
Samsung T5
Score: 80/100
WD My Passport SSD 1TB
Score: 82/100Rankings

Western Digital's My Passport 1TB SSD delivers up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds, includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and comes in a sleek metal case with a 5-year warranty. Its limited 5 GB cache and occasional heat under heavy writes may concern power users, positioning it for mobile professionals needing fast, secure storage.

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 | 1 GB | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
515 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 51 g | 7.09 gbest |
3 years | 5 yearsbest | |
2 mbest | 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, macOS |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 51 g | 7.09 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 74x57x10 mm | 101.6 x 31.75 x 127 mm mm |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB‑C to C and USB‑A to C cables | USB Type-C cable, USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, WD Discovery software |
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 1 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 My Passport SSD for its sleek metal build, impressive 1050/1000 MB/s sequential performance, and strong hardware encryption, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Samsung T7 and Crucial X8. However, they note the premium price, limited 5 GB cache, and occasional heat during sustained writes as areas where it falls short of the best value proposition.
Everyday users love the drive's pocket-size portability, fast transfer speeds, and seamless Mac compatibility, often highlighting how quickly they can move large photo and video libraries. Recurring complaints focus on write speed variability, noticeable heat under heavy load, and the higher price per gigabyte compared with other external SSDs.

