Rankings
The Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD delivers industry-leading 2,000 MB/s read/write performance in a rugged, rubberized enclosure with 3 m drop resistance and AES-256 encryption, making it ideal for creators who need speed and capacity on the go.
The Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD offers the same high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance as the 1TB model, packaged in a sleek aluminum case with 256-bit AES encryption and solid drop resistance. It's a strong choice for professionals and gamers who need large, fast, and secure portable storage, though it lacks rugged IP protection and biometric authentication.
The Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD delivers high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance in a sleek, lightweight aluminum case, with hardware encryption and solid drop resistance. It's ideal for professionals and travelers who need fast, secure portable storage, though it lacks rugged IP protection and biometric security.
The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB adds rugged IP65 protection and a 3 m drop rating to the fast performance of the standard T7, while remaining bus-powered and encrypted. It's suited for outdoor professionals who need durability without sacrificing speed, though it is heavier and lacks biometric security.
The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB combines the high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance of the T7 line with rugged IP65 protection and 3 m drop resistance, delivering secure, portable storage for demanding field work. It is slightly heavier and lacks biometric security, but its encryption and durability make it a solid choice for outdoor professionals.
The Samsung X5 is a Thunderbolt 3-only, NVMe-based portable SSD delivering flagship-class speeds in a rugged magnesium case. It targets professionals who need ultra-fast transfers and built-in security, but its lack of USB compatibility and higher weight limit its appeal to casual users.
The Samsung T5 1 TB Portable SSD delivers reliable 540 MB/s read speeds, solid aluminum construction, and built-in 256-bit AES encryption. It remains a benchmark for portable SSDs despite its modest capacity options and lack of an endurance rating.
The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB combines rugged IP65 protection with fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance, offering AES-256 encryption and a 3-year warranty for users who need durable, secure portable storage.
The Samsung T5 EVO 2 TB offers a rugged, high-capacity portable SSD with universal compatibility, but its SATA-based USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface caps performance well below modern NVMe drives. It's ideal for users who value durability and storage size over raw speed.
The Samsung T5 500 GB Portable SSD delivers solid aluminum build quality, fast 540 MB/s reads, AES-256 encryption and a lightweight form factor, suited for professionals needing secure, portable storage.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2,000 GB | 2,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 4,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | 500 GB | 1,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 2,000 GB | 2,000 GB | |
1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s | 2,800 MB/sbest | 460 MB/s | |
1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 515 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 2,300 MB/sbest | 460 MB/s | |
3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | |
| ↓ lower better | 58.97 g | 98 g | 51 g | 122 g | 98 g | 45 gbest | 97 g | 58.95 g | 150 g | 100 g |
| ↓ lower better | 7.62 mmbest | 12.5 mm | 10.4 mm | 15.2 mm | 13 mm | 10 mm | 12.5 mm | 7.62 mmbest | — | — |
| ↓ lower better | 83.82 mm | 86 mm | 73.9 mm | 88.9 mm | 88 mm | 56 mmbest | 86 mm | 83.82 mm | 119.38 mm | 95 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 55.88 mm | 57 mm | 57.4 mm | 61 mm | 59 mm | 76 mm | 56.97 mm | 55.88 mm | 20.32 mmbest | 40 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||||||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Thunderbolt 3 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 2800 MB/s | 460 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 515 MB/s | 2000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 2300 MB/s | 460 MB/s |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||||||||||
Warranty Period (years) | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
Compatibility(1) | ||||||||||
Supported Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, mobile devices | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android, consoles | Windows, macOS, Android, consoles | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Android, Smart TVs, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
Storage(3) | ||||||||||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 2000 GB | 2000 GB | 1000 GB | 4000 GB | 1000 GB | 500 GB | 1000 GB | 1000 GB | 2000 GB | 2000 GB |
NAND Type | TLC V-NAND | 128‑layer 3D TLC V‑NAND | 3D V-NAND MLC | 3D V-NAND | 128-layer 3D TLC V-NAND | 64-layer V-NAND | — | — | — | QLC |
Form Factor | credit card | credit card | Portable | — | — | — | credit card | credit card | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch |
Power(1) | ||||||||||
Power Source | USB bus-powered | USB bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | USB bus-powered | USB bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered |
Build & Design(5) | ||||||||||
Weight (g) | 58.97 g | 98 g | 51 g | 122 g | 98 g | 45 g | 97 g | 58.95 g | 150 g | 100 g |
Thickness (mm) | 7.62 mm | 12.5 mm | 10.4 mm | 15.2 mm | 13 mm | 10 mm | 12.5 mm | 7.62 mm | — | — |
Length (mm) | 83.82 mm | 86 mm | 73.9 mm | 88.9 mm | 88 mm | 56 mm | 86.0 mm | 83.82 mm | 119.38 mm | 95 mm |
Width (mm) | 55.88 mm | 57 mm | 57.4 mm | 61 mm | 59 mm | 76 mm | 56.97 mm | 55.88 mm | 20.32 mm | 40 mm |
Height (mm) | — | — | 10.4 mm | 15.2 mm | — | — | — | — | 60.96 mm | 17 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers rate the T7 between 4.0 and 4.5 stars, praising its blazing transfer speeds, solid aluminum construction, and effective thermal management, while noting the lack of a fingerprint sensor and a shorter 3-year warranty.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the T7 for its instant-like transfer speeds, pocket-sized form factor, and plug-and-play reliability across devices, with occasional complaints about Linux encryption incompatibility and price perception.
“Near-rated high sequential read/write speeds (~1,050/1,000 MB/s)”
“Ultra-compact credit-card size and lightweight (~2 oz)”
“Durable aluminum unibody with 6.5 ft (2 m) drop resistance”
X5 offers far higher speed for professional workflows; T5 is better for everyday use and broader compatibility.
T7 Shield provides faster performance and water resistance, while T5 EVO focuses on maximum storage and drop durability.
Professional reviewers praise the T7 Shield for its rugged build, strong encryption, and consistent high-speed performance, while noting the lack of DRAM and that read speeds can lag behind the advertised 1,050 MB/s.
Everyday users love the drive's reliability and durability in harsh environments, noting fast transfers, but some report lower real-world read speeds and wish for a longer warranty.
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.
Everyday users consistently highlight the T5's lightning-quick file transfers, pocket-sized form factor, and reliable encryption, while complaints focus on initial macOS compatibility hiccups and the inability to recover data after a forgotten password.
Professional reviewers praise the T9 for its industry-leading speeds, premium build, and reliable performance across platforms, while noting the need for a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host to unlock its full potential.
Users rate the drive 4.8/5, highlighting its blazing speed and solid build, though some mention occasional slowdowns and macOS mounting issues.
Reviewers commend its rugged IP65 build and encryption, but note it lags behind Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 drives in raw speed and lacks immersion protection.
Users appreciate the durability and speed, though they mention the premium price, heat buildup during long transfers, and desire for a fingerprint sensor.
Reviewers rate it 4-4.5 stars for its near-internal SSD speeds and premium build, while noting the short warranty and lack of endurance specs as drawbacks.
Users praise its lightning-quick transfers and durable feel, but complain about the higher cost per GB and inability to recover a forgotten password.
Professional reviewers praise the T7 Shield for its rugged IP65 design, solid drop resistance, and fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance, while noting the lack of immersion protection, biometric security, and Thunderbolt support.
Everyday users highlight the drive's reliable fast performance and ruggedness for field work, but mention occasional speed variability on older hardware and wish for a longer warranty.
Professional reviewers rate the T7 between 4.0 and 4.5 stars, praising its near-rated 1 GB/s sequential speeds, premium aluminum chassis, and 256-bit AES encryption, while noting the lack of biometric security and a shorter 3-year warranty.
Everyday users give the drive a perfect 5-star average, lauding its blistering speed, tiny form factor, and reliability for tasks like live music recording and gaming, with occasional complaints about Linux encryption support and price.
Professional reviewers praise the X5's blistering Thunderbolt 3/NVMe performance and rugged build, noting it outpaces many desktop RAID solutions, but they caution that the Thunderbolt-only interface and Windows-only firmware updates make it overkill for non-professional users.
Everyday users love the ability to move massive 4K/8K video files in seconds and appreciate the premium design, while common frustrations involve Windows-only firmware updates and the lack of a USB fallback.
Professional reviewers praise the T5 EVO's capacity and ruggedness but note the modest 460 MB/s throughput and premium price make it a niche choice for those prioritizing storage over performance.
Everyday users rate the drive highly for reliability and ease of use, highlighting its capacity and rugged design, while complaints focus on slower-than-expected speeds and dust-attracting rubber coating.
