· external solid state drives · 14 min read
Best External SSDs with Thunderbolt 3: Ultimate Portability and Performance
Discover the exceptional power and efficiency of external SSDs enhanced with Thunderbolt 3 technology. Explore our curated selection of top-rated SSDs that excel in speed, reliability, and portability. Upgrade your storage options today!
In today's digital world, speed and portability are essential. For professionals, students, and anyone who handles large files on the go, an external SSD with Thunderbolt 3 is the ideal solution. These drives combine the remarkable performance of SSDs with the lightning-fast transfer speeds of Thunderbolt 3 technology, delivering unparalleled efficiency and reliability. Here, we present the best external SSDs with Thunderbolt 3, carefully chosen for their exceptional performance, durability, and portability.
Overview
PROS
- Blazingly fast Thunderbolt 3 interface with speeds up to 2700MB/s for seamless data transfers.
- Exceptional durability with IP68 dust and water resistance, ensuring protection from the elements.
CONS
- Higher price point compared to similar external SSDs.
- Requires a Thunderbolt 3 port or adapter for full speed capabilities.
Experience lightning-fast data transfers and rugged reliability with the SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 Thunderbolt 3 External SSD. Its Thunderbolt 3 interface unleashes speeds of up to 2700MB/s, making large file transfers a breeze. Backed by IP68 dust and water resistance, this SSD can withstand even the harshest conditions, providing peace of mind for your valuable data.
Whether you're a professional photographer, videographer, or anyone who demands exceptional performance, the PRO-G40 delivers. Its premium build quality and compact size make it an ideal companion for on-the-go creators. However, be prepared for its higher price point and the requirement for a Thunderbolt 3 port or adapter to harness its full potential.
PROS
- Lightning-fast speeds up to 2700MB/s with Thunderbolt 3 technology
- Compact and portable design for effortless portability
- Durable construction with IP67 water and dust resistance for peace of mind
- Versatile compatibility with various devices and operating systems
CONS
- May run slightly warm during intensive usage
- Price premium compared to some competitors
Experience unparalleled storage performance with the SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano XTRM External SSD. This cutting-edge device harnesses the power of Thunderbolt 3 technology to deliver blistering speeds of up to 2700MB/s, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and large file transfers. Its compact and lightweight design belies its exceptional capabilities, offering effortless portability for professionals on the go.
The Rocket Nano XTRM boasts an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, ensuring your data remains safeguarded against the elements. Its robust construction provides added durability, giving you peace of mind when handling the drive. Furthermore, its versatility extends to compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems, making it an indispensable tool for any creative professional or tech enthusiast.
PROS
- Thunderbolt 3 and 4 compatibility for lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 2800MB/s
- Sleek and durable aluminum casing for protection and portability
CONS
- Expensive compared to other external SSDs
- May not be compatible with all devices
The Fantom Drives Extreme External SSD is a powerful storage solution that delivers exceptional speeds and durability. With Thunderbolt 3 and 4 compatibility, this SSD can transfer data at blazing-fast speeds of up to 2800MB/s, making it ideal for demanding applications such as video editing and large file transfers. Its compact and lightweight design, coupled with a rugged aluminum casing, ensures portability and protection against accidental drops or bumps. However, it is worth noting that this SSD comes at a premium price, and its compatibility may vary depending on the device it is connected to. Overall, the Fantom Drives Extreme External SSD is a solid choice for users who prioritize speed and durability in a portable storage device.
PROS
- Unleash exceptional transfer speeds with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.
- Protect your valuable data with its rugged design, resistant to drops, shocks, dust, and water.
- Enjoy ample storage capacity of 1TB for extensive data storage.
- Includes a complimentary 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for seamless editing.
CONS
- Priced higher compared to some competing external SSDs.
- May require additional adapters for use with older devices.
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro sets itself apart with its remarkable combination of speed, durability, and storage capacity. Harnessing the power of Thunderbolt 3, this external SSD delivers lightning-fast transfer speeds, making it an ideal choice for professionals who demand quick and efficient data access. Its rugged construction ensures your data remains safe from accidental drops, shocks, dust, and even water, providing peace of mind in challenging conditions. With its generous 1TB storage capacity, you can store a vast collection of files, projects, and media without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, the included Adobe Creative Cloud subscription provides access to professional-grade editing tools, making it a comprehensive solution for creative professionals.
While the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro comes at a premium compared to some competitors, its exceptional performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment. It's worth noting that it may require additional adapters for use with older devices. Nonetheless, for professionals who prioritize speed, reliability, and data protection, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is an excellent choice that will enhance your workflow and safeguard your valuable data.
PROS
- Exceptional read/write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s through Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, minimizing wait times and maximizing productivity.
- Portable and compact design, making it an ideal storage companion for professionals, students, and gamers on the go.
CONS
- Pricier than traditional external hard drives due to its advanced technology and performance capabilities.
- The Thunderbolt 3 interface may not be universally compatible with all devices, requiring adapter usage for specific computers and peripherals.
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD sets a new standard for external storage with its lightning-fast transfer speeds and rugged design. Utilizing the Thunderbolt 3 interface, this SSD delivers incredible read/write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s, making it perfect for demanding tasks like video editing, large file transfers, and gaming. The portable and compact form factor makes it an ideal companion for professionals, students, and gamers who require reliable and high-performance storage on the go.
The T7's durability is equally impressive, boasting a shock-resistant design that can withstand accidental drops and bumps. Its metal casing provides added protection, ensuring data integrity even in harsh conditions. Whether you're a creative professional handling large media files or a student managing multiple projects, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD offers a combination of speed, portability, and durability that sets it apart in the external storage market.
PROS
- Blazing-fast Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for seamless transfers of large files
- Ample 2TB storage capacity ensures ample space for all your projects
- Ultra-compact and lightweight design makes it the perfect travel companion
- Rugged durability protects your data from accidental drops and bumps
CONS
- May require additional cables for compatibility with older devices
- Pricier than traditional USB external SSDs
Harness the power of the Samsung T9 Portable SSD and experience unparalleled storage speed and convenience. Designed with the latest Thunderbolt 3 interface, this external SSD unlocks lightning-fast transfer rates of up to 2,000MB/s, making it the ideal companion for professionals, gamers, and anyone who demands exceptional performance.
Its sleek and compact design makes it effortlessly portable, while its durable construction provides peace of mind knowing that your data is protected from accidental drops and bumps. With a generous 2TB storage capacity, you can store all your essential files, applications, and media without running out of space. Whether you're editing large video projects, transferring massive datasets, or simply backing up your important documents, the Samsung T9 Portable SSD is the perfect storage solution for demanding users seeking the ultimate combination of speed, durability, and portability.PROS
- Lightning-fast data transfer speeds up to 2800MB/s read and 2300MB/s write
- Massive 2TB storage capacity for your extensive media library and demanding applications
- Compact and portable design for effortless mobility and optimized airflow
- Bus-powered convenience eliminates the need for additional cords and power adapters
- Intel Certified for seamless compatibility and peak performance with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 powered devices
CONS
- Premium pricing may not fit all budgets
- May require specific cable for full Thunderbolt 3 capabilities
Experience blazing-fast file transfers and expanded storage capacity with the 2TB Thunderbolt 3 External Portable SSD. Certified by Intel, this external drive unleashes the full potential of Thunderbolt 3 technology, enabling transfer speeds up to an astonishing 2800MB/s read and 2300MB/s write. Harness this incredible speed to effortlessly manage large media files, demanding software, and backups, reducing wait times and maximizing productivity.
Featuring a generous 2TB storage capacity, this external SSD provides ample space for your expansive photo and video library, creative projects, and essential documents. Its bus-powered design eliminates the need for bulky cables and power adapters, ensuring seamless portability and uninterrupted workflow. Backed by Intel's certification, this drive guarantees frictionless compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 devices, making it an ideal companion for both Mac and Windows systems. Invest in the 2TB Thunderbolt 3 External Portable SSD and elevate your storage experience to new heights of speed and convenience.
PROS
- Exceptional file transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s through Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.
- Ample storage capacity of 2TB, providing ample space for demanding creative workloads.
- Rugged design with IP65 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environments.
- Compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for on-the-go professionals.
- USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility, allowing for seamless integration with a wide range of devices.
CONS
- Higher cost compared to standard external hard drives.
- May not be universally compatible with all devices, requiring Thunderbolt 3 support.
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a top-notch external storage solution meticulously engineered for professionals seeking lightning-fast file transfer speeds. With its Thunderbolt 3 interface, it unleashes astonishing speeds of up to 1050MB/s, rendering it an ideal companion for photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals who need to move large files quickly and efficiently.
Beyond its exceptional speed, this SSD boasts a robust construction that meets IP65 standards, signifying its resistance to dust, water, and falls. Its compact design and low weight make it an excellent choice for professionals who are constantly on the move and require a reliable storage solution that can withstand the rigors of travel. Notably, its compatibility with USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures seamless connectivity with a diverse spectrum of devices.
PROS
- Lightning-fast read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s via Thunderbolt 3 interface
- Ample storage capacity of 2TB, providing ample space for large files and projects
CONS
- Higher price point compared to other portable SSDs
- Requires Thunderbolt 3 port on the host computer, which may limit compatibility
Introducing the SanDisk Extreme PRO Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD, the pinnacle of external storage for discerning professionals and creative enthusiasts. With its exceptional performance and durability, this portable powerhouse empowers you to work seamlessly on the go and experience blazing-fast file transfers. Seamlessly edit high-resolution photos, render 4K videos, and manage large datasets at breathtaking speeds of up to 2000MB/s. Say goodbye to long wait times and embrace effortless productivity.
Designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, the SanDisk Extreme PRO Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD boasts an IP65 rating, signifying its resistance to water and dust. Whether you're navigating rugged terrain or working in harsh environments, rest assured that your data remains protected. Its compact and lightweight design makes it the perfect companion for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs reliable and portable storage on the move.
PROS
- Outstanding throughput speeds, meeting and often surpassing promised speeds.
- Rugged and durable design with IP67 water and dust resistance.
CONS
- Premium pricing may limit its appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
- High power consumption may require additional power sources in some setups.
The Glyph AtomPro 2 Thunderbolt 3 External SSD is a professional-grade storage solution designed for demanding workflows that require ultra-fast data transfer speeds. Its sleek, compact form factor houses a cutting-edge NVMe solid-state drive, delivering astonishing throughput that will undoubtedly enhance your productivity. Whether you're working with high-resolution images, editing large videos, or handling massive data sets, the AtomPro 2 ensures seamless and efficient data management.
Beyond its exceptional performance, the AtomPro 2 boasts an incredibly durable construction, meeting the IP67 water and dust resistance standards. This means you can confidently use it in challenging environments without worrying about data loss due to accidental spills or exposure to harsh conditions. Its Thunderbolt 3 connectivity ensures compatibility with the latest Macs, providing a versatile solution for creative professionals, video editors, and anyone seeking lightning-fast external storage.
Our selection showcases external SSDs from reputable brands such as SanDisk, SABRENT, and Samsung, ensuring you get the highest quality and reliability. Whether you need a compact drive for everyday tasks or a high-capacity powerhouse for demanding applications, we have the perfect external SSD with Thunderbolt 3 for you. With transfer speeds reaching 2700MB/s and capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, these drives offer the perfect balance of speed, portability, and durability. Invest in an external SSD with Thunderbolt 3 today and experience the future of data storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key advantage of an external SSD with Thunderbolt 3?
External SSDs with Thunderbolt 3 offer blazing-fast transfer speeds, up to 2700MB/s, significantly faster than traditional USB drives.
Are these external SSDs durable and reliable for on-the-go use?
Yes, most of the external SSDs in our selection feature rugged designs, IP68 ratings, and shock resistance, making them ideal for portable use and protecting your data.
What capacities are available in these external SSDs?
Our selection offers a range of capacities, from 1TB to 4TB, providing ample storage space for your files, projects, and multimedia.
Can I use these external SSDs with both Mac and Windows computers?
Yes, most of the external SSDs in our selection are compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, offering seamless data transfer between different devices.
What type of warranty is typically offered with these external SSDs?
Many of the external SSDs in our selection come with limited warranties ranging from 3 to 5 years, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.