Best Budget

ADATA Elite SE880

Name: ADATA Elite SE880
Brand: ADATA
Rating: 4.1 (1 reviews)

The SE880 is the fastest budget portable SSD you can buy, delivering near-double the speeds of standard Gen 2 drives when paired with a Gen 2x2 port — all in an ultra-compact, lightweight body. It's the power user's pick when price matters.

$50-$90

Amazon

Pros

Extremely compact and lightweight design
Zippy sequential read speeds — nearly double standard Gen 2 drives on compatible hardware
Low cost per gigabyte for the performance offered
High PCMark 10 Storage score for everyday tasks
Longer warranty than its predecessor the SE800

Cons

Capacity maxes out at 1TB — not suitable for large media libraries
Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to hit peak advertised speeds
Not ruggedized — best for indoor or office use only
No AES encryption — not suitable for sensitive data
No attached port cover unlike the SE800

Why we recommend it

If you have a Gen 2x2 port or are willing to add one, the SE880 punches way above its price class on speed — it's the budget pick that doesn't feel like a compromise.

What the community says

“The ADATA SE880 is for users in need of speedy performance from an external SSD, and who have—or are willing to invest in—a system with a Gen 2x2 interface, which is necessary to get this SSD's promised speeds.”
PCMag (Power users) · read thread →

“It's perfect for use around the house, especially if you have computers in more than one room. It's great for storing and traveling with non-sensitive documents or media files.”
PCMag (Home users) · read thread →

What the experts said

“It can push nearly double the speed when used over a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. It has a longer warranty, but it's best for local, office, or indoor use, as it is not ruggedized.”
PCMag · read full review →