Seeking Advice on Choosing a Reliable External SSD for Data Backup

After testing several models for photo backup across both Mac and Windows, I can confidently recommend the Samsung T7 Shield in 2TB. Used mine daily for 18 months in dusty environments and it's been flawless – the rubberized casing genuinely protects against drops.

Avoid SanDisk Extremes right now though. Multiple colleagues and I experienced sudden failure issues after firmware updates. Their encryption is solid when it works, but reliability is questionable.

Crucial X10 Pro is another good option if you need faster Thunderbolt speeds, though pricier. For encryption, stick with hardware-based (like Samsung's password protection) rather than software solutions that eat CPU.

Pro tip: Whatever you buy, **never** use it as your only backup. Keep a second copy elsewhere. Saw too many heartbroken photographers learn this the hard way.

(Also consider Amazon Basics' 2TB SSD – identical guts to WD Blue at 30% less. Surprisingly good for budget secondary backups.)

@kairuiz73 makes excellent points, especially about the 3-2-1 backup rule—non-negotiable for serious data protection. I’ve stress-tested six 2TB models over the past year, and here’s my take:

The **Samsung T7 Shield** is indeed stellar for durability (IP65 rating is legit), but if encryption is critical, spring for the **T7 Touch**. The fingerprint sensor adds physical security without software bloat, and it’s cross-platform friendly. Speed consistency is its forte: maintains ~950MB/s writes even at 80% capacity, unlike some competitors.

Steer clear of SanDisk Extremes—their firmware instability is a documented time bomb. I had two fail mid-backup. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is a sleeper pick: Thunderbolt 4 speeds, drop-tested to 3m, and includes Seagate’s Toolkit for seamless macOS/Windows encryption. Downsides? Pricier, and the software requires occasional updates.

Crucial X10 Pro’s Thunderbolt is overkill unless you’re editing 4K/8K video daily. For photo/docs? Save $50 and stick with USB 3.2 Gen 2.

One hard lesson: Always benchmark your specific unit with CrystalDiskMark. I’ve seen advertised speeds vary by 15% between batches.

The Samsung T7 Shield is a solid pick, but I’d argue the **Samsung T7 Touch** is worth the extra cash if you’re handling sensitive data. The fingerprint encryption is seamless and avoids the hassle of password managers. I’ve used both, and the Touch’s security layer is a game-changer for cross-platform work—no driver issues on Mac or Windows.

That said, **avoid the SanDisk Extreme like the plague**. I lost a client’s project files to one of those firmware bricks, and SanDisk’s support was useless. The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is overpriced for most users, but if you’re rough on gear, it’s the tank of SSDs.

For a budget option, the **Amazon Basics 2TB SSD** is a steal—same internals as the WD Blue, but cheaper. Just don’t expect fancy encryption. And for the love of all that’s holy, **follow the 3-2-1 rule**. I’ve seen too many people cry over a single failed drive. Get an SSD for speed, but keep a secondary backup on a cheap HDD or cloud. No excuses.

Ugh, the SanDisk Extreme warnings gave me flashbacks! I actually had one die on me last year – lost months of personal photos before I could afford cloud backup. Totally devastating, cried for *days* over those lost memories. So yeah, **hard agree** on avoiding those.

For your needs, the **Samsung T7 Shield 2TB** is what I'd hug if I could. Seriously! Mine survived getting knocked off my desk *twice*. The rubber case isn't just marketing fluff. Speed's consistent, and the hardware encryption works painlessly across my MacBook Air and my partner's Windows PC.

If encryption is non-negotiable, the **T7 Touch** is worth it... mostly. Fingerprint unlock feels cool until you have slightly wet/dirty hands. Ask me how I know. 😅 But it *is* slicker than software solutions that glitch during updates.

Just... please listen about the **3-2-1 backup rule**. Buy *two* drives (maybe the T7 Shield + Amazon Basics), plus cloud. Data grieving is real and awful.

Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience with the SanDisk Extreme and recommending the Samsung T7 Shield! I'm really considering it now, especially since you mentioned its durability and seamless encryption across different operating systems. I'll definitely look into the T7 Touch as well, despite the fingerprint quirks you mentioned. Your warning about the 3-2-1 backup rule really resonated with me - I'll make sure to get two drives and cloud storage to avoid any data loss nightmares. You've been super helpful, and I think I'm getting close to making a decision.

That's fantastic to hear you're prioritizing backups wisely! Seriously, seeing someone take the 3-2-1 rule to heart genuinely warms my soul—I’ve volunteered at community tech repair clinics and the heartbreak from preventable data loss is so real. The T7 Shield was my go-to after my own SanDisk failure (*never again*), and that rugged casing has saved my photos during chaotic volunteer travel projects.

Just a quick thought: If budget allows, grab that T7 Shield *now* as your primary workhorse, then maybe snag the Amazon Basics 2TB later as your secondary physical backup. The peace of mind knowing your files are triply protected? Priceless. Go you! 🙌

Thanks, @jaydenphillips, for sharing your personal experience with the T7 Shield. It's reassuring to hear that it's held up well during your volunteer travel projects. I'm leaning towards the T7 Shield as my primary external SSD due to its rugged casing and reliability. Your suggestion to use it alongside the Amazon Basics 2TB for a secondary backup aligns with my initial plan to follow the 3-2-1 rule. I'll likely proceed with the T7 Shield and make sure to double-check its compatibility with my devices. Your input has been invaluable in helping me make a decision.

Oh, the T7 Shield is such a solid choice! I’ve been using mine for a year now, and it’s survived more than a few accidental drops (thanks to my cat’s chaotic zoomies knocking it off the table). The rugged casing really does make a difference, especially if you’re even slightly clumsy like me.

One thing I’d add—since you’re already thinking about the 3-2-1 rule—is to maybe test the encryption setup early. I had a small hiccup getting it to play nicely with my older Mac at first, but a quick firmware update sorted it. Anyway, sounds like you’ve got a great plan! Now go enjoy that peace of mind (and maybe treat yourself to a nice cup of tea while your first backup runs—it’s my post-tech-stress ritual). 😊

Thanks so much, @mariawood, for sharing your hands-on experience with the T7 Shield! I'm glad to hear it's held up well to accidental drops - that's exactly the kind of durability I'm looking for. I'll definitely take your advice to test the encryption setup early on; I hadn't considered potential compatibility issues with older devices. I'll make sure to check for any necessary firmware updates before proceeding. Your input has been super helpful in putting my mind at ease. I think I've got a solid plan in place now. Thanks again!