Rankings
The Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD offers ultra-compact size, IP55 protection and 1050 MB/s read/write speeds in a lightweight 32 g package. It lacks the higher ruggedness of some competitors and its sustained write performance trails a bit behind. Best for mobile professionals and gamers who need fast, portable storage with basic protection and bundled backup software.
The Kingston XS2000 1TB SSD achieves up to 2000 MB/s read/write speeds and features IP55 protection in a compact metal-plastic case. Full performance requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host and sustained writes may throttle without DRAM. Best for creators with compatible ports who demand ultra-fast burst transfers and ruggedness.
The SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD offers up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds along with IP65 protection and 3 m drop resistance. Its performance is capped by the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and warranty terms can be confusing. Best suited for on-the-go creators who value durability and built-in encryption.
The Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 1TB delivers Mac-optimized performance of up to 1050 MB/s in a tiny, IP55-rated aluminum case with strong 256-bit encryption. Its 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface caps peak throughput below newer 20 Gbps models, and the IP rating is modest compared with IP65 rivals. Ideal for Mac-centric creators and travelers who value portability and native compatibility.
The SSK SD500 1TB Portable SSD delivers fast 1050/1000 MB/s performance in a tiny 12×37×68 mm, 30 g aluminum shell. Its sustained write speed falls after the cache is exhausted and it can become noticeably warm. Ideal for mobile creators who need quick bursts of speed and a compact, low-cost solution.
SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB SSD combines IP55 protection, shock-proof construction, and NVMe speeds up to 560 MB/s in a compact form factor. Heat during sustained transfers and a higher price are notable trade-offs. Best for on-the-go professionals needing rugged, reliable storage.
WD's My Passport SSD 500 GB provides fast USB-C performance with built-in 256-bit AES encryption and a rugged 1.98 m drop rating, making it a secure, travel-ready option. Its limited cache and modest random I/O performance, plus lack of water resistance, may deter power users. Ideal for mobile professionals who prioritize security and durability over extreme speed.
The Netac 500 GB Portable SSD offers an aluminum-cased, lightweight design with USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds around 500 MB/s, targeting budget-conscious travelers and creators. Its drawbacks include occasional speed throttling, thermal concerns, and reported reliability hiccups. It is best for users who need a portable, durable SSD without demanding top-tier performance.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,000 GB | 500 GB | 1,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 1 GB | 1,024 GBbest | 500 GB | 500 GB | |
2,000 MB/sbest | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 800 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 500 MB/s | |
2,000 MB/sbest | 1,000 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 501 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 450 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 28.9 gbest | 39 g | 32 g | 38 g | 41 g | 30 g | 54 g | 30 g |
5 yearsbest | 3 years | 3 years | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 3 years | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | |
— | 3 mbest | 2.3 m | 2 m | 2 m | 1.22 m | 1.98 m | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General(2) | ||||||||
Warranty (years) | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years |
Operating Temperature (°C) | 0-40 °C | 0-45°C °C | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Power(1) | ||||||||
Power Source | — | bus-powered | USB | USB bus-powered | Bus-powered | USB | — | Bus powered |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | USB 3.2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2/Gen 2x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 (10 Gbit/s) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
OS Compatibility | — | Windows 10+, macOS 12+, iOS 13+, iPadOS 15+, Android 10+ | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, ChromeOS | Apple devices, Windows, Android, iPad, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox | Windows, macOS | Windows 7+, macOS 10.11+, Linux, Android, iOS (OTG) | — | — |
Build & Design(4) | ||||||||
Weight (g) | 28.9 g | 39 g | 32 g | 38 g | 41 g | 30 g | 54 g | 30 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 69.54×32.58×13.5 mm mm | 85.09x50.8x9.91 mm mm | 10x50x65 mm | 65×50×9.91 mm mm | 47×47×10 mm mm | 12x37x68 mm | 100 x 55 x 9 mm mm | 100×294×9 mm mm |
Drop Resistance (m) | — | 3 m | 2.3 m | 2 m | 2 m | 1.22 m | 1.98 m | — |
Enclosure Material | Metal + Plastic | — | — | — | — | Aluminum alloy | Not specified | Aluminum |
Accessories(1) | ||||||||
Included Accessories | USB Type‑C cable; rubber sleeve | USB-C cable, USB-C to A adapter, carabiner loop | SSD, USB Type-C to C cable | — | USB-C cable | USB-C to C cable, USB-C to A cable, protective pouch | USB‑C to USB‑A Cable | USB Type-C to C cable, USB Type-C to A cable, protective case, welcome guide |
Storage(2) | ||||||||
Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 500 GB | 1000 GB | 1000 GB | 1 GB | 1024 GB | 500 GB | 500 GB |
NAND Type | 3D | — | 3D NAND | Micron TLC NAND | — | — | — | — |
Performance(3) | ||||||||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 800 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 500 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 501 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 450 MB/s |
Controller | Silicon Motion SM2320 | — | — | Silicon Motion SM2320 ASIC | NVMe | — | — | — |
Features(2) | ||||||||
IP Rating | IP55 | IP65 | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 | — | — | — |
Shock Resistance | true | true | — | false | true | — | — | true |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the XS2000 for delivering industry-leading 2,000 MB/s burst performance in an ultra-compact, IP55-rated package, making it a strong choice for creators handling 8K video and large RAW files. However, they note the DRAM-less architecture leads to write throttling once the SLC cache is exhausted, and full speeds are only reachable on rare USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports.
Retailer descriptions and limited consumer feedback echo the professional praise, emphasizing the SSD's rapid transfers and pocket-sized ruggedness for on-the-go use. No significant recurring complaints appear in the available user-focused sources.
“hands-down one of the best external SSDs on the market”
“very well-built, compact, water and dust resistant and shock proof”
“good investment”
SanDisk is preferable for users prioritizing ruggedness and accessories; WD is an option if brand preference or pricing is the main factor.
Professional reviewers praise the Extreme Portable SSD for its fast NVMe-class read/write performance, rugged IP65 rating, and broad compatibility, noting it excels in demanding field environments. However, they caution that the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface limits peak throughput and that warranty terms differ across model generations.
Everyday users consistently highlight the drive's compact size, rapid transfer speeds, and durability, often mentioning the convenience of the included cables and encryption software. The most common complaints revolve around speed variability on different host ports and occasional confusion over warranty length and exact dimensions.
Professional reviewers commend the X9 for its ultra-small footprint, strong read performance and drop-proof design, noting it as a convenient, high-speed solution for mobile professionals. However, they point out that its sustained write speeds lag slightly behind rivals and that the lack of an IP rating makes it less rugged than competing models like the Samsung T7 Shield.
Everyday users highlight the drive's fast read speeds, pocket-size convenience, and seamless plug-and-play experience across a wide range of devices. The main concerns expressed are the scarcity of user reviews, the absence of an official IP rating, and minor confusion over the exact weight listed in different sources.
Professional reviewers commend the X9 Pro for its ultra-compact, lightweight design and Mac-specific firmware, calling it a sweet-spot SSD that balances performance, size, and price.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the X9 Pro's portability, lightweight feel, and seamless Mac compatibility, reflected in a high overall rating. The consensus highlights its suitability for travel, field work, and creative workflows, with few complaints surfacing.
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the SanDisk Extreme Portable's rugged IP55 construction, fast NVMe-based performance, and strong value proposition at the 1 TB price point. While they commend its smart design and cross-platform ease of use, they note that the price is higher than some rivals and that small-file transfer performance can lag behind larger sequential transfers.
Everyday users praise the drive's portability, speed, and durability, especially for on-location work and travel. Common praise centers on its ruggedness and value, while recurring complaints focus on heat buildup, the short supplied cable, slower small-file transfers, and occasional long-term reliability issues.
Professional reviewers commend the SSK SD500 1TB for its impressive benchmark numbers-exceeding 1 GB/s in both read and write under optimal USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 conditions-and its solid aluminum build with drop resistance. They also note its broad OS compatibility, UASP/TRIM support, and value-for-money pricing, while cautioning that sustained writes dip after the cache is exhausted and the unit runs hotter than some rivals during long transfers.
Everyday users love the drive's plug-and-play simplicity, feather-light feel, and the speed boost for high-resolution media, often highlighting the included pouch and cables as a plus. Recurring complaints focus on the device heating up during extended copies, real-world speeds falling short of the advertised peak, and the smaller usable capacity caused by formatting and large allocation units.
Professional reviewers commend the My Passport SSD for delivering the advertised 1050/1000 MB/s sequential performance in a ultra-slim chassis, while also offering hardware AES encryption and a generous five-year warranty. However, they caution that its 6 GB pSLC cache and modest 4 KB random speeds make it less suitable for sustained heavy write workloads or workloads that demand high random IOPS.
Everyday users consistently highlight the drive's quick plug-and-play experience, fast file transfers, and durable, travel-ready design. The most common praise centers on its portability and security features, while occasional complaints focus on price per gigabyte and the absence of water-resistance for rugged outdoor use.
Professional reviewers commend the Netac 500GB SSD for delivering strong real-world performance in demanding 4K video editing scenarios, noting its solid aluminum build, excellent temperature control, and attractive price-to-performance ratio. However, they also point out that the drive's actual speeds can be slightly below the advertised figures and that it may not satisfy the extreme speed requirements of high-end professional workflows.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's compact, lightweight design, fast-enough transfer speeds for large media files, and rugged aluminum casing. Common complaints focus on inconsistent real-world speeds, occasional overheating during prolonged use, premature failures after about a year, and reduced usable capacity due to formatting.
