Best External SSDs for After Effects (2025)

After Effects External SSDs

Your timeline lags. Previews take forever to render. Disk cache warnings pop up just when you’re deep into a composite. If you’re working in Adobe After Effects, you already know: performance isn’t just about CPU and GPU—it’s also about storage speed.

When you’re rendering high-resolution sequences, scrubbing through layered compositions, or managing enormous cache files, a sluggish or overloaded hard drive will slow everything down. That’s where external SSDs come in, not as a luxury, but a necessity.

After Effects doesn’t just benefit from fast storage, it demands it. From caching frames in real time to reading multi-gigabyte image sequences, performance relies heavily on your drive’s read/write throughput. And if you’re working remotely or across multiple machines, the ability to move large project files quickly and reliably becomes mission-critical.

We’ve all experienced it: lags when scrubbing, dropped frames during preview, or corrupted cache files. Most of these issues are directly related to underperforming storage. HDDs and older SATA SSDs simply can’t keep pace with modern VFX workflows.

We created this guide for professionals and serious creators who want optimized storage for After Effects. These are for a:

  • Motion designer layering comps and effects stacks
  • VFX artist managing RAW plates and image sequences
  • Editor working in tandem with Premiere Pro
  • Content creator rendering 4K+ animations
  • Remote freelancer needing to shuttle assets between studios

We’re here to help you make the right storage investment—one that enhances speed, safeguards your work, and keeps your creative flow uninterrupted.

How We Evaluate External SSDs for After Effects

To recommend the best SSDs, we’ve used a framework based on both technical benchmarks and workflow relevance. Here are the main criteria:

  1. Read/Write Speed (Sequential + Random)
    You need fast sequential read/write speeds (above 1,000 MB/s) for loading large video files and high random I/O for handling cache, temp, and project files.
  2. Cache Performance Support
    After Effects relies heavily on disk cache. We prioritize SSDs that can sustain high write loads without thermal throttling, especially over long renders.
  3. Interface (Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C)
    A high-speed connection isn’t optional. Thunderbolt 3/4 delivers the lowest latency and highest sustained throughput, but USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers wide compatibility and strong performance.
  4. Thermal Control & Sustained Performance
    Long export sessions generate heat. SSDs with thermal guards, aluminum heatsinks, or smart throttling algorithms preserve speed under pressure.
  5. Capacity & File Size Handling
    You’re dealing with 4K+ footage, precomps, and proxies. We recommend external SSDs starting at 1TB, with high-end options reaching 4TB or more—especially if you’re caching to disk frequently.
  6. Portability & Ruggedness
    Many creatives work across laptops, studios, and client setups. SSDs should be compact, shock-resistant, and bus-powered (no need for external adapters).
  7. System Compatibility (macOS/Windows, file systems)
    NTFS, APFS, exFAT—we prefer SSDs that are either pre-formatted for cross-platform use, or easy to reformat based on workflow.
  8. Value for Performance
    Performance, should scale with cost. We don’t only spotlight the fastest SSDs—we also include those offering the best performance-per-dollar for working pros.

These factors are directly tied to real-world use cases in After Effects: previewing comps, exporting videos, caching frames, loading plugins, and archiving assets.

The Following are the Best External SSDs for After Effects:

Corsair EX100U 2TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage

Corsair-EX100U-2TB-Portable-USB-Type-C-Storage-Drive---Blazing-Fast-Storage
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Storage Capacity 2TB
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
FeaturesProtective cap, small footprint, secure data transfer
Reasons to BuyHigh spped, large storage, value for money, highly functional

ADATA SE880 4TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD

ADATA-SE880-4TB---Up-to-2000-MBs--SuperSpeed-USB-3Check This Price On Amazon
Storage Capacity 4TB
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
FeaturesEncryption, Good performance
Reasons to BuyLarge capacity, Good performance, Value for money

ORICO 2TB External SSD Up to 1050MBs, Hanging Hole Design Portable Solid State Drive

ORICO-2TB-External-SSD-Up-to-1050MBs,-Hanging-Hole-Design-Portable-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, Type C
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal
Weight ‎3.52 ounces
Power Source USB Port
Features2 in 1 USB C & A Cable: Adapt USB-C and USB-A devices(Smart phones, PC, Laptops and Tablets
Reasons to BuyGood performance, Portable

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MBs, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant

SAMSUNG-T7-Shield-4TB-Portable-SSD---1050MBs,-Rugged,-Water-&-Dust-Resistant
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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 Gen 2
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight 3.42 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesIP65 Rated
Reasons to BuyLarge storage, fast speeds

SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano XTRM External SSD, USB 3.2 Thunderbolt 3

SABRENT-1TB-Rocket-Nano-XTRM-External-SSD,-USB-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
FeaturesHigh speed
Reasons to BuyPerformance, Reliable, Portable

 

Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive

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
FeaturesRuggedized
Reasons to BuyLarge storage, Good performance

SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs

SAMSUNG-T5-EVO-Portable-SSD-4TB,-USB-3-Gen-1-External-Solid-State-Drive,-Seq
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Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 460MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2 Gen 1
Color Black
Casing Material PVC, Metal Casing
Weight 3.6 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesEncryption
Reasons to BuyLarge storage space

Crucial X6 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive

Crucial-X6-2TB-Portable-SSD---Up-to-800MBs---PC-and-Mac---USB-3-USB-C-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 800MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2
Color Black
Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight ‎1.48 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesShock proof
Reasons to BuyLightweight, Good performance,

 

Kingston XS2000 4TB High Performance Portable SSD with USB-C Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive

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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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
FeaturesWater Resistant
Reasons to BuyGood build Quality, High read and write speeds, compact

SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance

SanDisk-8TB-Extreme-Portable-SSD---Up-to-1050MBs,-USB-C,-USB-3-Gen-2,-IP65-Water-and-Dust-Resistance
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Storage Capacity 8TB
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
FeaturesIP65 Water and Dust Resistance
Reasons to BuyLarge storage, Fast Speed, Dust Resistant, Water Resistant, Portable, Hardware Encryption

 

Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD External Portable Solid State Drive, Grey, Up to 1,050 MBs, USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C Compatible

Western-Digital-4TB-My-Passport-SSD-External-Portable-Solid-State-Drive,-Grey,-Up-to-1,050-MBs,-USB-3.2-Gen-2-and-USB-C-Compatible
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Storage Capacity 4TB
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
FeaturesHardware encryption
Reasons to BuyReliable, good performance

SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive SSD

SanDisk-Professional-4TB-G-Drive-SSD
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Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 1,050 MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, Type C
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, Metal
Weight ‎0.45 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesUltra-rugged durability with IP67 water/dust resistance, up to 3M1 drop, and 2000lb crush resistance
Reasons to BuyDurable, Fast Speeds

Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive

Western-Digital-1TB-My-Passport-SSD-Portable-External-Solid-State-Drive
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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
FeaturesHardware encryption
Reasons to BuyReliable storage

BUFFALO External SSD 2TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac

BUFFALO-External-SSD-2TB---Compatible-with-PS4--PS5--WindowsMacCheck This Price On Amazon
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
FeaturesShock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection
Reasons to BuyCompact, Reliable, High Speed

SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD

SK-hynix-Beetle-X31-2TB-Portable-SSD
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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
FeaturesHigh speed, encryption
Reasons to BuyFunctionality, Size, Speed

Also have a look at the top external ssds for youtubers and also the best portable and lightweight ones.

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