Rankings
The Samsung T7 2TB offers the same high-speed performance as the 1TB model in a slightly larger capacity, with a lightweight metal case, strong encryption and dual cables. It shares the same drawbacks of missing biometric security and limited warranty.
The Samsung T7 1TB delivers near-rated 1 GB/s sequential speeds in a tiny, lightweight aluminum case, with strong AES-256 encryption and dual USB-C cables. It lacks rugged IP protection and biometric security, and its warranty is shorter than some rivals.
The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB combines the high-speed performance of the T7 line with rugged IP65 protection and 3 m drop resistance, delivering 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write in a rubberized case. It lacks biometric authentication, its read speeds can fall short of the spec, and the warranty is limited to three years.
The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB adds rugged IP65 protection and 3 m drop resistance to the fast T7 platform, keeping the same 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds in a slightly heavier rubberized case. It lacks biometric authentication and a longer warranty, and its read performance can fall short of the advertised peak.
The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB is a rugged portable SSD with IP65 protection, 3 m drop resistance and AES-256 encryption, delivering up to 1,050 MB/s read speeds. It balances durability and security with solid performance, though it carries a higher price tag and lacks full waterproofing.
The Samsung X5 1TB Portable SSD offers Thunderbolt 3-level performance in a rugged, magnesium-alloy case, targeting professionals who need fast ingest and export of large media files.
The Samsung T5 1TB portable SSD offers solid performance at up to 540 MB/s read, AES-256 encryption and a rugged aluminum body that survives 2 m drops. It remains a popular choice for creators needing secure, fast, cross-platform storage, though its speed and warranty lag behind newer competitors.
The Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD provides high-capacity, near-internal SSD speeds with robust encryption and a durable aluminum body, suited for professionals needing fast, secure portable storage.
The Samsung T5 500 GB Portable SSD offers near-internal SSD speeds, a premium aluminum build, and built-in hardware encryption, making it a solid choice for fast, secure portable storage.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | Samsung X5 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2,000 GBbest | 1,024 GB | 1,024 GB | 2,000 GBbest | 2,000 GBbest | 500 GB | 1,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 1,024 GB | |
1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 2,800 MB/sbest | |
1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 515 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 517.5 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 2,300 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 98 g | 98 g | 51 g | 58.97 g | 45 gbest | 45 gbest | 97 g | 58.95 g | 150 g |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 60 °C | 0 °Cbest | — | 45 °C | — | — | 60 °C | 45 °C | 45 °C |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | Samsung X5 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | |||||||||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 2000 GB | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | 2000 GB | 2000 GB | 500 GB | 1000 GB | 1000 GB | 1024 GB |
Performance(3) | |||||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Thunderbolt 3 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 2800 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 515 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 517.5 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 2300 MB/s |
Build & Design(2) | |||||||||
Weight (g) | 98 g | 98 g | 51 g | 58.97 g | 45 g | 45 g | 97 g | 58.95 g | 150 g |
Form Factor | Rectangular | — | — | Rectangular, credit card-sized | portable | portable | Rectangular | Rectangular, credit card-sized | Portable |
Power & Connectivity(2) | |||||||||
Power Source | Bus-powered via USB | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered via USB | bus | bus | Bus-powered via USB | Bus-powered via USB | — |
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | Thunderbolt 3 |
Compatibility(1) | |||||||||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, mobile devices | Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, Android 5.0+ | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One | Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, Android 5.0+ | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows 7+, macOS X 10.10+, Android 5.1+, gaming consoles | Windows, macOS, Android, consoles | Windows 10, macOS |
Technical Specs(2) | |||||||||
NAND Type | 128-layer 3D TLC V-NAND | 3D TLC | 3D V-NAND MLC | TLC (V‑NAND) | 64-layer V-NAND TLC | 64-layer V-NAND | V-NAND | V-NAND | — |
Controller | Samsung Pablo | Samsung Pablo | Samsung MGX | Samsung | Samsung proprietary | — | Samsung | Samsung | — |
Environmental(1) | |||||||||
Operating Temperature (°C) | 60 °C | 0 °C | — | 45 °C | — | — | 60 °C | 45 °C | 45 °C |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Shield's durability, encryption and consistent high-speed performance, while pointing out the lack of DRAM and that read speeds often plateau below the advertised peak.
Users appreciate the ruggedness and fast transfers for on-the-go work, but note occasional warmth, slower read speeds and wish for a longer warranty.
“Exceptionally reliable performance across devices”
“Very satisfying transfer speeds, especially when moving large photo or video files”
“Connects seamlessly with laptops, phones, and consoles; no driver installation needed”
Professional reviewers commend the T7 Shield for its rugged IP65 construction, solid drop resistance, and reliable AES-256 encryption, noting that its 1,050 MB/s read speed makes it suitable for on-the-go 4K editing. However, they point out that its performance lags behind non-rugged Thunderbolt or USB-3.2 Gen 2x2 drives, and the absence of immersion protection and a fingerprint sensor keep it from being a universal leader.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's durability, fast transfers, and hassle-free plug-and-play experience, often citing reliable backups and smooth media workflows. Recurring complaints focus on the premium price, the feel of the supplied cables, heat buildup during long transfers, and the desire for full waterproof (IP68) protection.
Professional reviewers praise the T5 for its fast USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance, solid aluminum construction, and built-in 256-bit AES encryption, noting it sets a high bar for portable SSDs even years after its 2017 launch. Minor criticisms focus on the relatively short 3-year warranty, lack of an endurance rating, and a premium price point, especially for higher capacities.
Everyday users consistently highlight the T5's lightning-quick file transfers, pocket-sized form factor, and reliable encryption, describing it as a go-to drive for travel and creative work. Common complaints revolve around initial macOS compatibility hiccups, the inability to recover data after a forgotten password, and a desire for larger capacity options.
Reviewers give the T7 2TB 4.0-4.5 stars, applauding its blazing speeds and encryption while noting the lack of fingerprint authentication and a shorter warranty compared with premium drives.
Users praise the instant-like transfers and pocket-sized form factor, but complain about Linux encryption incompatibility and the need to reformat for macOS.
Reviewers consistently rate the T5 as a benchmark portable SSD, highlighting its speed, sleek design, and reliable encryption while noting the limited warranty and missing endurance specs.
Users praise the fast transfers and compact form factor, though some report password rule issues and speed loss with cheap cables.
Professional reviewers praise the T5 for its near-internal speeds, solid build, and encryption, while noting the 3-year warranty and lack of endurance specs as minor drawbacks.
Users love the lightning-quick transfers and rugged feel, but some are frustrated by the short warranty and inability to recover a lost password.
Professional reviewers praise the Shield's ruggedness, encryption and consistent high-speed performance, but note the lack of DRAM and that read speeds often lag behind the advertised maximum.
Everyday users love the durability and fast transfers for field work, while some complain about the sticky rubber coating and occasional warmth during long transfers.
Professional reviewers rate the T7 between 4.0 and 4.5 stars, praising its speed, premium chassis and encryption while noting the missing fingerprint sensor and modest warranty.
Everyday users give it a perfect 5-star average, lauding its blistering speed, tiny form factor and reliability, with occasional complaints about Linux encryption support and price.
Professional reviewers praise the X5 as the fastest bus-powered external drive on the market, highlighting its Thunderbolt 3 + NVMe architecture and effective thermal management, but criticize its reliance on Thunderbolt 3 and occasional thermal throttling.
Everyday users love the blazing speed for 4K video and RAW batches and appreciate the rugged design, while noting the need for a Thunderbolt 3 port and occasional slowdowns due to heat.
