Samsung T5 1TB
Score: 62/100Samsung X5 1TB
Score: 71/100Rankings
The Samsung X5 1TB Portable SSD offers Thunderbolt 3-level performance in a rugged, magnesium-alloy case, targeting professionals who need fast ingest and export of large media files.
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.
| Attribute | | Samsung X5 1TB |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 1,024 GBbest | |
540 MB/s | 2,800 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/s | 2,300 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 gbest | 150 g |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 45 °Cbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | Samsung X5 1TB |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | Thunderbolt 3 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 540 MB/s | 2800 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 515 MB/s | 2300 MB/s |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 150 g |
Power & Connectivity(1) | ||
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C | Thunderbolt 3 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One | Windows 10, macOS |
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 praise the X5 as the fastest bus-powered external drive on the market, highlighting its Thunderbolt 3 + NVMe architecture and effective thermal management, but criticize its reliance on Thunderbolt 3 and occasional thermal throttling.
Everyday users love the blazing speed for 4K video and RAW batches and appreciate the rugged design, while noting the need for a Thunderbolt 3 port and occasional slowdowns due to heat.
“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.”
