4TB SSD [External]: Best Options Under $300

For those who need to store and transfer large amounts of data on the go, external solid-state drives (SSDs) have become an increasingly attractive option.

SSDs offer much faster transfer speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), as well as greater durability since they have no moving parts. And in recent years, SSD capacities have grown massively while prices have dropped, allowing you to get multi-terabyte storage in a palm-sized device.

In this article, we delve into the realm of external 4TB SSDs, exploring some of the best options available on the market for under $300.

These portable powerhouses combine generous storage capacities with blazing-fast transfer speeds and rugged durability, making them indispensable tools for professionals, enthusiasts, and everyday users alike.

The latest generation of external SSDs can now offer a staggering 4TB capacity in a compact, portable form factor.

That’s enough to store over 1 million photos, hundreds of hours of 4K video, or a vast library of music and documents. And with read/write speeds up to 1050MB/s from USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, these pocket-sized drives can transfer that data incredibly quickly.

If you’re in the market for a premium 4TB portable SSD and have a budget of under $300, here are three of the best options to consider in 2024:

Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD (4TB) – $280

Part of Samsung’s latest T7 lineup, the 4TB Shield model takes portable SSD performance and durability to the extreme. This 4TB SSD boasts read/write speeds up to 1050MB/s and a rugged design with IP65 water/dust resistance that meets military-grade toughness standards.

This makes it an ideal choice for content creators, photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs ultra-fast transfer speeds combined with physical protection against the elements.

Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD (4TB) – $269.99

The X9 Pro from Crucial is another top contender offering 4TB capacity at top USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1050MB/s. It has a sleek, compact aluminum chassis and IP68 water/dust protection. The drive comes bundled with one year of Mylio Photo Manager software to help organize your photo library as well.

While not quite as rugged as the Samsung, the X9 Pro is still a great high-performance, high-capacity option for creative pros and general storage needs.

SanDisk Extreme Portable 4TB SSD – $249.99

As a more budget-friendly alternative, the 4TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD brings blazing-fast transfer speeds up to 1050MB/s along with IP65 water/dust resistance and a compact, shock-resistant design. Its added bonus is updated firmware that helps maintain performance consistency during extended file transfers.

While not as advanced in certain areas as the Samsung and Crucial models, the SanDisk still delivers premium 4TB solid-state storage for under $250. Also, this is one of the highest-rated 4TB SSDs on Amazon.com

No matter which of these high-capacity portable 4TB SSDs you choose, you’ll be able to store and backup immense amounts of data in a tiny, lightning-fast, and extremely durable package.

The large 4TB capacities were once unheard of in the external SSD market, but are now increasingly common and affordable for professional and personal storage needs.