You’ve wrapped the project, finalized the deliverables, and it’s time to store everything away, permanently. But the question is: will your storage solution hold up in five years? Ten?
When it comes to long-term digital archiving, not all drives are created equal. And for professionals managing terabytes of irreplaceable content—videos, photos, audio stems, project files—drive integrity matters just as much as capacity.
Let’s be clear: long-term archiving isn’t just “extra storage.” It’s the foundation of your content security strategy. That’s why choosing the right external SSD for this purpose is a decision that deserves deliberate, informed consideration.
Traditional external hard drives (HDDs) have historically been the go-to for archival, but they come with mechanical limitations: moving parts, higher failure rates, and increasing incompatibility with modern port types. Cloud storage, while useful, brings ongoing costs and dependency on service providers.
So what about SSDs?
External SSDs offer key advantages—no moving parts, faster data access, lower failure rates, and greater resistance to shock and environmental variables. But not all SSDs are designed for long-term retention. Some use cheaper NAND types with limited write endurance. Others prioritize speed over data preservation.
To make a solid choice, you need to balance durability, reliability, and future compatibility. That’s where we come in.
We created this guide for individuals and teams who need secure, reliable, and accessible long-term offline storage. You might be:
- A filmmaker or photographer backing up finished projects
- A music producer archiving full discographies or session stems
- A creative agency needing redundant storage for client assets
- A media archivist preserving historical or commercial media
- A freelancer who wants peace of mind between projects
- A person who wants to archive family photos and critical documents
If your goal is to keep data safe for years—and be able to access it easily when needed—this guide will help you choose the best external SSD for the job.
We’ve evaluated SSDs with a clear archival focus. These are the criteria that matter most for long-term storage:
- Data Retention & NAND Type
SSDs use flash memory, and not all NAND is equal. We favor drives with TLC (Triple-Level Cell) or MLC (Multi-Level Cell) NAND over QLC, due to better endurance and data retention. - Write Endurance (TBW / DWPD Ratings)
Endurance is critical when writing large archives. Drives with high TBW (terabytes written) or DWPD (drive writes per day) scores ensure longevity under archival loads. - Reliability & Error Correction
Look for drives that feature advanced ECC (error correction code), wear leveling, and power-loss protection—all crucial for protecting data during transfers. - Interface & Future-Proofing
Archive drives don’t need the fastest interface, but they must remain readable years later. We favor USB-C / USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3/4—future-compatible and widely adopted. - Physical Durability
Since these drives may be stored on shelves or in climate-controlled facilities, we value rugged enclosures, shock resistance, and passive thermal protection. - Form Factor & Storage Density
Compact size with high-capacity options (2TB to 8TB+) allows for more data in less space. Portability is a plus, even for long-term storage. - Encryption & Security Features
For sensitive client data, we prioritize drives with AES 256-bit hardware encryption, password protection, and secure erase options.
Each of these factors is tied directly to archival reliability and accessibility, ensuring you can trust the drive to store your critical work—without requiring constant maintenance.
Best external SSDs for long-term archiving:
Contents
- 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
- Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD External Portable Solid State Drive, Grey, Up to 1,050 MBs, USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C Compatible
- SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive SSD
- SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD
- 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 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive
- SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
- Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive
- Lenovo P6 Portable External Solid State Drive, 2TB SSD
- Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive
SSK Portable SSD 2TB, up to 2000MBs 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, 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 |
Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD External Portable Solid State Drive, Grey, Up to 1,050 MBs, USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C Compatible |
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|---|---|
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| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| 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 | Reliable, good performance |
SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive 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 | 1,050 MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Silicone Rubber, Metal |
| Weight | 0.45 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Ultra-rugged durability with IP67 water/dust resistance, up to 3M1 drop, and 2000lb crush resistance |
| Reasons to Buy | Durable, Fast Speeds |
SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB 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 | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2, Type C |
| Color | Darke Grey |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | High speed, encryption |
| Reasons to Buy | Functionality, Size, Speed |
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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|---|---|
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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 1TB My Passport SSD Portable 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 |
| 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 | Reliable storage |
Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C 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 | 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, dust proof |
| Reasons to Buy | Lightweight |
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance |
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| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| 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 |
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 |
Lenovo P6 Portable External Solid State Drive, 2TB 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 | 550MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Casing Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1.27 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Compatible with PC, Mac, Android |
| Reasons to Buy | Large storage capacity, Design, Performance, Reliability |
Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 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 | 1050MB/s |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption | AES 256 Bit |
| Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Color | Black |
| Material | PVC |
| Weight | 3.36 ounces |
| Power Source | USB Port |
| Features | Encription |
| Reasons to Buy | Good performance, Large size |
Also check out the top ssds for transferring large files in addition to the best ones for linux.
