Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB
Score: 88/100
SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB Dual
Score: 79/100Rankings
A high-performance 1 TB USB-C flash drive delivering SSD-class speeds in a compact, sliding-connector form factor. It excels in speed and convenience but is bulkier, can heat up, and lacks built-in encryption.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO 512 GB Dual Drive delivers near-advertised sequential speeds, a rugged metal case, and hardware encryption, making it ideal for creators who need fast, secure transfers across USB-C and USB-A devices. Its size, weight, and price keep it from being a pocket-friendly everyday drive.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 512 GB | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
900 MB/sbest | 900 MB/sbest | |
60 monthsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 12 gbest | 22.68 g |
| ↓ lower better | 82.17 mm | 80 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 22 mm | 18.3 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 9.02 mmbest | 10.7 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 1024 GB | 512 GB |
Security(1) | ||
Encryption Support | false | true |
Physical(5) | ||
Weight (g) | 12 g | 22.68 g |
Length (mm) | 82.17 mm | 80 mm |
Width (mm) | 22.00 mm | 18.3 mm |
Height (mm) | 9.02 mm | 10.7 mm |
Material | Plastic | Metal |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS | Windows, macOS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers laud the DataTraveler Max for delivering SSD-class speeds in a USB-C flash drive, calling it a game-changing product that rivals external SSDs, while noting the plastic construction, exposed half-connector, and need for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host to unlock its full potential.
Everyday users are overwhelmingly positive about the drive's blazing fast transfers and convenient sliding design, often highlighting how quickly large video files move; common complaints revolve around heating, bulkier size, lack of encryption, and a cheap plastic feel.
“Users appreciate the seamless transfer between MacBook (USB-C) and older Windows PCs (USB-A).”
“One user mentioned confusion about software setup for encryption, requiring a visit to SanDisk's support site.”
“A few note that the drive gets warm during prolonged transfers, though not to concerning levels.”
Professional reviewers commend the near-advertised sequential speeds, robust metal construction, and dual-connector design, while noting random I/O performance falls short of SSDs and the drive can run warm under load.
Everyday users love the fast transfers between USB-C laptops and legacy PCs, appreciate the security of hardware encryption, but mention the tight swivel, warmth during long transfers, and higher cost.
