External USB-C Drives of 2024
As you plan for your data storage needs in 2024, consider the top external USB-C drives available this year. With data demands ever increasing, solid state drives offer the speed and capacity required. Carefully evaluate product features like read and write speeds, physical durability, and drive capacities. Focus on trusted brands known for reliability.
Consider both portable and desktop external drives based on your usage. Look for models with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for maximum performance. And don't forget the software - some external drives include handy tools for backups, encryption and file management. With the right external USB-C drive, you'll be prepared for your storage needs in 2024 and beyond.
Top 4 External USB-C Drives to Buy in 2024
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) |
| Max Transfer Speed | Up to 550MB/s |
| Weight | Approximately 0.085 lbs (38.5 g) |
| Size | 3.79" x 1.95" x 0.35" (96.2 mm x 49.55 mm x 8.85 mm) |
| Price |
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The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a great all-around choice if you're looking for fast, reliable, and ruggedly built external storage. It connects via USB-C, is available up to 2TB of capacity, and can achieve read/write speeds up to 550MB/s. The ruggedized case is also water- and dust-resistant with an IP55 rating.
Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) |
| Max Transfer Speed | Up to 1050MB/s |
| Weight | Approximately 58 grams |
| Size | 85mm x 57mm x 8mm |
| Price |
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Samsung's T7 Touch Portable SSD is a slick and fast little drive. It features an aluminum unibody design, fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1050MB/s, built-in security with AES 256-bit hardware encryption and fingerprint authentication, and capacities up to 2TB. The built-in fingerprint sensor provides an easy way to unlock and lock access to your data.
G-Technology ArmorATD Portable Hard Drive
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB |
| Interface | USB 3.0 (Compatible with USB 2.0) |
| Max Transfer Speed | Up to 140MB/s |
| Weight | Approximately 0.24 lbs (109 g) - 0.65 lbs (295 g) |
| Size | 1TB & 2TB: 4.37" x 3.23" x 0.65" (111 x 82 x 16.6 mm) 4TB & 5TB: 5.24" x 3.46" x 1.18" (133 x 88 x 30 mm) |
| Price |
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If you need a rugged drive that can withstand some abuse, the G-Technology ArmorATD should do the trick. This portable hard drive meets MIL-STD-810G 516.6 standards for shock, dust and sand resistance, as well as IP54 water and dust resistance. It's available up to 5TB, with speeds up to 140MB/s, and USB-C connectivity.
WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gb/s) |
| Max Transfer Speed | Up to 2000MB/s (Read/Write) |
| Weight | 115g |
| Size | 118mm x 62mm x 14mm |
| Price |
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For gamers looking for fast external storage to expand the capacity of their gaming consoles or PCs, the WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD is an ideal choice. It provides read speeds up to 2000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, is available up to 2TB, and features an industrial design with RGB lighting effects. This is one of the fastest external USB drives currently available.
In summary, with several excellent options now available, 2024 looks to be a great year for fast, high-capacity external USB-C storage. Whether you need a rugged drive, maximum performance, built-in security or massive capacity, there’s a USB-C SSD or hard drive to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About USB-C Drives
Are USB-C drives compatible with USB 3.0 ports?
USB-C drives are compatible with USB 3.0 ports; however, in order to utilize the full speed and power delivery potential of USB-C, the drive must be connected to a USB-C port, whether on your computer, wall charger or other USB-C device. When connected to a USB 3.0 port, the drive will operate at USB 3.0 speeds, which are slower than USB-C.
Do USB-C drives work with Thunderbolt 3 ports?
Yes, USB-C drives are fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Thunderbolt 3 ports utilize the same USB-C connector and support all the features of USB-C, including speed, power delivery and alternate mode functionality. The USB-C drive will operate at USB speeds when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port.
Are USB-C drives backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.0 ports?
USB-C drives are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.0 ports; however, when connected to these ports, the drive will operate at the lower USB 2.0 and 1.0 speeds. USB 2.0 has a max speed of 480Mbps, while USB 1.0 maxes out at 12Mbps. In order to take advantage of the speed and performance of USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3, the drive must be connected to a USB-C port.
Do I need any adapters to use a USB-C drive?
In some cases, you may need an adapter to use a USB-C drive, depending on your computer or device ports. If your computer only has USB 3.0 ports or older, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect the drive. Some USB-C drives also come with USB-C to USB-A cables in the box for backwards compatibility. If your device has a Thunderbolt 3 port, no adapter is needed. For the best performance, connect the drive directly to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port when possible.
The Best External USB-C Drive's In 2024 are the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD, G-Technology ArmorATD Portable Hard Drive & WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD.
USB-C drives are compatible with USB 3.0 ports; however, in order to utilize the full speed and power delivery potential of USB-C, the drive must be connected to a USB-C port, whether on your computer, wall charger or other USB-C device. When connected to a USB 3.0 port, the drive will operate at USB 3.0 speeds, which are slower than USB-C.
Yes, USB-C drives are fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Thunderbolt 3 ports utilize the same USB-C connector and support all the features of USB-C, including speed, power delivery and alternate mode functionality. The USB-C drive will operate at USB speeds when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port.
USB-C drives are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.0 ports; however, when connected to these ports, the drive will operate at the lower USB 2.0 and 1.0 speeds. USB 2.0 has a max speed of 480Mbps, while USB 1.0 maxes out at 12Mbps. In order to take advantage of the speed and performance of USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3, the drive must be connected to a USB-C port.
In some cases, you may need an adapter to use a USB-C drive, depending on your computer or device ports. If your computer only has USB 3.0 ports or older, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect the drive. Some USB-C drives also come with USB-C to USB-A cables in the box for backwards compatibility. If your device has a Thunderbolt 3 port, no adapter is needed. For the best performance, connect the drive directly to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port when possible.
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