SanDisk E31 Portable SSD Launches With USB-C, 2TB Storage, and a Lighter Design
SanDisk has introduced its new E31 Portable SSD, also known as the Portable SSD V3, offering a compact storage solution for users who need fast, reliable backup on the go. Designed for everyday file transfers, travel, work, and media storage, the drive brings USB-C connectivity, capacities up to 2TB, and a slimmer, lighter body.
The new SanDisk E31 is more of a refinement than a major upgrade over the previous model. One of the most noticeable changes is its updated design, which replaces the older rubber corner loop with a more solid corner hook. This makes it easier to attach the drive to a bag, keyring, or carrying case while improving overall durability.
The drive measures 85 x 45 x 10mm and weighs just 33.2 grams, making it extremely pocket-friendly. It is around 8 grams lighter than the earlier version, which should appeal to users who want portable storage without extra bulk. SanDisk also advertises two-meter drop protection, giving the E31 an advantage over traditional portable hard drives that are more vulnerable to shocks and impact.
In terms of performance, the SanDisk E31 uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface with bandwidth of up to 10Gbps. The company rates the drive for sequential read speeds of up to 1,000MB/s. That is a modest improvement over the previous version, which was rated around 200MB/s slower.
However, SanDisk has not listed an exact write speed for the E31. The fine print notes that write speeds are lower than read speeds, which is common for portable SSDs in this category. While the E31 should be fast enough for backing up photos, documents, videos, and general files, it is not positioned as one of SanDisk’s highest-performance external SSDs. The brand’s more premium portable SSDs can reach speeds of up to 4,000MB/s, making them better suited for demanding workloads such as high-resolution video editing.
The E31 connects through USB-C and is listed as compatible with Windows 10, macOS 13 or newer, Android 13, iOS 15, and iPadOS 15 or later. Since it works as a standard plug-and-play external drive, it should also function with many other USB-C devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and supported gaming or media systems.
For iPad users, files stored on the SanDisk E31 can be accessed through Apple’s native Files app. On other supported platforms, SanDisk’s Memory Zone software offers extra tools for file management and backups, making it easier to organize documents, photos, and videos across devices.
SanDisk is offering the E31 Portable SSD in three storage capacities: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Pricing starts at $100 for the 500GB model, while the 1TB version is priced at $160. The largest 2TB model costs $300. Availability may vary by region, with customers able to choose their country through SanDisk’s online store.
All versions of the SanDisk E31 Portable SSD come with a three-year warranty.
Overall, the SanDisk E31 Portable SSD is a lightweight and practical external SSD for users who want dependable USB-C storage in a small form factor. It does not deliver a dramatic speed boost over the previous generation, but its lighter design, improved corner hook, drop protection, and broad device compatibility make it a useful choice for everyday backups, travel storage, and quick file transfers.
