Choppy timelines, crawling progress bars, and “disk too slow” warnings don’t belong in your edit. If you’re cutting 4K or 8K and bouncing between sets, you need an external SSD that can keep up on a Mac or PC without risking your footage—or your deadlines.
For 2025, we analyzed, ranked, and compared 11 external drives (mostly high-speed portable SSDs) for real-world video work. Our top performers: the SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD (USB4) at 85/100 and the SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD (USB4) at 84/100. We break down which drives deliver the fastest sustained speeds for smooth scrubbing and exports, which offer the best capacity per dollar, how USB4 stacks up against USB 3.2 on Macs, and what to expect for durability, thermals, and portability. You’ll see clear picks across the lineup, including options from Samsung (T9/T7), Corsair (EX400U), Lexar, SK hynix, WD, and more.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which external SSD to buy—whether you need a USB4 speed demon for a scratch disk, a rugged on-the-go shuttle, or a high-capacity project vault—so storage never bottlenecks your edit again.
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Top Picks
External Hard Drives Showdown 2025: Top 11 for 4K/8K Video Editing
| Specifications | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 | 79/100 | 78/100 | 77/100 | 76/100 | 76/100 | 76/100 | 75/100 | 74/100 | 74/100 |
| Capacity | 4TB | 2TB | 2TB | 4TB | 4TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 4TB | 1TB | 2TB |
| Max Read Speed (MB/s) | 3800 MB/s | 3800 MB/s | 4000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed (MB/s) | 3700 MB/s | 3700 MB/s | 3600 MB/s | N/A | 2000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s |
| Interface | USB4 | USB4 | USB4 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, compatible with USB-A via adapter) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 | N/A | IP65 | N/A | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | N/A | N/A |
| Drop Protection (meters) | 2 | 2 | N/A | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | N/A | 2 | 1.98 | N/A |
| Encryption (AES 256-bit) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance – SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
Video creators (hobbyist to professional) who need a fast, portable workspace for 4K/8K editing and want a reliable Mac-compatible external drive
- Top-tier speeds (up to 3800 MB/s read / 3700 MB/s write) — enough for editing multiple 4K streams and many single-drive 8K workflows
- USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 compatibility (backwards compatible with USB 3.2), which makes it plug-and-play with modern Macs
- Rugged, portable build (IP65, aluminum chassis + silicone sleeve) and a 5-year warranty — good reliability for creators on the move
- Higher price per TB compared with HDDs or lower-tier SSDs (premium cost for speed)
- Top speeds require a USB4/Thunderbolt4 host and cable — older ports will be slower
Editing 4K projects on a Mac or laptop and tired of waiting on file copies? You get near-internal-SSD speeds so you can edit straight from the drive, move huge clips in seconds, and carry a rugged 4TB workspace wherever you shoot. The tradeoff: you pay more per TB than an HDD, but you’ll eliminate transfer bottlenecks and reduce risk of mid-project slowdowns — meaning faster turnaround and fewer headaches when deadlines loom.
Hate waiting on transfers before you can start cutting? SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD lands at #1 in our roundup with a strong 85/100 because it delivers near internal-drive performance in a travel‑ready size. Plug it into your Mac and start editing right from the drive—no more juggling space on your laptop.
With USB4/Thunderbolt 4 speeds up to 3800/3700 MB/s, you can move massive 4K and even 8K files in seconds and scrub timelines smoothly in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. It’s fast enough for multicam projects, proxies, and cache/scratch duties without slowing you down.
Shooting weddings, events, or travel films and need a reliable on‑set dump drive? This model is perfect for offloading camera cards, editing dailies on a MacBook, and handing a project to a collaborator. Choose 2TB for lighter day‑to‑day shoots, or go 4TB to keep an entire production—including raw clips, renders, and exports—on one drive.
You also get a rugged IP65 design (aluminum chassis with a protective sleeve) plus a 5‑year warranty, so your footage stays safer in rain, dust, and crowded edit bays. It’s plug‑and‑play with modern Macs and still works with USB 3.2 ports when you need broad compatibility—great for team handoffs and studio desktops. The premium price buys you time saved, bottlenecks eliminated, and more predictable deadlines.
If you want a fast, portable workspace you can trust on the road and in the studio, this pick is easy to recommend. You’ll unlock peak performance on USB4/Thunderbolt 4 machines, and still enjoy excellent speeds on older ports. For creators who value speed, reliability, and a smoother edit flow, this is the one to get.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance – SDSSDE82-2T00-G25
Video creators (hobbyist to pro) who edit 4K/8K projects on laptops (especially Macs with Thunderbolt/USB4), need a portable drive fast enough to edit directly from, and value durability for location work.
- Blazing USB4/Thunderbolt-class speeds (up to 3,800 MB/s read, 3,700 MB/s write) — excellent for editing 4K/8K directly from the drive
- Solid build and portability (forged aluminum chassis + IP65 silicone shell) — good for creators who work on location
- Strong warranty and brand reliability (5-year limited warranty, SanDisk/Western Digital backing)
- Higher cost per TB compared with HDDs or lower-tier SSDs — tradeoff between speed and price
- Peak performance requires a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 host — older USB 3.x systems will see lower speeds
Editing big 4K or 8K projects on a Mac laptop and need portable speed? You get near-internal SSD responsiveness so you can scrub, transcode, and edit directly from the drive without choking your workflow. The tradeoff: it costs more per TB than spinning drives or budget SSDs, but you gain serious speed, reliability, and a rugged, travel-ready package that reduces workflow stalls and backup headaches.
Want desktop-class speed in your pocket? SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4 lands as our #2 choice with a strong 84/100, thanks to next‑gen performance, a rugged build, and Mac-friendly connectivity. If you edit video on a laptop, it’s a simple way to cut waiting time and keep projects moving.
With read/write speeds up to 3,800/3,700 MB/s, you can scrub multicam 4K or even 8K timelines, generate proxies, and render straight from the drive without hiccups. Think fast offloads on set—import a 200 GB card in minutes and jump right into your edit in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Shooting weddings, travel documentaries, or streaming content on the road? Pick the 2TB version for a nimble, everyday edit drive, or go 4TB when you handle long-form projects and want extra headroom between offloads. It plugs into USB4/Thunderbolt 4 for peak speed and stays compatible with USB 3.x when sharing footage with collaborators.
Your files stay safer when you’re moving fast: the forged aluminum body and IP65 silicone shell add durability against dust and splashes, while helping shed heat during long transfers. A 5-year warranty backs your work, so you can focus on delivering deadlines—not babysitting gear. The premium price returns value by saving hours across transfers, edits, and backups.
If you want a fast, rugged drive you can edit from directly and trust on location, this model is an excellent pick. It shines with Thunderbolt-equipped Macs and fits seamlessly into mixed setups. For creators who value speed and reliability, it’s a smart upgrade that pays off in a smoother workflow.
Corsair EX400U 2TB USB4 Portable External Type-C SSD – Up to 4,000MB/s Read, 3,600MB/s Write, USB 3.2 Gen2 2×2, Plug and Play, Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, Includes 40Gbps Cable, Windows PC, iOS Mac – Gray EX400U (2025) 2TB
Video creators (hobbyist to professional) who edit 4K/8K on Mac or USB4/Thunderbolt-capable systems and want a fast, portable 2TB external SSD without paying premium enterprise prices.
- Very fast real-world speeds (up to 4,000MB/s read, 3,600MB/s write) — close to internal NVMe performance for smooth 4K editing.
- USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 compatibility and includes a 40Gbps cable — great for modern Macs and mobile workstations.
- Strong price-to-performance: 2TB for $199.99 is competitively priced for creators needing high-capacity, portable SSD storage.
- Peak performance requires a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 host — older USB-C / TB3 machines may not reach the top speeds.
- Limited detail on durability, TBW, or hardware-level backup/encryption features (some pros may want enterprise specs).
Editing 4K footage on a Mac and tired of slow transfers? You get near-internal NVMe speeds (up to 4,000/3,600 MB/s) so you can edit directly from the drive, move large projects in seconds, and carry a lightweight, 2TB archive for about $200. Tradeoff: to actually hit those top speeds you need a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 host — on older USB-C ports you’ll still see solid gains but not the full 4GB/s. In short, you’ll free up internal storage, cut import/export times, and have a portable primary drive for most creator workflows.
Need portable storage that keeps up with your edits? Corsair EX400U 2TB USB4 Portable External Type-C SSD lands at #3 with a 79/100 score because it delivers near-internal speeds, Mac-friendly USB4/Thunderbolt 4 support, and strong value for creators. It feels invisible in your workflow—fast, simple, and ready to go.
With up to 4,000 MB/s reads and 3,600 MB/s writes, you can cut 4K/8K footage directly from the drive in Final Cut, Premiere, or Resolve without dropped frames. In practice, that means skimming multicam timelines smoothly and moving 100–200 GB projects in about a minute on a 40 Gbps port. The included high-speed cable and plug‑and‑play setup help you hit full performance right away.
On location? Use it to offload camera cards between takes, build proxies on set, or carry a compact working library for travel documentary work. It’s perfect if your Mac or workstation offers USB4/TB4; it also plays nicely with standard USB‑C for quick transfers and backups across mixed devices.
The compact, pocketable body keeps your kit light, and the magnet-friendly design helps it stay put on a laptop lid or cage. At 2TB for about $199.99, it delivers premium throughput without the enterprise price tag, freeing internal storage and speeding up imports/exports. Backward compatibility means one drive can serve Macs, PCs, and modern tablets.
If you want a fast primary workspace for video projects, this model is an easy win. Choose 2TB for everyday edits or step up to 4TB if you want longer project headroom—the core performance stays consistent across capacities. Pair it with a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port and enjoy desktop-class speed wherever you create.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s – USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE81-4T00-G25 4TB SSD
Video creators who edit 4K (and lighter 8K) projects on Mac or Windows who want a fast, portable, and reliable NVMe SSD to edit directly from, move large files quickly, and keep a roomy on-the-go working drive.
- Very fast NVMe performance (up to 2,000 MB/s) — meaning smooth transfers and the ability to edit 4K footage directly from the drive on capable hosts
- Portable and durable build (forged aluminum chassis, IP65 water/dust resistance, ~3m drop protection) with a 5-year warranty
- Large 4TB capacity option with strong sales and a solid 4.4/5 rating — good balance of price, capacity, and reliability for prosumers
- Not Thunderbolt 3/4 — peak speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 host; many Macs will be limited by their ports or cables
- Higher cost-per-GB than HDDs and some lower-cost SSDs — pricey if you primarily need archival storage
Need a fast, on-the-go drive to edit 4K footage or move multi-GB projects quickly? You get near-NVMe desktop speeds (up to ~2,000 MB/s), a roomy 4TB option, and a rugged, pocketable build so you can edit directly from the drive and transfer footage much faster than with HDDs. Tradeoff: you won’t hit absolute Thunderbolt-class speeds on most machines—so if you run multi-stream 8K timelines you might prefer a Thunderbolt RAID—but you’ll gain huge portability, reliability, and a clear speed boost over spinning drives for most creator workflows.
Need a pocket-size work drive that keeps up with your edits? This SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD lands at #4 in our lineup with a strong 78/100 because it brings near-desktop speeds to a rugged, travel-ready body. It’s a smart upgrade if you want to plug in and start cutting immediately, wherever you are.
With up to ~2,000 MB/s on capable USB-C hosts, you can edit 4K timelines straight from the drive and move multi‑gig projects in minutes. Picture this: offload cards, copy a 200GB project during a coffee break, and jump right into the edit on your MacBook without waiting around.
Perfect if you film weddings, travel documentaries, or daily social videos and need a fast scratch disk you can toss in a pocket. The roomy 4TB capacity holds multiple projects, proxies, and cache files so you can switch between YouTube uploads, client reels, and TikTok cuts without juggling gear.
Standout durability means fewer worries on location: a forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained performance, with IP65 sealing and ~3 m drop protection. You also get hardware encryption and a 5‑year warranty. It delivers pro-level speed and headroom without the bulk, power needs, or cost of a desktop RAID—saving you real time on every transfer.
If you want a compact, high‑speed work drive for Mac or Windows, this pick is easy to recommend. Choose 4TB to keep active projects and archives together, or go smaller as a fast travel scratch disk—either way, you’ll feel the workflow boost on day one.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1) Black 4TB
Hobbyist to prosumer video creators who want a fast, portable 4TB SSD to edit 4K footage directly, move large projects between machines, and free up internal drive space — especially if you value small, rugged drives for on-the-go work.
- Fast sequential read/write (up to ~2,000 MB/s) — good for editing/direct playback of high-bitrate 4K timelines
- Compact, lightweight and durable SSD form factor with Samsung’s thermal management for sustained transfers
- 4TB capacity at a competitive price (~$296) — strong value for creators needing large, portable storage
- Uses USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 — many Macs (Thunderbolt-only ports or older USB) may not reach the full 2,000 MB/s, so real-world speeds on some Macs will be lower
- Not a Thunderbolt 3/4 drive — pros working with multi-stream 8K RAW or extremely high-bandwidth workflows may need faster (Thunderbolt) solutions
Need a fast, portable drive to edit and move big 4K projects? You get a compact 4TB SSD that lets you edit directly, transfer large footage much faster than HDDs, and carry your projects between locations. The tradeoff: you won’t get Thunderbolt-level peak bandwidth on many Macs, so you’ll often see speeds below the spec ceiling — but for most creators who edit 4K (single or light multi-stream) and need a reliable, portable work-and-archive drive, this is a practical, high-value choice.
Need a fast, pocket-size drive like SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB that keeps your edits moving wherever you work? This pick lands at #5 in our lineup with a strong 77/100 because it blends speed, capacity, and value that fits real creator workflows.
With up to 2,000 MB/s, you can scrub high‑bitrate 4K timelines, preview clips smoothly, and copy huge projects in far less time than with HDDs. It flies on 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 hosts, and still delivers fluid 4K editing on 10Gbps USB‑C Macs.
Perfect when you edit travel films on a MacBook, hand off wedding projects between machines, or back up camera cards on set without filling your internal SSD. You can even record ProRes 4K/60 straight to the drive with iPhone 15 Pro, then plug into your desktop to start cutting.
The rugged, grippy shell and thermal control keep transfers steady during long copies, while AES 256‑bit encryption helps protect client footage. At 4TB for roughly $300, it’s a compact work‑and‑archive solution that punches above its price.
Choose this model if you want a reliable, travel‑friendly drive to edit directly from and move big projects quickly. It offers the right mix of speed, space, and portability for single or light multi‑stream 4K work, from social videos to client deliveries.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE61-2T00-G25 Black 2TB
Hobbyist-to-pro video creators who need a fast, portable, and affordable SSD for editing and moving large 4K projects on Mac or Windows laptops
- Very good real-world performance for single-stream 4K editing (up to ~1050MB/s read, ~1000MB/s write)
- Excellent price-to-capacity — 2TB at ~$125 is great value for creators
- Portable and rugged (IP65 water/dust resistance, ~3m drop protection) — good for mobile workflows
- Not a Thunderbolt drive — slower than high-end TB3/TB4 NVMe SSDs for heavy multi-cam 8K or ProRes RAW workflows
- Sustained peak speeds depend on host device and can drop during long sustained writes
Editing on a laptop and running out of internal space? You get a compact, tough SSD that lets you store and edit 4K timelines directly, transfer footage fast between shoots, and keep projects with encryption — all at a very wallet-friendly price. Tradeoff: it isn’t as fast as Thunderbolt 3/4 drives for heavy multicam/8K ProRes workflows, but you’ll gain portability, durability, and excellent value for most creator workflows.
Struggling with full internal storage while editing on your Mac? SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD lets you keep projects off your laptop and still work at high speed, so your timelines stay smooth. It lands at #6 in our roundup with a 76/100 for its excellent balance of performance, durability, and price.
You get up to around 1050 MB/s reads and 1000 MB/s writes, which means you can cut directly from the drive, move large clips quickly, and scrub without stutter. Plug in via USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) and it’s bus-powered, quiet, and cool—ideal for coffee-shop edits or tight desk setups.
Perfect if you need a fast project disk for single-stream 4K, proxies, or shuttling media between set and studio. Think travel vlogs, wedding highlights, corporate interviews, or product demos—grab footage on location, back up immediately, and start trimming before you leave.
Rugged build (IP65 and up to 3 m drop protection) means dust, drizzle, and daily bumps won’t derail your day. Hardware AES‑256 password protection keeps client files safe, and the 2TB capacity at around $125 delivers standout value, with larger sizes available when your library grows.
Bottom line: choose this pick if you want dependable, high-speed storage that keeps up with modern video work without weighing you down. It’s a smart, affordable way to streamline your editing workflow today and stay flexible for tomorrow.
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray Titan Gray 2 TB
Video creators who need a fast, affordable, portable drive for editing 4K footage, transferring large projects, and freeing up Mac storage — especially hobbyists, on-the-go creators, and many pros who don’t require Thunderbolt-tier speeds.
- Excellent price-to-performance: 2TB NVMe SSD at ~$150 with up to 1,050 MB/s reads
- Portable, lightweight, and well-built — easy to carry for on-location or mobile editing
- Strong ecosystem trust and popularity (high rating, large sales and review count)
- Not Thunderbolt — peak speeds are lower than TB3/TB4 SSDs used for heavy multi-stream 8K workflows
- Potential thermal throttling under very long sustained writes (large backups/archives)
Need fast, reliable external storage for editing 4K on the go? You get a compact 2TB NVMe SSD that slashes transfer times and lets you edit directly off the drive, freeing your Mac’s internal space and speeding your workflow. The tradeoff: you won’t hit Thunderbolt-level peak speeds or studio RAID redundancy, but you’ll gain excellent everyday performance, portability, and a strong price-to-capacity balance that keeps your projects moving.
Need faster edits and quicker project transfers? SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD pushes up to 1,050 MB/s, so your 4K timelines load fast and scrubbing stays smooth on Mac or PC. It lands as our #7 choice with a solid 76/100 score for its blend of speed, portability, and price.
Picture this: you finish a shoot and dump a full day of footage in minutes, then edit straight from the drive in Final Cut Pro or Premiere without clogging your internal storage. USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds keep imports snappy and exports moving, so you spend more time creating and less time waiting.
Perfect for travel vlogs, wedding highlights, product reviews, and multicam podcast episodes where you need a reliable scratch disk on the go. You can even capture high‑resolution video directly to the drive with compatible devices, including ProRes 4K60 from iPhone 15 Pro.
What stands out is the value: around $150 for 2TB gives you pro-grade responsiveness at a friendly cost. The slim aluminum body is pocketable yet sturdy, with shock resistance and hardware encryption for peace of mind. Broad compatibility means easy handoffs between your MacBook, desktop workstation, and mobile gear.
If you want fast, dependable storage that keeps your edits flowing and your laptop light, this pick is an easy win. Choose 2TB for a strong everyday balance, or step up in capacity if you keep large archives on hand. Confident recommendation for creators who want speed, reliability, and a great price-to-performance ratio.
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports Apple 4K 60fps ProRes, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Rugged, IP65, Ultracompact, Compatible w/iPhone 15/16, External SSD (LSL400S002T-RNSNU) Go w/ Hub 2TB
You, a creator who shoots and edits 4K (including Apple ProRes) on a Mac or mobile setup and want a rugged, pocketable drive that lets you record, edit, and back up on the go without carrying extra dongles.
- True portable SSD performance (~1,050MB/s read, ~1,000MB/s write) that handles 4K ProRes capture and editing
- Built-in USB-C hub (4 ports) and adapters — reduces dongles on set and simplifies Mac/iPhone workflows
- Rugged, IP65-rated, ultracompact design for on-the-go shooting and transfers
- Not Thunderbolt — slower than TB3/TB4 NVMe drives for very high-bandwidth multicam/8K timelines
- 2TB price (~$300) is competitive but higher than bulk HDD archive options; endurance specs not highlighted
Need a portable 2TB drive you can record and edit 4K ProRes from without dragging a laptop’s internal storage down? You get ~1GB/s sustained speeds, a rugged pocketable case, and a built-in USB-C hub so your camera, card reader, and accessories plug in without extra dongles. The tradeoff: you won’t get Thunderbolt-class speeds for heavy 8K or massive multicam timelines, but you’ll gain mobility, simplicity, and reliable 4K performance on location.
Need a pocket drive that lets you record, edit, and back up 4K on your Mac or iPhone without fuss? Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub delivers ~1GB/s performance in a rugged, cable-light design, plus a handy USB‑C hub for your on‑set accessories. It comes in at our #8 spot with a 76/100 score thanks to its reliable speed, portability, and creator-friendly workflow.
Shoot Apple ProRes directly to the drive, cut timelines right off it, and move large projects in minutes. The cable-free USB‑C connector and included adapters keep your rig clean, while the compact body slips into any pouch so you’re always ready to roll.
If you film travel pieces, weddings, behind‑the‑scenes reels, or talking‑head content, this option is a sweet spot. Use the hub to plug in a mic, a card reader, and power while recording or backing up, then jump into edits on your MacBook without clogging internal storage.
Standout perks include an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, drop protection, and a five‑year warranty for peace of mind. At 2TB and about $300, it offers strong value versus buying a separate fast SSD and a multiport hub, and the larger capacity means fewer offloads on busy days.
Bottom line: if you want simple, dependable 4K performance in your pocket, this is an easy recommendation. Choose 2TB if you shoot long ProRes sessions or multicam 4K; pick 1TB to save upfront on shorter projects. For mobile creators who prize speed, ruggedness, and fewer dongles, this model is a smart buy.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE61-4T00-G25 Black 4TB
Video creators who edit 4K footage on laptops (including Macs) and need a portable, durable SSD for on-the-go editing, fast file transfers, and reliable project storage without paying Thunderbolt premiums.
- True NVMe portable performance (up to ~1050MB/s) — solid for 4K editing and fast transfers
- Rugged and portable: IP65 dust/water resistance + 3m drop protection and carabiner loop
- Strong popularity and trust signals (4.6★ from 83k+ reviews, 4K+ recent sales) and hardware AES-256 encryption
- Not a Thunderbolt drive — slower than TB3/4 NVMe options for heavy multi-stream 8K workflows
- Real-world sustained write speeds can depend on host device and long sustained transfers may throttle
Editing 4K on a laptop and tired of waiting on transfers? You get a rugged, pocketable NVMe SSD that lets you move multi-GB clips fast and edit directly from the drive, freeing up internal space and speeding your workflow. The tradeoff: it’s USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) not Thunderbolt, so if you run many 8K streams you’ll eventually hit bandwidth limits — but for most creators who shoot 4K, travel, or need dependable portable storage, you get the best balance of speed, durability, and price.
Need to move big video files fast without lugging a dock? This SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD pushes up to 1050MB/s in a pocketable shell, which is why it comes in at #9 on our list with a confident 75/100 score. It hits a sweet spot of speed, capacity, and price for editing on a MacBook or Windows laptop.
Drop your footage, open your project, and edit straight from the drive—no long copies, no cramped internal storage. USB‑C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) bandwidth keeps 4K timelines smooth and lets you offload multi‑gigabyte cards in minutes. Format it to APFS on macOS for a seamless, plug‑and‑edit experience.
Shooting weddings, travel pieces, or on‑site interviews? The 4TB space lets you carry active projects, b‑roll, and backups, while NVMe speed makes multicam 4K and high‑bitrate files feel responsive. It’s also great for proxy workflows when you’re wrangling heavier codecs on the road.
Work anywhere with confidence: IP65 water and dust resistance, 3‑meter drop protection, and a grippy shell with a carabiner loop. Hardware AES‑256 encryption keeps client footage protected, and strong user reviews reinforce its reliability. You get near‑pro performance without paying Thunderbolt premiums.
If you want a tough, fast everyday drive that accelerates your edit and travels easily, this option should be on your shortlist. It frees up your laptop, speeds transfers, and safeguards your shoots—all in a tiny, silent package. For most creators, it’s the right blend of performance and value.
Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive, Gray, Sturdy and Blazing Fast, Password Protection with Hardware Encryption – WDBAGF0010BGY-WESN 1TB Gray
On-the-go creators who need a fast, portable drive to edit 4K footage directly from an external drive, move large files quickly between systems (including Macs), and keep projects encrypted without spending on Thunderbolt-class solutions.
- Very fast NVMe performance (up to ~1050 MB/s) — good for editing single-stream 4K and quick transfers
- Compact, lightweight and drop-resistant (up to ~6.5 ft) — great for on-the-go workflows
- Hardware 256-bit AES encryption and wide host compatibility (USB-C + USB-A) — secure and works with Macs and older PCs
- Not Thunderbolt — sustained multi-stream 4K/8K ProRes workflows or heavy multi-cam timelines may need higher throughput
- No dedicated heatsink/active cooling — can thermally throttle during very long sustained transfers or extended editing sessions
Need a fast, portable drive to edit 4K on a laptop or Mac? You’ll get near-SSD desktop speeds for single-stream 4K editing, quick file transfers between devices, and hardware encryption to protect your projects. The tradeoff: you won’t get Thunderbolt-level sustained throughput for heavy multi-stream 8K timelines, but you gain an affordable, lightweight drive that speeds up everyday editing, offloads your internal SSD, and travels with you.
Need a pocket-size drive that keeps up with your edits? This Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD pushes up to 1050 MB/s, so you can work fast and keep your laptop responsive. It lands as our #10 choice with a 74/100 score for its strong balance of speed, portability, and price.
Edit a single 4K stream directly from the drive, offload a full card dump in minutes, and shuttle projects between systems without hiccups. USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance plus USB-C and USB-A connectivity means it plugs into your MacBook, studio workstation, or a client’s older PC with ease.
When filming travel pieces, product reviews, or event highlights, you’ll appreciate the compact body and drop resistance up to 6.5 ft. Toss it in your sling, cut on the train, and keep moving—your footage stays safe and your workflow stays smooth.
Your client files are protected with password-enabled 256‑bit AES hardware encryption, so you can carry sensitive shoots with confidence. At about $100 for 1TB, this pick delivers near desktop-SSD responsiveness without paying for Thunderbolt gear; step up to 2TB–4TB if you juggle multiple projects on location.
If you want a reliable, Mac-friendly portable SSD that speeds up everyday editing and travel work, this model is an easy recommendation. Grab 1TB to boost your mobile kit and free up your internal SSD—it’s a small drive that makes a big difference to your turnaround times.
SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD with DRAM, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, External Hard Drive Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, PS5 (Dark Grey) Dark Grey 2.0 TB
Hobbyist to mid-level video creators and Mac users who need a fast, portable, affordable 2TB SSD for 4K editing, fast backups, and on-the-go transfers.
- Fast sustained reads (up to ~1,050 MB/s) — good for editing single-stream 4K and fast file transfers
- DRAM-accelerated controller improves consistent performance versus DRAM-less portable SSDs
- Solid value: 2TB for ~$145 with strong rating (4.6) and clear sales momentum
- Not a Thunderbolt/USB4 drive — limited to ~1GB/s max, which can bottleneck heavy 8K or multi-stream ProRes workflows
- No advertised rugged/IP rating or hardware encryption features (less protection for rough field use or secure backups)
Need a fast, portable drive for editing and backups? You’ll get near–1GB/s transfers and a roomy 2TB that lets you edit 4K timelines directly off the drive and move large projects fast. Tradeoff: you won’t get Thunderbolt-class speeds for heavy 8K or multi-cam ProRes work, but you do gain a reliable, affordable SSD that keeps your internal drive uncluttered and your workflow mobile.
Need a faster way to move footage and keep your edits smooth? This portable SSD lands at #11 in our lineup with a 74/100 because it blends near–1 GB/s performance, dependable DRAM acceleration, and a roomy 2TB at a friendly price. It’s a simple way to speed up your workflow without overcomplicating your gear bag.
With up to about 1,050 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen2, you can cut a 4K timeline directly from the drive in Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro and shuttle massive projects in minutes. DRAM helps maintain consistent speeds during long transfers, so backups finish predictably and your MacBook’s internal SSD stays free for caching and exports.
If you bounce between shoots and the edit bay, this choice is made for you. It’s perfect for on-set offloads with a card reader, travel vlogs where you need quick safety copies, or passing projects between your studio iMac and a portable rig for social videos.
Standout touches make daily use easy: a solid aluminum shell, pocketable design, and both USB-C to C and C to A cables right in the box. You also get a protective case, up to 2 m drop protection, and a 3-year warranty—strong value at around $145 for 2TB.
Bottom line: choose this model if you want reliable, near–1 GB/s performance without paying Thunderbolt prices. Grab the 2TB version for active projects and archives, 1TB for a lighter kit, or 512GB for quick travel jobs—it’s a smart, fuss-free upgrade that keeps your video workflow fast and mobile.
Your Perfect Portable SSD: Final Picks by Use Case
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
Corsair EX400U 2TB USB4 Portable
SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable
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