Having a reliable and fast storage solution is essential. Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or digital artist, an external SSD (Solid State Drive) can significantly enhance your workflow. This blog will explore the best external SSDs for content creators in 2024. We’ll review four different SSDs: SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD, Samsung T7, 5 TB LaCie, and Samsung T9. Each drive has unique features and benefits, so let’s dive in and determine which suits your needs the best.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is our top pick for the best overall SSD for content creators. It combines speed, durability, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need top-notch performance.
Key Features
- Speed: With read and write speeds of up to 2,000 megabytes per second (MB/s), the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is swift. This means you can transfer large files, such as high-resolution videos and RAW images, in just a few seconds.
- Durability: This SSD is built to withstand tough conditions. It features a rugged design with 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance, making it perfect for on-the-go creators who work in various environments.
- Capacity: With 2TB of storage, you can store your projects, backups, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast read and write speeds.
- Durable and rugged design
- Large storage capacity
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Requires compatible devices for maximum performance
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is the best overall SSD for content creators due to its high speed, durability, and large capacity. This SSD is for you if you need a reliable and fast storage solution for your creative work.
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Samsung T7 Shield
Overview
The Samsung T7 is the best SSD for compatibility. It offers a good balance of speed, portability, and durability, making it a versatile choice for content creators who work across different devices.
Key Features
- Speed: The Samsung T7 provides read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. While not as fast as the SanDisk, it is still significantly quicker than traditional hard drives.
- Compatibility: One of the standout features of the Samsung T7 is its broad compatibility. It works seamlessly with various devices, including PCs, Macs, Android, and gaming consoles.
- Durability: The SSD is IP65 rated, meaning it is dust-tight and protected against water jets. This adds an extra layer of protection for your data.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High read and write speeds
- Excellent compatibility with various devices
- Dust and water-resistant
Cons:
- Limited to 1TB storage capacity
- Data transfer speeds may vary depending on the host device configuration.
The Samsung T7 is an excellent choice for content creators who need a versatile and compatible SSD. Its high speed and durability make it a reliable option, even though it has a smaller storage capacity than the SanDisk.
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5 TB LaCie Rugged
The 5 TB LaCie Rugged is the go-to option for content creators who need a large storage capacity and extreme durability. It’s designed to handle the most challenging conditions and offers a massive 5 TB storage space, making it perfect for long projects and extensive media libraries.
Key Features
- Storage Capacity: 5 TB
- Speed: Up to 130 MB/s
- Durability: IP67 water and dust resistance, drop resistance up to 3 meters, crush resistance up to 2 tons
- Portability: Rugged design with a protective rubber sleeve
- Compatibility: Works with both Windows and Mac, Thunderbolt 3 compatibility
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High Storage Capacity: With 5 TB of storage, you can store vast data.
- Extreme Durability: The LaCie Rugged is built to withstand harsh conditions, including water, dust, drops, and crushing.
- Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility: Fast and reliable connection for transferring large files.
Cons:
- Slower Speed: At 130 MB/s, it is slower than other SSDs on this list.
- Bulkier Design: The rugged design makes it slightly bulkier and heavier than other options.
The LaCie Rugged SSD is perfect for storing large amounts of data and requiring a drive that can survive extreme conditions. Its high capacity and rugged design make it an excellent choice for professionals constantly moving.
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AMAZON
Samsung T9 Portable SSD
The Samsung T9 is known for its exceptional speed. It is an excellent choice for content creators who require the fastest data transfer rates and a portable design.
Key Features
- Speed: The Samsung T9 offers impressive read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. This makes it one of the fastest external SSDs available, allowing you to transfer large files quickly.
- Portability: The SSD is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It also comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- Design: The sleek and modern design of the Samsung T9 makes it functional and stylish.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast read and write speeds.
- Small and portable
- It comes with USB-C and USB-A cables.
Cons:
- Not very water-resistant
- Higher price point
The Samsung T9 is the best choice for content creators who need the fastest possible data transfer speeds. Its portability and sleek design make it a convenient option for those who work on the go. However, it is not as water-resistant as other options, so care should be taken when using it in harsh environments.
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How to Choose the Right SSD for You
Choosing a suitable SSD depends on your specific needs as a content creator. Here are a few factors to consider:
Storage Capacity
Consider how much storage you need. You’ll need more storage if you work with large files, such as 4K videos or high-resolution photos. The LaCie Rugged offers the highest capacity with 5 TB, while the other options provide up to 2 TB.
Speed
If speed is your top priority, look for SSDs with high read and write speeds. The Samsung T9 Portable SSD is the fastest on this list, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks.
Durability
If you often work in harsh environments or travel frequently, you’ll need an SSD to withstand harsh conditions. The Samsung T7 Shield and LaCie Rugged are designed to be highly durable.
Portability
Consider the size and weight of the SSD. If you need something easy to carry, look for compact, lightweight designs like the Samsung T7 Shield and SanDisk 2 TB Extreme.
Compatibility
Make sure the SSD is compatible with your devices. All the SSDs listed here work with Windows and Mac, but some also offer additional compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable external SSD depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a quick recap to help you decide:
- SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD: Best overall for speed, durability, and capacity.
- Samsung T7: Best for compatibility across various devices with good speed and durability.
- WD My Passport: Best for storage capacity with affordable options, especially if you choose the HDD version.
- Samsung T9: Best for speed with high read and write speeds and a portable design.
Each SSD has its strengths, and the best one for you will depend on what you value most in a storage solution. Whether you need maximum speed, compatibility, storage capacity, or durability, an SSD on this list will meet your needs. Investing in a good external SSD will ensure that your content creation process is smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on what you do best – creating unique content.
