We all love the portability of a tablet while giving us increase screen real estate, but when it comes to storage, you’re probably feeling the squeeze, just like us.
So how do you expand your storage without compromising speed, portability, or convenience?
You plug in an external SSD.
With an external SSD, you gain:
- High-speed, on-demand access to large files
- Expandable storage that matches laptop-level workflows
- Smoother 4K video editing or media playback
- Reliable backup for travel, photography, or client work
And unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs are silent, shockproof, and ultra-compact—perfect for mobile use.
This guide is designed for power users, creatives, students, and mobile professionals who use tablets for more than just browsing.
You might be:
- A digital artist working with large Procreate or Photoshop files
- A filmmaker or photographer offloading raw footage or editing on the go
- A business user handling contracts, presentations, and media-rich content
- A student balancing course files, downloads, and lectures
- A traveler wanting to keep media offline and ready
If you are a use of an iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Microsoft Surface, or Lenovo tablet, we’ve identified SSDs that match your use case, port, and performance needs.
Not all SSDs play nicely with tablets. We have evaluated drives using tablet-specific criteria, focusing on performance, power draw, compatibility, and mobility.
Here’s what matters:
When it comes to speed, you need SSDs that keep up with large file transfers, 4K editing, and app loading—especially on tablets with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports.
As far as port compatibility goes, We prioritized SSDs with native USB-C connectors, eliminating the need for dongles. For iPads and newer Android tablets, USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3/4 is ideal.
In addition to that, tablets can’t power hungry drives. We picked SSDs that are low-draw and bus-powered, meaning no extra adapters needed.
Speaking of the form factor and durability, you’re mobile, so your SSD should be too. We looked for slim, rugged, and pocketable designs that survive daily handling.
Compatibility with exFAT is key factor we also considered. This is for seamless access across iPadOS, Android, and Windows tablets.
These best external SSDs for tablets:
Contents
- LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 1TB Solid State Drive
- PNY EliteX-PRO 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)
- ORICO 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact
- ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 1000GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 2TB USB 3.2 10Gbs External Aluminum Waterproof [IP67] SSD
- PNY EliteX-PRO 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)
- SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- SK hynix Beetle X31 512GB Portable SSD
- ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 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
- Crucial X6 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive
LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 1TB 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, 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 | High speed, Rugged |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance |
PNY EliteX-PRO 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (SSD) |
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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 | 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 |
ORICO 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact |
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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 | 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 |
ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 1000GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows 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 |
SABRENT Rocket Nano Rugged 2TB USB 3.2 10Gbs External Aluminum Waterproof [IP67] 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 | 2700MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC, Metal |
| Weight | 7.4 oz |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP67 Water and Dust Proof |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage capacity, Portable and compact, high speeds, value for your money |
PNY EliteX-PRO 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (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 | 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 | High speed |
| Reasons to Buy | Functional, Highly portable, Good performance |
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 |
SK hynix Beetle X31 512GB Portable SSD |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| 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 | Gold |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Functionality, Size, Speed |
ADATA SC740 External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C External Portable SSD |
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|---|---|
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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 |
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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|---|---|
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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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|---|---|
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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, |
You should also check out the best external ssds for pc gaming and the top ones for unreal engine.
