In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the best external SSDs for YouTubers. This article is designed for creators—YouTubers, vloggers, filmmakers, livestreamers, and editors, who rely on high-speed, high-capacity external storage for active editing, backup, or even long-term archiving.
As YouTubers, we juggle large media files, tight deadlines, and demanding editing workflows. Slow or unreliable storage becomes a serious liability when you’re shooting in 4K, creating motion graphics, or archiving episodes.
Traditional hard drives simply can’t keep up with the throughput demands of modern content creation. And cloud storage? Not fast enough for day-to-day edits—and often not secure enough for irreplaceable footage.
External solid-state drives (SSDs) offer a powerful, portable solution. They deliver the read/write speeds needed for real-time editing, offer plug-and-play flexibility across devices, and, most importantly, they safeguard your content with fewer mechanical failure points. The right external SSD streamlines the workflows of travel vloggers editing in a hotel room or a studio-based tech reviewer managing terabytes of footage,
If you’ve ever lost footage, faced lag in Adobe Premiere, or waited minutes to open a DaVinci project, this is for you.
Not all SSDs are built the same. Here’s what we assess—and what you should prioritize:
- Speed (Read/Write Performance): Can it handle 4K/8K video editing without dropping frames? We look at sustained speeds, not just peak marketing claims. NVMe over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt 3/4 are leading this space.
- Durability and Portability: Is it rugged enough for travel? We evaluate build quality, water/dust resistance ratings (IP ratings), and shock protection.
- Capacity Options: Does it scale with your needs? We consider drives from 500GB up to 8TB for different stages of content creation.
- Compatibility: Will it work with your current setup—MacBook Pro, Windows rig, or camera with direct SSD recording? We check cross-platform support, file systems, and interface compatibility.
- Thermal Management: Does it throttle under prolonged use? Sustained performance matters more than benchmarks.
- Security Features: For pros handling embargoed content or client work, hardware encryption and password protection are a plus.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: We look for value—how much speed, reliability, and capacity you’re getting per dollar.
These criteria reflect the needs of real-world creators; people editing multicam shoots, storing B-roll libraries, or transferring terabytes between shoots.
Below, we’ve curated the top external SSDs for YouTubers:
Contents
- SABRENT 4TB External Aluminum SSD, Rocket Nano V2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, 1500 MBs
- ADATA SD810 2000G IP68 Water Resistance Up to 2000 MBs USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C External Solid State Drive
- LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 4TB Solid State Drive
- Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB, Up to 2,000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive
- ADATA SE880 2TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD
- Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs
- 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
- Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB, Up to 2,000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive
- Corsair EX100U 1TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage
SABRENT 4TB External Aluminum SSD, Rocket Nano V2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, 1500 MBs |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| 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 |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, Rugged |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage capacity, Reliable, Portable |
ADATA SD810 2000G IP68 Water Resistance Up to 2000 MBs USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C External Solid State Drive |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| 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 |
LaCie Rugged Mini SSD 4TB Solid State Drive |
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| 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 | Large storage, Value for money |
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB, Up to 2,000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 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 | 2000MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 4.3 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | 3M Drop resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Fast read and write speeds |
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 |
Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive |
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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 |
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| Storage Drive Type | SSD |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, Android |
| Data Transfer Rate | 800MB/s, |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB-C, USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber |
| Weight | 1.44 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Updated firmware |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance, Large storage, Antishock |
SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MBs |
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| Storage Capacity | 2TB |
| 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, Shock proof |
| Reasons to Buy | Storage space |
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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| 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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| 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 |
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB, Up to 2,000MBs, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive |
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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 Gen 2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | PVC |
| Weight | 4.3 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | 3M Drop resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Fast read and write speeds |
Corsair EX100U 1TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage |
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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 | 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, value for money, highly functional |
Also check out the top external ssds for Graphic design and also the best one for Final Cut Pro.
