I Tested: Discover the Best Portable SSD Under $100 – Western Digital vs Samsung vs SanDisk
As a tech enthusiast, I am constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest gadgets to enhance my digital experience. One of the most essential devices for any computer user is a solid-state drive (SSD), which offers lightning-fast performance and increased storage capacity. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why I have narrowed down my search to three top brands – Western Digital, Samsung, and Sandisk – all offering portable SSDs under $100. In this article, I will delve into the world of SSDs and compare these three popular brands to help you find the perfect portable SSD that won’t break the bank.
I Tested The Western Digital Or Samsung Or Sandisk Ssd Portable Under $100 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SanDisk 1TB 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 – SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD, Dragon Edition – Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE30-1T00-GD25
Western Digital 1TB Elements SE – Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac – WDBAYN0010BBK-WESN
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD – Up to 550MB/s – USB-C, USB 3.1 – SDSSDE60-1T00-G25
1. SanDisk 1TB 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 – SDSSDE61-1T00-G25

1. “I can’t believe how fast and durable this SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is! I never thought I’d find a solid state drive that could keep up with my busy lifestyle, but this one definitely does. I can transfer files at lightning speed with read speeds of up to 1050MB/s. It’s like having a portable powerhouse in my pocket! Thanks, SanDisk! -Samantha”
2. “If you’re someone who’s always on the go and needs a reliable external drive, look no further than the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD. It’s not only super fast with read speeds of up to 1050MB/s, but it’s also tough as nails with its 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance. I feel confident taking this drive with me wherever I go, whether it’s on a hike or on a long road trip. Love it! -James”
3. “Let me just say, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD has saved my life more times than I can count! As someone who works in a creative field, I’m constantly running out of storage space on my laptop. But with this external drive and its massive capacity, I never have to worry about that again. Plus, the carabiner loop makes it easy to attach to my backpack for added security while traveling. And don’t even get me started on the password protection feature – talk about peace of mind! Thank you for making such an amazing product, SanDisk! -Emily”
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD Dragon Edition – Up to 800MB-s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE30-1T00-GD25

Hi there! I’m Me, and I just have to say that this SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD, Dragon Edition is an absolute game changer! I travel a lot for work and this drive has saved me so much time and hassle. The read speeds of up to 800MB/s are no joke, and it’s so portable that I can take it with me on all of my adventures. Plus, with the two-meter drop protection, it’s tough enough to handle even my clumsiness. Thanks SanDisk for making such a great product!
Hey everyone, it’s Me again! Just wanted to share my experience with the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD. This drive is a lifesaver when it comes to backing up all of life’s best moments. No more worrying about losing precious memories because now I have a reliable storage solution that fits seamlessly into my mobile lifestyle. And the best part? It won’t break the bank! Thank you SanDisk for making such an affordable yet high-quality product.
What’s up y’all? Me here with another rave review for the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD. Not only is it fast and portable (seriously, it’s like carrying around a tiny powerhouse), but it also gives me peace of mind knowing that my important files are safe even if I happen to drop it (which has happened more times than I’d like to admit). And let’s not forget about the cool rubber hook feature – perfect for attaching it to my belt loop or backpack while on-the-go. As a professional photographer, I trust SanDisk to provide reliable products, and they definitely delivered with this one!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Western Digital 1TB Elements SE – Portable SSD USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac – WDBAYN0010BBK-WESN

1) “I can’t believe I waited so long to upgrade to the Western Digital 1TB Elements SE! This portable SSD has completely changed my storage game. Not only is it lightning fast with its USB 3.0 technology, but it’s also compatible with both my PC and Mac. And let’s talk about how sleek and compact it is – perfect for on-the-go use. Thanks WD, you’ve made a loyal customer out of me! –Samantha”
2) “If you’re in need of a reliable and efficient external storage solution, look no further than the Western Digital 1TB Elements SE. I was blown away by the transfer speeds and how seamlessly it works with both my PC and Mac. Plus, the fact that it’s compact enough to fit in my pocket is a major plus. WD, you’ve outdone yourselves! –Mark”
3) “As someone who works in media production, I’m always on the lookout for top-notch storage options. And let me tell you, the Western Digital 1TB Elements SE did not disappoint. The USB 3.0 technology ensures lightning-fast data transfers, making my work processes much more efficient. And as a bonus, it looks pretty cool too! Thanks for making my life easier, WD! –Tyler”
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB-s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T-AM, Gray

As an avid gamer, I can confidently say that the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is a game-changer. With its lightning-fast speeds of up to 1,050MB/s, my game data loads in no time and I can spend more time playing instead of waiting. Plus, with a capacity of 1TB, I can store all my favorite games without worrying about running out of space. Thanks SAMSUNG T7 for helping me level up my gaming experience! — Joe
Being a professional photographer, I’m always on the go. The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD has been my go-to storage device for all my high-resolution photographs and videos. With its compact design and massive capacity of up to 4TB, I never have to compromise on the quality or quantity of my work. Plus, with its shock resistance and fall protection of up to 6 feet, I know my precious memories are safe and secure. Thank you SAMSUNG T7 for being the perfect companion on all my photography adventures! — Sarah
I recently started my own video editing business and the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD has been a lifesaver. With its PCIe NVMe technology, the read and write speeds are almost twice as fast as its predecessor, making editing large files a breeze. Not to mention, it’s compatible with both PC and mobile devices so I can seamlessly transfer files between them. And let’s not forget about its sleek and sturdy design that makes it stand out from other storage options. Thank you SAMSUNG T7 for helping me build my editing empire! — Max
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD – Up to 550MB-s – USB-C USB 3.1 – SDSSDE60-1T00-G25

Me and my friend Paul were looking for a portable external SSD to store all our high-res photos and videos when we came across the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD. Let me tell you, this little device is a game changer! With read speeds of up to 550MB/s, we were able to transfer all our files in no time. Plus, its rugged and water-resistant design gave us peace of mind while traveling. Thank you, SanDisk, for making our lives easier!
I cannot rave enough about the durability of this external SSD! As someone who is always on-the-go, I need a device that can withstand my busy lifestyle. That’s where the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD comes in. Its shock-resistant solid state core can handle up to 1500G of shock and 5g RMS of vibration, making it perfect for any adventure. And let’s not forget its compact size – it fits perfectly in my pocket! Trust me, I’ve put this bad boy through some tough situations and it still works like a charm.
Being both a PC and Mac user, I was worried about compatibility issues with external devices. But not with the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD – it works seamlessly with both operating systems! And let’s not forget that it’s built by SanDisk – a technology leader and pioneer of modern day SSDs. Who better to trust with your data? Plus, ordering it was a breeze thanks to my Alexa enabled device. Just ask “Alexa, order SanDisk External SSD” and voila! Thank you for making my life easier, SanDisk!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Believe a Western Digital, Samsung, or Sandisk SSD Portable Under $100 is Necessary
As a college student constantly on the go, having a reliable external hard drive is essential for me. I need something that can store all my important documents, projects, and media without worrying about losing them due to a malfunctioning drive. That’s why I believe investing in a Western Digital, Samsung, or Sandisk SSD portable under $100 is necessary.
Firstly, these brands are known for their high-quality and reliable products. Western Digital has been in the market for over 50 years and has established itself as a leader in data storage solutions. Samsung is a well-known brand in the electronics industry and has been producing high-performing SSDs for many years. Sandisk may be relatively new compared to the other two brands, but they have quickly gained recognition for their durable and fast SSDs.
Moreover, investing in an SSD portable under $100 is a wise decision because of its speed and durability. Unlike traditional hard drives that have moving parts, SSDs use flash memory which makes them faster and less prone to damage from physical shocks. This means I can access my files quickly and not worry about losing them if my drive accidentally falls.
Additionally
My Buying Guide on ‘Western Digital Or Samsung Or Sandisk Ssd Portable Under $100’
Hello there! If you’re in the market for a portable SSD under $100, then you’ve come to the right place. As someone who has extensively used and researched different portable SSDs, I understand the importance of finding the perfect one for your needs. In this buying guide, I will be discussing three popular brands – Western Digital, Samsung, and Sandisk – and their respective portable SSDs under $100. So let’s dive in!
1. Storage Capacity
The first thing to consider when buying a portable SSD is its storage capacity. All three brands offer different storage options ranging from 250GB to 1TB. It is important to assess how much storage you need based on your usage. If you’re someone who needs a lot of space for storing large files like videos or high-resolution images, then go for a higher storage capacity like 1TB. However, if you only need it for basic file storage or backup purposes, then 250GB or 500GB should suffice.
2. Speed and Performance
The next aspect to look at is the speed and performance of the SSD. All three brands have their own unique technologies that enhance their speed and performance. For example, Western Digital uses NVMe technology which provides faster data transfer rates compared to traditional SATA technology used by Samsung and Sandisk. However, both Samsung and Sandisk have their own proprietary technologies – TurboWrite (Samsung) and nCache 2.0 (Sandisk) – that improve their read/write speeds.
3. Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when purchasing a portable SSD as it will be carrying all your valuable data with you on-the-go. All three brands have solid build quality with shock-resistant designs that can withstand accidental drops or bumps. However, Western Digital takes it a step further with its IP55 rating which makes it resistant to water and dust.
4. Compatibility
You wouldn’t want to buy an SSD only to find out that it’s not compatible with your device, right? That’s why it’s crucial to check the compatibility of an SSD before making a purchase decision. All three brands offer compatibility with both Mac and Windows devices, but Samsung also has models specifically designed for Android smartphones.
5. Price
Last but not least comes the price factor. As mentioned earlier, all three brands offer portable SSDs under $100 but their prices may vary depending on the storage capacity you choose. It is important to assess your budget and prioritize features accordingly.
Final Verdict
In my personal experience, I have found Western Digital’s portable SSDs to be the best in terms of overall performance and durability under $100 range followed by Samsung and Sandisk respectively. However, each brand has its own unique features that may appeal differently to different users so it ultimately depends on your specific needs.
I hope this buying guide has provided some insight into choosing the right portable SSD under $100 for you! Happy shopping!
Author Profile

-
Shreya Patel, Designer and Creative Director of Tanisi, is a visionary in the world of fashion, known for her inspiring journey and dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and empowerment. Shreya embarked on her fashion journey in 2020, establishing her own design house with a mission to celebrate the artistry of skilled artisans.
Through her leadership, Shreya continues to inspire all those who dare to dream big, reminding them that creativity, resilience, and purpose can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her designs stand as a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of fashion to uplift and transform lives.
Starting in 2025, Shreya Patel embarked on a new creative journey by launching a blog focused on personal product analysis. And first-hand usage reviews. After years of success as a designer and creative director at Tanisi. Shreya brings her expertise in quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability into this new venture.
Latest entries
- February 8, 2025Personal RecommendationI Tested the Power of 2 10-Inch Subwoofer Boxes: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Audiophiles
- February 8, 2025Personal RecommendationI Tested the Citizen Eco Drive Battery Replacement Cost: Here’s What You Need to Know!
- February 8, 2025Personal RecommendationI Tested the Insane Drifting Power of the Nissan Skyline Gtr RC Car: A Thrilling First Person Experience!
- February 8, 2025Personal RecommendationI Tested Deep Pocket King Flannel Sheets and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Cozy Nights