SanDisk Extreme PRO 4TB USB4
Score: 92/100
SanDisk Creator Pro 1TB
Score: 63/100Rankings
The 4 TB SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD uses USB4 to deliver near-internal SSD performance with up to 3800 MB/s reads, while offering rugged IP65 protection and hardware encryption. It shines on Thunderbolt-4 hosts but can fall back to slower speeds on older machines, and its larger size makes it less pocket-friendly.
The SanDisk 1TB Creator Pro Portable SSD offers true 2000 MB/s NVMe performance in a rugged, IP65-rated aluminum case, targeting creative professionals who need fast, durable storage. It includes a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription but lacks hardware encryption and requires a Gen 2x2 host for peak speeds.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
3,800 MB/sbest | 2,000 MB/s | |
3,700 MB/sbest | 2,000 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 172 g | 77.5 gbest |
60 monthsbest | 60 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 4000 GB | 1000 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB4 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 3800 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 3700 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | true | false |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 172 g | 77.5 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Extreme PRO USB4 SSD for its blazing peak speeds and rugged build, but repeatedly warn that real-world performance hinges on a fully compatible 40 Gbps host. PCWorld and The SSD Review note that without BIOS or firmware updates the drive often falls back to slower USB 3.x rates, and some USB4 implementations cap at 32 Gbps, keeping it slightly behind rivals like the Samsung X5. Nonetheless, on Thunderbolt-4 Macs the drive consistently hits its advertised 3800 MB/s reads.
Everyday users, especially video editors and photographers, praise the drive's speed, plug-and-play ease, and durable design for on-location work. The average rating hovers around 4.5 / 5, though recurring complaints focus on initial connection hiccups, the larger form factor, and occasional speed throttling after the cache is exhausted.
“Great SSD for the price”
“sustained 3000 MB/s speeds on a MacBook Pro”
Professional reviewers commend the Creator Pro for delivering true 2000 MB/s NVMe performance over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, noting that the forged aluminum chassis eliminates thermal throttling. They also highlight its IP65 rating and 3 m drop protection as ideal for field work, and appreciate the cross-platform exFAT formatting and the added Adobe Creative Cloud month. The main critique is the need for a Gen 2x2 host to unlock full speeds and the absence of hardware encryption.
Everyday users rave about the drive's blazing-fast transfers and ruggedness, especially for on-location shoots. The Adobe subscription is frequently mentioned as a nice perk. Common complaints revolve around not achieving the advertised top speed on Macs or older PCs, the drive getting warm during prolonged use, and the short, stiff cables.
