9 Best External SSDs for Photo Storage in 2024

The best SSD (Solid State Drive) provides you with an instant improvement in performance. Upgrading a mechanical Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to an SSD is a reliable way of boosting your computer’s capacity and speed. Choosing the best SSD can be a bewildering experience. There are lots of factors that determine whether a new SSD will work with your computer.

To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the best SSDs. If you’re not completely sure what you’re looking for, then our buyer’s guide will help. Our top pick is the Samsung 850 EVO SSD 1 TB. It’s quick, reliable, and comes from one of the most respected manufacturers in the business.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best SSD

SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5”

Crucial P3 1TB SSD

Western Digital Blue SN570 1 TB

What Is the Best SSD in 2023?

We’ve collected both SATA and PCIe SSDs for you to consider. All the main links are for the 1 TB versions. But you will find links to other sizes in the text as well. Before we look at them in detail, here is a summary of the ones we’ve chosen.

Our Top Pick

SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5”

Blazing-fast read/write speeds
Large 1 TB capacity
Low power consumption
Durable and reliable
5-year warranty

Best PCIe 3.0 SSD

Crucial P3 1TB SSD

High-capacity storage
Fast speeds up to 3400 MB/s
Low latency
Durable and reliable design
Improved system responsiveness

Best Software Support

Western Digital Blue SN570 1 TB

Blazing-fast speeds
Reliable and durable
1 TB of storage
Stylish design
Easy setup and installation

Best Shock Resistance

SanDisk SSD PLUS 1TB

High-speed storage solution
Read speeds up to 560 MBb/s
Reliable and shock resistant
1 TB of storage capacity
Ideal for everyday computing tasks

Best Value 2 TB SSD Option

Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 1TB

Blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe speeds
Low-profile heatsink for improved cooling
1 TB of storage capacity for large files
Stylish design with RGB lighting
5-year limited warranty

Best Cloning Solution

SK hynix Gold P31 SSD 1 TB

1 TB capacity for large file storage
Blazing-fast read/write speeds
Easy to install and setup
Low power consumption
Reliable and durable for everyday use

Best Endurance Rating

Corsair Force Series MP510 SSD 1 TB

High performance NVMe SSD
Fastest speeds up to 3,480MB/s
Capacities up to 4 TB
Low latency for gaming and streaming
Reliable and durable

Best-Looking SSD

Patriot Viper VPR400 SSD 1 TB

High-speed sequential read/write performance
Durable aluminum construction for heat dissipation
Enhanced endurance and reliability
NVMe PCIe 3.0 interface for maximum performance
5-year limited warranty

Best Value 1 TB SSD

SABRENT Rocket SSD 1 TB

Fast read/write speeds
High-capacity storage
Durable and reliable
Lightweight and portable
Compatible with most devices

Now let’s discuss why we picked these products for our list. Here are all the products in more detail.

1. Samsung 850 EVO SSD 1TB

Brand	Brand Samsung
HD Interface	HD Interface SATA III
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 560/530 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features RAPID mode for increased read/write speed
Best For	Best For Anyone looking to upgrade an old mechanical HD

The Samsung 850 EVO SSD is a high-performing SATA III hard drive. It has the impressive speeds that go along with its SATA III rating. It also uses RAPID mode. This uses your computer’s processing power to boost drive performance. You have to install Samsung’s software to use this feature.

The 850 EVO scores very highly on tests. It obviously outperforms HDDs. But it’s one of the fastest SSDs you can buy.

It is available in a range of sizes from 250 GB up to 4 TB. We recommend the largest you can afford that your computer can handle.

2. Crucial P3 1 TB

Brand	Brand Crucial
HD Interface	HD Interface PCIe 3.0
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 3,500/3,000 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features Fast, cheap drive with up to 4 TB capacity
Best For	Best For Cost-effective computer upgrades

The Crucial P3 is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB versions. But the 500 GB doesn’t offer the highest sequential read/write speeds the larger versions do.

But the Crucial P3 is an excellent choice if you want to replace your HDD or older SSD. As capacity doubles, so does the price until you reach the 4 TB drive. Then you start paying a considerable premium for the extra terabytes.

The Crucial P3 is worth looking at as a cost-effective replacement drive for your computer.

3. Western Digital Blue SN570 1 TB

Brand	Brand Western Digital
HD Interface	HD Interface PCIe 3.0
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 3,300/1,200 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features Upgraded sequential read speeds and software dashboard to monitor SSD performance and health
Best For	Best For Good value hardware upgrades with real-time monitoring

The Western Digital Blue SN570 offers four sizes between 250 GB and 2 TB. The smallest is by far the least cost-effective. But it is still remarkably cheap for a 250 GB drive. The 1 TB drive and its larger cousin offer about the same price-to-gigabyte value.

Even the 2 TB version is a single-sided chip, so it will fit in the smallest of compatible spaces. The SSD comes with software support and a five-year warranty. It is a tempting consideration. Especially if you’re looking for a good value upgrade from a reputable manufacturer.

4. SanDisk SSD PLUS 1TB

Brand	Brand San Disk
HD Interface	HD Interface SATA III
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 535/350 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features Shock resistant up to 1,500G
Best For	Best For Simple replacement of a 2.5-inch HDD

The SanDisk SSD PLUS is a simple solution to upgrading an old HDD. It offers plug-and-play swap-out for an existing SATA drive. The 1 TB size and fast speeds will make an incredible difference to an older laptop desktop computer.

It has vibration and shock protection. This makes the SDD’s inherent advantages over mechanical drives even more clear.

You can even buy a cheap SATA external HD enclosure to turn your new SDD into an external drive. It really is remarkable how affordable 1 TB drives are with products like this.

5. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 1TB

Brand	Brand Corsair
HD Interface	HD Interface PCIe 4
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 7,100/6,800 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features Works with PS5 as well as other computers
Best For	Best For Those looking for extra speed and power

The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX comes in four sizes. They start at 500 GB and increase to 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB. Of these, the 2 TB SSD hits the sweet spot of bytes-per-buck. As is often the case, there’s a premium to pay for the biggest version.

One of the talked about features of this SSD is that it was adapted after launch to fit the PS5 games console. That not might be what you run your photo or video editing software on. But it is relevant. It demonstrates that it’s a disk geared to handle the demanding uses of the gaming community.

Other than that, this is one of the more expensive SSDs in our list. But it is also one of the fastest running. And it has the benefit of PCIe 4 connectivity. It’s a good choice if speed is one of your greatest needs.

6. SK hynix Gold P31 SSD 1 TB

Brand	Brand SK hynix
HD Interface	HD Interface PCIe 3.0
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 3,500/3,200 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features Five-year warranty and cloning software for ease of installation
Best For	Best For Using all day in your laptop without draining the battery

It’s possible that SK hynix is an unfamiliar brand for you. But their Gold P3 SSD has won multiple awards for its performance. One of the reasons for this is its class-leading energy efficiency. It also has a five-year guarantee.

That energy efficiency is a vital consideration if your SSD is going in a laptop. We don’t hear an SSD working, but it is one of the biggest energy users in a computer.

And there’s good news if you are anxious about replacing your hard drive. SK hynix Easy Kit software helps you clone your old drive before installing the new one. It also helps you monitor the performance of the new drive when it is up and running.

Although it won’t fit a PS5, it’s an attractive proposition for your laptop. It comes in 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB versions.

7. Corsair Force Series MP510

Brand	Brand Corsair
HD Interface	HD Interface PCIe 3.0
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 3,480/3,000 Mb/2
Key Features	Key Features Exceptional endurance ratings and high speed
Best For	Best For Heavy-duty use

The Corsair Force Series MP510 has won many fans with its impressive performance speeds. These are safely in the higher reaches of the class of SSD. And the Corsair has high ratings for endurance. The ability to healthily withstand the almost incessant writing and rewriting.

There are currently four sizes available. Rather eccentrically, the smallest is 480 GB. It is joined by 1 TB, 2 TB and 4 TB versions. The 1 and 2 TB versions are the best value per GB. And the 4 TB carries a premium as we have come to expect.

8. Patriot Viper VPR400 SSD 1 TB

Brand	Brand Patriot
HD Interface	HD Interface PCIe 4.0
Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write)	Maximum Sequential Speed (Read/Write) 4,600/4,400 Mb/s
Key Features	Key Features Multi-colored heatsink lighting
Best For	Best For Style-conscious users with exposed PC interiors

The Patriot Viper VPR400 is more geared to the gaming community, but it’s still worth considering. One of its notable features, the RGB lighting, would be invisible in most computers. But the performance will be welcomed by all.

The Patriot makes good use of the capabilities of the PCIe 4.0 interface. Its sequential read/write speeds are excellent. There are two sizes available—512 GB and 1 TB. The cost/capacity ratio is roughly the same for both. So getting the larger one would seem wise if you can afford it.

The Patriot is an interesting choice if you like the look of it.

9. SABRENT Rocket SSD 1 TB

The Sabrent Rocket 4 SSD offers a great value 1 TB PCIe 4.0 upgrade. There are also 500 GB and 2 TB verions. The 1 TB offers the best byte-for-buck ration by far.

The performance is impressive and you get decent speeds even on an old PCIe 3.0 interface. When you upgrade your computer, you can take your new, fast SSD with you. Replacing your old HD is also simple. It comes with a free copy of Acronis cloning software.

The Sabrent is also highly rated for endurance. So if you’re a heavy-end user, you should feel confident in the drive’s longevity. It is backed up by a five-year warranty if you register your purchase.

How to Choose the Best SSD

There are many confusing groups of letters and numbers out there in the SSD world. Here are some of the frequent questions you might have.

What’s the Difference Between HDD and SSD?

In technology terms the hard disk drive (HDD) has a long history. The first production HDD was developed by IBM. It was huge—60″ x 68″ x 29″ (152 x 172 x 74 cm). But by modern standards, its memory was not huge. It was 3.75 MB.

But its operating principle was the same as today. A disk (or platter) covered in magnetic material rotates on a spindle. A recording head travels across the platter, changing the polarity of the individual bits of storage. This is why computers still rely on binary.

The bit can only be positive or negative—1 or 0. In many ways, the mechanics are like a vinyl turntable. Except the head does not touch the platter, and it writes as well as reads.

A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a type of flash memory. It uses floating gate MOSFET to store data on transistors. There are no moving parts, so the risk of mechanical failure is significantly reduced.

There is a theoretical upper limit to the number of times data can be written to flash memory. In reality, most modern SSDs are reliable. Especially if you stick to reputable manufacturers.

What Are the Benefits of Using an SSD?

First of all, SSDs are fast. They outperform any mechanical drive for speed. They also are less susceptible to mechanical damage. That’s because a mechanical drive is spinning a disc at extremely high speed. And it changes its magnetic properties millions of times.

This is fine when everything works well. But a knock or bump that causes the head to touch the disc can be a problem. It also requires sturdy mechanical parts. With an SSD, there are no moving parts. This reduces the risk of failure.

On the other hand, SSDs are expensive per GB/TB. Apple has deployed one solution to this in their Fusion Drive. This is a merged SDD and mechanical drive. Data are stored to the relevant section based on usage. Frequently used files are on the SSD for faster access. Less used data are stored on the magnetic drive.

If you’re looking to replace the drive on your computer, swapping a magnetic drive for an SSD will give you one of the easiest speed upgrades.

How Do I Know if an SSD Will Fit my Computer?

Research. There’s no shortcut for this. There are so many different manufacturers and configurations. For example, take a single manufacturer like Apple. You will have to research if your iMac or Macbook can even have its hard drive replaced.

Many SSDs will be traditional 2.5-inch SATA drives. More modern ones will be either M.2 or PCIe 4.0. So you’ll have to do your homework. Some PCIe 4.0 drives will work on an older computer with PCIe 3.0 slots. But you won’t get the full speed benefits of the modern interface. Again, research is everything.

Conclusion: The Best SSDs

The difference in speed is the main advantage an SSD has over a mechanical one. The best SSDs have lightning-fast speeds. So much so, that even if you already have an SSD, an upgrade can still bring great benefits. Especially as mammoth sizes like 2 TB and 4 TB are financially viable for many people.

But you don’t always need 4 TB of storage. The Samsung 850 EVO 1 TB will be enough for most people.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best SSD

SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5”

Crucial P3 1TB SSD

Western Digital Blue SN570 1 TB

What Is the Best SSD in 2023?

1. Samsung 850 EVO SSD 1TB

2. Crucial P3 1 TB

3. Western Digital Blue SN570 1 TB

4. SanDisk SSD PLUS 1TB

5. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 1TB

6. SK hynix Gold P31 SSD 1 TB

7. Corsair Force Series MP510

8. Patriot Viper VPR400 SSD 1 TB

9. SABRENT Rocket SSD 1 TB

How to Choose the Best SSD

What’s the Difference Between HDD and SSD?

What Are the Benefits of Using an SSD?

How Do I Know if an SSD Will Fit my Computer?

Conclusion: The Best SSDs

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