Samsung T5 1TB
Score: 62/100
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
Score: 81/100Rankings
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB delivers flagship-class NVMe speeds, IP65 ruggedness and 3 m drop protection in a feather-light package, backed by a generous five-year warranty. While performance is excellent, some users have encountered early failures and a problematic USB-A adapter.
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 | 1,024 GBbest | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 g | 49.9 gbest |
36 months | 60 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
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 | 49.9 g |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 36 months | 60 months |
Power & Connectivity(1) | ||
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A adapter |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One | Windows, macOS 10.9+, Android |
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.
“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.”
Professional reviewers from TechRadar, PCMag, The Verge, CNET and DPReview commend the Extreme Portable SSD for its IP65 rating, 3-meter drop protection, and near-internal SSD speeds that enable direct 4K/8K video editing. They highlight the carabiner loop and ultra-light chassis as ideal for mobile professionals, and note the 5-year warranty as a standout advantage over many rivals.
Everyday users rate the drive an average 4.5 / 5, praising its lightning-fast transfers, ruggedness in rain or dust, and pocket-friendly size. Recurring complaints focus on early hardware failures, a flaky USB-A adapter, preinstalled antivirus software, and noticeable heat during prolonged use.
