Seagate Desktop Drive 8TB
Score: 76/100
Samsung T7 4TB Gray
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD 4TB is a compact, high-speed external SSD offering up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds with AES-256 hardware encryption. Its lightweight aluminum design sacrifices water and dust resistance, and performance can cause noticeable heat under heavy use. Ideal for creators and professionals needing fast, secure portable storage.
The Seagate Expansion Desktop 8 TB offers huge storage capacity and respectable USB-3.0 speeds, making it ideal for backups and media libraries. Its 5400 RPM drive and modest warranty mean it isn't suited for high-performance or silent-critical environments. Best for home offices and users prioritising capacity over speed.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8,000 GBbest | 4,000 GB | |
193 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
195 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.102 kg | 0.091 kgbest |
1 years | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 41 mm | 7.9 mmbest |
256 MBbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 8000 GB | 4000 GB |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB Version | 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS4 | Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, Android 5.1+ |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 193 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 195 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.102 kg | 0.0907 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 41 mm | 7.9 mm |
Form Factor | 3.5" | Portable |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | External AC | USB |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Expansion Desktop 8TB for its solid 170-195 MB/s sequential speeds, generous capacity, and stable flat design, noting it offers excellent value under $200. They also point out the 5400 RPM spindle and mechanical noise as drawbacks, especially for gaming or high-performance scenarios, and mention that its price is comparable to WD alternatives.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's plug-and-play simplicity, fast media transfers, and huge capacity, often expressing confidence that it will last. Common complaints focus on audible noise, the drive filling up quickly for heavy media users, and the slower speed relative to SSDs or gaming-focused HDDs.
Professional reviewers commend the T7 for delivering near-tablet-class transfer speeds in a credit-card-sized package, emphasizing its suitability for creators who need to move large 4K video files quickly. They also highlight the Dynamic Thermal Guard that keeps performance stable, while noting the lack of an IP rating as a limitation for rugged field work.
Everyday users love the T7's ultra-compact, lightweight design and the generous 4 TB capacity, frequently mentioning its premium feel and solid build. The most common complaints revolve around the drive getting warm under heavy use and the necessity of a USB-C cable or adapter for older devices.
