Samsung T5
Score: 80/100
Kingston XS1000R 2TB
Score: 89/100Rankings
The Kingston XS1000R 2TB is a pocket-sized external SSD that delivers industry-leading 1,050 MB/s read speeds in a featherweight metal-plastic chassis. Its main trade-offs are the need for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host to hit peak performance and the lack of an included protective case. Ideal for travelers and mobile professionals who need fast, high-capacity storage on the go.
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD 1TB is an ultra-compact external drive offering up to 540 MB/s read and 515 MB/s write via USB 3.1 Gen 2. Its modest speed ceiling and lack of an IP rating limit its suitability for demanding or rugged environments. Ideal for travelers and mobile professionals who value size, security, and broad compatibility.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,000 GB | 2,000 GBbest | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 g | 28.7 gbest |
3 years | 5 yearsbest | |
2 mbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 5 years |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
OS Compatibility | Windows 7+, macOS 10.9+, Android 4.4+ | Windows 11/10, macOS 11.15+, Linux 4.4+, Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS 13+ |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 28.7 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 74x57x10 mm | 69.6×32.5×13.5 mm mm |
Enclosure Material | Aluminum | Metal + plastic |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB‑C to C and USB‑A to C cables | 12" USB Type‑C to USB‑A cable; USB‑A to USB‑C adapter |
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 2000 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 515 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the T5 for its unmatched compactness, solid metal build, and reliable 540 MB/s performance, noting it as an ideal companion for creators who prioritize portability and security. However, they caution that its speed ceiling is lower than newer rivals and that the absence of an IP rating limits its ruggedness in harsh environments.
Everyday users consistently praise the T5's pocket-sized form factor, light weight, and fast transfer rates, calling it perfect for travel and on-the-go backups. Recurring complaints focus on reduced speeds when not connected to a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port, occasional software hiccups on older OS versions, and noticeable heat during extended heavy use.
Professional reviewers commend the XS1000R for its ultra-lightweight metal/plastic build, fast 1,050/1,000 MB/s performance and broad OS support, positioning it as a highly portable solution for professionals. Their main criticisms focus on the lack of an included protective case and the need for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host to realize full speeds, with some noting inconsistent weight reporting.
Everyday users consistently praise the drive's tiny size, featherweight feel, fast transfers and plug-and-play simplicity, especially on smartphones and laptops. Recurring complaints revolve around the missing protective case, slower speeds on legacy ports, and occasional confusion over the listed weight.
