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Crucial X10 Portable SSD 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 Crucial X10 Portable SSD at 5.9/10.

The Crucial X10 Portable SSD leads on speed.

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

The biggest difference is security, where the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD scores 8/10 to the Crucial X10 Portable SSD's 3/10.

Crucial X10 Portable SSD

5.9/10verdict: skip

The Crucial X10 Portable SSD 2TB is for people who want fast external storage and own a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host. It suits those who value read speed, a compact body and a rugged rating over built-in drive security. Buyers who need hardware encryption or full speed on Mac and consoles should look closely at the limits first.

Typically about £249.99 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

CriterionWeightCrucial X10 Portable SSDSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Speed30%8/107/10
Build and ruggedness20%6/108/10
Compatibility20%5/106/10
Security15%3/108/10
Warranty15%6/108/10
Overall5.9/107.3/10

Specifications

SpecCrucial X10 Portable SSDSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Capacity2TB2TB
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gb/s), USB-CUSB 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 2,100MB/sV3: up to 2000MB/s. V2: up to 1050MB/s.
Sequential writenot listedV2 2TB: up to 1000MB/s. V3 2TB not confirmed.
Drop and water ratingIP65 dust and water resistance; drop resistance to 3 mV3: 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
Warranty3 years5-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

Crucial X10 Portable SSD

  • + Reads up to 2,100MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
  • + Crucial lists IP65 and 3m drop resistance
  • + Reviewers praise value and compact, rugged build
  • − Hardware encryption not confirmed; owners complain about it
  • − Gen 2 speeds on Mac, PS5 and Xbox (single source)
  • − Write speed and ruggedness figures conflict between sources

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need confirmed password-protected hardware encryption on the drive
  • Mac, PS5 or Xbox users who want full Gen 2x2 speeds
  • Anyone who needs a confirmed IP rating, as one reviewer disputes it
Read the full Crucial X10 Portable SSD 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 ›

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