Samsung T5 Portable SSD 500GB
Score: 36/100
Samsung T5 1TB
Score: 62/100Rankings
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 Samsung T5 500 GB Portable SSD offers near-internal SSD speeds, a premium aluminum build, and built-in hardware encryption, making it a solid choice for fast, secure portable storage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
500 GB | 1,024 GBbest | |
540 MB/sbest | 540 MB/sbest | |
520 MB/sbest | 515 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 45 gbest | 51 g |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 500 GB | 1024 GB |
Performance(1) | ||
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 520 MB/s | 515 MB/s |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 45 g | 51 g |
Power & Connectivity(2) | ||
Power Source | bus | Bus-powered |
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A | USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One |
Technical Specs(1) | ||
NAND Type | 64-layer V-NAND | 3D V-NAND MLC |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the T5 for its near-internal speeds, solid build, and encryption, while noting the 3-year warranty and lack of endurance specs as minor drawbacks.
Users love the lightning-quick transfers and rugged feel, but some are frustrated by the short warranty and inability to recover a lost password.
“Transfers my 80 GB video project in under 5 minutes-way faster than my old HDD.”
“Lost my password and can't reset the drive-no recovery option.”
“The T5 is incredibly fast and fits right in my pocket.”
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.
