SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500GB USB-C
Score: 82/100
Crucial X6
Score: 69/100Rankings
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 Crucial X6 1TB offers a feather-light, rugged package with hardware encryption and broad device support, though its real-world speeds fall short of the advertised 800 MB/s. It is best for travelers, students and casual users who prioritize portability and price over top-tier performance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
500 GB | 1,000 GBbest | |
1,050 MB/sbest | 800 MB/s | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 800 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 39 gbest | 40 g |
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | |
3 mbest | 2 m |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | bus-powered | USB bus-powered |
Connectivity(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows 10+, macOS 12+, iOS 13+, iPadOS 15+, Android 10+ | PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox, Android, Windows 8.1+ |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 39 g | 40 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 85.09x50.8x9.91 mm mm | 69.1×64.0×10.9 mm mm |
Drop Resistance (m) | 3 m | 2 m |
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 500 GB | 1000 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 1050 MB/s | 800 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 800 MB/s |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“Extremely portable and lightweight, lighter than my car keys.”
Professional reviewers commend the X6 for its compact, lightweight build, broad compatibility, and solid durability, positioning it as a value-driven portable SSD.
Everyday users praise the X6's pocket-size portability, ease of use across multiple platforms, and reliable durability, often noting it feels lighter than a set of keys. Common complaints revolve around slower-than-expected transfer speeds for large files and the occasional need to reformat the drive to exFAT for Android devices.
