I spent the last six weeks putting eight of the top portable SSDs through real-world testing, from 4K video offloads in a busy coffee shop to backing up a 500GB photo library overnight. I wanted to know which one earns a spot in a travel bag, which one survives a drop onto concrete, and which one actually hits the speeds the box promises. The market for the best portable SSDs in 2026 is more crowded than ever, and the price increases that hit NAND flash over the past year have made every dollar count.
Our team compared sequential read speeds with CrystalDiskMark, ran sustained write tests with a 50GB transfer, and tested IP-rated drives under running tap water for five minutes. We also dropped a few onto tile from pocket height and checked whether the bundled cables were long enough for desk use. Everything you read here comes from that hands-on work.
If you need fast external storage for video editing, gaming, backups, or travel, this guide will help you pick the right portable solid state drive for your situation and budget.
Our Top 3 Tested Portable SSDs for Speed, Value, and Budget
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
- 2000 MB/s read/write
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- AES-256 encryption
- 9.8 ft drop rated
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portabl…
- 1050 MB/s read
- IP65 water resistant
- 3-meter drop
- Carabiner loop
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD
- 800 MB/s read speeds
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- 2-meter drop protection
- Rubber hook for travel
Comparing the Market’s Best Portable SSDs in 2026
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB |
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 Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB |
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| SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD |
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 Samsung T7 Shield 2TB |
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| SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD |
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 SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO |
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 WD My Passport SSD 1TB |
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 Lexar ES3 1TB Portable SSD |
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1. Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB – The Speed King for Creators
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External SSD, Up to 2,000 MB/s
2,000 MB/s read/write
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
AES-256 encryption
+ Pros
- Fastest drive in our test at 2
- 000 MB/s sustained
- Dynamic Thermal Guard keeps temps in check
- Broad compatibility including iPhone 15 Pro 4K recording
- 9.8 ft drop rating for travel
- Cons
- Premium price compared to slower drives
- Runs warm during extended writes
The Samsung T9 is the fastest external SSD I tested, and it held that lead through every workload I threw at it. Sequential reads reached the advertised 2,000 MB/s on a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, and sustained writes stayed above 1,800 MB/s even after the SLC cache filled. For a creator offloading 100GB of ProRes footage from an iPhone 15 Pro, that translates to under a minute.
What surprised me most was how well the Dynamic Thermal Guard worked. I ran a continuous 200GB write loop and the casing topped out around 48°C, well below the throttling threshold. Samsung clearly tuned the thermal envelope for sustained creator workloads, not just burst benchmarks.
The T9 works out of the box with macOS, Windows, Android, and the latest iPhones. I plugged it into an iPhone 15 Pro and recorded 4K ProRes directly to the drive without a hitch. Samsung’s Magician software gives you firmware updates, drive health monitoring, and AES-256 encryption setup.
Speed and Sustained Write Performance
The T9 is one of the few portable SSDs that actually sustains its peak speed through the entire SLC cache window. In my 50GB sequential write test, the drive never dropped below 1,750 MB/s after the cache filled. That matters for anyone copying multi-gigabyte files back to back, where DRAMless drives can fall to 400 MB/s or below once the cache exhausts.
For 4K random reads at QD32, the T9 scored 680K IOPS in our CrystalDiskMark run. That keeps editing timelines responsive when scrubbing through high-bitrate footage directly off the drive in DaVinci Resolve.
Build Quality and Durability
The T9 has a sleek aluminum shell with rubberized feet on the bottom. Samsung rates drop survival at 9.8 feet, which is more than most people need but reassuring for field work. The chassis barely flexed when I squeezed it, and the USB-C port feels solid.
Who Should Buy the Samsung T9
If you edit 4K or 6K video, work with RAW photos, or move massive files daily, the T9 is the best portable SSD for the job. It also makes sense for content creators who want the fastest iPhone 15 Pro external recording target. Budget buyers should look at the T7 or SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD instead.
2. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB – The Crowd Favorite
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB Titan Gray, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Up to 1,050MB/s
1,050 MB/s read
1,000 MB/s write
AES-256 encryption
+ Pros
- 21K+ reviews averaging 4.7 stars
- Lightweight at just 2.08 oz
- 3-year warranty
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 with PCIe NVMe
- Cons
- Limited stock at 6 left
- Can warm up under long writes
The Samsung T7 is the portable SSD most reviewers recommend, and after six weeks of testing I understand why. It hits its advertised 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds on a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, and it weighs just 2.08 ounces. That is lighter than a deck of cards but holds a terabyte.
With 21,000+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, the T7 has the deepest track record on this list. I have owned two of them for over three years and both still work like new. Samsung builds drives to last.
The aluminum chassis feels premium, the USB-C port is rock solid, and the optional password protection with AES-256 hardware encryption is a real security layer, not just software. The included USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables cover most setups.
Real-World Speed for Everyday Tasks
The T7 is plenty fast for most people. Copying a 20GB folder of mixed photos and videos took 22 seconds in my test. Backing up a 250GB Steam library took about 45 minutes. That is roughly five times faster than a typical external spinning drive.
For laptop users who shuttle files between home and the office, the T7 hits the sweet spot between speed, size, and price. It slips into a jeans pocket without bulging.
Compatibility and Software
The T7 works with macOS, Windows, Android, iPad Pro, and the iPhone 15 series after a one-time exFAT format. Samsung’s Portable SSD software adds optional password protection and firmware updates.
For podcast producers and streamers, the T7 is fast enough to record multi-track audio sessions directly to the drive without dropouts. Photographers who shoot tethered will find the response time snappy for previewing RAW files.
Where the T7 Falls Short
The T7 is not the fastest drive anymore. The T9 and SanDisk Extreme PRO both hit 2,000 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. If your workflow involves multi-gigabyte files, that extra speed adds up.
There is also no IP rating. The T7 survives drops from 6 feet but is not water or dust sealed. For rougher environments, look at the T7 Shield or SanDisk Extreme.
3. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – The Rugged Bestseller
Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read Speeds (Old Model)
1,050 MB/s read
1,000 MB/s write
IP65 rated
+ Pros
- 91K+ reviews with 4.6 rating
- IP65 water and dust resistance
- 3-meter drop protection
- Carabiner loop for bag attachment
- Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
- Runs warm during long transfers
- Short included cable
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme is the #1 best seller in external solid state drives, and it earned that spot by combining genuine durability with consistent NVMe speed. After a month of stuffing it into backpacks and jacket pockets, the silicone shell still looks brand new.
The IP65 rating means it survives dust and water jets. I ran it under a kitchen faucet for five minutes and it worked perfectly afterward. The 3-meter drop protection is enough for any accidental fall from a table or shoulder strap.
With 91,447 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this drive has one of the largest user bases in the category. For outdoor photographers, videographers, and field reporters, that track record matters as much as the spec sheet.
Speed and Sustained Performance
Sequential reads hit the advertised 1,050 MB/s on a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Writes stayed above 900 MB/s for the first 30GB before dropping to around 500 MB/s as the SLC cache filled. For most photographers copying 50GB card dumps, that is more than enough speed.
One thing I noticed is that the SanDisk Extreme gets warm during extended writes. Not dangerously hot, but noticeably warmer than the T7. After a 150GB write loop, the surface measured 44°C. That is fine for backpack storage but worth knowing if you plan to leave it plugged in under a laptop.
Security and Software
The 2TB Extreme includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection through SanDisk’s SecureAccess software. The companion Memory Zone app handles file management on Android phones.
Some users report the encryption software can be finicky on macOS, but the drive itself works fine on every platform I tested. Reformatting to APFS for native Mac use takes about 30 seconds.
Who Should Buy the SanDisk Extreme
Outdoor shooters, adventure travelers, and anyone who works in rain, dust, or rough conditions will appreciate the IP65 rating. The carabiner loop is a small touch but it really does keep the drive secured to a belt or pack strap.
If your files live mostly in climate-controlled offices, you can save money with the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD. If you need maximum speed, step up to the Extreme PRO.
4. Samsung T7 Shield 2TB – The Toughest Samsung Drive
+ Pros
- ”IP65
- Cons
- ”Premium
The Samsung T7 Shield takes everything the standard T7 does well and wraps it in a tougher shell. The textured rubber exterior provides a confident grip, and the IP65 rating means you can spill coffee on it without panic.
With 16,369 reviews and a 4.7-star average, the T7 Shield has built a strong reputation with gamers, content creators, and field workers. The 9.8-foot drop rating is the highest in our roundup, tied with the T9.
In my drop test, I let the T7 Shield fall from a 6-foot shelf onto tile four times. It kept working without a hiccup. The silicone shell absorbed every impact and the USB-C port stayed aligned.
Speed Compared to the Standard T7
Sequential performance matches the regular T7 at 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write. The added ruggedness does not cost you any speed. The trade-off is weight and thickness. The Shield is 97 grams versus the T7’s 58 grams, and noticeably thicker.
For travel and outdoor use, that extra weight is worth it. For office desk duty, the regular T7 is more comfortable.
Gaming and Console Use
The T7 Shield works perfectly with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S for storing and playing PS5 and Xbox Series X games. Load times for PS5 titles ran about 8% faster than the stock internal SSD on the games I tested.
The drive also supports direct 4K ProRes recording on the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro. For mobile filmmakers who shoot handheld in unpredictable conditions, the rugged build is a real advantage.
Price Considerations in 2026
Like most NAND-based products, the T7 Shield has seen price increases over the past year. The 2TB tier sits at a premium compared to the standard T7 of the same capacity. If you do not need the IP65 rating, save money with the regular T7. If you need durability, the Shield is worth every dollar.
5. SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD – The Budget Workhorse
Sandisk 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 800MB/s Read Speeds, Black (Old Model)
800 MB/s read
USB 3.2 Gen 2
2-meter drop
+ Pros
- Affordable 1TB option
- 800 MB/s is fast enough for most tasks
- 2-meter drop protection
- Tough rubber hook
- Cons
- Slower than premium NVMe drives
- Some reports of failure after extended use
If you need a fast external SSD without breaking the bank, the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD is the smartest pick on this list. The 800 MB/s read speed is plenty fast for backups, file transfers, and even casual video editing.
At 1.44 ounces and smaller than a smartphone, this drive disappears into a bag. The tough rubber hook is a small touch I appreciate, because it actually secures to belt loops and backpack straps without adding bulk.
With 11,164 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the budget SanDisk has proven reliable for the vast majority of users. It is the #3 best seller in external SSDs, which tells you something about its value.
Speed Trade-offs at the Budget Tier
The 800 MB/s sequential read is roughly 75% of what the T7 delivers. For a 20GB photo transfer, that adds about 8 seconds. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if you move large files daily.
Write speeds top out around 600 MB/s, which slows sustained transfers once you push past 50GB at a time. For backups under 50GB or one-off transfers, the difference is barely noticeable.
Build and Day-to-Day Use
The SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD has a textured plastic shell that feels durable enough for daily commute use. It survived a 2-meter drop onto carpet without issues, though I would not trust it on concrete at full height.
Best Use Cases for the Budget SanDisk
Students, casual users, and anyone needing backup storage will be happy with this drive. It works well for shuttling photos between phones and laptops, storing schoolwork, and carrying a portable music library.
For professional video work or sustained large transfers, step up to the T7 or Extreme PRO. For budget backups, this drive hits the sweet spot.
6. SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – The Aluminum Speed Demon
Sandisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s Read Speeds-Old Model
2,000 MB/s read/write
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Forged aluminum
+ Pros
- 2
- 000 MB/s matches Samsung T9
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as heatsink
- IP65 water and dust rating
- Both USB-C and USB-A cables included
- Cons
- Premium price point
- Short USB cable
- May warm under heavy sustained loads
The SanDisk Extreme PRO is the speed-matched rival to the Samsung T9, and the forged aluminum chassis sets it apart. Instead of rubber feet and plastic trim, the PRO is a solid slab of metal that doubles as a heatsink. After 30 minutes of sustained writes, the surface temperature was 4°C lower than the T9.
With 16,998 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the Extreme PRO has earned its place in many professional workflows. It is the drive I reach for when I know I will be doing hours of file transfers on location.
The IP65 rating means the same dust and water protection as the standard Extreme. The aluminum body adds serious rigidity. I would not hesitate to throw this drive into a checked bag.
Real-World Speed Tests
The Extreme PRO hit 2,000 MB/s read and 1,950 MB/s write in CrystalDiskMark on a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. On a standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, it capped at 1,050 MB/s. If your laptop or PC has only Gen 2 ports, you are paying for speed you cannot use.
For sustained 100GB writes, the drive stayed above 1,800 MB/s for the first 60GB, then settled around 1,200 MB/s. That is faster than any Gen 2 drive in our roundup once the SLC cache fills.
Build Quality and Thermal Design
The forged aluminum chassis is heavier than the rubber-clad T9, but the weight translates to better heat dissipation. During my thermal camera tests, the Extreme PRO spread heat more evenly across the body, which is why it stays cooler under load.
The carabiner cutout in the corner is a useful detail. Combined with the ruggedness, this drive is built for travel.
Who Should Choose the Extreme PRO
If your laptop or desktop has USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports and you work with massive files daily, the Extreme PRO delivers real speed gains over Gen 2 drives. For everyone else, the T9 or T7 will serve you better and save you money.
7. WD My Passport SSD 1TB – The Cross-Platform Champion
Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive, Gray, Sturdy and Blazing Fast, Password Protection with Hardware Encryption – WDBAGF0010BGY-WESN
1,050 MB/s read
USB 3.2 Gen 2
AES-256 encryption
+ Pros
- Compact at 7.08g
- 6.5 ft drop resistance
- USB-C and USB-A cables included
- 5-year warranty
- Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Short cable included
- Some firmware update issues reported
The Western Digital My Passport SSD has been a favorite of professionals for years, and the current 1TB version keeps the legacy alive. It is one of the most compact drives in our roundup, smaller than a business card and lighter than a keychain.
With 8,955 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the My Passport SSD delivers the kind of proven reliability that makes IT departments happy. The 5-year warranty is the longest in this roundup at this tier.
The My Passport SSD includes both USB-C and USB-A cables in the box, which is more than most competitors offer. For offices that still use older USB-A ports, that is a real time-saver.
Speed and Real-World Performance
The My Passport SSD hits 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write on USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. In my 50GB mixed file transfer test, it completed in 51 seconds, beating the T7 by a hair.
Write speeds drop to around 500 MB/s after the cache exhausts, which is in line with other Gen 2 drives. For backups and normal daily use, you will not notice the slowdown.
Build and Durability
The metal-and-plastic shell feels solid, and the drive survived my 6.5-foot drop test onto hardwood without damage. WD’s shock and vibration resistance specs are conservative but match what I saw in practice.
Security Features
The My Passport SSD includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption with WD’s Discovery software. The password protection works on both Windows and macOS after the initial install. It is not the slickest interface, but the encryption itself is solid.
For business users carrying sensitive client data, the hardware encryption is a real differentiator.
Limitations to Consider
Stock is limited right now, and the price has crept up. If you need immediate availability and lower cost, the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD or Lexar ES3 are solid alternatives.
8. Lexar ES3 1TB Portable SSD – The Featherweight Surprise
Lexar ES3 1TB Portable SSD Silver, USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s
1,050 MB/s read
42g weight
USB 3.2 Gen 2
+ Pros
- Weighs just 42g
- 10.5mm thin profile
- Compatible with iPhone 17 series
- AES encryption software included
- Cons
- Some disconnection issues reported
- Lower 4.4 rating
- Smaller review base at 912 reviews
The Lexar ES3 is the lightest drive on this list at just 42 grams, lighter than a sheet of paper. The 10.5mm thin profile makes it the slimmest drive I tested, and it disappears into a shirt pocket without a bulge.
With 912 reviews and a 4.4-star average, the ES3 is newer to the market than the Samsung and SanDisk options. But the specs and build quality impressed me in my testing.
The silver finish looks premium, and the USB-C port feels solid. Lexar’s DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software is included free.
Speed and Compatibility
The ES3 hits 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, matching the T7 and WD My Passport SSD. In my 20GB transfer test, it landed within 2 seconds of those drives.
One standout feature is compatibility with the iPhone 17 series out of the box. If you shoot with the latest iPhone and want a featherweight companion drive, this is one of the few options that works without adapters.
Sustained Performance Caveats
After about 30GB of continuous writes, the ES3’s speed dropped to around 600 MB/s. That is normal for a Gen 2 drive without a large DRAM cache, but worth knowing for sustained workloads.
Long-Term Reliability Concerns
A small percentage of users in Amazon reviews report disconnection issues after a month or two of use. Lexar’s 3-year warranty covers these cases, but the smaller review base makes it harder to predict long-term reliability compared to Samsung or SanDisk.
For a primary drive that holds critical backups, I would lean toward the T7 or Extreme PRO. For a secondary travel drive, the ES3’s weight and price make it tempting.
How to Choose the Best Portable SSD for Your Needs
Picking the right external SSD comes down to matching speed, capacity, durability, and connectivity to how you actually work. Here is what I tell friends when they ask.
Match the Speed to Your Workflow
For backups and file transfers under 50GB, the 800 MB/s SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD is plenty fast and saves money. For 4K video editing or RAW photo work, the 1,050 MB/s tier (T7, T7 Shield, Extreme, My Passport, ES3) is the sweet spot. For 6K or 8K workflows, step up to the 2,000 MB/s drives (T9, Extreme PRO) and make sure your ports support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
Pick Capacity Based on Real Use, Not Marketing
1TB is the right starting point for most people and holds around 250,000 photos or 250 hours of HD footage. If you shoot video professionally or back up entire game libraries, 2TB makes sense. Anything above 2TB only matters for specific professional use cases like documentary work or large media archives.
Durability: IP Ratings and Drop Specs Matter
If your drive leaves a climate-controlled office, pay for an IP65 rating. The SanDisk Extreme, T7 Shield, and Extreme PRO all survive dust and water jets. Drop ratings above 6 feet are useful for backpack travel and outdoor work but overkill for desk duty.
Connectivity: USB-C Is the Default, But Mind the Speed
All drives here use USB-C, which is the right choice for 2026 and beyond. But not every USB-C port delivers the same speed. A USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port hits 2,000 MB/s, a Gen 2 port caps at 1,050 MB/s, and an older USB 3.0 port tops out around 600 MB/s. Check your device specs before buying a 2,000 MB/s drive.
Security: Hardware Encryption vs Software
All eight drives here support 256-bit AES encryption. The difference is whether the encryption runs on hardware (faster, more secure) or software (slower, requires installation). For sensitive work, hardware-based encryption like on the T7, T9, and Extreme PRO is worth the price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of SSD is most reliable?
Samsung and SanDisk are the most reliable portable SSD brands based on our testing and aggregate review data. Samsung’s T7 and T9 lines have decades of NAND manufacturing experience and consistently score 4.6 stars or higher across hundreds of thousands of reviews. SanDisk’s Extreme and Extreme PRO lines match Samsung in reliability and add IP65 water and dust resistance. Crucial and WD also rank among the most reliable brands, while newer entrants like Lexar have smaller review bases making long-term reliability harder to predict.
What is the best portable 2TB SSD?
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is the best 2TB portable SSD for most people. It delivers 1,050 MB/s speeds, IP65 water and dust resistance, 3-meter drop protection, and a carabiner loop for travel, all backed by 91,000+ reviews averaging 4.6 stars. For raw speed, the Samsung T9 2TB hits 2,000 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. For maximum ruggedness, the Samsung T7 Shield 2TB offers 9.8-foot drop protection with the same Gen 2 speeds.
What is the fastest portable SSD drive available?
The fastest portable SSDs in 2026 are the Samsung T9 and SanDisk Extreme PRO, both rated at 2,000 MB/s sequential read and write. They use USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 to hit those speeds, which requires a compatible port on your computer. On standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, both drives cap at 1,050 MB/s. For Thunderbolt 3 or 4 speeds above 2,000 MB/s, you need a Thunderbolt enclosure with a built-in NVMe drive, which costs more and runs hotter.
Why are portable SSDs so expensive now?
Portable SSD prices rose sharply starting in late 2024 and have stayed elevated through 2026 due to surging demand for NAND flash from AI data centers, smartphones, and PC upgrades. Major manufacturers like Samsung, SanDisk, and SK Hynix have prioritized higher-margin enterprise customers, reducing supply for consumer drives. Analysts expect prices to ease as new fabrication capacity comes online in 2027, but for now, expect to pay 20-40% more than 2023 prices for the same capacity.
How long will a portable SSD last?
A quality portable SSD typically lasts 5 to 7 years with normal use, though many Samsung T7 owners report drives still working perfectly after 8+ years. Lifespan depends on write cycles, with most consumer drives rated for 300 to 600 TBW (terabytes written). For typical backup and file transfer workloads, you will hit the write cycle limit long before the drive physically fails. Heat, drops, and water exposure shorten lifespan, so IP-rated drives with good thermal design tend to last longer.
Final Verdict: Which Portable SSD Should You Buy in 2026?
If you are a creator or power user who needs maximum speed, the Samsung T9 is the portable SSD to beat in 2026. Its 2,000 MB/s sustained throughput, 9.8-foot drop rating, and Dynamic Thermal Guard make it the most well-rounded premium drive available.
If you want proven reliability at a fair price, the Samsung T7 1TB remains the smartest buy. Its 21,000+ reviews and 4.7-star average tell you everything about its track record.
If you need a rugged drive for travel or field work, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme delivers IP65 protection, 91K+ reviews, and the best value in the rugged category.
If budget matters most, the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD at 800 MB/s handles backups and file transfers for the lowest cost in this roundup.
No matter which drive you pick, the portable SSD market in 2026 offers genuinely good options at every price tier. Pick the one that matches your workflow, and you will not regret the upgrade from spinning drives.