Are you trying to find thunderbolt drives among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling thunderbolt drives on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 18 hours of research and did 36 thunderbolt drives tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best thunderbolt drives you can buy today
- Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s(1) read and 2500MB/s(1) write with Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps), capable of moving 50GB in 1 minute or less
- Dual-mode compatibility with both Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB-C (10Gbps)
- Ultra-rugged design with high-level IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb crush resistance, and 3m drop resistance (On a carpeted concrete floor.)
- Cool aluminum core pulls heat away from the internal drive to help maintain super-fast transfer speeds
- Pro-grade enclosure for premium strength you can feel
- Drive Format: Mac ready (APFS)
- Always Works: The Rocket nano XTRM (SB-XTMN) is designed with maximum performance in mind with its Thunderbolt 3 transfer mode, but it’s also compatible with older USB systems. You can plug it into just about anything and get reliable results. Share away.
- Speed To Keep Up: Don’t settle for low compatibility and slow connections: the Rocket nano XTRM’s Thunderbolt 3 mode connects at 40Gbps for transfer speeds of up to 2700MBps. This is blazing fast, but the USB mode also transfers at up to 900MBps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) and has backward compatibility.
- Rugged Portability: The SB-XTMN is meant to be taken on the go, designed to be small and able to handle the hazards of travel. The solid aluminum body helps with heat dissipation and improves durability. An optional, included silicon sleeve can further protect from drops and harsh environments.
- Convenience At Your Fingertips: This portable SSD is designed to never get in your way. It’s plug and play with no drivers required, and is bus-powered. There’s no need to buy extra cables as it comes with both Thunderbolt and USB-C to USB-A cables to fit all of your devices.
- It’s Sabrent: The Rocket nano XTRM is designed to work with Windows and macOS systems. It will also operate with other compatible Thunderbolt and USB devices.
- Turbocharged Speeds: Achieve sustained transfer rates up to 2800 MB/s, turning hours of work into minutes.
- Versatile Connectivity: Multi-mode compatibility with any USB or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 host ensures seamless collaboration across devices.
- Rugged Endurance: Built tough with MIL-Standard 810 protection rating, it stands resilient in any environment.
- Cool Under Fire: The cooling aluminum core helps maintain proper internal temperature, even under the most demanding workloads.
- Peace Of Mind: Backed by a 3-Year OYEN DIGITAL Warranty and USA support staff.
- Reputable: Driven by the ASMedia ASM2464PD controller, which has USB-IF and Thunderbolt 4 Certification
- Speedy storage for photos, games, videos and more: Read speeds up to 1,050MB/s
- Space for all your favorites: Perfect for backups. 2TB holds up to 10,000 photos, 30 hours of family video, four AAA game titles, and 100GB of documents, with 200GB to spare
- PLUG-AND-PLAY COMPATIBILITY: Works with Xbox, PlayStation, Windows, Mac, Android, iPad and more; use included USB Type-C to C cable on USB 3.2 Gen2 supported devices for best speeds
- DURABLE: Drop proof up to 7.5 feet, extreme temperature, shock and vibration proof
- FREE photo management + PDF doc software: Get three months of Mylio Photos+ on us, one month of Adobe Acrobat Pro and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your Crucial X9
- Upgraded TB3/USB SSD: Discover the enhanced Sabrent XTRM Plus, our improved Thunderbolt 3 portable SSD. With a sleek, durable design, it’s perfect for on-the-go use. Just plug and play anywhere, anytime.
- Flexible High-Speed Performance: Achieve up to 2,700 MB/s with 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 or up to 900 MB/s in 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 fallback mode. Ideal for professional use with excellent sustained performance.
- Built To Last: We continue to build our products with the best materials possible. The Rocket XTRM Plus’s outer shell is made of aluminum to increase ruggedness and improve heat dissipation. A removable silicone sleeve provides additional protection.
- Complete Package: Includes a premium Thunderbolt 3 cable and a USB-A to USB-C cable for flexible connectivity. The drive is plug-and-play and bus-powered, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Universal Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, as well as other devices. Register your product on our website and access technical support as needed.
- Up to 6TB of space to back up and save your valuable project work. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Ultra-reliable 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drive inside for long-term storage and up to 250MB/s transfer speeds. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device & other factors.)
- PRO-BLADE SSD Mag slot (10Gbps) to easily add SSD capacity and performance for fast transfers, editing, and backup without adding to your workspace. (PRO-BLADE SSD Mag sold separately.)
- High-performance Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) interface and USB (10Gbps) compatibility.
- Color-coded cable indicators to connect the right cables and get the most out of your device performance.
- Performance for All: Over 1000MB/s to handle everything from pro projects to personal data backups
- Universally Compatible: Use with past, present, and future USB-C Macs, iPads, PCs, docks, and mobile devices
- Ultra-Portable: Palm-sized and bus-powered for convenient use anywhere
- Rugged and Fast: Aircraft-grade aluminum protects SSD while ensuring reliable performance
- Complete: Included USB-C cable plugs into millions of USB-C devices anywhere
- Worry-free: 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
- CROSS PLATFORM: The LaCie d2 Professional is the go-to external desktop hard drive for creatives using Mac/PC SSD-based laptops or all-in-one-computers with limited storage capacity.Specific uses: Business,Personal,Gaming
- FAST DATA: Easily edit and archive projects with massive massive capacity and speeds of up to 240MB/s
- FUTURE PROOF: Seamlessly connect to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 computers, enjoy reduced noise and vibration thanks to an aluminum form factor, and get ultimate reliability and performance with BarraCuda Pro enterprise-class drives
- BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY: Includes one-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan
- RECOVERY INCLUDED: Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included five-year limited warranty including Rescue Data Recovery Services
- Dual Drive USB C + USB A: Equipped with an USB-C port and USB-A 3.2 port,the Dual USB SSD flash drive allows you transfer data between smartphone/tablet and computer more conveniently. Instantly release space or quickly move pictures or movies on your OTG enabled Android Type C phone, tablet, MacBook, Windows computer, car audio system, smart TV and more.
- Ultra Fast High Speed: SSK USB 3.2 GEN 2 flash drive up to 550mb/s read speeds and 500mb/s write speed, which is 10 times faster than traditional USB 3.0 memory stick. Let you move high-resolution photos, videos fast and large-capacity files. Based on internal testing, performance may vary slightly due to factors such as host equipment, interfaces, and usage conditions.
- Plug and Play: Ultra dual drive supports plug and play, without any software installation. At the same time, USB stick storage can expand the capacity of phones and computer. It is convenient for everyone to use the mobile phone to directly read the flash drive for file sharing, data transmission, and video playback when working or studying. Work with most systems such as Windows / Android/ Macbook Pro and Mac OS. (incompatible with lightning port)
- Safe & Reliable: USB SSD drive is made of high-grade zinc alloy shell, which is resistant to falling and abrasion. The design of the double-head protective cover better protects the two interfaces. External memory stick have excellent shock resistance and fast heat dissipation performance to better protect your data.
- Universal Compatibility: High speed USB stick external storage compatible with computer equipment, smart TV, car audio, smart phones, iPhone 15, iPad, Laptops, Macbook and more. Backward-compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. Comes with default format EXFAT, it works with most systems such as Windows/Linux/Mac OS./Android(Incompatible with lightning port)
- Fantom Drives eXtreme Portable NVMe SSD is the perfect collision of Power and Speed. Equipped with Thunderbolt 3 technology and PCIe Generation 3 M.2 3D NAND NVMe, FD eXtreme is capable of handling all your creative needs including 6K and 8K videos. It is now possible to work, edit, and render large files inside eXtreme without having to wait
- The eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 NVMe SSD is an officially licensed and certified product that passes the stringent tests performed by Intel. With read speeds up to 2,800MB/s and write speeds up to 2,300MB/s, Fantom Drive eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 NVMe SSD is designed specifically in mind for Mac enthusiasts and production-level creative professionals that are searching for high-quality storage devices. eXtreme allows you to continue creating and transferring data instantly
- Built with high-quality aluminum -- legend has it that FD eXtreme is strong enough to stand against Thor's Mjölnir and durable enough to tackle everyday storage challenges. The full metal body design with slick sand blasted finish provides the ultimate protection for your crucial data. Measuring at 2.5” x 0.5" x 4.25”, Fantom Drives eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 SSD is portable and can fit in any pocket. No power supply is needed
- Fantom Drives eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 is designed to alleviate any NVMe heat issues and allow proper cooling to extend its life and maximize its technological functionality. This product features Thermal Dissipation Technology which transfers heat exuding from the NVMe to a thermal pad. The produced heat from the NVMe is then dissipated to each edge of the device. FD eXtreme grooved edges are inspired by the design of a CPU heat sink and its efficiency
- eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 SSD comes formatted APFS and is compatible with Mac OS 10.13 or higher. eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 SSD comes with easy instructions to format to HFS+ (if Mac OS version is lower than 10.13) and NTFS for Windows. IMPORTANT: Thunderbolt 3 drives only work with Thunderbolt 3 ports. eXtreme Thunderbolt 3 SSD is covered with best in class 5 year warranty.
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.13 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
- SUPPORTS iPHONE 15: ProRes 4K at 30fps video and more
- Dual Drive USB Type C + USB A: Equipped with an USB-C port and USB-A 3.2 port,SSK Dual USB SSD solid state drive allows you transfer data between smartphone/tablet and computer more conveniently. Instantly release space or quickly move pictures or movies on your OTG enabled Android Type C phone, tablet, MacBook, Windows computer, car audio system, smart TV and more.
- Ultra Fast Transfer Speed: SSK USB 3.2 Gen 2 Solid State SSD drive up to 550mb/s read speed and 500mb/s write speed, which is 10 times faster than traditional USB 3.0 flash drive and memory stick. Let you move high-resolution photos, videos and large-capacity files fast. Based on internal testing, performance may vary slightly due to factors such as host equipment, interfaces, and usage conditions.
- Plug and Play: SSK dual drive supports plug and play, without any software installation. At the same time, USB SSD stick can expand the capacity of phones and computer. It is convenient for everyone to use the mobile phone to directly read the thumb drive for file sharing, data transmission, and video playback when working or studying.
- Safe & Reliable: SSK USB SSD drive is made of high-grade zinc alloy shell, it has excellent shock resistance and fast heat dissipation performance to better protect your data. The design of the double-head protective cover better protects the two interfaces.
- Universal Compatibility: High speed USB stick external storage compatible with computer equipment, smart TV, car audio, smart phones, iPhone 15, iPad, Laptops, Macbook and more. Backward-compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. Comes with default format EXFAT, it works with most systems such as Windows/Linux/Mac OS./Android(Incompatible with lightning port)
- Enjoy high-speed file transfers and extreme in-field durability with Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C, an external hard drive
- For those who have a need for speed, transfer files with speeds of up to 130MB/s using the integrated Thunderbolt cable that seamlessly wraps around the enclosure when not in use
- Trek confidently with a portable external hard drive that’s drop, dust, and water resistant
- Includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with an included three-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services
- Ultra-Fast: Over 6000MB/s...up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4
- Ultra Maximizer: Gets the most speed possible from Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 machines
- Ultra Ready: Easily handle daily data needs to pro level creative projects while matching internal storage performance
- Ultra Compatible: Works with Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, and Surface devices
- Weatherproof: Protects data from dust, drops, and downpours
- Ultra Convenient: Bus-powered with built-in Thunderbolt cable
- Ultra Silent: Fanless, heat dissipating aluminum design
- 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
- Thunderbolt 3 Speed - Reach your creative potential with the Plugable external Thunderbolt 3 NVMe SSD. Offers 512 GB of storage with up to 2400+ MB/sec read and up to 1800+ MB/sec write speeds featuring 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 technology
- Performance - Great for professional content creators needing to transfer and edit high-res content, gamers who want high-performance external libraries, or admins who want to run virtual machines at performance levels not possible before Thunderbolt 3. This 512GB SSD is bus powered with no external power supply required
- Durable & Portable - Full metal body designed to dissipate heat and protect your portable hard drive. With no moving parts, never worry about losing your data on-the-go. Only slightly larger than a smartphone this SSD is ideal for travel or office use. This SSD NVMe is made to take anywhere with an included carrying bag
- Compatibility - Easy to use with any Thunderbolt 3 system. Drive is pre-formatted in exFAT for Windows, Linux, and Mac (late 2016-2019 MacBook Pro, 2017-2018 iMac/iMac Pro, 2018-2019 MacBook Air). Boot Camp not supported. Linux may have reduced performance in some scenarios. Does not support non-Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports. No drivers required
- 3 Year Warranty - We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. The TBT3-NVME512 is covered by a 36 month or 800 TBW limited warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
- Protect what matters with Rugged Secure’s AES-256 government-grade hardware encrypted password protection
- Shuttle large-scale projects with 2TB of capacity, and directly ingest files with fast speeds of up to 130MB/s
- Trek near or far with a portable hard drive that provides drop, crush, and rain resistance as well as Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB 3.0 compatibility
- Take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
![SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD - Up to 3000MB/s, Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps), USB-C (10Gbps), IP68 dust/Water Resistance, External Solid State Drive - SDPS31H-001T-GBC1D [exFAT Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31NprKr1Z2L.jpg "The 8 Best thunderbolt drives of %currentyear% 77")
- PC ready with exFAT format
- Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s read with Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Dual-mode compatibility with both Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB-C (10Gbps) verified to work with Intel EVO laptops and desktops.
- Ultra-rugged design with high-level IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb. crush resistance, and up to 3m drop protection (Based on internal testing.)
- Cool aluminum core pulls heat away from the internal drive to help maintain super-fast transfer speeds
- 3700MB/s Lightning Speed: Achieve outstanding performance with up to 40Gbps data transfer rate. Ideal for quick file transfers, video editing, and gaming, cutting down waiting time significantly. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.0
- Ample Storage Options: Choose between 1TB、2TB and 4TB versions to meet your storage needs. Store thousands of photos, hours of high-definition video, and a large library of games effortlessly
- Efficient Cooling System: Built-in cooling technology ensures the SSD operates at optimal temperatures, preventing overheating and maintaining consistent high-speed performance even during intensive tasks
- Premium Build: Constructed with durable aluminum alloy and ABS material, the SSD promises robust protection and a high-end look. The tough material ensures longevity and resistance to everyday wear and tear
- Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C cable, this portable solid-state drive offers broad compatibility with a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and more. Connect seamlessly and enjoy flexible usage
- Portable and Lightweight: Designed for on-the-go lifestyles, this SSD is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket or bag. Ideal for professionals and travelers who need reliable storage on the move
- Blazing-fast performance for super-speedy transfer of photos and 4K video.Specific uses: Personal, gaming, Business
- Work as fast as you need to with premium performance and huge capacities
- Durable aluminum metal casing means less worry about everyday wear and tear
- Help keep critical files safe with SanDisk SecureAccess encryption software(3)
- Recover accidentally deleted files with included RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software offer(4) (download required)
- Work with flexibility thanks to USB 2.0 and 3.0 backward-compatibility
- Compatible devices: Laptop
- The flash drive for USB Type C devices
- Easily transfer files between smartphones, tablets and computers
- Free up space on your Android smartphone (mobile device requires USB Type C port and on the go (OTG) support)
- Retractable design with a reversible USB Type C connector and a traditional USB connector
- High speed USB 3.1 performance of up to 150MB/s read speeds (USB Type C port with USB 3.1, Gen. 1/USB 3.0 support required; Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device)
How to choose a good thunderbolt drives
Does the idea of finding a fantastic thunderbolt drives make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in thunderbolt drives. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top thunderbolt drives products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top thunderbolt drives on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top thunderbolt drives brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top thunderbolt drives based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the thunderbolt drives were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good thunderbolt drives, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your thunderbolt drives.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting thunderbolt drives for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our thunderbolt drives. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what thunderbolt drives should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on thunderbolt drives.
