Transcend 2TB External SSD
Score: 67/100
SanDisk Extreme PRO 4TB USB4
Score: 92/100Rankings
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 Transcend ESD410 2TB offers flagship-class 2000 MB/s performance, rugged IPX5 and MIL-STD-810G protection, and ProRes video support, but lacks hardware encryption and is heavier than many competitors. It's a solid choice for field creators who value durability over weight.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2,048 GB | 4,000 GBbest | |
2,000 MB/s | 3,800 MB/sbest | |
2,000 MB/s | 3,700 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 180 g | 172 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) | 2048 GB | 4000 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB4 |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 3800 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 3700 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | false | true |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 180 g | 172 g |
IP Rating | IPX5 | IP65 |
Power & Connectivity(2) | ||
Power Source | USB bus | bus-powered |
Included Cable Type | USB‑C to USB‑C | USB-C to USB-C |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, PS5, Steam Deck | Windows 10+, macOS 14+ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers view the ESD410 as a premium portable SSD that matches flagship competitors in speed while adding niche ProRes video support and military-grade durability, though they note the lack of hardware encryption as a drawback.
Customers praise the blazing-fast transfers, rugged build and ability to record ProRes directly, while recurring complaints focus on missing hardware encryption, the absence of a bundled cable and the heavier chassis.
“Users appreciate the blazing-fast transfer speeds, especially when moving large video files.”
“Many iPhone users praise the ability to record ProRes video directly to the drive.”
“One user mentioned the lack of a bundled USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.”
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.
