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Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB vs Crucial X9 Portable SSD

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Crucial X9 Portable SSD scores 5.3/10 overall, ahead of the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB at 4.7/10.

The Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB leads on build and ruggedness.

The Crucial X9 Portable SSD leads on compatibility, security and warranty.

They score the same on speed.

The biggest difference is warranty, where the Crucial X9 Portable SSD scores 6/10 to the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB's 3/10.

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD, 1TB

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB

4.7/10verdict: skip

This is a compact, metal-cased 1TB portable SSD for buyers who want IP65 dust and water resistance and a claimed 2000MB/s peak. It suits people who already have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and can live with some open questions. Those questions cover the interface, the warranty length and hardware encryption.

Typically about £208.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Crucial X9 Portable SSD

5.3/10verdict: wait for deal

The Crucial X9 suits buyers who want a small, plain USB-C drive for moving files between PCs, Macs, phones and consoles. It offers 1,050MB/s sequential reads and a 2m drop rating in a 65 x 50mm body. It is less suited to anyone who needs listed hardware encryption, Linux support or a faster interface.

Typically about £219.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAmazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TBCrucial X9 Portable SSD
Speed30%5/105/10
Build and ruggedness20%7/106/10
Compatibility20%5/106/10
Security15%2/103/10
Warranty15%3/106/10
Overall4.7/105.3/10

Specifications

SpecAmazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TBCrucial X9 Portable SSD
Capacity1 TB nominal; usable capacity may be lower1TB, 2TB, 4TB (some capacity used for formatting)
InterfaceConflicting: USB 3.0 in UK 1TB product information; USB 3.2 Gen 2 in marketing text; UK 2TB sibling lists USB 3.2 Gen 2x2USB-C connector; USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) on supported devices
Sequential readUp to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)Up to 1,050MB/s (CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4, desktop)
Sequential writeUp to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)not listed
Drop and water ratingIP65 water and dust resistant; no drop rating publishedDrop-proof up to 7.5 ft (2 m) without data impact on carpeted floor; shock, vibration and extreme temperature proof
WarrantyConflicting or not confirmed: no length on Amazon.com listing; 5 years per Indian reseller; 1 year per a third-party review3-year limited, valid until maximum TBW is reached

Strengths and weaknesses

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB

  • + IP65 water and dust resistance, stated on the UK listing
  • + Metal casing with scratch-resistant polymer base, about 51.8g
  • + Includes both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables
  • − Interface details conflict between listings and sources
  • − No hardware encryption published; warranty length unconfirmed
  • − Console and phone support not confirmed; laptop only listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need hardware-encrypted, password-protected storage
  • Anyone who needs a confirmed warranty length or confirmed console and phone support
  • Users without a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port who want the top quoted speed
Read the full Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB review ›

Crucial X9 Portable SSD

  • + Drop-proof to 2m, plus shock and vibration proofing
  • + Small 65 x 50mm body, USB-C cable included
  • + Listed for Windows, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Android and iPad
  • − No hardware encryption listed
  • − Linux not listed; USB-A adapter sold separately
  • − Capped at USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need hardware encryption or password protection for sensitive data
  • Linux users who want the manufacturer to list support
  • Anyone moving very large files who wants a faster interface than USB 3.2 Gen 2
Read the full Crucial X9 Portable SSD review ›

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