Android phones fill up fast, especially once you start shooting 4K video or hoarding offline files. A portable SSD plugs into your phone’s USB-C port, so you can offload a day’s footage or back up a gallery without a laptop. This guide covers five 1TB drives, from a well-priced everyday option to a 2,000MB/s performer.
Before you buy
Any USB-C SSD on this list works for transferring and backing up files from an Android phone, but speed and recording support depend on your phone. The quoted speeds are the drives’ own figures, and most phones won’t use the faster ones to the full because of their USB-C port. If you want to record video straight to a drive, check that your phone and camera app support it before buying.
Crucial X9 1TB: The safe, well-priced pick
Crucial’s X9 is the easiest recommendation here, with more than 8,000 reviews on Amazon at 4.5 stars and a price of $169.24 on Amazon at the time of writing. Crucial says it reaches up to 1,050MB/s and works with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android and consoles through USB-C and USB-A.
According to Crucial, it’s rated IP55 for water and dust and can survive drops of up to 7.5 feet.
Key specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Speed: up to 1,050MB/s over USB 3.2
- Durability: IP55, 7.5ft (2m) drop resistance (per Crucial)
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox
- Extras: three months of Mylio Photos Plus and Acronis True Image
- Price: $169.24 on Amazon at the time of writing
Samsung T7 1TB: The proven all-rounder
Samsung’s T7 has been a default recommendation for years, with more than 12,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating. Samsung lists read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s, and says it can take 4K 60fps video from compatible cameras and mobile devices. It has an RRP of $274.99.
It has an aluminum unibody, and Samsung says it survives drops of up to 6 feet.
Key specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Speed: up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write (per Samsung)
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe NVMe
- Build: aluminum unibody, 6ft drop resistance (per Samsung)
- RRP: $274.99
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB: The rugged all-rounder
SanDisk’s current Extreme is the toughest drive on the list, with an IP65 rating for dust and water and protection against drops of up to 3 meters, according to SanDisk. SanDisk says it reaches up to 2,000MB/s, nearly twice the speed of its previous generation, and it has an RRP of $299.99.
It’s pocket-sized, and 256-bit AES encryption with password protection keeps private files safe.
Key specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Speed: up to 2,000MB/s (per SanDisk)
- Durability: IP65, 3m drop protection (per SanDisk)
- Security: 256-bit AES encryption with password protection
- RRP: $299.99
Kingston XS1000 1TB: The pocket-sized one
Kingston’s XS1000 is the smallest drive here. Kingston says it reaches up to 1,050MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2, and it has more than 3,400 reviews with a 4.7-star rating. It has an RRP of $261.99.
Key specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Speed: up to 1,050MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2 (per Kingston)
- Design: pocket-sized
- RRP: $261.99
Samsung T9 1TB: The fast premium option
Samsung’s T9 is the drive to look at if your laptop and console have fast USB-C ports. Samsung says it reaches sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and that its Dynamic Thermal Guard stops it overheating. It has an RRP of $287.99.
Phones typically won’t reach that headline speed, so it makes most sense if you also plug it into a laptop or console.
Key specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Speed: up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (per Samsung)
- Thermals: Dynamic Thermal Guard
- Software: Samsung Magician for firmware updates and encryption
- RRP: $287.99
Verdict
For most Android owners, Crucial’s X9 is the one to buy: it’s the cheapest here and well reviewed. Samsung’s T7 is the choice if you want the most trusted name, SanDisk’s Extreme suits anyone who needs a rugged drive, and Kingston is for people who want the smallest. Samsung’s T9 is the one for anyone who also plugs it into a laptop or console.
It’ll be worth seeing how these drives hold up with Android phones over time, since the quoted speeds depend on the phone. Prices and availability can change, so keep an eye out for promotions.
