External SSDs have revolutionized portable storage, delivering speeds up to 20x faster than traditional hard drives while fitting in your pocket. Modern external SSDs can handle 4K and 8K video editing directly from the drive, and withstand drops, dust, and water. Whether you’re backing up RAW photos in the field, editing ProRes video on location, or need reliable storage that won’t slow down your workflow, the right external SSD transforms how you work with large files.

Why Trust Us

Our team has been testing storage solutions for photographers and videographers for over two decades. We actively use external SSDs in real-world creative workflows, from backing up shoots in remote locations to editing 4K video directly from portable drives.

We have tested virtually every drive in this list. Where we have not tested a product, we have consulted with our partner photographers and videographers and verified their feedback with trusted reviewers. Thanks to our approach, we stand behind all the products in this list, and would trust them all with our most important data. 

We never take payment for placement, and even though our articles contain affiliate links, affiliates never influence our editorial rankings.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission from purchases made through our links.

Our Picks at a Glance

Key Takeaways

For creators starting out, the Crucial X10 and LaCie Rugged SSD4 offer excellent performance and durability without breaking the bank. Professional workflows demanding maximum speed benefit from the Samsung T9‘s 2,000MB/s performance or the OWC Envoy Pro FX‘s Thunderbolt connectivity. High-capacity users should consider the Crucial X10’s 8TB option for massive portable libraries. The Samsung T7 Touch provides biometric security for sensitive projects, while external enclosures from TerraMaster and OWC let you build custom solutions. Bus-powered convenience means most drives work without external power, making them perfect for field work.

Best Picks by Category

Best Budget Drive: Crucial X10
Best Rugged Drive: LaCie Rugged SSD4
Best High-Speed Drive: Samsung T9
Best Professional Drive: OWC Envoy Pro FX
Best High-Capacity Drive: Crucial X10 8TB
Best Secure Drive: Samsung T7 Touch
Best Budget Enclosure: TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus

Portable External SSDs

Ready-to-use external SSDs offer the convenience of plug-and-play operation with guaranteed compatibility and warranty coverage. These complete solutions include the drive, enclosure, cables, and often software utilities. Modern portable SSDs deliver impressive performance while remaining compact enough for daily carry.

Budget

Crucial X10

The newest member of Crucial’s portable SSD family offers massive capacity options up to 8TB while maintaining the compact form factor of smaller drives. Performance rivals more expensive alternatives at a better price per gigabyte.

Rating: 4.2

Pros

• Available in unusual 6TB and massive 8TB capacities
• Improved performance over the previous generation
• IP65 water and dust resistance
• Excellent value per gigabyte at high capacities

Cons

• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface is slow compared to the USB 4 interface standard
• Performance varies by capacity
• No bundled software or utilities

Who is this for?

Creators who require extensive portable storage and seek a better price-per-gigabyte than premium drives. Also, the Crucial X10’s 8TB version is our top choice for high-capacity users.

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The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is the latest in the company’s well-regarded series of “rugged” drives. I’ve been using these drives while on the road for well more than a decade. This drive is “adventure proof” and is resistant to shocks, drops, water, freezing temperatures, and being crushed. We tested the claims in this review and found that it handled all the abuse we could put it through.

It’s not just durable, it’s fast, with transfer speeds around the maximum 4,000 MB/second, even after spending a night in the deep freezer, being tossed across my driveway, soaked with a hose, and being driven over.

You can read our full review here.

Best

Samsung T9

Samsung’s latest flagship portable SSD delivers impressive 2,000MB/s speeds in a compact, durable package. The T9 represents the sweet spot between performance, portability, and price for professional creative work.

Rating: 4.5

Pros

• Consistent 2,000MB/s read and write speeds
• Dynamic thermal management prevents throttling
• Rugged design with 9.8-foot drop protection
• Available up to 4TB capacity

Cons

• Premium pricing compared to older models
• No IP rating like the T7 Shield
• Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for full performance

Who is this for?

Professional photographers and videographers who need reliable high-speed storage for demanding workflows and aren’t constrained by budget.

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Samsung T7 Touch

A premium portable SSD that combines fingerprint security with fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance. The T7 Touch offers the same blazing speeds as the standard T7 but adds biometric unlock functionality for enhanced data protection.

Rating: 4.1

Pros

• Built-in fingerprint sensor provides convenient biometric security without software requirements.
• Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance with read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000MB/s.
• Compact credit card-sized aluminum design with excellent build quality and heat dissipation.

Cons

• Premium pricing compared to the standard T7 model for the added fingerprint functionality.
• The fingerprint sensor can be finicky with certain finger positions and environmental conditions.
• Limited to older USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface rather than newer 20Gbps or USB4 standards.

Who is this for?

Content creators and professionals who frequently handle sensitive data and need the convenience of biometric security without compromising on transfer speeds.

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Crucial X10 Pro

The X10 Pro delivers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price point. With USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, it achieves real-world speeds approaching 2,100MB/s – fast enough to edit 4K video directly from the drive while remaining affordable for most creators.

Rating: 4.5

Pros

• Exceptional 2,100MB/s speeds for the price
• Available in capacities up to 4TB
• Hardware encryption with password protection
• Compact keychain-friendly design

Cons

• Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for full speed
• Performance limited to 1,000MB/s on standard USB ports
• No IP rating for water/dust resistance

Who is this for?

Creators who want professional-level performance without premium pricing and have modern devices with faster USB ports.

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Ultimate

OWC Envoy Pro FX

The Envoy Pro FX stands out as the only external SSD offering both Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB connectivity in one device. With speeds up to 2,800MB/s over Thunderbolt, it’s the ultimate portable storage for professional workflows.

Rating: 4.8

Pros

• Dual Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB 3.2 compatibility
• Blazing 2,800MB/s speeds over Thunderbolt
• IP67 water and dust rating
• Military-grade drop protection

Cons

• Premium pricing reflects professional positioning
• Requires Thunderbolt connection for maximum performance
• Limited to 4TB maximum capacity

Who is this for?

Professional filmmakers and photographers who work with multiple devices and need the fastest possible portable storage without compatibility concerns.

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OWC Express 1M2 (TB4)

Note: The OWC Express 1M2 is primarily a USB4 device, but it’s also compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 ports. The same enclosure works across these interfaces, with performance scaling based on the connection type.

Rating: 4.8

Pros

• Universal compatibility works seamlessly with USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 connections with automatic speed optimization.
• Professional-grade aircraft aluminum construction with patent-pending heat sink design ensures reliable performance under demanding workloads.
• Future-proof design supports current NVMe SSDs up to 8TB and will accommodate larger capacities as technology advances.

Cons

• Maximum performance is limited to connection type, with Thunderbolt 3 systems restricted to 20Gbps rather than full 40Gbps speeds.
• Substantial size and weight compared to traditional portable SSDs may not suit users prioritizing ultra-portability.
• Requires investment in high-quality NVMe SSD to achieve advertised performance levels, increasing total system cost.

Who is this for?

Professional users with mixed system environments who need a single high-performance storage solution that works optimally across USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 connections.

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ProGrade Digital PG10

ProGrade Digital’s flagship external SSD delivers professional-grade performance with sustained write speeds that don’t drop during extended transfers. Available in capacities up to 8TB, it’s designed specifically for demanding video workflows and high-volume photo editing.

Rating: 4.8

Pros

• Exceptional sustained write speeds of 2,000MB/s (4TB/8TB) with no cache depletion during long transfers
• Professional dual heat sink design prevents thermal throttling during intensive workflows like 8K video editing
• Power-sensing LED indicator alerts users when the host device isn’t providing the recommended 15W for optimal performance

Cons

• Premium pricing reflects professional positioning and specialized workflow optimization features
• Requires USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connections to achieve maximum performance specifications
• Larger physical footprint compared to consumer portable SSDs due to professional cooling requirements

Specs

• Interface: USB4 (40Gbps), compatible with Thunderbolt 4/3
• Read Speed: Up to 2,500MB/s (v1), 3,000MB/s (v2)
• Write Speed: Up to 2,500MB/s (v1), 3,000MB/s (v2)
• Sustained Write: 1,500MB/s (2TB), 2,000MB/s (4TB/8TB)
• Capacities: 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
• Construction: Dual internal heat sink design
• Power: 15W recommended, LED indicator
• Software: Refresh Pro compatibility for health monitoring
• Warranty: 3 years
• Includes: Rugged carrying case, certified USB4 cable

Who is this for?

Professional videographers and photographers working with 8K footage, ProRes workflows, and multi-TB file transfers who need guaranteed sustained performance without thermal throttling.

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External SSD Enclosures

External enclosures let you build custom portable storage solutions using standard M.2 NVMe SSDs. This approach offers flexibility in choosing capacity, performance, and price while often providing better value than pre-built drives. You can upgrade the internal SSD as needed and choose from a wide range of interface options.

Budget

TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus

TerraMaster’s compact enclosure transforms any M.2 NVMe SSD into a portable external drive. The aluminum construction provides good heat dissipation while the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface delivers solid 1,000MB/s performance at an affordable price point.

Rating: 3.9

Pros

• Supports any standard M.2 2242/2260/2280 SSD
• Tool-free SSD installation
• Excellent value compared to pre-built drives
• Compact aluminum design with heat dissipation

Cons

• Limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (1,000MB/s)
• No IP rating for environmental protection
• SSD must be purchased separately

Who is this for?

Budget-conscious creators who need flexibility in choosing their own SSDs, who don’t require maximum speed.

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Sabrent EC-SNVE

A simple, affordable enclosure that gets the job done without frills. The Sabrent EC-SNVE offers USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds and tool-free installation in a compact design that’s perfect for basic portable storage needs.

Rating: 3.9

Pros

• Very affordable entry point for DIY external storage
• Tool-free SSD installation
• Compact and lightweight design
• Works with any M.2 NVMe SSD

Cons

• Basic plastic construction
• Limited to 1,000MB/s speeds
• No advanced features or software

Who is this for?

Users who want the most affordable way to convert an internal SSD to external storage.

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Best

ORICO M.2 Enclosure

An affordable USB 3.1 Gen 2 NVMe enclosure that offers solid performance and transparent design aesthetics. Available in multiple variants, including 10Gbps, 20Gbps, and USB4 models to suit different budgets and performance needs.

Rating: 4.1

Pros

• Budget-friendly pricing makes high-speed NVMe storage accessible to more users without significant investment.
• Tool-free installation process with clear transparent design allows easy SSD installation and visual confirmation.
• Multiple connectivity options available, including standard USB 3.1, 20Gbps, and USB4 variants for different use cases.

Cons

• Build quality feels less premium than aluminum alternatives with plastic construction that may crack under stress.
• Heat management can be problematic during sustained transfers, especially with high-performance NVMe SSDs installed.
• Performance inconsistencies were reported across different models, with some users experiencing disconnection issues during heavy use.

Who is this for?

Budget-conscious users who want to repurpose existing NVMe SSDs or need affordable external storage without requiring premium build quality or maximum performance.

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Satechi USB4 NVMe SSD Pro

A premium USB4 enclosure featuring an elegant design and professional performance. The Satechi enclosure combines aluminum construction with polycarbonate casing for optimal heat dissipation and delivers up to 3,840MB/s transfer speeds with tool-free installation.

Rating: 4.2

Pros

• Tool-free installation with a silicone pin system allows easy SSD swapping without screwdrivers or tools
• Premium aluminum and polycarbonate construction provide excellent heat dissipation while maintaining elegant aesthetics
• Wide compatibility supports USB4, Thunderbolt 5/4/3 interfaces with backward compatibility to USB 3.2 and 2.0

Cons

• Premium pricing puts it in competition with pre-built professional SSDs rather than budget enclosures
• Not compatible with double-sided NVMe SSDs or drives with pre-installed heat sinks
• Short included USB4 cable may require additional cable purchase for optimal device placement

Specs

• Interface: USB4 (40Gbps), Thunderbolt 5/4/3 compatible
• Max Speed: Up to 3,840MB/s read, 3,200MB/s write
• SSD Support: M.2 NVMe 2280/2260/2242/2230, up to 8TB
• Construction: Aluminum with polycarbonate thermal case
• Installation: Tool-free with silicone pin system
• Dimensions: 4.4 × 2.7 × 0.9 inches (112 × 69 × 23mm)
• Weight: 7 oz (197g)
• Includes: USB4 cable (5.9″/15cm), thermal pad, clear case
• Compatibility: Mac, PC, Linux, iPad
• Warranty: 2 years

Who is this for?

Creative professionals who want the flexibility of choosing their own NVMe SSD while maintaining premium build quality and maximum USB4 performance.

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UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 Enclosure

A feature-rich USB4 enclosure with active cooling that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. The UGREEN enclosure features intelligent thermal management and premium aluminum construction for sustained high-speed operation.

Rating: 4.2

Pros

• Intelligent PWM cooling fan automatically adjusts speed based on temperature, keeping SSDs up to 20°C cooler during intensive transfers
• ASM2464PD chipset provides excellent compatibility across USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3, and backward compatibility to USB 2.0
• S.M.A.R.T. monitoring with TRIM optimization ensures data security and maintains optimal SSD performance over time

Cons

• An active cooling fan generates noise that may be distracting in quiet environments compared to fanless alternatives
• Slightly larger footprint than passive enclosures due to internal cooling system and ventilation requirements
• Premium pricing compared to basic USB 3.2 enclosures, though competitive for USB4 performance levels

Specs

• Interface: USB4 (40Gbps), Thunderbolt 4/3 compatible
• Max Speed: Up to 3,800MB/s read, 3,000MB/s write
• SSD Support: M.2 NVMe M-Key/B+M-Key 2280/2260/2242/2230, up to 8TB
• Chipset: ASMedia ASM2464PD with USB4/Thunderbolt certification
• Cooling: PWM intelligent turbo fan with automatic speed control
• Construction: Aluminum alloy with thermal pads
• Features: S.M.A.R.T., TRIM, UASP support
• Dimensions: 4.5 × 2.1 × 0.8 inches (115 × 53 × 20mm)
• Includes: Anti-drop silicone case, USB4 cable, installation tools
• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
• Warranty: Not specified

Who is this for?

Power users and content creators who need maximum USB4 performance with active cooling for sustained workloads like 8K video editing or large file transfers.

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Ultimate

CalDigit Tuff Nano Plus 2TB

The pinnacle of rugged portable storage, this military-grade SSD features IP67 waterproofing, 3-meter drop protection, and blazing-fast NVMe performance. Pre-loaded with a premium SSD and optimized for professional workflows, it’s built to survive the harshest environments while delivering consistent 1,088 MB/s speeds.

Rating: 4.8

Pros

• Military-tested durability with IP67 certification for complete dust and water resistance up to 1 meter depth
• Exceptional sustained performance at 1,088 MB/s read speeds with no throttling during extended use
• Premium all-aluminum construction with protective rubber bumper and included carrying case

Cons

• Premium pricing reflects professional-grade build quality and features
• Slightly larger than basic portable drives due to rugged construction
• Pre-formatted for macOS, requiring Windows users to reformat before use

Specs

• Capacity: 2TB
• Interface: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
• Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB-C, USB-A (with adapter)
• Performance: Up to 1,088 MB/s read, up to 1,000 MB/s write
• Durability: IP67 rated, 3-meter drop tested, MIL-STD tested
• Dimensions: 4.01″ x 2.14″ x 0.57″ (10.19 x 5.44 x 1.45 cm)
• Weight: 0.22 lbs (100g)
• Warranty: 2 years
• Included: USB-C to USB-C cable, carrying case, rubber protective bumper

Who is this for?

Professional photographers, videographers, and content creators who need maximum durability and performance for mission-critical work in challenging environments.

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Acasis TBU405

A professional-grade Thunderbolt 4 enclosure that combines maximum performance with robust build quality. The TBU405 delivers consistent 2,500MB/s+ speeds while maintaining excellent thermal management for sustained professional use.

Rating: 4.7

Pros

• Thunderbolt 4 interface for maximum compatibility
• Excellent sustained performance with thermal management
• Professional build quality at competitive pricing
• Supports the latest M.2 NVMe SSDs

Cons

• Limited to Thunderbolt-equipped devices
• Higher cost than USB alternatives
• Professional features may be unnecessary for casual use

Who is this for?

Professional content creators who need Thunderbolt performance with better value than premium brand alternatives.

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LaCie Rugged SSD 2TB

A professional-grade rugged SSD combining Seagate FireCuda NVMe performance with military-standard durability. Built for content creators who need reliable speeds for 4K video workflows and extreme IP67 protection, this palm-sized drive delivers consistent performance with comprehensive data protection services.

Rating: 4.6

Pros

• Solid NVMe performance up to 1,050 MB/s with Seagate FireCuda technology for smooth 4K video editing
• Extreme durability featuring IP67 waterproofing, 3-meter drop resistance, and 2-ton crush protection
• Complete professional package includes 5-year warranty, Rescue Data Recovery Services, and Adobe Creative Cloud membership

Cons

• Performance is limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds rather than higher-end Thunderbolt interfaces
• No port cover protection, despite an IP67 rating, may allow dust accumulation over time
• Higher price point compared to basic portable SSDs without professional features

Specs

• Capacity: 2TB
• Interface: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), Thunderbolt 3 compatible
• Performance: Up to 1,050 MB/s read, up to 1,000 MB/s write
• Durability: IP67 rated, 3-meter drop tested, 2-ton crush-resistant
• Dimensions: 3.85″ x 2.55″ x 0.66″ (9.8 x 6.5 x 1.7 cm)
• Weight: 0.22 lbs (100g)
• Security: Seagate Secure self-encrypting technology
• Warranty: 5 years with Rescue Data Recovery Services
• Included: USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, Adobe Creative Cloud (1 month)

Who is this for?

Professional photographers, videographers, and content creators who need reliable 4K video performance with military-grade durability for field work.

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Complete Comparison Chart

Notes:

• *Maximum speed depends on the installed SSD performance for enclosure-only products
• All weights are approximate and may vary by capacity
• Prices shown are typical retail ranges and may vary by retailer
• Interface compatibility: USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 are backward compatible with USB-C
• All products include USB-C cables; some include additional adapter cables

FAQs

Should I buy a pre-built external SSD or build my own with an enclosure? Pre-built drives offer convenience, warranty coverage, and guaranteed compatibility. Enclosures provide flexibility, better value, and upgrade potential. Choose pre-built for simplicity, enclosures for customization, and cost savings.

How fast should my external SSD be for 4K video editing? For smooth 4K editing, aim for at least 1,000MB/s sustained transfer speeds. The Samsung T9 (2,000MB/s) and Crucial X10 Pro (2,100MB/s) provide excellent headroom for demanding codecs like ProRes. For 8K workflows, consider Thunderbolt enclosures like the OWC Express 1M2.

Do I need Thunderbolt, or is USB 3.2 sufficient? USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) handles most creative workflows, including 4K video editing. Thunderbolt 3/4 (40Gbps) benefits users working with 8K footage, large RAW photo batches, or multiple high-resolution streams simultaneously. The OWC Envoy Pro FX offers both options.

What are the advantages of external enclosures over pre-built drives? Enclosures let you choose your own SSD for better performance or value, upgrade capacity later, and often cost less than equivalent pre-built drives. The TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus, equipped with a quality M.2 SSD, usually outperforms more expensive pre-built options.

How important is durability for portable SSDs? Very important for field work. Look for IP ratings (water/dust resistance) and drop certification. The Samsung T7 Shield (IP65, 9.8ft drops) and Crucial X10 (IP65) handle outdoor shooting conditions. Most enclosures lack environmental protection, so factor this into your decision.

What capacity should I choose for photo and video work? For photographers: 1-2TB handles large RAW libraries. For videographers: 2TB minimum for 4K projects, 4TB+ for longer productions. The Crucial X10’s 8TB option suits users with massive archives or multiple active projects.

Can I use external enclosures with any M.2 SSD? Most enclosures support standard M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, but check compatibility. Some support multiple sizes (2242, 2260, 2280). Performance depends on both the enclosure’s interface and the chosen SSD’s capabilities.

Are external SSDs reliable for long-term storage? While more reliable than mechanical drives, SSDs aren’t ideal for long-term archival storage. Use external SSDs for active projects and working files, then archive to cloud storage or traditional drives. Most external SSDs include 3-5 year warranties.

How do I secure sensitive client data on portable drives? Look for hardware encryption support. The Samsung T7 Touch offers fingerprint authentication, while the Crucial X10 Pro and OWC Envoy Pro FX support password-based AES 256-bit encryption. Always enable security features for client work.

What’s the difference between sequential and random performance? Sequential speeds (like 2,000MB/s) apply to large file transfers. Random performance affects small file operations and general responsiveness. For video editing and large file transfers, focus on sequential speeds. For running applications directly from the drive, random performance matters more.

Should I buy now or wait for USB4 drives? Current USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives like the Samsung T9 and Crucial X10 Pro offer excellent performance for most creative workflows. USB4 drives provide more headroom but at a higher cost. Unless you’re working with 8K footage regularly, today’s drives are more than sufficient.

Do I need Thunderbolt, or is USB 3.2 sufficient? USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) handles most creative workflows, including 4K video editing. Thunderbolt 3/4 (40Gbps) benefits users working with 8K footage, large RAW photo batches, or multiple high-resolution streams simultaneously. The OWC Envoy Pro FX offers both options.

Can I use these drives with older computers? Most external SSDs work with older USB ports, but at reduced speeds. USB 3.0 limits performance to around 500MB/s regardless of the drive’s capability. The OWC Envoy Pro FX includes USB-A adapters for maximum compatibility.

Do I need software for external SSDs? Most drives work plug-and-play without software. Samsung includes Samsung Magician for monitoring and optimization. OWC provides a Drive Guide for formatting and security setup. Third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo can monitor drive health.

What’s the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 enclosures? Both offer 40Gbps bandwidth, but Thunderbolt 4 provides better compatibility, universal USB4 support, and stricter certification requirements. For pure speed, they’re equivalent, but Thunderbolt 4 ensures future compatibility with new computers.

The post Best External SSDs – Top Picks for Photographers & Videographers appeared first on Imaging Resource.

NAS systems typically combine multiple drives to appear as one large storage device. Depending on configuration, they can create systems faster than desktop drives or increase data redundancy so drive failures don’t destroy your work-some do both.

While traditionally built around physical hard drives, modern NAS systems support SSDs or SSD/hard drive combinations. This hybrid approach speeds up data transfer while keeping costs lower than all-SSD configurations.

Even for solo users, a NAS provides massive storage and data redundancy peace of mind. Many home NAS systems include media streaming features, letting you stream TV and movies throughout your network.

Whether you’re editing 8K video, archiving photo libraries, or need expandable secure storage, a NAS is the ultimate hub for creative workflows.

Our picks at a glance

Key Takeaways

If you’re just starting, the Synology DS220+ and TerraMaster F2-423 offer a balance of performance and simplicity, while the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS923+ provide more expandability and faster networking capabilities. For professionals who require uncompromising performance, the QNAP TVS-h874 delivers enterprise-grade features for fixed installations. The OWC Jellyfish Nomad provides excellent performance in a portable form factor specifically designed for professional video workflows and mobile production teams.

Why Trust Us?

As a photographer and video editor for several decades now, I’ve built NAS and other storage solutions and helped other photographers and videographers purchase and set up NAS solutions for their studios. 

The Imaging Resource staff has been reviewing and using photo and video storage solutions for decades, from external drives to studio-grade servers.

With some of these units, we have tested similar products from the same company, sometimes previous versions, or models with lower capacity. Where we have not performed hands-on testing, we have worked with our content creator partners to vet these products for your own files.

We never accept payment for placement, and even though our articles contain affiliate links, they do not influence our editorial rankings.

Best NAS devices: Our top picks

Synology’s entry-level 2-bay strikes the right balance of simplicity and capability. DSM’s effortless setup, excellent first-party apps (Hyper Backup, Drive, Photos), and quiet operation make it ideal for creators who want dependable backups and light media serving without complicated setup headaches.

TerraMaster’s budget powerhouse packs impressive specs into an affordable package. With dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, and 4GB of expandable RAM, the F2-425 delivers excellent value for creators who want faster networking and SSD caching without premium pricing.

QNAP’s TS-464 packs flexibility into a compact 4-bay design, featuring dual 2.5GbE ports for fast data transfer, two NVMe slots for caching, and a PCIe slot for add-ons like 10GbE or extra USB ports. Creators can also leverage the HDMI output for direct Plex box or on-site previews without the need for a separate PC.

The DS224+ brings Synology’s polished DSM software experience to a powerful 2-bay desogm. With its Intel quad-core processor, video transcoding capabilities, and dual Gigabit ports, it’s perfect for creators who want Synology’s software excellence with enough power for Plex and light virtualization work.

The DS923+ brings Synology’s best 4-bay platform to photographers, featuring a fast Ryzen CPU, up to 32 GB of RAM, dual NVMe slots (now usable for storage with DSM 7.2), and optional 10GbE connectivity via an add-on card. Pair it with Synology Photos and Hyper Backup for a polished, integrated workflow that scales.

For studios and power users, the TVS-h874 is a powerhouse: featuring up to 8 SATA bays, desktop-class Intel Core CPUs, multiple PCIe slots for GPUs or 10/25GbE, and ZFS-based QuTS hero for data integrity. It’s built to handle multi-user 4K/8K editing, virtualization, and serious backup workloads.

With four hot-swap bays and dual 2.5GbE ports, the AS5304T is a growth-friendly NAS for home offices and entry-level video creators. If you like streaming media, it’s fast enough for multi-stream 4K Plex, and ADM’s app store covers backups, cloud sync, and surveillance software.

Comparison Chart

Why Photographers and Videographers Need a NAS

Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices are more than just fancy hard drives. They offer central, always-on storage across your network, allowing you to organize, stream, and protect your images and videos without manually plugging in external drives.

Instead of copying files between laptops and workstations, a NAS provides access to your full archive from any computer or device on your network. Many systems also support remote access, automatic backups, and expandable storage. For creatives working with 4K+ video, RAW photo archives, or collaborative teams, a NAS becomes the heart of a modern workflow.

NAS vs. Regular Drives

Direct-attached storage, such as USB or Thunderbolt drives, works well for single-user editing but falls short when shared access or automation is required. NAS devices reside on your network, supporting multiple users, built-in RAID for redundancy, and smart tools such as scheduled backups and cloud sync.

While external SSDs are ideal for editing on the go, a NAS is built for long-term management of your creative library. Whether you’re accessing ProRes masters from an editing suite or backing up a Lightroom catalog from your laptop, a NAS does it without cables or hassle.

HDD vs. SSD in a NAS

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) offer a great price per terabyte, making them ideal for bulk storage, archiving, and backups. They’re slower than SSDs, but perfectly fine for most read/write operations.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster and better suited for live editing workflows, especially when working with large video files. Some NAS units allow you to mix both-using SSDs for cache acceleration and HDDs for deep storage-delivering both speed and affordability.

RAID and Redundancy

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) lets you combine multiple drives into one volume that’s faster, more reliable, or both. RAID 1 mirrors your data across two drives, RAID 5 offers performance and single-drive fault tolerance, and RAID 6 protects against two simultaneous drive failures.

RAID helps avoid downtime and data loss due to hardware failure, but it’s not a backup-always keep off-site or cloud copies of your most critical files.

FAQs: Understanding NAS

Q: What is RAID, and why does it matter?

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining multiple hard drives into a single storage pool. Some RAID levels improve speed, while others provide redundancy to protect against drive failure.

Q: What is 10GbE networking?

10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) is a high-speed network connection that’s 10x faster than standard 1GbE. It’s useful for video editing and transferring large files directly from your NAS.

Q: What are hot-swappable bays?

Hot-swappable bays allow you to replace a hard drive without shutting down your NAS. This is critical for uptime and protecting your data in RAID setups.

Q: Can I use a NAS as a media server?

Yes, many NAS devices can run Plex or similar media server software, letting you stream movies, music, and photos to TVs, computers, and mobile devices.

Q: Do I need SSDs for my NAS?

No, but SSDs can speed up caching and improve performance. For most users, large-capacity HDDs are the best value for bulk storage, with SSDs added as cache drives.

Q: How much should I spend on a NAS?

Budget NAS systems ($200-400) work well for basic file storage and light media streaming. Mid-range options ($400-800) add faster networking and more advanced features. Professional systems ($800+) offer enterprise features and maximum performance.

Q: Which brand should I choose?

Synology offers the most polished software experience but at premium pricing. QNAP provides excellent hardware value with more technical features. TerraMaster delivers strong hardware specs at budget prices. Asustor offers good middle-ground options with growing software ecosystems.

NAS Terms Glossary

NAS: Network-Attached Storage – a dedicated device connected to your network that stores and shares files across multiple devices.

RAID: Redundant Array of Independent Disks – a system that spreads or duplicates data across multiple drives for performance or redundancy.

10GbE: 10-Gigabit Ethernet – a high-speed network standard ten times faster than standard 1 GbE, ideal for large video files and multiple users.

M.2 SSD: A compact solid-state drive format often used for caching in NAS devices to speed up frequently accessed data.

SHR: Synology Hybrid RAID – a flexible RAID configuration unique to Synology that simplifies drive mixing and expansion.

DSM: DiskStation Manager – Synology’s NAS operating system, known for its intuitive interface and powerful apps.

Cache: Temporary storage that helps speed up access to frequently used files or tasks.

ECC RAM: Error-Correcting Code memory – a type of RAM that detects and corrects data corruption, critical for high-reliability systems.

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