Crucial X8 1TB
Score: 71/100
Transcend ESD270C 250GB
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Crucial X8 1TB Portable SSD offers NVMe-class speeds and a rugged aluminum body at a competitive price, but lacks encryption and sees write performance dip after the cache is used.
The Transcend ESD270 250 GB offers a pocket-sized form factor, solid 520 MB/s read speeds and built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption, making it ideal for users who prioritize security and portability over raw performance. Its slower write speeds and lack of wireless features keep it from being a flagship performer.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,000 GBbest | 250 GB | |
1,050 MB/sbest | 520 MB/s | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 460 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 97 g | 35 gbest |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0 °Cbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 250 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 1050 MB/s | 520 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 460 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | false | true |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 97 g | 35 g |
Form Factor | Portable | Credit-card |
Power & Connectivity(2) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered | bus-powered |
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C | USB‑C to‑C, USB‑C to‑A |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, iPadOS, PS4, Xbox One | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, ChromeOS |
Technical Specs(1) | ||
NAND Type | QLC | 3D NAND |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers praise the X8 for delivering NVMe-class speeds, solid build, and thermal design, while noting the lack of hardware encryption and activity LED.
Users appreciate the fast transfers and build quality, but frequently mention the drop in sustained write speed and missing activity indicator.
Professional reviewers highlight the strong encryption and convenient one-touch backup button, while noting that raw speeds lag behind flagship models and the Android app feels unpolished.
Everyday users love the tiny size, fast backup times and built-in encryption, but they often have to reformat for certain consoles and report occasional hiccups on older USB-A ports.
“solid and stable performance after long-term use.”
“perhaps the fastest SSD with the most storage for the least price.”
“no longer available on the market.”
