Netac 500GB Portable SSD
Score: 69/100
WD My Passport SSD 500GB
Score: 78/100Rankings
WD's My Passport SSD 500 GB provides fast USB-C performance with built-in 256-bit AES encryption and a rugged 1.98 m drop rating, making it a secure, travel-ready option. Its limited cache and modest random I/O performance, plus lack of water resistance, may deter power users. Ideal for mobile professionals who prioritize security and durability over extreme speed.
The Netac 500 GB Portable SSD offers an aluminum-cased, lightweight design with USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds around 500 MB/s, targeting budget-conscious travelers and creators. Its drawbacks include occasional speed throttling, thermal concerns, and reported reliability hiccups. It is best for users who need a portable, durable SSD without demanding top-tier performance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
500 GBbest | 500 GBbest | |
500 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
450 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 gbest | 54 g |
3 years | 5 yearsbest | |
— | 1.98 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 5 years |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 (10 Gbit/s) |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 30 g | 54 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 100×294×9 mm mm | 100 x 55 x 9 mm mm |
Enclosure Material | Aluminum | Not specified |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB Type-C to C cable, USB Type-C to A cable, protective case, welcome guide | USB‑C to USB‑A Cable |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 500 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 450 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Netac 500GB SSD for delivering strong real-world performance in demanding 4K video editing scenarios, noting its solid aluminum build, excellent temperature control, and attractive price-to-performance ratio. However, they also point out that the drive's actual speeds can be slightly below the advertised figures and that it may not satisfy the extreme speed requirements of high-end professional workflows.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's compact, lightweight design, fast-enough transfer speeds for large media files, and rugged aluminum casing. Common complaints focus on inconsistent real-world speeds, occasional overheating during prolonged use, premature failures after about a year, and reduced usable capacity due to formatting.
“awesome performance for a portable SSD”
“kept up with editing demands and remained warm but never dangerously hot”
“my illustration... was saved just where I left off”
Professional reviewers commend the My Passport SSD for delivering the advertised 1050/1000 MB/s sequential performance in a ultra-slim chassis, while also offering hardware AES encryption and a generous five-year warranty. However, they caution that its 6 GB pSLC cache and modest 4 KB random speeds make it less suitable for sustained heavy write workloads or workloads that demand high random IOPS.
Everyday users consistently highlight the drive's quick plug-and-play experience, fast file transfers, and durable, travel-ready design. The most common praise centers on its portability and security features, while occasional complaints focus on price per gigabyte and the absence of water-resistance for rugged outdoor use.
