Best External SSDs for Sale in South Africa
External SSDs for sale in South Africa, are high-speed storage devices that connect to your computer or laptop via USB or Thunderbolt, offering faster data transfer rates than traditional hard drives.
Perfect for backing up files, editing high-resolution media, or expanding limited internal storage, they’re a top choice for professionals and everyday users alike.
When you buy external SSDs, look for capacity, read/write speeds, durability, and compatibility; checking an External SSDs review can help you compare the best external SSDs to suit your needs.
If you like our selection of external SSDs, you might also like to learn more about our selection of internal SSDs or internal hard drives available for sale online.
Read on for a review of the main features, pros and cons and answer some common questions about external SSDs.
Our Picks of External SSDs for Sale
- Lexar 1TB SL200 Portable USB 3.1 SSD
- SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
- Adata Portable SC750 1TB External Solid State Drive
- OSCOO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Adapter Aluminum USB C Solid State Drive
- Hikvision-512GB Portable External Solid State Disk Drive, USB 3.1 Type C
- HIKSEMI T100 Pocket Series 512GB USB 3.0 Portable SSD
- Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB
Lexar 1TB SL200 Portable USB 3.1 SSD
The Lexar 1TB SL200 Portable USB 3.1 External SSD offers a sleek, pocket-sized storage solution with fast performance and durability.
With read speeds of up to 550 MB/s and write speeds of up to 400 MB/s, it ensures quick data transfers via its USB 3.1 Type-C interface. Built to withstand drops, shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures, it’s ideal for users on the move.
The drive includes both USB Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables for broad compatibility, and 256-bit AES encryption helps safeguard your files against unauthorised access or data loss.
- 1TB storage capacity for large file backups.
- USB 3.1 Type-C interface for fast connectivity.
- Read speeds up to 550 MB/s for quick access.
- Write speeds up to 400 MB/s for efficient transfers.
- Includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C cables.
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability.
- 256-bit AES encryption for secure data protection.
- No moving parts for more durability.
- Resistant to drops, shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
- Sleek, modern design suitable for travel or daily use.
Should I Buy the Lexar 1TB SL200 Portable USB 3.1 External SSD?
The Lexar 1TB SL200 is a solid choice for anyone needing fast, portable, and secure storage at a reasonable price. With impressive read speeds of up to 550 MB/s and reliable 256-bit AES encryption, it’s ideal for students, photographers, and professionals who frequently transfer sensitive or large files.
Its ultra-lightweight design (just 0.09 lb) and resistance to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures make it a dependable companion for travel or outdoor work. The inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A cables offers broad compatibility, adding to its user-friendly appeal.
Those needing the highest write speeds for demanding tasks like 4K video editing may find the 400 MB/s write speed slightly limiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lexar 1TB SL200 offers read speeds of up to 550 MB/s.
Yes, it comes with both USB Type-C to C and Type-A to C cables.
Yes, it features built-in 256-bit AES encryption for secure storage.
- Pros
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables
- 256-bit AES encryption built-in
- Shock and temperature resistant
- Ultra-lightweight at only 0.09 lb
- Cons
- Slightly lower write speed than rival
- Not water or dust resistant
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB is a high-performance external drive built for durability and speed, offering blazing-fast NVMe transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
Designed for active lifestyles, it features IP55-rated water and dust resistance, up to two-metre drop protection, and a tough silicone shell with a carabiner loop for easy attachment on the go.
Trusted by professional photographers, it also includes built-in hardware encryption for added privacy and peace of mind, along with a 5-year limited warranty.
- 1TB NVMe solid-state storage.
- Read speeds up to 1050MB/s.
- Write speeds up to 1000MB/s.
- IP55 water and dust resistance.
- Up to two-metre drop protection.
- Durable silicone shell exterior.
- Built-in hardware encryption for privacy.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.
- Carabiner loop for easy attachment.
- 5-year limited warranty included.
Should I Buy the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB?
If you’re looking for a rugged, high-speed external drive with reliable long-term performance, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB is an excellent choice.
Its NVMe technology delivers exceptional read and write speeds (up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively), making it ideal for professional photographers, content creators, and anyone handling large media files on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is drop-resistant up to two metres.
It includes built-in hardware encryption for privacy.
Yes, it features a carabiner loop for secure attachment.
- Pros
- NVMe performance for faster transfers
- IP55 water and dust resistant
- Includes carabiner loop for travel
- 5-year limited warranty
- Cons
- Slightly higher price than basic SSDs
- Can get warm during heavy transfers
Adata Portable SC750 1TB External Solid State Drive
The Adata SC750 1TB Portable External SSD is a sleek, ultra-compact storage solution offering blazing-fast read/write speeds of up to 1050/1000MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen2.
With a built-in slide-out Type-C connector, it eliminates the need for extra cables, making it perfect for travel, mobile work, or gaming. Fully compatible with Android, Windows, macOS, and even iPhone 15
Pro models, it supports direct Apple ProRes video recording and fast transfers without relying on high-capacity phone storage. The SC750 also supports modern gaming consoles and handhelds, offering an efficient way to back up and store large game files.
Lightweight and durable, it delivers pro-level performance in a flash drive-sized design, backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
- 1TB high-speed NVMe storage.
- Read/write speeds up to 1050/1000MB/s.
- Built-in slide-out USB Type-C connector.
- No extra data cables required.
- Supports Apple ProRes recording on iPhone 15 Pro.
- Compatible with Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Works with latest game consoles and handhelds.
- Compact, flash drive-sized design.
- Weighs only 11.15g for easy portability.
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
Should I Buy the Adata SC750 1TB Portable External SSD?
The Adata SC750 1TB Portable External SSD is an excellent choice for mobile professionals, gamers, and content creators looking for fast, cable-free storage. With read/write speeds of up to 1050/1000MB/s and a built-in slide-out USB-C connector, it offers plug-and-play simplicity without the hassle of extra cables.
But Mac users must reformat the drive before use, which may be inconvenient for some.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has a built-in slide-out USB-C connector.
Yes, it supports direct ProRes recording on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Yes, it supports the latest generation of game consoles and handhelds.
- Pros
- Built-in slide-out USB-C connector
- Direct Apple ProRes recording on iPhone 15
- No cables needed for operation
- Ultra-lightweight at only 11.15g
- Cons
- Not IP-rated for water or dust resistance
- Formatting required for macOS compatibility
OSCOO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Adapter Aluminum USB C Solid State Drive
The OSCOO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Adapter is a high-speed, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 external enclosure designed to transform your NVMe PCIe M-Key SSD into a powerful, portable storage solution.
With data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, it’s ideal for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, large file transfers, and intensive applications.
Its premium aluminium build gives excellent heat dissipation, while the compact, plug-and-play design offers seamless compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Perfect for professionals and creatives on the go, the OSCOO enclosure delivers speed, durability, and portability in one sleek package.
- Supports NVMe PCIe M-Key SSDs.
- USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 interface.
- Up to 10 Gbps transfer speeds.
- Premium aluminium housing.
- Excellent heat dissipation.
- Plug-and-play, no drivers needed.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Ideal for 4K editing and large file use.
- Converts internal NVMe SSD to portable drive.
Should I Buy the OSCOO M.2 NVMe SSD?
The OSCOO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Adapter is an excellent choice for users who already own an NVMe PCIe M-Key SSD and want to convert it into a fast, portable external drive. With 10 Gbps transfer speeds via USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, it’s ideal for content creators, developers, and professionals handling large files or 4K video.
This enclosure isn’t suitable for users looking for an all-in-one external SSD, as the SSD must be purchased separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it offers a tool-free, plug-and-play setup.
Yes, it works seamlessly with macOS.
It is made of premium aluminium for durability and cooling.
- Pros
- Converts internal NVMe SSD to external use
- 10 Gbps USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 speed
- Premium aluminium for heat dissipation
- Tool-free, plug-and-play setup
- Cons
- Requires separate NVMe SSD purchase
- Not compatible with SATA M.2 drives
Hikvision-512GB Portable External Solid State Disk Drive, USB 3.1 Type C
The Hikvision T100 Pocket Series 512GB Portable SSD offers a reliable and compact external storage solution for Android devices, tablets, PCs, and laptops.
With read speeds of up to 450MB/s via a USB 3.0 Type-C interface, it provides fast, efficient file transfers for designers, video editors, and photographers working with large media files. Its lightweight, anti-vibration, and shockproof design gives durability on the go, while remaining quiet and cool during use.
- 512GB solid-state storage capacity.
- USB 3.0 Type-C interface.
- Read speeds up to 450MB/s.
- Compatible with Android, tablets, PCs, and laptops.
- Anti-vibration and shockproof design.
- Noiseless operation with minimal heat.
- Lightweight and pocket-sized form factor.
- Ideal for creatives and business use.
- Durable ABS + PP build material.
- Includes quick-start guide in the box.
Should I Buy the Hikvision T100 Pocket Series 512GB Portable SSD?
The Hikvision T100 Pocket Series 512GB Portable SSD is a smart choice for everyday users, creative professionals, and students needing reliable, budget-friendly storage across multiple devices. Users needing ultra-high transfer speeds, such as those working with large 4K video files, may find its 450MB/s limit and USB 3.0 interface less suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
It offers read speeds of up to 450MB/s.
Yes, it works with Android phones and tablets.
Yes, it features a USB 3.0 Type-C interface.
- Pros
- Designed for Android and tablets
- Shockproof and anti-vibration build
- Noiseless with minimal heat
- Lightweight ABS + PP material
- Cons
- Lower read speed than NVMe SSDs
- USB 3.0, not latest USB standard
HIKSEMI T100 Pocket Series 512GB USB 3.0 Portable SSD
The HIKSEMI T100 Pocket Series 512GB USB 3.0 Portable SSD is a compact and lightweight external storage solution designed for Android phones, tablets, laptops, and PCs. With a USB 3.0 Type-C interface and read speeds of up to 450MB/s, it offers fast, reliable data transfer ideal for creative professionals managing large files on the go.
Built with durable ABS + PP material, the drive is shockproof, anti-vibration, and operates silently with minimal heat, making it perfect for travel or everyday business use. Its 512GB capacity provides ample space for photos, videos, and documents, all in a slim, user-friendly form factor.
- 512GB solid-state storage capacity
- USB 3.0 Type-C interface
- Read speeds up to 450 MB/s
- Shockproof and anti-vibration design
- Silent operation with minimal heat
- Compact form factor at 6.8×6.8×11 cm
- Lightweight at just 40 g
- Durable ABS + PP plastic casing
- Ideal for Android, PC, tablet use
- Includes quick-start guide in box
Should I Buy the HIKSEMI T100 Pocket Series 512GB USB 3.0 Portable SSD?
The HIKSEMI T100 Pocket Series 512GB USB 3.0 Portable SSD is a practical and affordable storage solution for users who need reliable, on-the-go capacity without the high price tag of NVMe alternatives.
Power users who regularly work with large 4K video files or need ultra-fast NVMe-level speeds may find this SSD limiting. It’s best for budget-conscious users looking for dependable, compact external storage for general use over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
It weighs only 40 grams, making it highly portable.
Yes, it is designed to be both shockproof and anti-vibration.
Yes, it operates noiselessly and generates minimal heat.
- Pros
- Lightweight 40g portable design
- Shockproof ABS + PP build
- Compatible with Android, PC, and tablets
- Operates silently with minimal heat
- Cons
- Slower than NVMe-based SSDs
- USB 3.0, not the newest standard
Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB
The Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB is a durable, high-capacity external drive built for work, creativity, and play. With sequential read/write speeds of up to 460 MB/s, it offers faster and more reliable performance than traditional hard drives, making it ideal for transferring large files and backing up data.
Its solid metal and rubberised casing, combined with drop protection up to two metres, offers durability on the go, while Dynamic Thermal Guard technology keeps it cool during intensive use.
Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android devices, and gaming consoles, the T5 EVO delivers versatile, secure storage wherever life takes you.
- 2TB high-capacity solid-state storage.
- Read/write speeds up to 460 MB/s.
- Drop-resistant up to two metres.
- Dynamic Thermal Guard for heat control.
- Solid metal and rubberised casing.
- Upper metal ring for secure grip.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Android, and consoles.
- Faster sustained performance than external HDDs.
- Compact, hand-sized design.
- Ideal for work, study, gaming, and backups.
Should I Buy the Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB?
The Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 2TB is a dependable and versatile storage solution ideal for professionals, students, gamers, and content creators who need large-capacity, secure storage on the go.
With read/write speeds of up to 460 MB/s, it performs significantly better than external hard drives, making it suitable for backing up data, managing media files, and expanding game libraries.
Its rugged design offers peace of mind, while the built-in thermal control system ensures safe, cool operation during heavy use. The metal ring improves grip and portability, and wide compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android devices, and gaming consoles makes it highly user-friendly.
Buyers wanting top-tier NVMe-level speeds or ultra-compact form factors may prefer more specialised alternatives. Still, for its balance of speed, durability, and usability at a mid-range budget, the T5 EVO is a long-lasting and practical choice for most everyday and professional applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s ideal for backing up large media files and projects.
Its compact, hand-sized design makes it easy to carry.
Yes, it provides faster and more consistent performance than HDDs.
- Pros
- Drop protection up to two metres
- Dynamic Thermal Guard prevents overheating
- Upper metal ring for improved grip
- Compatible with gaming consoles
- Cons
- Slower speeds than NVMe-based SSDs
- Slightly bulkier than ultra-compact models
Conclusion
Those on a budget prefer compact options like the HIKSEMI T100 or Adata SC750, which offer solid performance and portability at an affordable price. Those seeking greater efficiency and durability for creative or professional work may lean toward models like the Samsung T5 EVO or SanDisk Extreme, known for high-speed performance, rugged design, and broad compatibility.
Tech-savvy users wanting to maximise existing NVMe drives will appreciate the OSCOO Enclosure Adapter for its customisability and speed without paying for built-in storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are external SSDs in South Africa suitable for gaming?
Yes, many support fast load times and work well with consoles and PCs.
Do external SSDs work with both Windows and macOS?
Most external SSDs offer plug-and-play compatibility with both systems.
Is it worth paying more for water or shock resistance?
Yes, if you travel often or work in rugged environments, added protection is valuable.
Can I use an external SSD for backing up my smartphone?
Yes, many external SSDs support Android and even iPhone data transfers.
How much storage do I need when choosing an external SSD in South Africa?
For general use, 500GB to 1TB is sufficient, while professionals may need 2TB or more.

