Kingston XS1000 1TB
Score: 51/100
Kingston XS1000R 2TB
Score: 64/100Rankings
The Kingston XS1000R 2TB delivers fast Gen 2 performance in a pocket-sized, lightweight red chassis with a five-year warranty. While it excels in portability and price-to-performance, it lacks encryption, ruggedization, and a high-quality USB-C-to-C cable for full speed.
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 GB | 2,000 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 g | 28.7 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 | | |
|---|---|---|
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 4.4+, Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS 13+ |
Storage(3) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 2000 GB |
NAND Type | 3D NAND | TLC |
Form Factor | Pocket-sized | Portable |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 40.8 g | 28.7 g |
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 commend the XS1000R for its ultra-compact form factor, solid benchmark performance close to its 1050 MB/s rating, and attractive price point, while noting the lack of ruggedization and hardware encryption as trade-offs.
Everyday users love the drive's pocket-size, vivid red look and fast file transfers, but complain about the slow included cable, perceived fragility, and desire for larger capacities or built-in security.
“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”
