Looking Beyond the DATO Magnetic External SSD 1TB? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

SanDisk SSD Plus 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD

The SanDisk SSD Plus replaces the DATO ARES Q3’s external USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface with a standard SATA III connection. This means you lose the 1,600 MB/s read speeds and the magnetic mounting feature designed for iPhone 15 Pro video recording. Instead, you get a 2.5-inch internal drive that fits into desktop or laptop bays. It offers 1TB of storage but relies on older SATA architecture. You should pick this if you need a reliable internal upgrade for an existing PC rather than a portable drive for mobile content creation. The form factor changes from a compact 40g external unit to a larger internal component.

Addlink S20 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD

The Addlink S20 uses a SATA III interface instead of the DATO ARES Q3’s USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. You give up the 1,500 MB/s write speeds and the ability to record 4K ProRes HDR directly to the drive. This 2.5-inch internal SSD provides 500 MB/s speeds, which is slower but sufficient for standard system upgrades. It is best for upgrading older laptops or desktops where external portability is not required. The Addlink lacks the magnetic attachment and shock-resistant aluminum shell of the DATO, making it a stationary solution. Choose this if you are expanding storage inside a case rather than carrying data on the go.

Addlink S70 Lite 1TB Gen3 NVMe SSD

The Addlink S70 Lite offers significantly higher internal speeds via a PCIe Gen3x4 interface compared to the DATO ARES Q3’s external USB connection. It delivers 3,200 MB/s read speeds, which is faster than the DATO’s 1,600 MB/s. However, it is an M.2 2280 internal drive, so you lose the portability and magnetic mounting for iPhone 15 Pro. It is designed for internal desktop and laptop gaming upgrades. You gain speed and internal durability but sacrifice the plug-and-play convenience and external form factor. Pick this if you need maximum internal performance for gaming and do not require an external drive for mobile video recording.

TEAMGROUP MP33 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The TEAMGROUP MP33 is an M.2 2280 NVMe drive using a PCIe 3.0 interface, unlike the DATO ARES Q3’s external USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 design. It provides 1,800 MB/s read speeds, which is slightly faster than the DATO’s 1,600 MB/s. However, it lacks the magnetic attachment and external portability needed for iPhone 15 Pro video recording. This drive is intended for internal M.2 slot upgrades in laptops or desktops. You gain a compact internal form factor and TLC NAND storage but lose the shock-resistant aluminum shell and five-year warranty benefits associated with the external DATO model. Choose this for internal system expansion rather than portable storage.

PNY CS900 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III SSD

The PNY CS900 uses a SATA III interface instead of the DATO ARES Q3’s USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. You lose the high-speed data transfers and the magnetic mounting feature for iPhone 15 Pro. This 2.5-inch internal drive is designed for standard desktop and laptop upgrades. It provides solid SATA performance for everyday computing but cannot match the 1,600 MB/s read speeds of the DATO. It is a practical choice for users expanding storage inside a case who do not need external portability. The PNY lacks the aluminum shell and compact 40g weight of the DATO, making it a stationary internal component rather than a mobile storage solution.

Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD

The Patriot P300 is an M.2 NVMe drive with a PCIe 3.0 interface, differing from the DATO ARES Q3’s external USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 design. It delivers Gen 3 performance for internal upgrades, offering speed advantages over SATA drives but lacking the 1,600 MB/s read speeds of the DATO. You give up the magnetic mounting for iPhone 15 Pro and the external portability. This drive is best for budget-conscious users upgrading internal M.2 slots in laptops or desktops. It prioritizes value and data integrity over top-tier speeds. The Patriot is a stationary internal component, so it does not offer the shock-resistant aluminum shell or five-year warranty of the external DATO model.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

DATO ARES Q3 1TB Magnetic External SSD

Best for: iPhone 15 Pro video recording and portable storage

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

Form Factor

Portable SSD

Max Read Speed

1,600MB/s

Max Write Speed

1,500MB/s

Dimensions

2.52 × 2.52 × 0.47 inches

View on Amazon: DATO ARES Q3 1TB Magnetic External SSD Affiliate link

The DATO ARES Q3 is a 1TB portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity. It delivers read speeds up to 1,600MB/s and write speeds up to 1,500MB/s. Its magnetic back attaches to MagSafe-compatible iPhones. You can record 4K ProRes HDR video directly to the drive. The aluminum shell weighs just 40g. It works with Windows, macOS, and gaming consoles.

Pros

• USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface for 20Gbps transfer rates
• Magnetic attachment for iPhone 15 Pro and newer models
• Read speeds up to 1,600MB/s
• Shock-resistant aluminum shell
• Five-year warranty

Cons

• Incompatible with iPhone 14 and earlier models
• Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for max speeds
• Only 1TB capacity in this configuration

Good fit if

• You need to record 4K ProRes HDR video directly to the drive
• You use an iPhone 15 Pro or newer with MagSafe
• You want a lightweight 1TB drive for gaming consoles

Skip if

• You own an iPhone 14 or earlier model
• You need internal storage for a desktop PC
• You require SATA III connectivity for older systems

Verdict: DATO ARES Q3 1TB Magnetic External SSD offers fast 1,600MB/s transfers and magnetic mounting for mobile filmmakers. It is ideal for iPhone 15 Pro users who need portable, high-speed storage for video work.

2 Best premium

SanDisk SSD Plus 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD

Best for: Standard desktop and laptop upgrades

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

SATA III 6 Gb/s

Form Factor

2.5"/7mm

Max Read Speed

535 MB/s

Max Write Speed

450 MB/s

Dimensions

0.28 × 3.96 × 2.75 inches

View on Amazon: SanDisk SSD Plus 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link

The SanDisk SSD Plus 1TB is a 2.5-inch internal drive using the SATA III interface. It offers sequential read speeds up to 535 MB/s and write speeds up to 450 MB/s. This model provides a reliable upgrade path for desktops and laptops. Its 7mm height ensures compatibility with most drive bays. You get a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty with this unit.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 535 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 450 MB/s
• Shock resistant up to 1500G
• Standard 2.5-inch 7mm form factor

Cons

• SATA III interface limits speeds compared to NVMe drives
• No DRAM cache for sustained heavy workloads
• Write speeds drop significantly after SLC cache fills

Good fit if

• You need a reliable internal drive for everyday computing
• You are upgrading a desktop or laptop with a 2.5-inch bay
• You want a balance of performance and durability

Skip if

• You require NVMe speeds for video editing or large file transfers
• You have an M.2 slot and want the fastest possible performance
• You need a drive for high-end gaming with minimal load times

Verdict: SanDisk SSD Plus 1TB SATA III is a solid choice for users seeking a dependable internal storage upgrade. It fits well in standard 2.5-inch bays for desktops and laptops needing faster boot times and application loading.

3 Also great

Addlink S20 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD

Best for: upgrading older laptops and desktops

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

SATA III 6Gb/s

Form Factor

2.5-inch, 7mm

Max Read Speed

500 MB/s

Max Write Speed

450 MB/s

Cache Type

SLC write caching

View on Amazon: Addlink S20 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link

The Addlink S20 is a 1TB internal SSD using SATA III 6Gb/s. It features 3D NAND with SLC write caching. Sequential speeds reach 500 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write. The 2.5-inch, 7mm form factor fits most laptops and desktops. You get silent operation and shock resistance. This drive suits users upgrading older PCs or gaming on PS4.

Pros

• SATA III interface for broad compatibility
• SLC write caching for sustained performance
• 2.5-inch 7mm slim form factor
• PS4 compatible for system upgrades

Cons

• No dedicated DRAM cache present
• SATA III limits speed compared to NVMe
• Internal drive only, no external port

Good fit if

• You need a simple drop-in upgrade for a laptop or desktop
• You want to replace a hard drive in a PS4
• You prefer silent, shock-resistant storage for daily tasks

Skip if

• You require NVMe speeds for heavy workloads
• You need an external portable drive
• You are building a modern high-performance desktop

Verdict: Addlink S20 1TB SATA SSD provides reliable 500 MB/s speeds for standard SATA connections. It is a practical internal upgrade for aging PCs or PS4 consoles.

4 Best gaming

Addlink S70 Lite 1TB Gen3 NVMe SSD

Best for: internal desktop and laptop gaming upgrades

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

PCIe Gen3x4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

Up to 3200MB/s

Max Write Speed

2600MB/s

Cache Type

SLC caching

View on Amazon: Addlink S70 Lite 1TB Gen3 NVMe SSD Affiliate link

The Addlink S70 Lite is an internal M.2 2280 NVMe solid state drive built on the PCIe Gen3x4 interface. It provides read speeds up to 3,200 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,600 MB/s using 3D NAND and SLC caching. You will find it suits desktop or laptop gaming setups that require faster storage than standard SATA drives.

Pros

• Up to 3,200 MB/s read and 2,600 MB/s write speeds
• PCIe Gen3x4 interface with SLC caching and 3D NAND
• Standard M.2 2280 form factor fits desktops and laptops
• 5-year limited warranty coverage

Cons

• PCIe Gen3 interface delivers lower throughput than PCIe Gen4 drives
• Requires an internal M.2 slot rather than external USB connectivity
• Write speed peaks at 2,600 MB/s, lower than its 3,200 MB/s read speed

Good fit if

• You want up to 3,200 MB/s read speeds for faster game load times.
• You have an available M.2 2280 PCIe slot on your laptop or desktop motherboard.
• You prefer an internal drive backed by a 5-year warranty.

Skip if

• You need a portable external drive that connects via USB.
• You require the higher sequential transfer rates of PCIe Gen4 SSDs.

Verdict: Addlink S70 Lite 1TB NVMe SSD delivers 3,200 MB/s read speeds across a PCIe Gen3x4 connection for PC and laptop gamers upgrading from SATA. It fits internal motherboard installations that need durable 3D NAND storage.

5 Best tlc

TEAMGROUP MP33 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

Best for: M.2 slot upgrades needing Gen3 speed

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

PCIe Gen3x4

Max Read Speed

1800 MB/s

Max Write Speed

1500 MB/s

Cache Type

SLC Cache

Form Factor

M.2 2280

View on Amazon: TEAMGROUP MP33 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD Affiliate link

The TEAMGROUP MP33 is a 1TB internal NVMe drive using M.2 2280 form factor. It features 3D NAND TLC memory and SLC caching for improved performance. Sequential read speeds reach 1800 MB/s, while write speeds hit 1500 MB/s. This PCIe Gen3x4 interface offers speeds significantly faster than SATA III options. It is designed for desktops and laptops that support next-generation platforms.

Pros

• 1TB storage capacity
• M.2 2280 form factor
• 3D NAND TLC memory
• SLC caching technology
• 1800 MB/s read speed

Cons

• Write speed is lower than read speed
• Limited to PCIe Gen3x4 interface
• No included mounting hardware listed

Good fit if

• You need faster speeds than SATA drives
• You have an M.2 slot available
• You want 1TB of storage

Skip if

• You require PCIe Gen4 speeds
• You only have SATA ports
• You need external connectivity

Verdict: TEAMGROUP MP33 1TB NVMe SSD provides solid Gen3 performance for upgrades. It suits users needing more speed than SATA drives offer without requiring Gen4 hardware.

6 Best budget

PNY CS900 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III SSD

Best for: Standard desktop and laptop upgrades

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

SATA III

Form Factor

2.5"

Max Read Speed

535MB/s

Max Write Speed

515MB/s

Compatibility

Laptop

View on Amazon: PNY CS900 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III SSD Affiliate link

The PNY CS900 is a 1TB internal solid state drive designed for desktops and laptops. It uses a SATA III interface and delivers sequential read speeds up to 535MB/s and write speeds up to 515MB/s. This drive fits in standard 2.5-inch bays. It offers a practical upgrade path for users seeking faster boot times and application loads without the cost of NVMe technology.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 535MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 515MB/s
• Standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation
• Backwards compatible with SATA II interfaces

Cons

• SATA III interface limits speed compared to NVMe options
• No included mounting screws or cables
• No hardware encryption support listed

Good fit if

• You need a reliable internal drive for a desktop PC
• You are upgrading an older laptop with a 2.5-inch bay
• You want faster storage without installing an M.2 drive

Skip if

• You require the fastest possible transfer speeds for large files
• You are building a compact mini-PC with only M.2 slots
• You need an external portable drive for travel

Verdict: PNY CS900 1TB 2.5" SATA SSD provides solid SATA performance for everyday computing tasks. It is the right choice for users upgrading older systems that rely on 2.5-inch drive bays.

7 Best m.2

Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD

Best for: Budget-conscious M.2 NVMe upgrades

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

PCIe Gen 3 x4

Max Read Speed

Up to 2,100MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 1,650MB/s

Form Factor

M.2

Dimensions

0.15 × 3.15 × 0.87 inches

View on Amazon: Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD Affiliate link

The Patriot P300 is a 1TB M.2 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen 3 x4. It offers sequential read speeds up to 2,100MB/s and write speeds up to 1,650MB/s. The drive includes SmartECC and thermal throttling to protect data and manage heat. It fits standard M.2 2280 slots. This drive suits users needing fast internal storage for general computing and light gaming.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 2,100MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 1,650MB/s
• Supports LDPC and NANDXtend ECC technology
• Includes thermal throttling technology

Cons

• Lower sequential write speeds than Gen 4 competitors
• No included mounting hardware or heatsink
• Limited to PCIe Gen 3 interface

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly M.2 NVMe drive
• You want reliable data protection with ECC
• You are upgrading an older PCIe Gen 3 system

Skip if

• You require maximum Gen 4 transfer speeds
• You need a drive with a built-in heatsink
• You want a portable external SSD solution

Verdict: The Patriot P300 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD delivers solid Gen 3 performance for everyday tasks. It is a practical internal drive for users prioritizing value and data integrity over top-tier speeds.

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Frequently asked questions

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