage
- Western Digital 1TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac
- 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
- 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
- Western Digital 1TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac
- Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD – Up to 1050MBs ReadWrite, USB 3.2
- ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB USB 3.1 IP68
- SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Lenovo P6 Portable External Solid State Drive, 2TB SSD
- Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive
- PNY EliteX-PRO 4TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Kingston XS1000 2TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive
- SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MBs USB C SSD
- Crucial X9 Pro 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 1050MBs Read and Write, Water and Dust Resistant
PNY Pro Elite 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C Portable 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 | 890MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 1.59 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Data protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Fast data transfer, compact and portable, quality build |
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB, Up to 2,000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 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 | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 4.3 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | 3M Drop resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Fast read and write speeds |
Corsair EX100U 1TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1600MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 0.705 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Protective cap, small footprint, secure data transfer |
| Reasons to Buy | High spped, value for money, highly functional |
Western Digital 1TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS |
| Data Transfer Speed | 400MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, |
| Weight | 0.952 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Encryption ready |
| Reasons to Buy | Reliable storage device, fast read and write speeds |
SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD |
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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 |
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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| 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 |
Western Digital 1TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS |
| Data Transfer Speed | 400MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, |
| Weight | 0.952 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Encryption ready |
| Reasons to Buy | Reliable storage device, fast read and write speeds |
Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD – Up to 1050MBs ReadWrite, USB 3.2 |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB C |
| Color | Gray |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 1.34 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Good performance |
| Reasons to Buy | External Solid State Drive for PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox |
ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB USB 3.1 IP68 |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1000MBs |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Blue |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 9.5 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Rugged, Waterproof |
| Reasons to Buy | Shockproof, Dustproof, Good speeds, Value for money |
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Rate | 800MB/s, |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB-C, USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber |
| Weight | 1.44 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Updated firmware |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance, Large storage, Antishock |
Lenovo P6 Portable External Solid State Drive, 2TB SSD |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| 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 | Large storage capacity, Design, Performance, Reliability |
Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| 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 |
| Material | PVC |
| Weight | 3.36 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Encription |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance, Large size |
PNY EliteX-PRO 4TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD) |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| 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 | Password protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Functional, Highly portable |
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 |
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MBs USB C 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 | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 2.11 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Portable, Backward Compatible, 1050 MB/s, LED Light |
| Reasons to Buy | High speeds, good build quality, value for money |
Crucial X9 Pro 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 1050MBs Read and Write, Water and Dust Resistant |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB C |
| Color | Gray |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 1.34 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed read and write |
| Reasons to Buy | Suitable for Laptop, Gaming Console, Tablet, Camera |
Also take a look at the top 2TB external ssds in addition to the best 8TB external SSD.
