Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD, 1TB vs SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

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

both judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD scores 7.3/10 overall, ahead of the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD, 1TB at 4.7/10.

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD leads on speed, build and ruggedness, compatibility, security and warranty.

The biggest difference is security, where the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD scores 8/10 to the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD, 1TB's 2/10.

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

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

7.3/10verdict: wait for deal

This is a portable USB-C SSD for people who carry large files between machines and want a rugged, password-protected drive. It suits photographers, video editors and travellers who value the listed IP65 and 3 m drop figures on the V3. Buyers must confirm which generation they are getting, because speed, ratings and OS support differ between V2 and V3.

Typically about £149 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, 1TBSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Speed30%5/107/10
Build and ruggedness20%7/108/10
Compatibility20%5/106/10
Security15%2/108/10
Warranty15%3/108/10
Overall4.7/107.3/10

Specifications

SpecAmazon Basics Portable External SSD, 1TBSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Capacity1 TB nominal; usable capacity may be lower2TB
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 Type-C (V3); V2 is listed as USB 3.2 Gen 2. The V3 Gen level is not stated in the sources read.
Sequential readUp to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)V3: up to 2000MB/s. V2: up to 1050MB/s.
Sequential writeUp to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)V2 2TB: up to 1000MB/s. V3 2TB not confirmed.
Drop and water ratingIP65 water and dust resistant; no drop rating publishedV3: up to 3 m drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance. V2 conflicting: IP55 and 2 m drop (Micro Center) versus IP65 and 3 m (Best Buy).
Encryptionnot listedPassword protection with built-in 256-bit AES encryption
WarrantyConflicting or not confirmed: no length on Amazon.com listing; 5 years per Indian reseller; 1 year per a third-party review5-year limited warranty

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 ›

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

  • + V3 lists up to 2000MB/s read speed
  • + IP65 and 3 m drop protection on V3
  • + 256-bit AES password protection and a 5-year warranty
  • − UK listing model is unconfirmed, so V2 or V3 is unclear
  • − Owners report warmth during large transfers and some drive failures
  • − V3 write speed and USB Gen level are not stated

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need confirmed Linux or games console support
  • Anyone who needs a confirmed V3 write speed before buying
  • Buyers who cannot verify the model and warranty term on the listing
Read the full SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD review ›

More comparisons

Compare all External SSDs · Best External SSDs