SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
Score: 81/100Buffalo SSD-SAO1.0U3B
Score: 78/100Rankings
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB delivers flagship-class NVMe speeds, IP65 ruggedness and 3 m drop protection in a feather-light package, backed by a generous five-year warranty. While performance is excellent, some users have encountered early failures and a problematic USB-A adapter.
The Buffalo SSD-PUT 1TB packs a full-capacity SSD into a thumb-drive-sized body, offering decent USB 3.2 speeds after a firmware update and MIL-STD-810G shock resistance. Its ultra-small form factor and console support make it ideal for on-the-go gamers and professionals who value size over raw performance.
| Attribute | | Buffalo SSD-SAO1.0U3B |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
1,050 MB/sbest | 600 MB/s | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 500 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 49.9 g | 18 gbest |
60 monthsbest | 24 months |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | Buffalo SSD-SAO1.0U3B |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1024 GB | 1000 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 1050 MB/s | 600 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 500 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | true | false |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 49.9 g | 18 g |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 60 months | 24 months |
Power & Connectivity(2) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered | USB |
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A adapter | USB‑C adapter |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS 10.9+, Android | Windows/macOS/Chrome OS/PS4/PS5/Xbox |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers from TechRadar, PCMag, The Verge, CNET and DPReview commend the Extreme Portable SSD for its IP65 rating, 3-meter drop protection, and near-internal SSD speeds that enable direct 4K/8K video editing. They highlight the carabiner loop and ultra-light chassis as ideal for mobile professionals, and note the 5-year warranty as a standout advantage over many rivals.
Everyday users rate the drive an average 4.5 / 5, praising its lightning-fast transfers, ruggedness in rain or dust, and pocket-friendly size. Recurring complaints focus on early hardware failures, a flaky USB-A adapter, preinstalled antivirus software, and noticeable heat during prolonged use.
Professional reviewers commend the SSD-PUT for its unprecedented miniaturization and solid performance for a thumb-drive size, but note the modest PCMark score, need for a firmware update, and lack of DRAM cache.
Everyday users love the pocket-size convenience and fast transfers after updating, while complaining about lower-than-advertised speeds out-of-the-box and concerns about the durability of the retractable plug.
“Transfers my 50GB video projects in under a minute.”
“Survived a rainstorm during a shoot-still works perfectly.”
“Drive died after 60 minutes of use-replaced under warranty, but concerning.”
