Not everyone needs a terabyte, and a smaller portable SSD is easier to carry and cheaper on paper. This guide covers five drives at 500GB or 512GB that plug into an Android phone’s USB-C port, from a magnetic one that snaps onto the back of your phone to SanDisk’s 2,000MB/s Extreme. Our 1TB guide covers the larger options.
Before you buy
Prices at this capacity are less friendly than you’d expect, because many popular drives no longer come in a 500GB or 512GB size. Speeds are the brands’ own figures, and your phone’s USB-C port may not use the fastest of them. Windows also shows 500GB drives as around 465GB, which is normal.
Lexar ES3 512GB: The thin, light pick
Lexar’s ES3 is the easiest recommendation here, with more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon at 4.4 stars and an RRP of $149.99. Lexar says it reaches up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2, weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thick, and it lists Android support.
Lexar’s DataShield software adds 256-bit AES encryption.
Key specs
- Capacity: 512GB
- Speed: up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write (per Lexar)
- Size: 42g, 10.5mm thick
- Security: 256-bit AES encryption software
- RRP: $149.99
SanDisk Extreme 500GB: The fast, rugged one
SanDisk’s current Extreme is the fastest drive here, with SanDisk saying it reaches up to 2,000MB/s. It has an IP65 rating and protection against drops of up to 3 meters, according to SanDisk, and an RRP of $185.99.
It’s a new listing with few reviews so far, so we’re leaning on SanDisk’s name.
Key specs
- Capacity: 500GB
- Speed: up to 2,000MB/s (per SanDisk)
- Durability: IP65, 3m drop protection (per SanDisk)
- Design: pocket-sized
- RRP: $185.99
WD My Passport SSD 500GB: The trusted name
WD’s My Passport SSD is a long-standing choice, with nearly 9,000 reviews on Amazon at 4.5 stars and an RRP of $229.00. WD says it reaches up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write.
It has password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and WD says it survives drops of up to 6.5 feet.
Key specs
- Capacity: 500GB
- Speed: up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write (per WD)
- Security: password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Durability: shock and vibration resistant, 6.5ft drop resistance (per WD)
- RRP: $229.00
SSK Portable SSD 500GB: The value option
SSK is a lesser-known brand, but its 500GB SSD has more than 3,800 reviews on Amazon at 4.5 stars and costs $89.99 on Amazon at the time of writing. SSK says it reads at up to 1,050MB/s and writes at up to 1,000MB/s.
It comes with USB-C and USB-A cables, and SSK says it uses S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and TRIM to keep write speeds consistent.
Key specs
- Capacity: 500GB
- Speed: up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write (per SSK)
- In the box: USB-C and USB-A cables
- Price: $89.99 on Amazon at the time of writing
ORICO 512GB Magnetic SSD: The one that sticks to your phone
ORICO’s magnetic drive is the cheapest here, with an RRP of $82.99 and more than 650 reviews on Amazon at 4.3 stars. It’s also the slowest, with ORICO saying it reaches up to 460MB/s.
A magnetic ring in the box lets it attach to a phone without built-in magnets, and ORICO says the body is metal.
Key specs
- Capacity: 512GB
- Speed: up to 460MB/s (per ORICO)
- Design: magnetic, metal body, magnetic ring included
- RRP: $82.99
Verdict
For most Android owners, Lexar’s ES3 is the one to buy: it’s light, fast and well reviewed. SanDisk’s Extreme is the pick for speed and toughness, WD is the trusted name, SSK is the value choice, and ORICO is the one that sticks to your phone. If you want more room, our 1TB guide has the bigger options.
It’ll be worth seeing how prices and availability settle for smaller drives, since many popular models have dropped their 500GB sizes. Prices can change, so keep an eye out for promotions.
