If you do a lot of video editing, you know the importance of external drives. They boost up the editing speed, which makes it possible to get things done quicker and better.
This is especially important with videos because typically, video files are large. If you don’t have the right drive to carry all that space, the editing speed slows down considerably.
Another benefit of using external drives when you’re editing videos is that they act as your backup. You feel better knowing your files are archived somewhere safe.
So, when you’re out shopping for an external drive, you know you want one that’s fast and has a lot of storage capacity. SSDs are one example of external drives that combine both these features in one product.
I rounded up five of the best SSDs for video editing on the market. Read my product review to help you find the best drive for all your video editing projects.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
| Samsung T5 Portable SSD 1TB | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
| RAVPower Portable External SSD Pro | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
| G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD | Prime | Buy Now | ||
| Atom Portable SSD 1TB, Silver | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
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The 5 Best SSDs for Video Editing
Editing Videos can be a time-consuming and tiring process. It all depends on how fast your drives are, as well as your computer. So, because you value your work, you want the best of the best. That’s why I picked these SSDs to make your work faster, better, and more fun.
1. SanDisk Extreme Portable: Best Overall
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The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD provides high-speed transfers with reliability. It’s available in 4 capacities: 250 and 500GB, 1 and 2TB. You can access your files with reliable efficiency with ultra-fast speeds of 550MB/s.
I like the versatility of the 2 USB cables. One is a Type-C 3.1 Gen-2 cable with a speed of 10Gb/s, the second is Type-C to Type-A cable.
This SSD is packed with great features, such as being resistant to water and dust with a rating of IP55. I also like that it’s rubberized to boost its resistance to vibrations and shocks up to 1500G.
Weighing a little more than an ounce, it was easy for me to carry it around. It’s also quite affordable, which is another reason why I’m a big fan of this drive.
Pros
- Travel-friendly size
- Lightweight
- Moderately-priced
- Highly resistant to shocks, vibration, water, and dust
Cons
- Lacks password protection software to encrypt files
2. Samsung T5 Portable: Runner-Up
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The Samsung T5 Portable is my second best choice because of its high-performance. Featuring transfer speeds of 540MS/s, this SSD is available in several capacity sizes. It also comes with a USB Type-C cable and a Type-C to Type-A cable.
I like that this SSD has a shock-resistant metal casing for added durability. Size-wise, the T5 is pretty handy. It easily fits into the palm of your hand or pocket. The T5 also weighs about 2 ounces, so you can take it along when you’re working on the go.
The one downside for me is the T5’s lack of IP ratings. So, they’re not resistant to water or dust, which made me a bit worried every time I used it.
Pros
- Super-fast read/write speeds
- Compact design
- Shock-resistant
- Available in various color choices
Cons
- Pricey
- Has no IP dust or water-resistant ratings
3. RAVPower Portable: Best Value
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RAVPower products are well-known for their durability, and this drive is no exception. Featuring a shockproof rating of 1 meter, this drive has a sturdy zinc-aluminum metal alloy case for maximum protection.
This exterior design allows for even heat distribution. Plus, I liked how comfortable it felt in my hand. Best of all, it only weighs 1.5 ounces!
I especially like its unbreakable data encryption software and its compact size for added convenience. Other impressive features include its high-performance and quick transfer speeds of 540MB/s. It comes with two cables to meet all device requirements.
Pros
- Solid metal exterior
- 1-meter shock-resistant
- Fast transfer speeds
- Lightweight
Cons
- Tends to overheat
4. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE
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The G-Technology drive is user-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance. It’s also super quick, with a read transfer speed of 560MB/s. It comes with 2 USB cables: Type-C and Type-C to Type-A.
The exterior can withstand drops up to three meters. Plus, it can resist shocks up to 1000 pounds. As if all that wasn’t enough to impress me, it also has a water/dust resistance with a rating of IP67.
Available as 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB, this G-drive is also pretty compact. It’s small enough to fit in your hand, especially since it weighs an easy-to-handle 3 ounces.
While I like everything about this drive, I particularly appreciated its aluminum core. This unique interior design protects the unit from overheating. It also helps maintain its high performance and overall efficiency.
Pros
- IP67 water/dust-resistant
- Compact size
- Aluminum core
- Quick transfer speed
Cons
- Expensive
5. Glyph Atom
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One of the Glyph Atom’s best features is its eye-catching design. With a rugged bumper exterior and an all-aluminum case, this drive is one of the most reliable on the market.
The Glyph Atom is available with 250 or 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB capacity. You also have two color choices: gray or black. Another of its best design features is its compact size.
It fit easily into my pocket for quick, on-the-go portability. Although, I felt that, weighing 9 ounces, it was a bit heavy compared to other drives.
When it comes to performance, the Glyph Atom doesn’t disappoint. I was quite impressed with its ultra-high transfer speed of 560MB/s for maximum efficiency.
Pros
- Rugged bumper design
- Aluminum casing
- Compact size
- Comes in four color choices
Cons
- Comes only with USB Type-C cable
- Relatively heavy
The Verdict
I hope my product review of the best SSD for video editing clarifies things a bit. From USB cables to capacity sizes and transfer speeds, you now know what to look for when you buy your next SSD.
My top five picks have everything you need to make your video editing quick and seamless. While I’m fond of all of them, I particularly like the SanDisk Extreme Portable. This SSD provides you with plenty of top-notch options. Plus, it can transfer data at ultra-fast speeds.
Moreover, it’s designed to withstand bumps, drops, water, and dust. The best part is that it’s lightweight and portable so you can take your files with you on-the-go.
