Best Budget External Hard Drives & SSDs for Gamers
Running out of space for your games? Between massive file sizes and constant updates, internal storage fills up fast — especially on budget gaming PCs. The good news? External hard drives and SSDs make it easy to expand your storage without opening your case. Whether you want more room for your Steam library or need faster load times, here are the best budget-friendly options to upgrade your setup in 2025.
Best Budget SOlid State Drives (SSD)
Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer lightning-fast load times and faster file transfers compared to traditional hard drives. If you're tired of long load screens or running out of space for your games, an external SSD is the easiest way to upgrade your setup without opening your PC. Below are the best budget-friendly external SSDs for gamers in 2025 — starting with 1TB options for serious storage, followed by more affordable 500GB drives.
1TB SSD (Up to $100)
External 1TB SSDs
External SSDs are the easiest way to upgrade your gaming setup without opening your PC. They're fast, portable, and great for storing or even running games directly. Whether you're looking for lightning-fast load times or just more space for your favorite titles, these 1TB external SSDs offer the perfect balance of performance and price in 2025.
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD – 1TB External Drive
Price: $97.50
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3EBXo8U (Amazon)
The Samsung T7 is one of the most reliable and best-performing portable SSDs on the market. It features blazing fast read/write speeds up to 1,050MB/s thanks to its NVMe technology — nearly twice as fast as older models like the T5. With a durable aluminum build, shock resistance up to 6 feet, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility, it's ideal for gamers who want faster load times and quick file transfers. It works across PC, console, and even mobile devices — making it one of the most versatile drives available in 2025.
Pros:
Ultra-fast transfer speeds (NVMe-powered)
Lightweight and durable metal build
Widely compatible with USB-C and USB 3.0 devices
Perfect for running or storing large games and media
Cons:
Higher price than traditional hard drives
Not waterproof or ruggedized (some competitors are)
2. Netac 1TB Portable SSD – USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Drive
Price: $72.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/42rPF6A (Amazon)
If you’re looking for solid performance on a tighter budget, the Netac 1TB Portable SSD is a great option. It offers read speeds up to 500MB/s and write speeds up to 450MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2, making it fast enough for most gamers’ needs — from running games to transferring large files like 4K videos or high-res photos. It features a shock-resistant aluminum housing and comes with both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables for easy compatibility across devices.
Pros:
Much cheaper than most 1TB SSDs
Decent speeds for the price (500MB/s read, 450MB/s write)
Durable aluminum shell + shock-resistant build
Includes multiple cable types (USB-C and USB-A)
Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons:
Slower than premium SSDs like the Samsung T7
Brand is lesser known compared to Samsung or WD
No password protection or advanced software features
3. SSK 1TB Dual USB SSD Drive – Type-C + USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
Price: $76.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4m1ZvUz (Amazon)
The SSK 1TB Dual USB SSD is a great option for gamers and content creators who need high-speed storage across multiple devices. With read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 500MB/s, it’s more than 10x faster than traditional USB 3.0 flash drives. Its dual connector design (USB-C and USB-A) makes it compatible with laptops, gaming PCs, Android phones, and even some car systems and smart TVs.
Made from durable zinc alloy and equipped with a protective cap, this SSD stick is great for on-the-go use. Whether you're backing up game saves, transferring large files, or expanding storage on your mobile devices, it's a compact and flexible solution.
Pros:
Dual-interface (USB-C + USB-A) = broad compatibility
Fast speeds for a USB stick (up to 550MB/s read, 500MB/s write)
Small, portable design with strong build quality
Works with Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone 15 (USB-C only), and more
Cons:
Smaller form factor means it may get hot with extended use
Not ideal for constant game streaming or direct installs
Not as well-known a brand as Samsung or SanDisk
internal 1TB SSDS
If you're comfortable opening your PC, installing an internal SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make. Internal solid state drives offer faster speeds, lower prices per GB, and longer lifespans compared to traditional hard drives. Below are the best budget-friendly 1TB internal SSDs in 2025, perfect for faster game load times and smoother performance.
1. Samsung 870 EVO – 1TB SATA III Internal SSD
Price: $97.09
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4iw9zSC (Amazon)
If you want a rock-solid internal SSD upgrade for your gaming PC or laptop, the Samsung 870 EVO is one of the best options on the market. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 530MB/s, maximizing the full potential of the SATA III interface. Built with Samsung’s trusted V-NAND and equipped with a 5-year warranty, this SSD is perfect for gamers, content creators, and professionals who need fast load times and reliable storage.
The 870 EVO works with most desktops and laptops that support 2.5-inch SATA drives and includes compatibility with Samsung’s Magician software for drive monitoring, performance tuning, and firmware updates.
Pros:
Excellent read/write speeds for a SATA SSD (560MB/s read, 530MB/s write)
Trusted performance and durability (up to 600TBW)
Easy to install in most desktops and laptops
Includes Samsung Magician software
AES 256-bit encryption for added security
Cons:
Pricier than most SATA SSDs in the same capacity range
Not as fast as NVMe drives (but more widely compatible)
2. Crucial P310 1TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSD – PCIe 4.0
Price: $97.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/42HQDdI (Amazon)
For gamers with a modern motherboard, the Crucial P310 is a beast of a budget NVMe SSD. It delivers insane speeds up to 7,100MB/s, making it a top choice for faster game load times, blazing file transfers, and super-smooth bootups. Thanks to its PCIe Gen4 interface, it’s significantly faster than SATA SSDs — up to 20% quicker in real-world tasks like launching Windows, gaming, or working in apps like Photoshop and Excel.
Even better? It’s energy-efficient, helping extend battery life for laptops while still outperforming most Gen4 drives in its class. This M.2 SSD is ideal for gamers, creators, and power users who want max performance on a budget.
Pros:
Super fast Gen4 NVMe speed (up to 7,100MB/s)
Ideal for gaming, streaming, and pro apps
Compact M.2 2280 form factor
Lower power usage than older Gen4 drives
Great value for the performance
Cons:
Requires a motherboard that supports PCIe Gen4 M.2
No heatsink included (optional version available)
3. TeamGroup MP33 Pro 1TB M.2 NVMe Gen3 SSD
Price: $63.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4lLcaeh (Amazon)
If you're looking for a lightning-fast internal SSD that won't stretch your budget, the TeamGroup MP33 Pro is a solid choice. With read speeds up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 3,000MB/s, it dramatically reduces game and software load times compared to traditional SATA drives.
This Gen3 M.2 SSD supports Intel and AMD platforms, includes SLC Caching for enhanced performance, and comes with a 5-year warranty for long-term peace of mind. It's an ideal upgrade for gamers, creators, or anyone wanting to boost their system’s performance without needing PCIe Gen4 support.
Pros:
High-speed performance on a Gen3 interface (3500MB/s read, 3000MB/s write)
Great value for a 1TB NVMe drive
Compatible with most modern motherboards (M.2 slot required)
5-year warranty and solid reliability
Supports SLC caching for added speed
Cons:
No heatsink included (optional with Gen4 drives)
Slightly slower than Gen4 NVMe options
May throttle if under sustained heavy loads without passive cooling
500GB SSD ($25-$60)
External 500GB SSDs
If you're looking for fast, portable storage without spending over $50, a 500GB external SSD is a great option. These drives are ideal for storing a few favorite games, expanding your laptop or console space, or keeping important files on the go. While they don’t offer as much room as a 1TB model, 500GB SSDs still deliver fast load times, compact size, and great value for casual gamers or students.
1. BUFFALO 500GB External SSD – USB 3.2, Compact Portable Drive
Price: $38.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3GjYmav (Amazon)
If you're looking for a reliable external SSD without spending more than $40, the BUFFALO 500GB Portable SSD is one of the best value options available. It’s compatible with PS4, PS5, Mac, and PC, and offers shock-resistant protection in a compact, travel-friendly form. While it’s not the fastest drive on the market, it’s great for storing game data, backing up files, and transferring documents, videos, and photos while on the go.
With USB 3.2 Gen 1 support and both USB-C and USB-A compatibility, it’s plug-and-play for almost any device — all backed by a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
Extremely affordable for a 500GB SSD
Works with PS4/PS5, Windows, and Mac
Shock-resistant, durable design
Lightweight and highly portable
USB-C and USB-A compatibility included
Cons:
Speeds are decent, but slower than NVMe-based externals
Not ideal for running heavy applications directly from the drive
Only 3-year warranty (2 years if unregistered)
2. SSK Portable SSD 500GB – NVMe USB-C External Drive
Price: $56.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4iHnOUU (Amazon)
If you want fast speeds in a compact and ultra-light design, the SSK 500GB NVMe SSD delivers excellent value. With blazing speeds up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, it’s perfect for transferring 4K video files, backing up games, or capturing high-res ProRes footage on your iPhone. It also comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables, making it easy to plug into nearly any device — including iPhone 15, Android, laptops, and tablets.
The aluminum alloy casing keeps it cool, while SLC caching ensures consistent performance during large file transfers. At under 40 grams, it’s small enough to carry in your pocket without feeling fragile.
Pros:
Fast NVMe performance (up to 1050MB/s)
Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
Lightweight and travel-friendly (only 2.6 inches long!)
Ideal for iPhone ProRes recording, gaming backups, and video editing
Stays cool with built-in heat dissipation
Cons:
Small size may be easier to lose if not stored carefully
Limited to 500GB capacity (look for the 1TB version if needed)
3. Netac Zslim 500GB External SSD – USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable Drive
Price: $45.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3RyQFQ8 (Amazon)
The Netac Zslim 500GB Portable SSD is a compact, reliable, and budget-friendly drive perfect for everyday users, students, and gamers who need fast file transfers on the go. With read speeds up to 500MB/s and write speeds up to 450MB/s, it’s fast enough to back up games, transfer 4K videos, and edit photos straight from the drive.
Its shock-resistant aluminum housing offers solid protection, and it includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for wide compatibility. If you liked the 1TB version but don’t need that much space, this 500GB model delivers the same features at a lower price point.
Pros:
Affordable and lightweight
Great speed for its price (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
Rugged, shock-resistant aluminum build
Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables
3-year warranty included
Cons:
Not as fast as NVMe-based options like the SSK
Not ideal for extremely large game libraries or video editing workflows
Internal 500GB SSDs
A 500GB internal SSD is a great choice for gamers and PC builders who want fast load times without breaking the bank. Whether you're upgrading an older system or building a budget-friendly rig, these drives offer enough space for your OS and a few favorite games. While smaller than their 1TB counterparts, they deliver excellent speed and reliability — making them perfect for boot drives or secondary storage on any setup.
1. Crucial BX500 480GB SATA 2.5" Internal SSD
Price: $34.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4lQxoHK (Amazon)
While technically 480GB, the Crucial BX500 offers everything you'd expect from a solid 500GB internal SSD — and then some. With over 125,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, it's Amazon's Overall Pick for a reason.
This drive is 300% faster than a traditional HDD, making it perfect as a boot drive or primary storage for lighter builds. Thanks to its Micron 3D NAND and SATA III interface, it delivers fast speeds, quiet operation, and greater energy efficiency — helping to extend your laptop’s battery life. Whether you're upgrading an older PC or building a budget gaming setup, this is one of the most trusted SATA SSDs you can get.
Pros:
Extremely affordable at under $35
One of the most highly-rated SSDs on Amazon
Fast enough for OS boot-up and casual gaming
3-year limited warranty
Reliable brand (Micron/Crucial)
Cons:
480GB instead of a full 500GB (but functionally similar)
Not ideal for NVMe-level transfer speeds
SATA interface limits performance compared to M.2 drives
2. Fikwot FX991 500GB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD
Price: $49.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4jNfQu4 (Amazon)
The Fikwot FX991 is a powerful PCIe Gen4 SSD that delivers read speeds up to 6300MB/s and write speeds up to 3100MB/s, making it one of the best-value NVMe drives in its class. Whether you’re building a budget gaming rig or need faster load times for work, this SSD gives you lightning-fast performance at a price that rivals SATA drives.
What sets it apart is the built-in graphite heatsink, auto temperature management, and HMB + SLC caching — helping it run cool and efficiently even under heavy use. It also supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T., and AES-256 encryption, making it reliable for long-term use. Perfect for gamers, content creators, and even as a PS5 storage upgrade.
Pros:
Gen4 NVMe speed up to 6300MB/s
Graphite heatsink and adaptive thermal control
Supports PS5 storage expansion
Excellent price-to-performance ratio
5-year warranty or 300TBW
Cons:
Lesser-known brand (but growing in reputation)
May require proper airflow for consistent cooling in compact builds
Peak speed only achievable on PCIe Gen4-compatible motherboards
3. Ediloca ES106 500GB SATA III Internal SSD
Price: $32.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4jQXMzq (Amazon)
If you're building a budget rig or upgrading an older desktop, the Ediloca ES106 delivers a huge performance jump over traditional hard drives — without draining your wallet. With read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 500MB/s, it's perfect for smoother boot times, faster game loading, and quick file transfers.
Built with 3D NAND flash and housed in a shock-proof, drop-resistant enclosure, it’s a surprisingly durable drive for the price. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, it installs easily via a standard 2.5" SATA III (6Gb/s) connection, making it a plug-and-play upgrade for almost any system.
Pros:
Very affordable (~$33 for 500GB)
Great everyday performance (up to 550MB/s read)
Shock-proof and silent
Compatible with most operating systems
3-year warranty included
Cons:
Not as fast as NVMe drives
Lesser-known brand
Requires formatting before first use (like most bare SSDs)
Best Budget External Hard Drives (HDD)
External Hard Drives (HDDs) may not match SSDs in speed, but they offer way more storage for the price — making them perfect for gamers with large libraries or backup needs. Whether you're offloading old titles, storing clips, or expanding your console space, these budget-friendly external HDDs give you reliable performance without the premium price. Below are the top 1TB options for maximum storage, followed by smaller 500GB drives for everyday use.
1TB External Hard Drives (up to $65)
If you're running out of space for your growing game library, a 1TB external hard drive is one of the most cost-effective ways to expand your storage. While they aren't as fast as SSDs, HDDs offer a huge amount of space for a lower price — making them perfect for backing up games, storing media, or offloading older files. These budget-friendly options are reliable, portable, and compatible with most PCs, consoles, and laptops.
1. Maxone 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive – USB 3.0
Price: $49.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/42G5Ko0 (Amazon)
The Maxone 1TB Ultra Slim drive is one of the most affordable and reliable external HDDs for gamers and general users alike. Its sleek aluminum body is not just stylish — it also adds durability and helps with passive cooling. USB 3.0 support means you’ll get fast transfer speeds without needing external power or setup software. It’s truly plug-and-play across Windows and gaming consoles, making it perfect for expanding game libraries or offloading footage and mods.
Pros:
Slim, durable aluminum design
No setup required — plug and play
USB 3.0 for faster speeds (backward compatible with USB 2.0)
Great value with a 3-year warranty
Cons:
No built-in password protection or encryption
Not as fast as SSDs (but that’s expected for an HDD)
2. Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB Portable External Hard Drive – USB 3.0
Price: $61.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4jTyS2d (Amazon)
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB is a sleek, no-nonsense external hard drive that’s great for storing large game files, backups, and more. With fast USB 3.0 performance and plug-and-play convenience, it’s perfect for gamers looking to expand storage without the hassle. It works straight out of the box for Windows users, with simple reformatting required for Mac.
Pros:
Trusted brand with strong long-term reliability
Plug-and-play with no setup required
Sleek matte finish resists fingerprints
USB 3.0 for fast transfer speeds
Lightweight and portable
Cons:
Requires reformatting for Mac users
No included backup software or encryption features
No USB-C option (USB-A only)
3. Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.0
Price: $64.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3Eww8st (Amazon)
The Seagate Portable 1TB is one of the most popular external hard drives on the market — and for good reason. It offers simple plug-and-play functionality with no setup required. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac (just needs reformatting for Mac), making it ideal for gamers who want a reliable and portable storage solution for game files, backups, and media libraries.
Pros:
Plug-and-play simplicity with no software required
Works with Windows and Mac (with reformatting)
Compact and travel-friendly design
Trusted brand with excellent durability
Includes USB 3.0 cable for fast transfers
Cons:
Needs reformatting for Mac users
No encryption or bundled backup software
Slightly pricier than other budget HDDs
500GB External Hard Drives ($30-$45)
If you’re looking to add affordable storage to your gaming setup or free up space on your PC, 500GB external hard drives are a great entry-level solution. While not as fast as SSDs, these budget-friendly HDDs offer plenty of room for saving games, media, and backups—without breaking the bank. Whether you need a portable option for travel or a simple plug-and-play device at home, these 500GB drives balance price and practicality for casual gamers and everyday users alike.
1. UnionSine 500GB Ultra Slim External Hard Drive
Price: $33.27
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3RybdrW (Amazon)
This UnionSine external HDD is a sleek, budget-friendly choice for everyday storage needs. With USB 3.0 support, it delivers surprisingly fast transfer speeds for its price range and is compatible with a wide variety of platforms—including Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS4, and even Android. The ultra-slim design, metal shielding for better heat dissipation, and noise-free operation make it a practical option for casual gamers or students needing extra space on the go.
Pros:
Super affordable price under $30
Fast USB 3.0 speeds up to 133MB/s read
Lightweight, slim design for easy portability
Compatible with consoles and PC
Quiet performance with aluminum shielding
Cons:
Not ideal for long-term heavy gaming libraries
No official waterproofing or shock resistance
Requires formatting for use with some Mac setups
2. Sonnics 500GB Pocket External Hard Drive – USB 3.0 (Silver)
Price: $41.72
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/42rHebm (Amazon)
This ultra-slim external hard drive from Sonnics is a lightweight and portable solution for budget gamers and media users alike. It connects via USB 3.0 for fast 5Gbps transfer speeds and doesn’t require any external power source. It’s formatted to FAT32 for plug-and-play use across Mac and Windows systems.
Plus, it doubles as a media hub for Smart TVs — letting you record and play your favorite shows (though not compatible with Sony TVs). Just keep in mind Xbox One users should opt for drives 320GB or larger.
Pros:
Slim and portable aluminum design
Plug-and-play (no power adapter or software required)
FAT32 formatted for broad compatibility (Mac, Windows, Smart TVs)
Records/playback on most Smart TVs
Budget-friendly price
Cons:
Not compatible with Sony Smart TVs
Uses FAT32, which limits individual file sizes to 4GB unless reformatted
May not be the fastest option for frequent large file transfers
3. Caraele 500GB External Hard Drive – USB-C + USB 3.1 Portable HDD
Price: $30.99
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4lM64du (Amazon)
If you're looking for a portable drive with both USB-C and USB-A support, this budget-friendly HDD from Caraele is a standout. It delivers fast USB 3.1 speeds, plug-and-play convenience, and is compatible with a wide range of devices — from Windows and Mac to Xbox and Chromebook. The aluminum shell and shock-resistant build add durability, making it ideal for gamers and students on the go.
Pros:
Supports both USB-C and USB-A ports
Ultra-slim and shock-resistant aluminum design
Compatible with PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox, PS4, and even TVs
Plug-and-play — no software needed
Budget-friendly with included USB-C to USB-A cable
Cons:
Not as well-known of a brand (lower review volume)
No encryption or backup software tools included
Only comes with a 1-year warranty
Final Thoughts
Whether you're expanding your game library, improving load times, or just looking for a reliable way to back up your files, there's a budget-friendly storage option out there for every gamer. From blazing-fast SSDs to high-capacity HDDs, the picks in this guide prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your setup.
If you're just getting started, go with what suits your current needs — and keep in mind that even affordable gear can make a huge difference in your day-to-day experience.
Looking for more budget tech recommendations? Be sure to check out the rest of the site for more guides on building your perfect setup without breaking the bank.