Kingston XS1000 1TB
Score: 51/100
Kingston XS1000R 1TB
Score: 80/100Rankings
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 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 GBbest | 1,000 GBbest | |
1,050 MB/sbest | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 40.8 gbest | 40.8 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 13.5 mmbest | 13.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 69.6 mm | 69.54 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 32.5 mmbest | 32.58 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Supported Operating Systems | Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, Linux 4.4+, Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS 13+ | Windows 10, 11; macOS 10.15+; Linux; Chrome OS; Android; iOS/iPadOS |
Storage(1) | ||
Form Factor | Pocket-sized | pocket-sized metal-plastic |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Length (mm) | 69.6 mm | 69.54 mm |
Width (mm) | 32.5 mm | 32.58 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low 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 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.
“arguably the smallest external SSD we've tested”
“Fast read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s make transfers a breeze”
“The 5-year warranty gives me confidence in its durability”
