We’ve compiled a list of external SSDs that work seamlessly with Linux, no need for proprietary drivers, no surprises with formatting, and no performance throttling from poorly optimized firmware. These drives deliver the fast I/O Linux systems are capable of, and they do it across distros, from Arch to Fedora.
As Linux users, we value performance, openness, and reliability. Whether you’re running a creative workstation with KDE or a development environment on Ubuntu, your external SSD should just work, and do it fast.
Linux gives you control, power, and flexibility, but hardware compatibility can sometimes be a wildcard. Proprietary software tools? Often Windows-only. Firmware updates? Rarely offered for Linux. File system defaults? Not always optimized for EXT4, Btrfs, or XFS.
Let’s face it, working with external drives on Linux should be simple. But if you’ve ever plugged in an SSD only to face mounting errors, driver headaches, or inconsistent performance, you know that’s not always the case.
This guide is for Linux users who demand fast, reliable, and compatible external storage. That includes software developers, sysadmins, audio/video editors, engineers running virtual machines, or even distro-hoppers who boot entire systems from external drives.
We evaluated SSDs across seven key dimensions that directly impact Linux performance and user experience:
- Out-of-the-box Compatibility: Does the drive mount correctly across major distros? We favor plug-and-play drives with standard exFAT/EXT4 formatting and no Windows-specific utilities.
- I/O Performance Under Linux: We looked at real-world sequential and random read/write speeds using fio, dd, and native benchmarking tools—not just vendor numbers.
- File System Flexibility: Can you format to EXT4, Btrfs, or XFS without issues? Drives that require proprietary utilities to change file systems get marked down.
- TRIM Support & SMART Access: TRIM improves SSD longevity. SMART helps monitor drive health.
- Thermal Throttling and Sustained Speed: Does performance degrade after large transfers? Drives with proper heat dissipation and no throttling under Linux get top marks.
- Bus Interface Compatibility: USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 2×2, and Thunderbolt support on Linux can vary. We favor drives with versatile, well-documented controller chipsets.
- Build Quality and Portability: As with any OS, durability and form factor matter. Bonus for metal casings, IP ratings, and shock protection.
We selected only those SSDs that pass these checks and offer Linux users full functionality and consistent performance. Also have a look at the best ssds for handling large files and also the top portable and lightweight external ssds.
Here are the best external SSDs for Linux:
Contents
- SanDisk 4TB 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
- Crucial X9 Pro for Content Creators and Photographers - Mac 4TB Portable SSD – Speeds up to 1050MBs, iPad Compatible
- ADATA HD710 Pro 4TB USB 3.1 IP68 ssd
- SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- SSK 2TB Portable External SSD with Wi-Fi Hotspot,
- SanDisk 2TB Creator Pro Portable SSD - Up to 2000MBs - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - External Solid State Drive
- 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
- SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive SSD
- SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs
- Crucial X6 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive
- ADATA SE880 4TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD
- SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB ,up to 1050MBs, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive
SanDisk 4TB 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 | 4TB |
| 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 | High speed ssd, large storage capacity, anti shock |
Crucial X9 Pro for Content Creators and Photographers - Mac 4TB Portable SSD – Speeds up to 1050MBs, iPad Compatible |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Mac, iPad, iPhone |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB C |
| Color | Light Gold |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 1.34 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed read and write |
| Reasons to Buy | Made for Apple devices |
ADATA HD710 Pro 4TB USB 3.1 IP68 ssd |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| 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 | Large Storage |
SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 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 |
| Features | IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage, Fast Speed, Dust Resistant, Water Resistant, Portable, Hardware Encryption |
SSK 2TB Portable External SSD with Wi-Fi Hotspot, |
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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 |
SanDisk 2TB Creator Pro Portable SSD - Up to 2000MBs - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - 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-C, USB 3.2 |
| Color | Blue |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Top Notch Data Transfer rates |
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 |
| Features | Hardware encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Reliable, good performance |
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 |
| Features | Ultra-rugged durability with IP67 water/dust resistance, up to 3M1 drop, and 2000lb crush resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Durable, Fast Speeds |
SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs |
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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 |
| Features | Encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage space |
Crucial X6 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 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 |
| Features | Shock proof |
| Reasons to Buy | Lightweight, Good performance, |
ADATA SE880 4TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD |
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| 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 |
| Features | Encryption, Good performance |
| Reasons to Buy | Large capacity, Good performance, Value for money |
SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB 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 | 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 |
| Features | High speed, encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Functionality, Size, Speed |
SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB ,up to 1050MBs, USB 3.2 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 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal Casing |
| Weight | 2 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Fingerprint Security |
| Reasons to Buy | Secure, encryption |
You can also take a look at the top ssds for both mac and windows in addition to the top ssds for your music library.
