Best external storage 2025: SSDs & NVMe enclosures
Explore our selection of the best external SSDs and NVMe enclosures for 2025, perfect for boosting your storage with fast and reliable performance, whether for on-the-go use or as additional storage for your mini PC.
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Table of contents
| External SSDs | |
|---|---|
| External enclosures | |
| Internal NVMe SSDs |
External SSDs for ready-to-use external storage
Much faster than traditional hard drives, external SSDs are ideal for applications, games, or large files. Check your device’s USB port speed to fully benefit from their performance. These options are perfect for on-the-go use or as additional storage for your mini PC.
Crucial X6 2TB portable SSD
Compact and lightweight, the Crucial X6 is an affordable option for those seeking a portable SSD with good storage capacity. With 2TB, it’s perfect for backing up documents, photos, 4K videos, or even games, making it a great choice for on-the-go users or to expand a mini PC’s storage.
Its read/write speed of up to 800 MB/s ensures fast transfers, ideal for moving large files in seconds, provided you use a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Compatible with PC and Mac via USB-C, it’s versatile and ready to use out of the box with no complicated setup. Note that on slower USB ports (like USB 2.0), performance will be limited, but it remains a reliable solution for daily use.
| Capacity | 2TB – Perfect for storing thousands of photos, hours of 4K videos, or a large game library. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 800 MB/s – Ideal for fast transfers, like copying an HD movie in under a minute. |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 via USB-C – Ensures compatibility with modern devices while maximizing speed. |
| Compatibility | PC and Mac – Works out of the box with no formatting needed, with an optional USB-A adapter for added flexibility. |
Samsung T7 portable SSD 2TB
The Samsung T7 is a reliable choice for gamers, students, and professionals needing fast and robust external storage. With transfer speeds up to 1,050 MB/s, it moves large files like 4K videos or AAA games in record time, which is essential for mini PC users looking to optimize load times.
Its shock-resistant design (up to 2 meters) and sleek look make it a perfect companion for daily use, whether you’re on the go or using it as additional storage for a mini PC. Compatible with a wide range of devices thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables for universal connectivity. Plus, it offers AES 256-bit encryption to secure your sensitive data, a bonus for professionals.
| Capacity | 2TB – Enough to store a vast collection of games, videos, or professional projects. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 1,050 MB/s – Perfect for ultra-fast transfers, like moving 20GB of data in under 20 seconds. |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 – Maximizes performance on modern devices while remaining compatible with older USB ports. |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, consoles – Ideal for gamers looking to expand their PS5 or Xbox storage. |
SanDisk 2TB extreme portable SSD
Designed for adventurers and professionals on the go, the SanDisk Extreme is a rugged SSD with an IP65 water and dust resistance rating. This durability makes it a perfect choice for nomadic users or those using their mini PC in varied environments, like studios or filming locations.
Its 1,050 MB/s speed ensures fast transfers, crucial for videographers or gamers handling large files like video edits or AAA games. The updated firmware optimizes performance and stability, even during heavy use. Compatible with USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2, it’s ready to use on PC, Mac, and mobile devices, and includes a carabiner to easily attach it to a bag, adding practicality for travel.
| Capacity | 2TB – Ideal for storing 4K video projects, games, or critical backups. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 1,050 MB/s – Allows transferring a 20GB 4K movie in under 20 seconds. |
| Interface | USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 – Ensures fast and universal connectivity with modern devices. |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, USB-C devices – Perfect for seamless multi-platform use. |
| Resistance | IP65 (water and dust) – Protects your data in harsh conditions like rain or dust. |
External enclosures for NVMe SSDs (custom external storage)
External enclosures allow you to buy a separate enclosure and internal NVMe SSD for potentially more flexibility or performance. This solution is ideal for creating custom external storage or adding fast storage to your mini PC via a USB-C or Thunderbolt port.
UGREEN SSD enclosure (M.2 NVMe)
This UGREEN enclosure is an affordable and practical option to turn an internal NVMe SSD into external storage. With a max speed of 10 Gbps, it’s ideal for USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, enabling fast transfers for large files like videos or game backups, perfect for mini PC users looking to expand their storage.
Tool-free installation simplifies assembly: just insert the SSD and close the enclosure, making it ideal for beginners. Compatible with M.2 NVMe SSDs in sizes 2230/2242/2260/2280 (M and B&M keys), it offers great flexibility to choose the SSD that fits your needs. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a great choice for on-the-go use, and it’s compatible with most modern mini PCs with USB-C ports.
| Speed | Up to 10 Gbps – Allows transferring 10GB of data in about 8 seconds on a compatible port. |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB-C – Compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for optimal performance. |
| SSD compatibility | M and B&M keys, sizes 2230/2242/2260/2280 – Supports a wide range of NVMe SSDs for maximum customization. |
| Installation | Tool-free – Simplifies assembly, even for beginners, in seconds. |
Sabrent USB 3.2 type-C tool-free enclosure (EC-SNVE)
The Sabrent enclosure is a versatile solution, compatible with both NVMe and SATA SSDs, allowing you to repurpose older SSDs or opt for faster NVMe models. With a speed of 10 Gbps, it delivers solid performance for data transfers, ideal for mini PC users needing fast external storage for games or professional projects.
Its tool-free design simplifies installation: open, insert the SSD, and close in seconds, perfect for a plug-and-play solution. Compact and durable, it’s built for on-the-go use, with an aluminum casing that helps dissipate heat during extended use. Compatible with most mini PCs via USB-C, it’s ideal for adding fast, portable storage to your setup.
| Speed | Up to 10 Gbps – Ensures fast transfers, like 1GB in one second on a compatible port. |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB 3.2 Type-C – Compatible with modern ports for optimal performance. |
| SSD compatibility | M.2 PCIe NVMe and SATA – Offers flexibility to use different SSD types. |
| Installation | Tool-free – Simplifies assembly for immediate use. |
ACASIS 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure (TBU401)
For demanding users, the ACASIS enclosure offers impressive speeds up to 40 Gbps, compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4, making it a premium choice for high-end mini PCs or MacBooks. This speed enables near-instant transfers, ideal for videographers or gamers handling large files like 8K projects or AAA games.
It supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in size 2280 (B+M and M keys), offering compatibility with the most high-performance SSDs on the market. Tool-free installation is a real plus for quick setup, and its compatibility with a wide range of interfaces (Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0) ensures maximum versatility. The enclosure is also designed to efficiently dissipate heat, which is crucial during intensive transfers or extended use with a mini PC.
| Speed | Up to 40 Gbps – Allows transferring 40GB of data in about 8 seconds on a Thunderbolt port. |
|---|---|
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0 – Compatible with a wide range of devices, from mini PCs to MacBooks. |
| SSD compatibility | Size 2280, B+M and M keys – Supports the most high-performance NVMe SSDs. |
| Installation | Tool-free – Simplifies setup for immediate use. |
Recommended internal NVMe SSDs for external storage or mini PC use
Pair these internal NVMe SSDs with an enclosure to create a high-performance external storage solution, or use them directly as additional storage inside your mini PC if it supports M.2 NVMe SSDs. These options deliver high performance for games, applications, or professional projects.
Crucial P3 1TB PCIe Gen3 NVMe SSD
The Crucial P3 offers great value with speeds up to 3,500 MB/s in read, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an affordable NVMe SSD to use with an external enclosure or as internal storage for a mini PC. This speed ensures fast load times for games or applications, enhancing the user experience on a mini PC.
With 1TB of storage, it’s perfect for storing games, applications, or large files like HD videos. Compatible with PCIe Gen3, it’s ideal for older mini PCs or USB 3.2 Gen 2 enclosures, offering a good balance of performance and cost. Its 3D NAND technology ensures enhanced durability, which is essential for intensive use, whether as external or internal storage.
| Capacity | 1TB – Enough for a large game library or multimedia projects. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 3,500 MB/s (read) – Reduces load times for games and applications. |
| Interface | PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 – Compatible with most mini PCs and external enclosures. |
WD_Black 1TB SN850X NVMe SSD
The WD_Black SN850X is designed for gamers, with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s in read, ensuring ultra-fast load times for AAA games, whether used in an external enclosure or directly in a PCIe Gen4-compatible mini PC. This performance is ideal for gaming mini PCs aiming to compete with more powerful desktop PCs.
With 1TB of storage, it offers ample space for a large game library or professional projects like video editing. Compatible with PCIe Gen4, it fully leverages Thunderbolt or USB4 enclosures (like the ACASIS) for ultra-fast transfers, and can also be installed in a mini PC for high-performance internal storage. Its advanced thermal management reduces the risk of overheating, which is crucial for extended gaming sessions or intensive transfers.
| Capacity | 1TB – Perfect for gamers or creators needing fast storage. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 7,300 MB/s (read) – Among the fastest on the market, ideal for gaming and video editing. |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 – Maximizes performance on compatible mini PCs and enclosures. |
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus offers reliable performance with speeds up to 3,500 MB/s in read, making it a great choice for external enclosures or as internal storage for a mini PC. This speed ensures quick app launches and smooth transfers, ideal for gamers or content creators.
With 1TB of storage, it’s perfect for gaming and intensive graphics, offering enough space for modern games or video projects. Its V-NAND technology enhances durability and energy efficiency, which is crucial for prolonged use in an enclosure or mini PC. The built-in thermal control maintains stable performance, even under heavy load, and its PCIe Gen3 compatibility makes it accessible for a wide range of mini PCs and enclosures.
| Capacity | 1TB – Ideal for a game library or multimedia projects. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 3,500 MB/s (read) – Ensures fast load times and smooth transfers. |
| Interface | NVMe M.2 – Compatible with most enclosures and modern mini PCs. |
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD
The Samsung 990 PRO is a high-end SSD with speeds up to 7,450 MB/s in read and 6,900 MB/s in write, making it an ideal choice for gamers and videographers using an external enclosure or a PCIe Gen4-compatible mini PC. These speeds enable near-instant transfers and minimal load times, perfect for AAA games or 4K/8K video editing.
With 2TB of storage, it offers generous space for a vast game library, video projects, or critical backups. Its PCIe 4.0 compatibility maximizes performance on Thunderbolt/USB4 enclosures and modern mini PCs, while its advanced thermal management (with an optimized controller) ensures stability even under heavy load. It’s a premium solution for those seeking the best in speed and reliability, whether as external or internal storage.
| Capacity | 2TB – Perfect for users needing massive, fast storage. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 7,450 MB/s (read), 6,900 MB/s (write) – Among the fastest for top-tier performance. |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 – Maximizes performance on compatible devices. |