External SSDs for Laptop Users in India: Price, Features, Ratings and More

If your laptop is running out of storage and you don't want to immediately purchase a new device, then an external SSD can be a practical solution. Whether it is large video files, photos, documents, games, or other data, an external SSD can make it easy for you to carry those heavy files.

From the SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable External SSD and Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1TB to the Seagate One Touch 2TB External SSD and Crucial X9 1TB SSD, there are several external SSDs available in India.

What's more interesting is that they are compact and are designed for people who frequently travel with their data. We have already covered travel-friendly laptops, so let us now take a look at some travel-friendly external SSDs that are currently available on Amazon.

Why It Matters

An external SSD becomes very helpful when the internal storage of your laptop, including laptops for gaming, video editing, coding and more, gets full, as it gives you additional space without having to upgrade the laptop. Along with that, it can help you quickly transfer large files and keep important data backed up without adding much bulk to your setup.

External SSD Pricing Overview

1. SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD with 1TB capacity uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and delivers sequential read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s.

This drive is compatible with USB Type-C devices including laptops, phones, and tablets. It works with iOS 13 and later, Android 11 and later, macOS version 11 and later, and Windows 10 and later.

Key product features include fast NVMe solid-state performance in a portable high-capacity design, protection against drops of up to three metres, and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty, and hardware encryption that supports password protection.

The package includes the Extreme Portable SSD itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adaptor, and a safety and warranty guide.

What Users Say:

Buyers like the SSD for its compact size and portability, but opinions on its speed and value for money are mixed. While some users report good performance, others mention reliability issues, including data corruption and loss.

2. Samsung T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD

The Samsung T7 Shield comes with 1TB of storage and uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface, which is also backward compatible. It offers sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. The SSD uses PCIe NVMe technology and comes with Dynamic Thermal Guard to help manage heat during use.

The SSD works with PCs, Macs, Android devices, and gaming consoles. Users can manage the drive using Samsung Magician and Samsung Portable SSD Software 1.0 for tasks such as checking drive health and updating firmware.

In terms of durability, the T7 Shield has an IP65 rating, and also has an outer elastomer design that helps absorb shocks and can withstand drops from up to 3 metres. For security, it supports password protection and AES 256-bit hardware data encryption.

Notably, the package includes a USB Type-C-to-C cable and a USB Type-C-to-A cable.

What Users Say:

Buyers like the portable SSD for its fast data transfer speeds, smooth performance, compact size, and durable build. Some also appreciate the rubberised outer shell for added protection. While many find it worth the price, some consider it expensive, and a few users have reported connection issues.

3. Seagate One Touch 2TB External SSD

The Seagate One Touch External SSD is a compact portable SSD that offers transfer speeds of up to 1,030 MB/s. It is available in capacities of up to 2TB and uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) and also works with USB 3.0.

The SSD has a compact design with an aluminium top and woven fabric sides and supports plug-and-play connectivity with both Windows and Mac, so you can connect it and start using it without any additional setup.

The package includes the Seagate One Touch SSD, a USB-C cable, downloadable Toolkit software, a six-month Mylio Photos+ subscription, Rescue Data Recovery Services, and a Quick Start Guide. It also comes with a three-year limited warranty.

What User Say:

Buyers generally like the external SSD for its speed, compact size, portability, and value for money. One customer mentioned copying 40GB of data in less than 10 minutes. However, the connectivity experience is mixed, with some users reporting that their devices do not recognise the drive or that it disconnects randomly.

4. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD

The Crucial X9 Portable SSD offers sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and is designed to give you extra storage for photos, music, games, and other files. It can load files up to 7.5 times faster than portable hard drives and up to 100 times faster than USB flash drives.

The SSD uses a USB-C connection and supports plug-and-play connectivity with PCs, Macs, tablets, gaming consoles, Android devices, and other compatible devices. It supports Windows File History, Apple Time Machine, and Acronis True Image for backups.

The Crucial X9 is shock-, vibration-, and drop-proof from heights of up to 7.5 feet. It is also designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for users who frequently carry their SSD around.

What User Say:

Buyers have mixed opinions about the SSD. Some users are happy with its performance, especially for gaming and editing, while others have raised concerns about its speed. Its compact size and reliable performance are appreciated, but opinions on its value for money are divided.

Things to Check Before Buying

• Capacity: In general, a 1TB external SSD is enough for most users, but 2TB makes more sense if you store a lot of videos, photos, or work files.

• Speed: Measured in MB/s (megabytes per second), it tells you how quickly the SSD can transfer files. If you regularly transfer large files, a higher speed can help you get the job done faster.

• Connection Type: Most modern external SSDs use USB-C. Make sure your laptop has a compatible port and check if the required cable is included with the SSD.

• Durability: If you travel a lot with your SSD, look for features such as water and dust resistance and drop protection. These can help protect the drive from accidental damage.

• Warranty: An SSD is something that is going to be with you for years; therefore, it is highly recommended to check the warranty period before buying.

• Price: The price of an external SSD depends on its storage capacity, speed, brand, and other features. The SSDs covered in this article are priced between Rs 15,899 and Rs 28,449 in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Recommendations

If you want a compact and durable external SSD for travel, the Samsung T7 Shield 1TB is a good option. For higher storage capacity, you can consider the Seagate One Touch 2TB External SSD. The SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable External SSD is another option if you want fast speeds and water and dust resistance, while the Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD can be considered if you want a more affordable option.

Next Steps

Before buying an external SSD, check your storage requirements, laptop's compatible ports, and the SSD's transfer speeds. Also compare the warranty, durability, and price to make sure you are getting an option that suits your needs.

Disclaimer: Prices, ratings, specifications, and availability mentioned in this article are subject to change. The information is based on details available at the time of writing, and readers are advised to check the product page before making a purchase.