To instantly add drive space to a laptop or desktop computer, you can use a SATA to USB cable to connect aSATA SSD (solid state drive) to a USB HDD (hard disk drive). This handy cable connects easily to SATA and USB drives to externally transfer data and add storage, perform backups, create disk images, perform data recovery, and transfer content to and from your systems. With a SATA to USB cable, you can power and access a SATA drive through any USB port with the need for the SATA drive to be mounted in a hard case. We’ve researched the best SATA to USB cables available online for their integration, features, and ease of use. Here are our top choices to help you decide which SATA to USB cable is best for your computer system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly is SATA and USB?

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, or SATA, is an industry-standard bus interface for connecting a computer’s host bus adapter to storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives. Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is one of the most universal and popular cable types used today. USB offers a fast transfer of information and is used to connect computers to peripheral devices such as cameras, camcorders, printers, scanners, and smartphones chargers.

 

How fast is a SATA to USB cable?

It all depends on what the rate of the USB connection is to the SATA connection. USB 3.1 delivers 10 gigabytes per second data transfer rate. This rate is more than 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and twice as fast as USB 3.0. A standard USB 3.0 to SATA cable allows external hard drives to transfer data at around five gigabytes per second.

 

Buying Guide:

When you are looking for a SATA to USB cable, know your operating system type and your drive type. Make sure you have a SATA I, II, or III 2.5” drive and a USB connection on your laptop or desktop computer. SATA to USB cables generally use USB 3.0 to transfer data, and most Windows, Mac, and Linux computers will have USB 3.0 capabilities or have an adapter you can use if your system only has USB-C ports. The best transfer speeds with the most accuracy with a SATA to USB cable will be using SATA to USB 3.0 ports.

SATA to USB cables are easy to use and do not require power cords. They are simply plug and play into the back of your hard drive and computer, and it is not even necessary to have a hard cover on the SATA drive to enable it to work. SATA to USB cables do not require extra power cords unless they are powering very old SATA devices. The cables and plugs are injection-molded for strength and durability. SATA and USB cables are relatively short in length to keep data transfer as quick as possible.

A special feature of a SATA and USB cable is the addition of an LED indicator light that flashes red when connected and blue when transferring data. Some SATA to USB cables also feature extra connectors for older models of SATA drives, as well as 12 volt power adapters and four pin power adapters. Whichever SATA to USB cable you choose, you’ll have the peace of mind that you can easily transfer, store, clone, and create backups of data to a SATA drive wherever you go!

 

Portable Solution to Quick Data Transfer

Just slip this SATA to USB cable into your computer bag for easy transfer of data anywhere you go. This cable requires no external power to operate and uses your laptop or desktop to perform data transfer functions.

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To use this SATA to USB cable, simply connect the adapter cable to a 2.5” HDD or SSD. Then connect the USB-A connection end to the USB port on the host computer.

 

Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux

If you are a computer technician or spend a lot of time working with data, this SATA to USB cable is essential to your arsenal of computer tools. Use it to restore systems, recover lost data, make backups, and transfer data between computers.

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If you use this SATA to USB cable with a USB 3.0 laptop or desktop, you’ll have even faster transfer speeds. You can use this cable to retrieve data from older SATA drives.

Activity Lights Indicate Status

Rely on this SATA to USB cable to transfer data securely. You can clone a system to a SATA drive with this cable or backup a drive, and even create another drive. This cable works flawlessly with all 2.5” drives.

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This SATA to USB cable is compatible with Windows, Macs, and Linux operating systems. It features a LED activity light built into its connection where red means it is connected and powered up and blue indicates that it is transferring data or active.

Access Two Drives at the Same Time

Easily swap between drives with this SATA to USB cable. You don’t even have to secure a drive inside an enclosure—it will connect directly into the back of the drive. It doesn’t need any drivers to work, just plug it in and start transferring.

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This SATA to USB cable features an LED indicator to let you know when it is powered up and when it is transferring data. It also has a power switch, a DC power interface, and four-pin power slot.

 

Lightweight, Compact, and Portable

You can connect any SATA hard drive to your laptop or desktop by using this SATA to USB cable. It features an LED power light that shows both connectivity and activity. You can use this cable to easily clone, backup, store, and transfer data.

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This SATA to USB cable is hot-swappable, simply plug in and follow prompts on your screen. It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.