Most of us rely heavily on laptops no matter whether it’s for work, study or personal. And unless we are only using it for general computing tasks, chances are you need bigger storage as time goes by. This is particularly evident if you have an extensive library of files and likewise such as high-res photos, videos and games.
Which is why investing in an external SSD happens to be one of the easiest and convenient ways for your storage needs. All without the requirement of, say swapping your internal drive. Just connect it to your laptop and you’re basically good to go!
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Now, given the fact that SSD prices are dropping significantly (down at 10% in the average selling price of NAND flash in Q4 2020) due to the stiffer competition and oversupplied demands in the market, it’s a good time to purchase a portable SSD.
Keep reading for 9 of the best portable SSDs under RM 500 price range based on your respective needs.
Quick Answer
The best budget external SSD in Malaysia right now is the Samsung T5 500GB, from RM389 on Shopee Malaysia, because it fits in a pocket, transfers files fast over USB 3.1 Gen 2, and adds 256-bit AES hardware encryption most rivals in this price band skip. Editing video on the move, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (from RM339) is the tougher, faster-write pick.
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There’s a familiar saying that “good things come in small packages”, which particularly rings true for the Samsung T5 portable SSD. Its credit card-sized form factor is compact enough to store inside your pocket or backpack, making it suitable for those who are constantly on the go.
Transferring multiple files, as well as high-resolution videos and photos, are blazing fast too, thanks to its combination of Samsung’s V-NAND flash memory and USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface. Other highlights include a shock-resistant metal body and a 256-bit AES hardware encryption to ensure your data is safe.
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First things first, the Adata SE760’s hairline-brushed metal exterior evokes a sense of style and elegance that looks aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. You can use it to backup your game storage, regardless if it’s with Windows, Mac and mobile devices.
When it comes to performance, the Adata SE760 is capable of running reading speeds up to 1,000 MB/s since it uses the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. For a peace of mind, it comes with a three-year warranty. The body itself has an anti-vibration protection but keep in mind that it is not intended for rugged use.
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Slim and classy on the outside, complete with a design reminiscent of a mini chocolate bar; that’s Transcend ESD250C for you, a portable SSD measuring at just 7.5mm thick. It has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface for speedy transfer rates capable of reaching up to 520MB/s.
The Transcend ESD250C comes with a larger 960GB storage capacity too, all without a hefty price tag that only costs under RM 500. Not to mention, it’s made compatible with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems. Plus, you can easily manage and encrypt your data using the downloadable Transcend Elite app.
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Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS, the WD My Passport SSD sports a striking two-tone design in classy black and silver finish. The body itself is shock-resistant and is made rugged to sustain up to 6.5-foot drops.
Performance-wise, it comes equipped with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface for speedy transfers regardless of files, videos or photos. Rest assured that your data is safe and secure too, thanks to its strong 256-bit AES hardware encryption feature via WD Security software.
Small but mighty, the Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD boasts a unique rubberised aluminium case. The design isn’t just merely for aesthetic purposes but it helps to protect the SSD core and dispels heat all the while offering better grip. It is also encased within an IP55-rated body that is resistant to shock, dust and water, making it ideal for travelling videographers.
Transfer performances are lightning-fast with the help of Sandisk’s NVMe technology, which has an amazing reading speed of up to 1050MB/s. The only major gripes about this portable SSD are the lack of an activity light and shorter-than-expected USB cables.
Ideal for digital nomads and travellers, this Seagate Expansion SSD is sure to come in handy for whenever you need it the most. Weighing at just 0.06 kg, it features a compact design that fits effortlessly into your bag. It has a fast transfer speeds up to 400MB/s and works well with both Windows and Mac OS.
Also worth mentioning is the all-black textured plastic exterior with its distinctive Seagate logo that has a nice, elegant look. If there’s any shortcoming, it doesn’t come with either customisable or continuous backup feature.
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If you are a frequent laptop user, you should know that it’s good practice to back up your files. And more so if your files are important. Which brings us to the Seagate One Touch SSD, a portable device weighing only at 65 g.
True to its name, you can use the portable SSD straight out of the box and it is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. It comes equipped with Sync Plus software, allowing you to perform continuous auto backup easily. Transfer speeds, in the meantime, can reach up to 400MB/s.
The Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD has everything you need regardless of storage or backup purpose, beginning with fast read/write speeds up to 540MB/s. You have a choice of 512GB, 1TB or 2TB capacity, with the latter two being particularly useful for those who have a library of high-resolution photos and videos or other bytes-heavy files.
Made compatible with both Windows and Mac OS, it boasts a shock-resistant design that can sustain minor bumps and knocks. It’s slim and compact too, which justifies its portability. Syncing and updating files is also easy with Seagate’s bundled backup and mirroring software.
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Storage can be affordable, but also pricey. In this case, for those who wants to pin point the best-buy 2TB external SSD, you can opt for the 2020 edition of WD My Passport SSD sports a nifty NVMe technology that can read and write faster up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively.
It’s both slim and lightweight too, weighing at just 46g that fits well in your pocket or your bag.
Despite its small form factor, this portable SSD happens to be shock-resistant, and it helps that it has a sturdy metal exterior. It’s easy to use and made compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. If there are any cons about this portable SSD, it curiously lacks a status light while the price factor can be a turn-off for some people.
How To Choose A Portable SSD
Before you decide on a portable SSD, there are a few things you need to take into consideration to ensure your money’s worth. Among them includes:
i) Capacity
Everyone has different needs and that means it’s not necessarily to purchase a portable solid-state drive (SSD) with the maximum capacity of say, 1TB or 2TB. Unless, of course, if you happen to be someone such as a creative professional or video editor who would often need to store large files and videos. Or you’re the kind of user who needs to store their PC games.
ii) Speed
Reading and writing speeds matters too when it comes to picking a portable SSD. Depending on your budget and availability, some portable SSDs utilise the USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 300-400MB/s) while others use the newer Gen 2 interface that is capable of reaching up to 700-800MB/s. Those who are constantly working with big files would benefit an SSD with a higher reading and writing speed.
iii) Brand reliability
If you look at the most tech reviews regardless of local and international sites, you will realise that they frequently mention top performing brands for portable SSDs. They includes brands like Samsung, Sandisk and Seagate - all of which are prominently known for manufacturing high-quality SSDs.
iv) Compatibility
Ask yourself this question: Are you using a Windows laptop or a Mac device? Or perhaps both? If your answer is towards the latter, make sure the portable SSD that you are planning to buy is made compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
The reason? When it comes to formatting the drive, Windows utilises the New Technology File System (NTFS) while Mac OS uses a different one in the form of Apple File System (APFS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an external HDD or SSD better?
An external SSD is faster and more shock-resistant since it has no moving parts, which matters if you carry it around daily or edit video off it. An external HDD (hard disk drive) costs less per gigabyte and is the better pick if you mainly need cheap bulk storage for backups and do not need fast transfer speeds.
Which hard disk is best for external use?
For most people in Malaysia, the Seagate Expansion portable hard drive is a safe everyday pick: it is affordable, comes in 1TB and 2TB sizes, and needs no separate power adapter. If you want more speed and durability for daily carry, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD or the WD My Passport SSD are the better choice, at a higher price per gigabyte.
What is the best external hard disk in Malaysia?
Based on prices checked today, the Seagate Expansion 1TB (from RM145.99 on Shopee Malaysia) is the best budget external hard disk in Malaysia for general backup and file storage. Buyers who need faster transfer for video or gaming should look at the portable SSD options above instead.
What is the external hard disk?
An external hard disk is a storage drive that sits outside your laptop or PC and connects over USB, used to back up files, free up internal storage, or move large files between devices. It can be a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) with a spinning platter, or a solid-state drive (SSD) with flash memory, which is faster but costs more per gigabyte.
