When you’re building your dream Raspberry Pi setup, in the event that it’s a retro gaming console, a home server, a smart surveillance system, or even a tiny AI lab, one thing becomes painfully clear fast: microSD cards sometimes just don’t cut it. They’re slow, prone to failure, and bottleneck the very potential that makes the Raspberry Pi such a marvel of modern tinkering.
You’re not alone. Many makers hit a wall when they realize their Pi’s responsiveness is being held back by underperforming storage. Boot times lag, read/write speeds crawl, and your project’s full potential remains just out of reach.
That’s where external SSDs come in.
We’ve seen it again and again—when you switch from a microSD to a high-quality external SSD, your Raspberry Pi suddenly feels like a mini-PC. That’s because SSDs offer:
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds
- Significantly improved boot performance
- Higher endurance
- Greater capacity for data-heavy projects
If you’ll be hosting a media server with Plex, deploying Docker containers, or running a low-power database, SSD storage dramatically improves throughput, I/O performance, and longevity.
In this guide, we walk you through the best external SSDs for Raspberry Pi, based on rigorous evaluation, technical criteria, and real-world usage.
We’ve analyzed SSDs in the context of Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5—platforms that support USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 2, making them capable of leveraging high-speed external storage.
We assessed SSDs using five key criteria tailored to Raspberry Pi use cases:
- Speed (Sequential & Random Read/Write)
- USB booting and file access rely on both sequential throughput and IOPS (input/output operations per second).
- Faster speeds = reduced latency for databases, web servers, and more.
- Power Efficiency
- Raspberry Pis aren’t power monsters. An external SSD that draws too much power may require a powered USB hub or result in unstable performance.
- We prioritized drives that draw minimal power over USB 3.0 without sacrificing speed.
- Trim Support & UASP Compatibility
- Drives that support TRIM extend lifespan.
- UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) ensures more efficient data handling and lower CPU load.
- Thermal Management
- Passive cooling helps. SSDs that overheat throttle performance—bad news for long scripts or media-heavy applications.
- Form Factor & Portability
- You’re likely working on a compact setup. A 2.5” SATA with an enclosure or a tiny NVMe with a USB bridge needs to be physically unobtrusive.
- We consider cable bulk, enclosure durability, and heat dissipation.
We’ve selected drives that strike the right balance of speed, efficiency, and compatibility. You can also have a look at the best ssds for music production.
Top external SSDs that bring out the best in your Raspberry Pi Projects:
Contents
- 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
- PNY EliteX-PRO 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)
- ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- SanDisk 1TB 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
- Kingston XS1000 1TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Solid State Drive
- Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs
- Crucial X9 Pro for Content Creators and Photographers - Mac 4TB Portable SSD – Speeds up to 1050MBs, iPad CompatibleCrucial X9 Pro for Mac 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs Read and Write
- PNY RP60 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 2000MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen2x2
- ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD
- Crucial X6 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive
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 |
PNY EliteX-PRO 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD) |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| 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, Good performance |
ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD |
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| 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 1TB 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 | 1TB |
| 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, anti shock |
Kingston XS1000 1TB SSD Pocket-Sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 External 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 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Compact, Quality Build |
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 |
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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|---|---|
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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 X9 Pro for Content Creators and Photographers - Mac 4TB Portable SSD – Speeds up to 1050MBs, iPad CompatibleCrucial X9 Pro for Mac 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs Read and Write |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| 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 (Mac, Ipad) |
PNY RP60 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 2000MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 |
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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 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 1.93 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Rugged, IP65 Rated, Water/Dust/Drop Resistant |
| Reasons to Buy | Fast transfer speeds, reliable |
ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External 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 | 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 |
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 |
Crucial X6 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C 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 | 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, |
Additionally, take a look at the top external ssds for tablets and also the best ssds with fingerprint scanner.
