Rankings
The Crucial X10 Pro 1TB offers industry-leading 2100 MB/s read speeds, 256-bit AES encryption and rugged IP55 protection in a feather-light package. Its performance depends on a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host and it lacks an endurance rating, which may concern heavy-write users. Best suited for creators and gamers who need top speed and security on the go.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD 1TB delivers flagship-level 2000 MB/s speeds in a rugged, IP65-rated aluminum case. Its premium price and only 128-bit encryption may deter budget-focused buyers. Ideal for creators and professionals needing ultra-fast, durable portable storage.
The Samsung X5 Portable SSD 2TB delivers Thunderbolt 3 performance with up to 2,800 MB/s read speeds and a rugged magnesium-alloy chassis. Its need for a Thunderbolt 3 port and premium price limit its appeal to non-professional users. Ideal for creators who require top-tier speed and durability.
The Transcend ESD410 provides 2 TB of storage with 2,000 MB/s read/write performance, MIL-STD-810G shock resistance, IPX5 water resistance, and 256-bit AES encryption. Sustained write speeds fall after the 64 GB pSLC cache and full speed requires a compatible host. Perfect for field-working videographers needing rugged, high-speed storage.
SanDisk Creator Pro 1TB SSD provides up to 2,000 MB/s performance, IP65 resistance, and 3 m drop protection, targeting creative professionals. Its higher cost and lack of hardware encryption may deter some users. Perfect for creators needing fast, rugged storage with the added benefit of Adobe Creative Cloud software.
The Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic SSD provides up to 2000 MB/s read/write performance, IP65 protection, and MagSafe magnetic attachment for seamless iPhone backups. Its reliance on USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 hosts for full speed and a modest 1 TB capacity limit its appeal for power users. Perfect for mobile creators who value speed, ruggedness, and magnetic convenience.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD 4TB delivers Thunderbolt-class performance with up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write speeds in a rugged, IP65-rated chassis. Its peak speeds are only reachable on USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 hosts, and it lacks built-in hardware encryption. Ideal for creators needing ultra-fast portable storage.
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 WD Black P40 1TB Game Drive provides up to 2000 MB/s advertised read speeds, RGB lighting, and an aluminum chassis with 2 m shock resistance for gamers across PC and consoles. Sustained write speeds fall to around 500 MB/s and full performance requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, making it ideal for gamers prioritizing speed and aesthetics.
The Fikwot 1TB SSD provides up to 2000 MB/s read speeds, a magnetic phone mount, and 2 m drop resistance, delivering convenient portable storage. Its real-world speeds often fall short of claims and the unit can become warm under load. Ideal for mobile professionals needing phone-mountable storage with a robust warranty.
Amazon Basics 1TB Portable SSD offers a compact, IP65-rated design with claimed 2,000 MB/s speeds at an affordable price. In practice, speeds are lower and the short warranty may concern power users. Suited for budget-conscious creators needing portable storage on modern USB-C devices.
The Netac ZX20 2TB Extreme Portable NVMe SSD provides a feather-light, pocket-sized form factor with up to 2000 MB/s reads when paired with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host. Its limitations include reliance on rare host ports for peak speeds, a plastic enclosure without IP protection, and a higher price point. It is best for mobile professionals who value ultra-light weight and high capacity over ruggedness.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 1 GB | 1,000 GB | 1 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB | 2,048 GBbest | 1,000 GB | 4 GB | 1,000 GB | 2,048 GBbest | |
2,000 MB/s | 2,100 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,800 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 3,800 MB/sbest | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | |
2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 850 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,300 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 3,700 MB/sbest | 1,050 MB/s | 1,700 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 28.9 gbest | 42 g | 77 g | 77.5 g | 77.5 g | 150 g | 51.8 g | 65 g | 109 g | 172 g | 500 g | 91 g |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 1 years | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | |
— | 2 m | — | 3 mbest | 3 mbest | 2 m | — | 3 mbest | 3 mbest | — | 2 m | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General(2) | ||||||||||||
Warranty (years) | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years | 1 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years |
Operating Temperature (°C) | 0-40 °C | — | — | 0-45°C °C | — | 45 °C | 50 °C | 0-60 °C | — | — | 0-70 °C | — |
Power(1) | ||||||||||||
Power Source | — | USB bus-powered | — | USB bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | — | — | — | Bus-powered | — |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | Thunderbolt 3 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | USB4 Gen 3x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
OS Compatibility | — | Windows, macOS, Android, iPad, PC, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, laptops, gaming consoles, tablets, cameras, iPhone 15 | Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox | — | Windows, macOS | macOS 10.2+, Windows 10+ | Windows, macOS | iPhone17/15/16/iPad/Mac/Tablets/PS5/Windows/Android | — | — | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Build & Design(4) | ||||||||||||
Weight (g) | 28.9 g | 42 g | 77 g | 77.5 g | 77.5 g | 150 g | 51.8 g | 65 g | 109 g | 172 g | 500 g | 91 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 69.54×32.58×13.5 mm mm | 65×50×10 mm mm | 51 x 13 x 107 mm mm | 110.7×57.9×10.4 mm mm | 110.8×57.83×10.31 mm mm | 119×62×19.7 mm mm | 59.2×59.2×9.9 mm mm | 42×79×14.5 mm mm | 85×54×11 mm mm | 101x53x10 mm mm | 100×50×8 mm mm | 71.5×43.5×8 mm mm |
Drop Resistance (m) | — | 2 m | — | 3 m | 3 m | 2 m | — | 3 m | 3 m | — | 2 m | — |
Enclosure Material | Metal + Plastic | Anodized aluminum | Aluminum | Forged Aluminum | — | Magnesium alloy | Metal with polymer bottom | — | — | silicone shell, aluminum chassis | Aluminum alloy | ABS Plastic |
Accessories(1) | ||||||||||||
Included Accessories | USB Type‑C cable; rubber sleeve | USB-C cable | USB‑C to USB‑C cable, USB‑C to USB‑A adapter, Quick start guide, PS5 install sheet, WD Black Dashboard software | Carabiner Loop | Adobe Creative Cloud (1 month) | Integrated cable | 2 cables, protective case | USB‑C to‑C cable, USB‑A to‑C cable | Magnetic Ring Accessory, Ribbon USB‑C cable, Cable organizer/lanyard, Magnetic strip/ring | — | SSD, USB‑C to USB‑C cable, USB‑C to USB‑A cable | USB‑C to C cable, USB‑C to A cable, welcome guide |
Storage(2) | ||||||||||||
Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 1000 GB | 1 GB | 1000 GB | 1 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB | 2048 GB | 1000 GB | 4 GB | 1000 GB | 2048 GB |
NAND Type | 3D | Micron TLC NAND | — | WD 64-Layer 3D TLC | — | TLC | — | 3D NAND | — | — | — | — |
Performance(3) | ||||||||||||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 2100 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2800 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 3800 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 850 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2300 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 3700 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1700 MB/s |
Controller | Silicon Motion SM2320 | — | — | WD G1 | NVMe | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Features(2) | ||||||||||||
Hardware Encryption | — | true | false | true | — | true | — | true | true | — | — | — |
IP Rating | IP55 | IP55 | — | IP65 | IP65 | — | IP65 | IPX5 | IP65 | IP65 | — | — |
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.
“go-to external device”
“night and day”
“pretty good performance (42GB in 2 min, 1135/858 MB/s)”
SanDisk Extreme is a good fit for users who value proven ruggedness and steady performance over the highest advertised peak speed.
Professional reviewers hail the X10 Pro as the current benchmark for USB-based external SSDs, praising its record-setting 2100 MB/s read speed, rugged IP55 construction, and built-in 256-bit AES encryption.
Everyday users overwhelmingly value the drive's raw speed, pocket-size portability, and cross-platform compatibility, especially for video editing and console storage. Recurring complaints focus on speed drops when using older USB ports, occasional heat under sustained loads, and the lack of a more distinctive visual design.
Professional reviewers agree the WD Black P40 delivers strong random I/O and eye-catching RGB styling, making it a solid choice for gamers who need fast portable storage. However, they criticize the limited sustained write speeds, reliance on the niche USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, and higher price relative to competitors, noting that console performance gains are minimal due to USB bandwidth caps.
Everyday users praise the drive's speed, portability, and easy setup, often calling it their go-to external storage for games and media. Recurring themes include satisfaction with the fast transfers and durable design, while complaints focus on speed throttling during long writes, occasional warmth, and the lack of water/dust protection.
KitGuru and other professional reviewers conclude that the Extreme PRO Portable SSD lives up to its premium positioning, delivering top-tier transfer speeds, a rugged yet compact design, and strong security features, making it a go-to choice for content creators and mobile professionals who need reliable, high-speed storage.
The source data does not contain direct consumer reviews, so everyday user sentiment cannot be directly assessed; the product is marketed toward professionals and creators, suggesting positive expectations for speed and durability.
Professional reviewers overwhelmingly praise the X5 for its blistering real-world performance, noting read speeds around 2.5 GB/s and write speeds over 2 GB/s that closely match the advertised figures. They highlight the dramatic speed advantage over the T5 and USB-based competitors, the ability to transfer large 4K video files in seconds, and the rugged magnesium-alloy build with 6-foot drop resistance. However, they also point out the mandatory Thunderbolt 3 interface, lack of macOS firmware support, larger footprint, and high price as notable drawbacks that limit its appeal to users without Thunderbolt ports or tight budgets.
Professional reviewers commend the Amazon Basics LSPSSD1TB for delivering a solid mix of speed, capacity, and portability at a low price, especially for creators and gamers on modern USB-C devices. However, they consistently note that the advertised 2000 MB/s peak is unrealistic in typical use, with real-world read speeds topping around 1100 MB/s and sustained writes dropping significantly. Durability claims such as IP65 and drop protection are viewed skeptically, and the shorter warranty compared to rivals is a drawback.
Everyday users generally appreciate the dramatic speed boost over HDDs and the pocket-sized convenience, seeing it as good value for a 1 TB drive. Recurring complaints focus on speed throttling during large or prolonged transfers, noticeable heat buildup, and doubts about the durability promises, leading some to feel the product falls short of its hype.
Professional reviewers such as SSD-Tester and Guru3D highlighted the drive's lightning-fast peak throughput-over 2 GB/s in synthetic benchmarks-and its rugged construction that meets MIL-STD-810G and IPX5 standards. They praised its suitability for high-resolution video workflows but cautioned that sustained write speeds dip after the 64 GB pSLC cache is used up and that full performance requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host.
Professional reviewers praise the Lexar ES5 for its rugged, rubberized build, ultra-light weight, and MagSafe integration that streamlines iPhone and iPad backups. Benchmarks consistently show near-2000 MB/s real-world speeds, and the device's IP65 rating and 3 m drop resistance make it ideal for field work. However, reviewers caution that the top speed is only reachable on USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 hosts and note the thin cable as a less premium element.
Everyday users highlight the magnetic convenience, pocket-friendly weight, and fast transfer speeds as the most appreciated aspects. Common praise centers on the rubberized grip and the ease of using the free backup app. Recurring complaints involve occasional throttling on older ports, limited 1 TB capacity for large video projects, and concerns about cable durability.
Professional reviewers commend the Extreme PRO USB4 SSD for its Thunderbolt-class speeds, rugged construction, and real-world bandwidth that validates the advertised numbers. However, they caution that the full performance envelope is only reachable on USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 hosts, and that 4K random write performance has slipped compared to earlier USB 3.2 models, with endurance data still missing.
Everyday users largely echo the reviewers' praise for blazing transfer rates and the drive's durability, especially for on-the-go creators. The most common complaints revolve around slower speeds on legacy ports and the absence of clear endurance specifications, though no widespread reliability issues have been reported.
Professional reviewers appreciate the magnetic phone-mount and rugged build, noting the SSD delivers solid everyday performance at up to 1050 MB/s. However, they criticize the overstated 2000 MB/s marketing, the heat generated under load, and the omission of a high-speed cable in the box, which together make the drive less competitive against similarly priced rivals.
Everyday users love the tiny footprint, magnetic convenience, and plug-and-play simplicity, but many complain about the device heating up during large transfers, speed throttling on non-optimal ports, occasional compatibility hiccups with older consoles, and slow customer support responses.
Professional reviewers commend the Netac ZX20 for its feather-light weight, compact size, and useful cable bundle, noting it delivers solid performance on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. However, they caution that the advertised top speeds require a rare Gen 2x2 host, the plastic enclosure feels flimsy and lacks any IP protection, and the price is higher than comparable models with similar capacity.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's portability, lightweight feel, and the convenience of the included cables, but they frequently express disappointment when the real-world speeds fall short of the advertised 2000 MB/s and criticize the cheap-feeling plastic housing and the absence of an IP rating.
