The best portable SSDs for 2025

Here is a 176-word summary of the key points from the article: The best portable SSDs for 2025 offer fast speeds, durability, and wide compatibility, often using USB Type-C connections. Unlike thumb drives or external hard drives, these compact SSDs can deliver read speeds of hundreds or even thousands of Mbps, especially with high-performance NVMe models. When choosing a portable SSD, consider the capacity needed, price-per-GB ratio, and the USB interface supported. The top options use the latest USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 standards, offering up to 80Gbps speeds, but are more expensive. More affordable USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives at 10Gbps are a sweet spot for most users. Other factors include the SSD controller, NAND flash type, and presence of a DRAM cache, which impact real-world performance. Rugged designs with waterproofing can also be beneficial for frequent travelers. Warranties of 3-5 years provide additional peace of mind. The article recommends several top portable SSD models across different performance and price tiers, based on extensive testing and research. Regardless of the specific pick, a fast and reliable portable SSD can significantly improve one's on-the-go workflow.