Rankings
The Lexar 1 TB Professional Go SSD offers blazing-fast USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 performance in an ultra-compact, IP65-rated package, ideal for iPhone 15/16 Pro videographers. Lack of built-in encryption and the need for a separate hub for full functionality are its main compromises.
The KOOTION 1TB Portable SSD delivers flagship-class 2000 MB/s read speeds in a tiny, aluminum-plus-silicone package. It's shockproof, waterproof and includes a full set of accessories, but the top performance requires a Gen2x2 host and it lacks built-in security features.
The Kingston XS1000R 1TB combines a pocket-sized metal-plastic shell with flagship-class USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds and a five-year warranty, delivering high performance at a budget-friendly price, though it lacks encryption and a ruggedized case.
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub offers a unique modular solution for iPhone filmmakers, delivering fast 1050 MB/s reads, IP65 protection and integrated power delivery. Its compact design and hardware encryption make it ideal for on-the-go ProRes capture, though the premium price and hub limitations may deter budget-focused users.
The Kingston XS1000R 2TB delivers fast Gen 2 performance in a pocket-sized, lightweight red chassis with a five-year warranty. While it excels in portability and price-to-performance, it lacks encryption, ruggedization, and a high-quality USB-C-to-C cable for full speed.
The Kingston XS1000 1TB is a pocket-sized external SSD that offers solid Gen 2 performance and a long warranty at an affordable price, but it lacks encryption, ruggedization, and a USB-C-to-C cable. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for travel, though the 13.5 mm thickness can feel bulky in tight bags.
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,000 GB | 2,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 2,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 2,000 MB/sbest | |
1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,800 MB/sbest | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | 1 years | |
| ↓ lower better | 40.8 g | 28.7 gbest | 95 g | 40.8 g | 168 g | 36.3 g |
| ↓ lower better | 13.5 mm | 13.5 mm | 8.25 mm | 13.5 mm | 8.2 mmbest | 11 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 69.54 mm | 69.54 mm | 43.5 mmbest | 69.6 mm | 43.5 mmbest | 93.4 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 32.58 mm | 32.58 mm | 25.5 mm | 32.5 mm | 25 mmbest | 51.5 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1800 MB/s |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||||||
Warranty Period (years) | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 1 years |
Security(1) | ||||||
Hardware Encryption | false | false | false | false | true | false |
Compatibility(1) | ||||||
Supported Operating Systems | Windows 10, 11; macOS 10.15+; Linux; Chrome OS; Android; iOS/iPadOS | Windows 10, 11, macOS 10.15+, Linux 4.4+, Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS 13+ | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, USB‑C tablets | Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, Linux 4.4+, Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS 13+ | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Storage(3) | ||||||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 2000 GB | 1000 GB | 1000 GB | 2000 GB | 1000 GB |
NAND Type | — | TLC | — | 3D NAND | — | A+ grade NAND flash |
Form Factor | pocket-sized metal-plastic | Portable | External Portable SSD | Pocket-sized | — | — |
Power(1) | ||||||
Power Source | USB | USB | Bus-powered | USB | Bus-powered | USB |
Build & Design(4) | ||||||
Weight (g) | 40.8 g | 28.7 g | 95 g | 40.8 g | 168 g | 36.3 g |
Thickness (mm) | 13.5 mm | 13.5 mm | 8.25 mm | 13.5 mm | 8.2 mm | 11 mm |
Length (mm) | 69.54 mm | 69.54 mm | 43.5 mm | 69.6 mm | 43.5 mm | 93.4 mm |
Width (mm) | 32.58 mm | 32.58 mm | 25.5 mm | 32.5 mm | 25 mm | 51.5 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the XS1000R for its pocket-sized form factor, solid USB-3.2 Gen 2 speeds and attractive price point, noting it delivers the performance expected of a premium SSD in a minimalist package. However, they consistently point out the absence of hardware encryption and a ruggedized enclosure.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's tiny size, vivid red look, and hassle-free plug-and-play experience, often highlighting its usefulness for quick 4K video transfers and gaming storage. Recurring complaints focus on the lack of built-in encryption, the short supplied cable, and a perception that the plastic-metal shell feels less sturdy than armored competitors.
“Fits in my pocket and transfers 4K video files in seconds.”
“Love the red color - easy to spot on my desk.”
“Wish it had encryption for work files.”
Professional reviewers commend the XS1000R for its ultra-compact form factor, solid benchmark performance close to its 1050 MB/s rating, and attractive price point, while noting the lack of ruggedization and hardware encryption as trade-offs.
Everyday users love the drive's pocket-size, vivid red look and fast file transfers, but complain about the slow included cable, perceived fragility, and desire for larger capacities or built-in security.
Professional reviewers, notably PCMag, gave the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub a perfect 5.0/5.0 score, calling it near-perfect for iPhone filmmakers and highlighting its seamless iPhone 15/16 Pro integration, blazing-fast performance, and innovative modular hub.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's ability to record long ProRes 4K clips directly from the iPhone, its ultra-compact cable-free form factor, and the useful accessories included. Recurring complaints focus on the lack of encryption, incompatibility with thick cases, and the premium price.
Professional reviewers rate the XS1000 around 3.5/5, praising its affordability, compactness and fast Gen 2 speeds while noting the absence of hardware encryption, ruggedization, and a USB-C-to-C cable.
Everyday users appreciate the SSD's pocket-size, light weight and quick file transfers, but repeatedly complain about the missing USB-C-to-C cable, lack of built-in encryption and the relatively thick body.
Professional reviewers hail the Lexar Go as a game-changing solution for iPhone filmmakers, praising its seamless ProRes capture, compact modular design, high-speed performance and robust security. They note the premium price and limited Mac hub functionality as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the tiny, lightweight form factor, the ability to charge the phone while filming, and the ruggedness that survived outdoor conditions. Common complaints focus on the hub's lack of ruggedness, incompatibility with thick cases, upcoming iPhone 17 issues, and the high price tag.
Professional editors view the Kootion 1TB SSD as a compelling budget option that delivers headline-grabbing 2000 MB/s read speeds, but they caution that those numbers are only reachable with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host. They praise the inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A cables, the rugged aluminum-plus-silicone construction, and the use of A+ grade NAND, while noting the lack of publicly disclosed endurance data and built-in security features.
Everyday users love the drive's tiny footprint, lightning-fast transfers of large media files, and its drop-proof build. Common praise centers on plug-and-play ease, the handy keyring hole, and the fact that it works straight out of the box.
