Samsung T5 1TB
Score: 68/100
WD Elements SE 1TB
Score: 55/100Rankings
The Samsung T5 1 TB Portable SSD delivers reliable 540 MB/s read speeds, solid aluminum construction, and built-in 256-bit AES encryption. It remains a benchmark for portable SSDs despite its modest capacity options and lack of an endurance rating.
The WD Elements SE 1TB Portable SSD offers budget-friendly storage with decent 400 MB/s speeds in a tiny, lightweight case, but its outdated Micro-USB interface and lack of encryption limit its appeal for power users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,000 GBbest | 1,000 GBbest | |
540 MB/sbest | 400 MB/s | |
515 MB/sbest | 400 MB/s | |
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 g | 27 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 10.4 mmbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 73.9 mm | 64.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 57.4 mmbest | 64.5 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | Micro-USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 540 MB/s | 400 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 515 MB/s | 400 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | true | false |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Supported Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One | Windows 10+, macOS 11+ |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 27 g |
Length (mm) | 73.9 mm | 64.5 mm |
Width (mm) | 57.4 mm | 64.5 mm |
Height (mm) | 10.4 mm | 8.6 mm |
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.
Everyday users consistently highlight the T5's lightning-quick file transfers, pocket-sized form factor, and reliable encryption, while complaints focus on initial macOS compatibility hiccups and the inability to recover data after a forgotten password.
Professional reviewers appreciate the low price and solid performance for basic storage, but criticize the outdated Micro-USB port and absence of security features.
Everyday users praise the SSD's speed and portability, while noting occasional overheating and the legacy Micro-USB connector as drawbacks.
“Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s”
“Compact and portable design: Top to bottom shock resistant metal design fits in the palm of your hand”
“Secure encryption: Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal data more secure”
