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Finding the best external ssd for video editing can be tricky. The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB stands out with its impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s. For those looking to save money, the Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD offers decent performance but at lower speeds. You may need to choose between higher speeds with the 990 PRO or extra capacity with the Extreme SSD. The rest of this page provides detailed insights to help you make an informed decision.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Ssds Reviewed in Detail
This guide reviews the best external SSDs for video editing. Each product has unique strengths, ensuring you find the right fit.
1. Editor’s Choice
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB is a standout choice for video editing. It offers impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s. This makes it one of the fastest options available. Compared to other picks, its speed allows for quick access to large files and faster editing workflows. The high capacity of 2TB is also ideal for storing multiple projects, especially 4K video. One limitation is its bulkier size compared to some portable models, which may not fit well in smaller bags.
Pros
- Up to 7,450 MB/s read speed
- 2TB storage capacity
- PCIe 4.0 technology for fast performance
Cons
- Bulkier than some portable SSDs
- Can be more expensive than other options
Best for: Professionals needing high speed and capacity. Not ideal for: Users needing ultra-portability.
This SSD is an excellent choice for serious video editors.
2. Best for Video Editing
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,…
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
The Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is designed for users who need quick access to their data. With speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, it’s a solid choice for video editing. While it’s not as fast as the Samsung, it still provides good performance for most editing tasks. Its compact design and IP65 rating for water and dust resistance make it ideal for on-the-go use. However, the tradeoff is lower speeds than the top pick, which may affect large file transfers.
Pros
- Up to 1,050 MB/s read speed
- 2TB storage capacity
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- Slower than top options
- May not handle very large files as efficiently
Best for: Casual editors needing portability. Not ideal for: Users requiring maximum speed.
This SSD balances capacity and portability well.
3. Best for Small Spaces
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung’s own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician’s advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB is great for video editors who need speed in a smaller capacity. With read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, it can handle multiple video files quickly. It is similar to the 2TB version but with less storage space. Compared to other models, this SSD excels in speed but may not fit larger projects. A limitation is that 1TB may not be enough for extensive video work requiring large storage.
Pros
- Up to 7,450 MB/s read speed
- 1TB storage capacity
- PCIe 4.0 technology
Cons
- Less storage than other options
- Higher price for lower capacity
Best for: Users needing high speed over capacity. Not ideal for: Large project workloads.
This SSD is ideal for quick access to files in smaller sizes.
4. Best for Daily Use
Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 2.5 Inch SSD
- Capacity 256GB Latest SATA 3 Controller
- Built in end-to-end data path protection, SmartECC technology, and Thermal throttling technology
- SEQ Performance Read up to 500MB/s, Write up to 400MB/s
- 4K Aligned Random Write: up to 30K IOPs
The Patriot P210 256GB SATA SSD is designed for everyday use but is less suited for heavy video editing. It offers decent speeds of up to 500 MB/s for reading and 400 MB/s for writing. However, the 256GB capacity may be limiting for larger video files. Compared to others in this list, it lacks the speed and capacity required for serious editing projects. Its main limitation is the small storage, making it a poor choice for handling large video files.
Pros
- Up to 500MB/s read speed
- 256GB storage capacity
- Good for backup and smaller files
Cons
- Limited storage for video editing
- Slower speeds compared to SSDs in this list
Best for: Daily use and backups. Not ideal for: Video editing projects.
This SSD is suitable for basic tasks but not for video editing.
5. Best Heavy-Duty
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400)
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive offers a simple solution for basic storage needs. It provides easy access to files but is slower than SSDs. With USB 3.0 connectivity, it’s designed for everyday file storage rather than fast editing. Compared to SSDs, it lacks the speed and durability required for video editing tasks. It is ideal for regular backups but does not support high-speed performance for large files.
Pros
- 2TB storage capacity
- Simple drag-and-drop setup
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac
Cons
- Slower than SSD options
- Not suitable for video editing performance
Best for: Storing large amounts of data. Not ideal for: Fast file access or editing.
This hard drive is good for basic storage but lacks speed.
6. Best Budget
Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s Transfer Speeds-New Model
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
The Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is designed for quick access and speed. With transfer speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, it offers excellent performance for video editing. It’s compact size and IP65 rating for water and dust resistance make it a solid choice for travels. Compared to the other SSDs, it provides a great mix of speed and portability. The limitation is its capacity, as 1TB may not suffice for extensive video work.
Pros
- Up to 2,000 MB/s transfer speeds
- 1TB storage capacity
- Portable and rugged design
Cons
- Less storage compared to 2TB options
- May not suit large editing projects
Best for: On-the-go video edits. Not ideal for: Very large projects.
This SSD is great for travel but limited in capacity.
7. Best Premium
Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD features fast read speeds of up to 7,100 MB/s. This makes it suitable for quick file access, especially for video editing. It stands out in performance but provides only 500GB of storage. When compared to other options, its speed is excellent but the smaller capacity is a clear drawback. The limitation is it may not store enough data for larger editing tasks.
Pros
- Up to 7,100 MB/s read speed
- 500GB storage capacity
- Great for launching applications quickly
Cons
- Limited storage for video projects
- Not ideal for extensive editing workloads
Best for: Quick access to files. Not ideal for: Large video projects.
This SSD is fast but small for video editing.
8. Best for Beginners
Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD offers a strong balance of speed and capacity. With read speeds reaching 7,100 MB/s, it’s capable of handling video files efficiently. Compared to other SSDs, it combines good speed with 1TB of storage, making it a versatile choice. A limitation is that while it has decent space, bigger projects may still need more capacity. Overall, it’s a great pick for those needing speed without sacrificing too much storage.
Pros
- Up to 7,100 MB/s read speed
- 1TB storage capacity
- Suitable for 4K video projects
Cons
- Storage may be insufficient for larger projects
- Not as portable as smaller SSDs
Best for: Speed and moderate storage. Not ideal for: Very large video files.
This SSD offers speed and capacity but might need more space for heavy tasks.
Ssds Compared Side by Side
In the table below, you’ll find key specifications for each external SSD. Columns show speed, capacity, and features. This information helps you decide which is the best external ssd for video editing.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB | Editor's Choice | Samsung | $389.99 | Check |
| 2 | Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD | Best for Video Editing | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $289.99 | Check |
| 3 | Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB | Best for Small Spaces | Samsung | $239.99 | Check |
| 4 | Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 2.5 Inch SSD | Best for Daily Use | Patriot Memory | $37.99 | Check |
| 5 | Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 | Best Heavy-Duty | Seagate | $129.99 | Check |
| 6 | Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD | Best Budget | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $259.46 | Check |
| 7 | Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD | Best Premium | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $109.99 | Check |
| 8 | Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD | Best for Beginners | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $194.46 | Check |
| 9 | PNY CS900 500GB 2.5" SATA III Internal SSD | — | PNY | $89.89 | Check |
| 10 | Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 Gen 4×4 |… | — | Kingston Digital, Inc | $159 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from manufacturer websites, trusted tech review sites, and user feedback. This ensures we present accurate information about each SSD.
How we built this shortlist
We started with over 30 external SSDs and filtered them based on speed, capacity, and suitability for video editing. Only the top-rated products made this shortlist.
What we ruled out and why
Products with slower speeds than 1,000 MB/s or those lacking durability were excluded. We aimed for SSDs specifically designed to handle video editing tasks.
What we did not do
No products were tested by hand or through lab measurements. We did not create any scores, relying solely on available data and reviews.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated every three months to reflect the latest products and trends in external SSD technology.
What to look for
Speed
Speed is key for video editing. Look for SSDs with read speeds of at least 1,000 MB/s. Faster speeds can reduce loading times and improve workflow efficiency.
Capacity
Choose the right capacity based on your projects. SSDs often range from 256GB to 2TB or more. For video editing, 1TB is a good starting point to manage large files.
Durability
For portable use, select SSDs that are durable. Look for features like water and dust resistance. This helps prevent data loss if accidents occur.
Connectivity
Check the connection type. USB-C is often the fastest and most versatile option. Ensure your devices support the same connection to avoid compatibility issues.
Form Factor
Consider the size and design. Portable SSDs should be lightweight and compact. This makes it easier to carry them for on-the-go editing.
How to Choose Ssds
Consider Your Video File Sizes
Think about the size of the video files you usually work with. If you handle 4K videos, opt for SSDs with at least 1TB capacity. This ensures you have enough space for projects.
Prioritize Speed for Editing
Select an SSD with high read and write speeds. Ideally, look for speeds above 1,000 MB/s. Higher speeds will make loading and saving your files quicker.
Look for Water and Dust Resistance
Choose SSDs with an IP rating. An IP65 rating means the SSD is dust-tight and can resist low-pressure water. This is important for protecting your data in various environments.
Assess Compatibility
Check if the SSD is compatible with your editing software and devices. Most modern SSDs use USB-C. Ensure your devices support this for the best connection.
Evaluate Your Budget
Determine how much you want to spend. While higher-end SSDs offer better performance, there are budget options that still perform well for video editing tasks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best external ssd for video editing?
The best external ssd for video editing is the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB due to its high speed and capacity.
How much storage do I need for video editing?
For video editing, at least 1TB of storage is recommended. This allows you to store large video files and projects.
Are external SSDs faster than external hard drives?
Yes, external SSDs are generally faster than external hard drives. They provide quicker read and write speeds, which helps with video editing.
Can I use an external SSD for gaming?
Yes, external SSDs can be used for gaming. They improve loading times and can store games efficiently.
Is water resistance important for an external SSD?
Yes, water resistance is important. It protects your data from spills and accidents, making the SSD more reliable.
Shopping around? We have 53 more ssd guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR computer specs ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- NIST cybersecurity guidance NIST
About the author
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