Published: February 21, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, capturing memories through photos and videos becomes a priority for many. However, with the increasing quality of images and videos, storage can quickly become an issue. This is where external SSDs come into play. They not only provide ample space but also ensure that your precious memories are stored safely and can be accessed quickly. Choosing the right external SSD can enhance your experience, making it easier to back up and share your holiday snaps with friends and family.
When selecting the best external SSD for your holiday snaps, consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, durability, and compatibility with your devices. It's essential to choose a drive that not only meets your storage needs but also offers reliability and ease of use.
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is your perfect companion for capturing and storing those holiday memories. With a sleek silver design and ultra-compact size, it’s easy to toss in your bag or pocket. It supports Apple ProRes and boasts impressive speeds of up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, making it ideal for quickly transferring your high-resolution photos and videos. Plus, it’s IP65 dust and water-resistant, so you can take it on all your adventures without worry. Whether you're shooting with your iPhone 15/16 or just need extra storage for your laptop, this SSD has got you covered.
Users rave about its compact size and speed, making it a go-to for both casual and professional use. Many appreciate its durability, especially when travelling or shooting outdoors.
The Lexar Professional Go 1TB Portable SSD is an impressive storage solution for professionals and everyday users alike. Its ultra-compact design makes it easy to carry, and with up to 1050MB/s read speeds, it handles large files effortlessly. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity ensures fast, reliable transfers, and the IP65 dust and water resistance adds durability for on-the-go use.
- DanielleThis is a fantastic storage solution for anyone in need of high-speed, durable, and compact external storage. The SSD boasts impressive read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s, which means it can handle large files and intensive data transfers with ease. The inclusion of a hub is a nice touch, making it easy to connect multiple peripherals without additional adapters.
- AmazonianPerfect for capturing holiday snaps, storing videos from your adventures, or simply expanding your device's storage capacity. It’s versatile enough for everyday use or special occasions.
Current Price: £179.99
Rating: 4.1 (Total: 96+)
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The Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable External SSD is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to store their holiday snaps and more. With lightning-fast read speeds of up to 2100MB/s and write speeds of 2000MB/s, you can transfer your high-resolution photos and videos in a flash. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the dust and water resistance means you can take it on all your adventures without a second thought. Whether you're backing up your memories or working on a creative project, this SSD is a reliable companion that won’t let you down.
Users love the speed and reliability of the Crucial X10 Pro, often highlighting its compact size and impressive performance for both everyday use and larger projects. Many find it indispensable for transferring large files quickly.
Easy to use, very small, very fast. Ideal for data backup, use with mobile phone, large video projects or just as general storage. Its very fast and reliable. This is the 2nd of the Crucial Pro SSD lineup I have, not one issue or fault. I often write and remove 400-500GB at a time, very speedy. Would recommend!
- MBrilliant piece of kit, attached via USB 3.1 to laptop the files fly. Why do we still struggle with SATA6 on internal discs - only for capacity, SSD is the way to go for speed.
- Mr B.This SSD is perfect for capturing and storing your holiday memories, transferring large video files, or simply expanding your storage for everyday use. It's versatile enough for both casual and professional needs.
Current Price: £149.99
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 4263+)
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The Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 1TB Portable External SSD is a solid choice for anyone looking to keep their holiday snaps safe and sound. With impressive read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s, you can quickly transfer your high-resolution photos and videos without any hassle. Its lightweight and compact design means it fits easily in your bag, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Plus, with its IP55 water and dust resistance, you can take it along on all your adventures without worrying about the elements. Whether you're backing up your memories or working on creative projects, this SSD is a reliable companion that you can count on.
Users rave about the Crucial X9 Pro's speed and reliability, often mentioning its compact size and impressive performance for both everyday use and larger projects. Many find it essential for transferring large files quickly and efficiently.
Top notch. I've been using Crucial SSDs for many years and they've always performed as claimed and been totally reliable. This one matches the standard.
- Alan MawdsleyThis small SSD is a great add-on for a Mac to edit 4K videos, store a library of RAW images or provide you with a Time Machine backup. It achieves respectable speeds and is very portable.
- leokThis SSD is perfect for capturing and storing your holiday memories, transferring large video files, or simply expanding your storage for everyday use. It's versatile enough for both casual and professional needs.
Current Price: £88.99
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 3180+)
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The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to keep their holiday snaps safe and easily accessible. With a generous 1 TB of storage and lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, transferring your cherished memories is a breeze. Its sleek and compact design means it fits right in your pocket, making it the perfect travel companion. Plus, with its durable build, you can take it on all your adventures without worrying about bumps or drops. Whether you're backing up photos from your latest trip or working on creative projects, this SSD is a reliable choice you can trust.
Users consistently praise the Samsung T7 for its impressive speed and portability. Many find it essential for transferring large files quickly and efficiently, making it a go-to choice for both casual users and professionals alike.
The speed of this SSD is mind-blowing. It has revolutionized the way I work with large files and made data backup a breeze. The compact design is perfect for on-the-go use.
- fulvio OrnatoThis little device has completely transformed my storage experience. Transferring files is a breeze, and the compact design allows me to carry all my important files wherever I need to be.
- Oliver BThis SSD is ideal for capturing and storing your holiday memories, transferring large video files, or simply expanding your storage for everyday use. It's versatile enough for both casual and professional needs.
Current Price: £95.99
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 35125+)
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The Samsung T9 Portable SSD is a brilliant choice for anyone looking to keep their holiday snaps safe and sound. With a spacious 1TB of storage and impressive speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, transferring your cherished memories is quick and hassle-free. Its compact and lightweight design means it easily fits in your pocket, making it the ideal travel companion. Plus, it's drop-resistant up to 3 metres, so you can take it on all your adventures without a second thought. Whether you're backing up photos from your latest getaway or working on creative projects, this SSD is a dependable option you can rely on.
Users rave about the Samsung T9 for its incredible speed and portability. Many find it essential for transferring large files quickly and efficiently, making it a top choice for both casual users and professionals alike.
I previously bought a Lacie hard drive to back up my old Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, but it failed after hours of trying. I switched to the Samsung T9, and it made transferring 450GB of data a breeze in just over an hour. It's compact, about the size of a card holder, and incredibly fast.
- FeksThis little drive is so small and works perfectly. It’s much faster than my old hard drive, and I love how easy it is to use right out of the box. It sorted a tricky backup situation for me without any fuss.
- DungeonThis SSD is perfect for capturing and storing your holiday memories, transferring large video files, or simply expanding your storage for everyday use. It's versatile enough for both casual and professional needs.
Current Price: £104.99
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 353+)
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The Toshiba Canvio Partner is a fantastic option for anyone looking to keep their holiday snaps safe and sound. With 1TB of storage, you can easily store thousands of photos and videos from your adventures. Its USB 3.2 connectivity ensures speedy transfers, so you won't be waiting around to back up your memories. Plus, it's lightweight and compact, making it a breeze to carry along on your travels. Whether you're consolidating files from various devices or simply need extra space, this hard drive has got you covered.
Users appreciate the Toshiba Canvio Partner for its reliability and speed. Many find it essential for transferring large files quickly, making it a top choice for both casual users and those with more demanding storage needs.
I must say I'm very pleased with this excellent little unit. It's small, USB powered, fast, stores a huge amount of data and is made by Toshiba (a make I trust). Speed-wise it's great for what I need it for. It's fast; very fast, and is the fastest drive I own.
- ZedThis hard drive has exceeded all my expectations regarding performance, portability, and ease of use. The setup was incredibly straightforward. I just plugged it in, and it was ready to go. The USB 3.2 connectivity ensures blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
- AlexThis hard drive is perfect for backing up your holiday memories, transferring files between devices, or simply expanding your storage for everyday use. It's versatile enough for both casual and professional needs.
Current Price: £52.49
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 106,565+)
Buy NowWhen selecting an external SSD for your holiday photos, you should consider storage capacity, speed, and durability. Look for a drive that offers enough space to accommodate all your images and videos, especially if you plan to shoot in high resolution. Speed is crucial for quick file transfers, so opt for SSDs with high read and write speeds, ideally above 1000MB/s. Additionally, since you'll likely be travelling, choose a model that is rugged and resistant to dust and water, ensuring your data stays safe in various environments.
To ensure your photos are securely stored on your external SSD, always use the 'Eject' option before physically disconnecting the drive from your device. This helps prevent data corruption. It's also wise to keep a backup of your important files, either on another external drive or in cloud storage. Regularly check the health of your SSD using manufacturer software, if available, to catch any potential issues early. Lastly, consider using encryption features if your SSD supports them, adding an extra layer of security for your sensitive data.
Yes, you can use an external SSD with your smartphone, especially if it supports USB-C connections. Many modern smartphones, including the latest iPhone models, can connect to external drives for additional storage. Make sure to check compatibility and consider using an SSD that comes with adapters or hubs for easier connection. When transferring photos, ensure you have the right apps installed to manage files effectively, and always safely eject the drive after use to protect your data.
In conclusion, investing in a reliable external SSD can significantly enhance your ability to store and manage your holiday memories. With options ranging from budget-friendly to high-performance models, you can find the perfect SSD that fits your needs. Whether you're a casual photographer or a professional content creator, these external SSDs will ensure that your holiday snaps are safe, secure, and easily accessible.
| Product | Image | Rating | Highlights | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with HUB 1TB | |
4.1/5 (96 reviews) | Up to 1050MB/s Read, 1000MB/s Write, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Dust and Water Resistant. | Ultra-compact, fast transfer speeds, durable. | Can overheat during heavy use. | £179.99 |
| Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable External SSD | |
4.3/5 (4,263 reviews) | Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, USB-C 3.2, Dust and Water Resistant. | High speed, large capacity, portable. | Requires USB 3.2 for maximum speed. | £149.99 |
| Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 1TB Portable External SSD | |
4.4/5 (3,180 reviews) | Up to 1050MB/s Read/Write, IP55 Water and Dust Resistant. | Mac-ready, compact design. | Limited to Mac compatibility. | £88.99 |
| Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB | |
4.7/5 (35,125 reviews) | Up to 1050MB/s Read, 1000MB/s Write, USB 3.2 Gen.2. | Fast, compact, durable. | Limited to USB 3.0 speeds. | £95.99 |
| Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB | |
4.7/5 (353 reviews) | Up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Drop resistant. | High speed, rugged design. | Requires compatible devices for full speed. | £104.99 |
| Toshiba Canvio Partner 1TB Portable External Hard Drive | |
4.6/5 (106,565 reviews) | USB 3.2, compatible with Mac & Windows. | Affordable, reliable. | Mechanical drive, slower than SSDs. | £52.49 |