External SSDs designed for PC gaming deliver lightning-fast performance through high-bandwidth connections like USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 2×2, or Thunderbolt. With read/write speeds that can rival or even exceed internal SATA drives, they let you launch games faster, reduce in-game stutter, and carry your entire library in your backpack.
Today’s PC games are bigger, bolder, and more storage-hungry than ever. A single game like Call of Duty: Warzone can eat up over 100GB, that is without updates. The upcoming GTA 6 is rumored to have a size of 200 to 300GB. Add in multiple installs, mods, and save files, and even a 1TB internal SSD fills up fast. And sure, you could upgrade your internal drive, but that means opening up your system, cloning your OS, or sacrificing space you might need for work or media.
Your PC rig might be packed with a powerful GPU, high-refresh monitor, and a precision-tuned mechanical keyboard, but if your storage isn’t keeping pace, you’re leaving performance on the table. You need storage that’s fast, flexible, and future-proof for running massive open-world titles or managing an ever-growing library of games,
What makes these SSDs perfect for PC gaming is their plug-and-play simplicity, in addition to the blazing fast transfer rates, and compatibility across custom desktops, gaming laptops, and handheld PCs. And the best part is? No need to crack open your case or risk voiding warranties.
This guide is for PC gamers who demand performance, gamers with limited internal storage, Laptop gamer, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw users in addition to streamers and modders.
Our Evaluation Criteria included the following:
- Speed & Interface
We chose drives with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces—delivering speeds of 1,000MB/s to 2,800MB/s. - Game Library Capacity
Games aren’t getting smaller. We look for SSDs with 1TB to 4TB options, prioritizing those that use high-density NAND and offer space for multiple AAA titles. - Thermal Efficiency & Performance Stability
Drives that stay cool run smoother, and that is what we have selected. - Software & Compatibility
The best drives work across Windows, Linux, and handheld gaming OSes with little to no setup. - Build Quality & Portability
We chose drives with shock-resistant materials, compact enclosures, and USB-C versatility. - Value for Money
Performance is key, but price per gigabyte matters. We recommend drives that hit the sweet spot between cost, performance, and longevity, especially for gamers on a budget.
Also have a look at the top external ssds for OBS and also the top ssds for Raspberry Pi.
The Following are the Best External SSDs for PC Gaming:
Contents
- ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged Solid State Drive
- SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs
- 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
- ORICO 2TB External SSD Up to 1050MBs, Hanging Hole Design Portable Solid State Drive
- SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MBs, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant
- LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 2TB Solid State Drive
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB 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 2TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac
- Kingston XS2000 4TB High Performance Portable SSD with USB-C Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive
- Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- SK hynix Tube T31 2TB Stick Type SSD
- Corsair EX100U 2TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage
ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| 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 | Affordable, Value for money |
Transcend TS1TESD370C 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C ESD370C Portable, Rugged 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 3.1, 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 |
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 |
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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|---|---|
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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 |
ORICO 2TB External SSD Up to 1050MBs, Hanging Hole Design Portable 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Features | IP65 Rated |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage, fast speeds |
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 |
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
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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 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 2TB - Compatible with PS4 PS5 WindowsMac |
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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 | 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 |
| Features | Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Compact, Reliable, High Speed |
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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|---|---|
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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 |
| Features | Water Resistant |
| Reasons to Buy | Good build Quality, High read and write speeds, compact |
Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable 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 |
| 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 | Large storage |
SK hynix Tube T31 2TB Stick Type SSD |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android, Xbox, PS5 |
| Data Transfer Speed | 1000MBs |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 4.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Reliable, Good performance |
Corsair EX100U 2TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage |
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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 | 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, large storage, value for money, highly functional |
Also check out; the best external ssds for laptops in addition to the top budget external ssds.
