Samsung T5 1TB
Score: 62/100
Crucial X6 1TB
Score: 34/100Rankings
The Samsung T5 1TB portable SSD offers solid performance at up to 540 MB/s read, AES-256 encryption and a rugged aluminum body that survives 2 m drops. It remains a popular choice for creators needing secure, fast, cross-platform storage, though its speed and warranty lag behind newer competitors.
The Crucial X6 1TB is an affordable, ultra-light portable SSD with decent everyday performance, but its QLC NAND and DRAM-less architecture prevent it from delivering the high sustained speeds some users expect.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
540 MB/sbest | 540 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/sbest | 212 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 g | 40 gbest |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1024 GB | 1000 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 515 MB/s | 212 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | true | false |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 40 g |
Power & Connectivity(2) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered | bus-powered |
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C | USB-C to USB-C |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, consoles |
Technical Specs(2) | ||
NAND Type | 3D V-NAND MLC | QLC |
Controller | Samsung MGX | Silicon Motion SM2259XT |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the T5 for its fast USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance, solid aluminum construction, and built-in 256-bit AES encryption, noting it sets a high bar for portable SSDs even years after its 2017 launch. Minor criticisms focus on the relatively short 3-year warranty, lack of an endurance rating, and a premium price point, especially for higher capacities.
Everyday users consistently highlight the T5's lightning-quick file transfers, pocket-sized form factor, and reliable encryption, describing it as a go-to drive for travel and creative work. Common complaints revolve around initial macOS compatibility hiccups, the inability to recover data after a forgotten password, and a desire for larger capacity options.
Professional reviewers consider the X6 a serviceable, budget-friendly portable SSD that works well for everyday tasks but is hampered by its SATA-based internals and DRAM-less design, recommending PCIe-based alternatives for power users.
Consumers appreciate the X6's reliability, pocket-size convenience, and price, though many note that real-world speeds fall short of the advertised 800 MB/s and that performance drops after the cache is exhausted.
“The T5 is incredibly fast and fits right in my pocket.”
“I wish it had a longer warranty; three years feels short.”
“After a firmware update, the drive got warm but still performed well.”
