The truth is, external SSDs can completely transform your TV experience. It brings lightning-fast responsiveness, silent operation, and high-capacity storage that makes your Smart TV feel smart again.
When you’re trying to expand capacity, record your tv shows, speed up performance, or sideload 4K content, the weak link is often the storage device you plug in.
An unsuitable storage drive leads to sluggish app launches, choppy playback, or a full internal storage alert.
If you’ll be watching 4K movies off a local drive, recording OTA broadcasts, or even using your TV as a smart display hub, an SSD delivers:
- Instant access to media libraries
- Smoother playback, especially for high-bitrate 4K or HDR content
- More reliable performance than HDDs or USB sticks
- Faster app and game load times on Android/Google/Fire TV
- Quieter operation, no spinning disks or vibration noise
From Android TVs to Samsung Tizen and LG webOS, today’s Smart TVs increasingly support USB 3.0 and even USB 3.1 interfaces, making them well-suited to handle high-speed SSDs.
These external SSDs, work across popular platforms like Google TV, Roku, Fire TV, and proprietary OSes, ensuring real-world performance—not just spec-sheet claims.
We selected SSDs based on the needs of Smart TV users, focusing on performance, compatibility, and ease of use.
Here’s what we evaluated:
- Read Speed for Seamless Playback
- TVs stream directly off disk. SSDs with fast sustained read speeds eliminate stuttering, even with large 4K or Blu-ray remux files.
- Compatibility with TV File Systems & Ports
- Some TVs are picky. We prioritized drives that play nice with FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, and don’t require external drivers or special formatting.
- Low Power Consumption
- TVs typically power external drives via USB. An SSD that draws too much current can disconnect or fail to mount. We focus on low-draw SSDs that work plug-and-play.
- Form Factor & Discreet Design
- You want sleek, compact, and quiet—no bulky enclosures or cables snaking around the entertainment unit.
- Durability & Heat Management
- SSDs near warm electronics need good thermal design. We chose drives with passive cooling, materials, and high thermal throttling thresholds.
Our Top Picks for External SSDs For TV:
Contents
- SSK External SSD 4TB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive
- SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs
- 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)
- Transcend 1TB ESD260C, External Solild State Drive, Portable SSD
- ADATA SD810 1000G IP68 Water Resistance Up to 2000 MBs USB 3.2 Gen 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
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB, up to 2000MBs External Solid State Drive
- ORICO 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact
- SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 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
- SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 2TB Solid State Drive
- SSK Portable SSD 2TB External Solid State Drive
SSK External SSD 4TB, up to 2000MBs 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, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal - Aluminium |
| Weight | 1.19 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Data security, Low power consumption, led indicator, fast transfer |
| Reasons to Buy | durable, high speed, High storage capacity |
SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, 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 | 8TB |
| 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 | Hardware Encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage space, good speeds |
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 |
Transcend 1TB ESD260C, External Solild State Drive, Portable 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 | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.06 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Password protection |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance |
ADATA SD810 1000G IP68 Water Resistance Up to 2000 MBs USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C External Solid State Drive |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | IPHONE, Android |
| Data Transfer Speed | 2000MBs |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, PVC |
| Weight | 2.39 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | IP68 |
| Reasons to Buy | Value for Money, Good speeds |
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 |
SSK Portable SSD 2TB, up to 2000MBs 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 | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.19 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Data security, Low power consumption, led indicator, fast transfer |
| Reasons to Buy | Highly functional, durable, high speed |
ORICO 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Ultra-Mini, Compact |
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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, 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 |
SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 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 | 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 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 |
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 |
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 |
Also check out: the best shock and drop proof external ssds in addition to the top water and dust proof ones.
