Samsung T5
Score: 80/100
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500GB USB-C
Score: 82/100Rankings
The SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD offers up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds along with IP65 protection and 3 m drop resistance. Its performance is capped by the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and warranty terms can be confusing. Best suited for on-the-go creators who value durability and built-in encryption.
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 GBbest | 500 GB | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 g | 39 gbest |
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | |
2 m | 3 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered | bus-powered |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
OS Compatibility | Windows 7+, macOS 10.9+, Android 4.4+ | Windows 10+, macOS 12+, iOS 13+, iPadOS 15+, Android 10+ |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 39 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 74x57x10 mm | 85.09x50.8x9.91 mm mm |
Drop Resistance (m) | 2 m | 3 m |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB‑C to C and USB‑A to C cables | USB-C cable, USB-C to A adapter, carabiner loop |
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 500 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 praise the Extreme Portable SSD for its fast NVMe-class read/write performance, rugged IP65 rating, and broad compatibility, noting it excels in demanding field environments. However, they caution that the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface limits peak throughput and that warranty terms differ across model generations.
Everyday users consistently highlight the drive's compact size, rapid transfer speeds, and durability, often mentioning the convenience of the included cables and encryption software. The most common complaints revolve around speed variability on different host ports and occasional confusion over warranty length and exact dimensions.
