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Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD vs Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB

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

all judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD scores 6.7/10 overall, ahead of the Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB at 4.8/10.

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD leads on speed, build and ruggedness, compatibility and security.

The Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB leads on warranty.

The biggest difference is security, where the Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD scores 7/10 to the Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB's 3/10.

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD

6.7/10verdict: buy

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB is for people who move large files regularly and have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to use it with. It suits buyers who want a small drive with hardware encryption and IP55 protection. Buyers without a matching port, or who put data integrity first, should weigh the owner reports before buying.

Typically about £449.99 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

Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB

4.8/10verdict: skip

The Netac Z Slim 500GB is for people who want a very small, light external drive for everyday file carrying and backups. It suits buyers who value the aluminium casing and the two included cables over top transfer speed. It is a poor fit if you need encryption, a rugged rating or the fastest sustained transfers.

Typically about £53.29 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 Pro 4TB Portable SSDNetac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB
Speed30%7/104/10
Build and ruggedness20%7/105/10
Compatibility20%7/106/10
Security15%7/103/10
Warranty15%5/106/10
Overall6.7/104.8/10

Specifications

SpecCrucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSDNetac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB
Capacity4TB500GB
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) over USB-CUSB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (backwards compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0); ssd-tester.com lists USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 Gbit/s)
Sequential read2,100MB/sup to 550MB/s (manufacturer); ssd-tester.com measured 511.94MB/s
Sequential write2,000MB/snot listed
Drop and water ratingIP55 water and dust resistance; drop resistance to 2 metres (manufacturer figure)No IP or drop rating published; casing is aluminium alloy
Encryption256-bit AES hardware encryptionnot listed
Warrantynot listed3-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD

  • + 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
  • + 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • + IP55 dust and water resistance, 2m drop rating
  • − Speed roughly halves on most ports, including Thunderbolt 4
  • − Owners report drives that stopped mounting
  • − Owners report heat peaking at 42°C

Skip it if:

  • Buyers whose computers lack a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
  • Anyone who puts low price first, given owner complaints about cost
  • Users who will store irreplaceable data with no second backup
Read the full Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD review ›

Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB

  • + Thin, light aluminium body at about 30g and 9mm
  • + Includes a USB-C to A cable and an A-to-C adapter
  • + 3-year limited warranty
  • − No IP or drop rating published
  • − Encryption not published for this model
  • − Sustained speed falls below peak on large transfers

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need hardware encryption or password protection
  • Anyone who wants a published IP or drop rating for rough use
  • People who regularly move very large files and need consistent sustained speed
Read the full Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB review ›

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