Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Samsung T7 Shield 2TB ($130 – $180).
- Price per terabyte falls at larger sizes; buy a little more space than you need now.
- Real speed depends on your computer's port; a fast drive is limited by a slow USB connection.
In this article
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On a budget? Here are the best-value portable SSDs in the US, starting with the cheapest model we rate, with typical prices and our verdict on each.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung T7 Shield 2TB | Buy | 8.6/10 | $130 – $180 |
| Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB | Buy | 8.8/10 | $180 – $250 |
Budget picks in detail
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $130 – $180
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB is one of the portable SSDs we would buy in the US. It scores 8.6/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $130 – $180.
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $180 – $250
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB is one of the portable SSDs we would buy in the US. It scores 8.8/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $180 – $250.
How to save money
Price per terabyte falls at larger sizes; buy a little more space than you need now.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Real speed depends on your computer's port; a fast drive is limited by a slow USB connection.
Common mistake: Using one drive as your only backup; keep a second copy elsewhere.
Compare more options
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap portable SSDs in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Samsung T7 Shield 2TB, typically $130 – $180.
Are cheap portable SSDs worth it?
Price per terabyte falls at larger sizes; buy a little more space than you need now. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Real speed depends on your computer's port; a fast drive is limited by a slow USB connection.
When are portable SSDs cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.