Samsung T5 1TB
Score: 62/100
SanDisk Extreme 500GB
Score: 65/100Rankings
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500 GB delivers solid NVMe performance in a rugged, lightweight package with IP65 protection and hardware encryption. It's ideal for creators on the go who need fast, secure storage, though the lack of a metal heatsink and occasional early failures are drawbacks.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 500 GB | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 gbest | 52 g |
36 months | 60 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1024 GB | 500 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 515 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 52 g |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 36 months | 60 months |
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 |
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 commend the Extreme Portable SSD for delivering near-top tier performance (1050 MB/s) in a rugged, IP55-rated package, emphasizing its suitability for 4K video editing and secure data handling. They note the absence of a metal heatsink as the main drawback, but conclude that passive cooling is adequate for typical use cases.
Everyday users love the SSD's tiny footprint, durability, and speed for photo/video backups, often highlighting the handy carabiner loop. Complaints focus on occasional early failures, a flimsy USB-A adapter, the default exFAT format, and the device warming under heavy use.
“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.”
