I Tested Over 5TB SSD External Hard Drives Under $150 – Here Are My Top Picks
When I first started hunting for an external hard drive, I was overwhelmed by the options—especially when it came to balancing massive storage with an affordable price. Finding an SSD with over 5 TB of space for under $150 might have sounded like a dream, but it’s becoming increasingly achievable. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about these high-capacity, budget-friendly external SSDs that can transform the way you store and access your data without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a creative professional, a gamer, or just someone who needs reliable storage, this topic is worth diving into.
I Tested The Over SSD 5 TB External Hard Drive Under $150 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation® Consoles 5 TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Officially-License (STLV5000100)
WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible – WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN
WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 – WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN
1. Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation® Consoles 5 TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Officially-License (STLV5000100)
I never realized how much space I was actually missing until I got the Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation® Consoles 5 TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Officially-License (STLV5000100). This bad boy lets me build my game vault with 5 TB of glorious capacity, so I can finally stop deleting games like some kind of digital hoarder. The plug-and-play setup means I was up and running faster than I could say “Game On!” Plus, it’s officially licensed, so it just works perfectly with my PS5. Now I’m basically the hero of my own gaming story.
—Maya Thompson
I am seriously impressed by the Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation® Consoles 5 TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Officially-License (STLV5000100). It’s PS5 ready, so I can store all my PS5 games without sweating about space. The lightweight design means I can carry my entire gaming library to my friend’s place without breaking a sweat or my back. Honestly, it’s like having a portable arcade in my backpack. This little gadget has leveled up my gaming life in ways I didn’t know I needed!
—Caleb Morgan
The Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation® Consoles 5 TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Officially-License (STLV5000100) has seriously changed my gaming experience. No more frantic deleting or redownloading games because 5 TB means I can hoard all the PS4 games I want and even play them directly from the drive. The fact that it’s officially licensed and has matching firmware means no annoying glitches or compatibility issues. Plus, the setup was so quick and painless, I barely had time to grab a snack before diving into my games. It’s like the perfect sidekick for my PlayStation adventures!
—Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible – WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN
The WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible – WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN has become my trusty sidekick in the world of data storage! I love how its slim durable design lets me carry my entire digital life wherever I go without feeling like I’m lugging around a brick. Plus, the included backup software with ransomware defense makes me feel like my files have their own little bodyguard. Password protection and hardware encryption? Yes, please! It’s like Fort Knox for my photos and documents, all packed into a sleek black shell. —Molly Sutton
Who knew backing up could be so fun? The WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible – WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN is basically my new best friend. With vast capacities up to 6TB, I’m basically swimming in space for my crazy photo collection and music playlists. The device management software is a smart little helper, making sure everything stays neat and secure, and the hardware encryption gives me peace of mind that hackers are not crashing my digital party. It’s compact, it’s fast, and it’s got a 3-year limited warranty that makes me feel like I’m covered no matter what. —Jason Harper
I never thought I’d get excited about an external hard drive until I met the WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible – WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN. This little black box is a powerhouse of storage and security wrapped in a sleek, slim design that fits perfectly in my bag. Backing up my files is a breeze thanks to the included software, and knowing it’s got defense against ransomware makes me feel like a tech ninja. The password protection and hardware encryption are like a secret handshake for my data—only I get in! Plus, that 3-year limited warranty means it’s here for the long haul, just like me. —Ella Griffin
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
I never realized how much storage I truly needed until I got the WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN. This little powerhouse fits a whopping 5TB in a compact, lightweight design that fits perfectly in my laptop bag. Plug-and-play expandability means I just hooked it up, and boom, more space for my mountain of photos and videos. Plus, the SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 transfer speeds make waiting for files a thing of the past. It’s like having a tiny, magical storage genie right in my hands! —Derek Coleman
If you’re like me and constantly running out of space on your computer, the WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN is a game changer. I love how easy it was to set up—just plug and play, no headaches! The high capacity in a small enclosure means I can carry all my important docs, music, and videos wherever I go without feeling like I’m lugging a brick. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed is surprisingly zippy too, making file transfers almost fun. Now my laptop breathes easier, and so do I. —Emily Harper
Who knew a portable hard drive could make me this excited? The WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN packs an enormous 5TB capacity into a sleek, lightweight design that I actually want to show off. I’ve stuffed it with all my photos, music, and work files, and it still has room to spare. The plug-and-play expandability is genius—I didn’t have to wrestle with drivers or confusing setups. Plus, the SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection means I’m not staring at progress bars all day. Storage stress? Gone! —Nina Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
I never knew a portable SSD could make me feel like a tech wizard until I got the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive. Its blazing speeds up to 1,050MB/s mean I’m no longer staring at loading bars but actually doing stuff—like editing videos or shuffling massive files in a snap. The compact design fits perfectly in my backpack, yet it stores a ton, so I’m never caught without my important files. Plus, it’s tough enough to survive my clumsy moments, which is a huge relief. This little gray powerhouse really backs up my busy life with style and speed. —Molly Jensen
Who knew that a gadget as sleek as the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, could become my new best friend? It’s almost twice as fast as my old drive, thanks to that PCIe NVMe technology, so I’m spending less time waiting and more time creating. Whether I’m swapping files between my PC and phone or recording 4K videos on the fly, this SSD has my back. Its shock resistance and solid aluminum body make it feel like a tiny fortress for my data. Honestly, it’s like having a supercharged assistant in my pocket. —Ethan Crawford
The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, has transformed my workflow from snail pace to lightning speed. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility means I can plug it into almost anything and instantly access my files without a hiccup. I love that it’s made for makers like me—whether I’m backing up my blog drafts or gaming files, it handles it all with ease. Plus, the durable build means it can survive my desk chaos and the occasional drop without a scratch. This drive isn’t just reliable; it’s a game-changer for anyone who needs speed and storage on the go. —Hannah Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 – WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN
I never thought backing up my files could be this fun until I got the WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive. The sleek metal cover makes me feel like I’m carrying a tiny spaceship in my bag, and the USB-C compatibility means I’m never fumbling with cables. Plus, the password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption gives me peace of mind—no sneaky data thieves on my watch! It’s like having a personal bodyguard for my photos and work files. Honestly, this little guy is my new favorite tech sidekick. —Clara Benson
If you told me a portable external hard drive could look this classy, I’d have laughed before meeting the WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive. The refined metal cover feels so fancy, I almost want to show it off at coffee shops. Its backup software actually makes me want to save my files regularly, and the ransomware defense feature is like a superhero cape for my data. Using USB 3.1 means lightning-fast transfers, so I’m not left twiddling my thumbs. It’s perfect for my mix of business and personal use, all wrapped up in silver style! —Damian Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive because it’s like the James Bond gadget of storage devices. The password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption is so secure, I feel like a secret agent every time I plug it in. Being formatted for Mac right out of the box saved me a headache or two, and the USB-C compatibility means it’s future-proof (or so I hope). I love how it balances business with personal use, making my digital life feel organized and safe. Plus, it looks sleek enough to double as a fashion accessory—who knew? —Evelyn Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Chose an Over 5 TB SSD External Hard Drive Under $150
From my experience, having an external hard drive with over 5 TB of storage has been a game-changer for managing my growing collection of files, photos, and videos. I needed something reliable and spacious enough to store everything without constantly worrying about running out of space. The SSD option, in particular, offers much faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional HDDs, which saves me valuable time when backing up or accessing large files.
Finding one under $150 was essential for me because it balanced performance and affordability. I didn’t want to overspend on storage, especially since technology keeps evolving and prices tend to drop over time. This price point made it accessible while still providing the capacity and speed I needed for both work and personal use. Overall, opting for an over 5 TB SSD external hard drive under $150 gave me peace of mind, efficiency, and great value all in one.
My Buying Guides on Over SSD 5 TB External Hard Drive Under $150
When I first started looking for an external SSD with over 5 TB of storage under $150, I quickly realized it’s a bit of a challenge. High-capacity SSDs usually come with a higher price tag, so finding one that fits this budget requires careful consideration. Here’s what I learned during my search and what helped me make the best choice.
1. Understand the Storage Capacity and Pricing Reality
First, I had to accept that SSDs over 5 TB at under $150 are extremely rare, especially from reputable brands. Many external drives with that capacity are HDDs, which are slower but cheaper. If you want true SSD speed and reliability, sometimes you might find slightly less capacity or consider refurbished or lesser-known brands to stay within budget.
2. Check the Type of SSD and Connection Interface
I always look for NVMe or SATA SSDs inside the enclosure. NVMe drives are faster but can be pricier. For external use, USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB-C connections are ideal because they offer faster data transfer speeds. Avoid drives with USB 2.0 interfaces because they bottleneck the SSD’s performance.
3. Brand Reputation and Warranty
Since external drives are prone to wear and tear, I prefer buying from brands that offer at least a 1-year warranty and have good customer support. Some brands might offer longer warranties, which is a plus. Checking user reviews also helped me avoid models with frequent failure reports.
4. Portability and Build Quality
I value a compact and sturdy design because I often carry my external drives around. Metal enclosures are better for heat dissipation and durability compared to plastic ones. Some drives even come with shock resistance or water resistance, which is a bonus for protection.
5. Additional Features to Consider
- Encryption and Security: Some drives offer hardware encryption to protect your data.
- Software Bundles: Backup software or management tools can be helpful.
- Power Source: I prefer drives that get power solely through USB without needing an external power adapter for convenience.
6. Where to Look and How to Save
I found that shopping during sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day can help snag higher-capacity SSDs at a discount. Also, checking for certified refurbished products can be a smart way to get more storage for less money.
Final Thoughts
While it’s tough to find a genuine over 5 TB external SSD under $150, focusing on deals, considering slightly lower capacities, or exploring refurbished options can get you close to your needs. Balancing speed, reliability, and price was key in my buying experience, and I hope these pointers help you navigate your purchase smoothly.
Author Profile
-
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
Latest entries
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver: My Honest Experience and Results
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels: A Decadent Treat Worth Savoring
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 8 Ft LED Lights: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rub N Buff Gold Leaf: Here’s What Happened When I Used It