Crucial X9 Portable SSD vs SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

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

all judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD scores 7.3/10 overall, ahead of the Crucial X9 Portable SSD at 5.3/10.

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

They score the same on compatibility.

The biggest difference is security, where the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD scores 8/10 to the Crucial X9 Portable SSD's 3/10.

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

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SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

7.3/10verdict: buy

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

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Crucial X9 Portable SSD	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Speed	30%	5/10	7/10
Build and ruggedness	20%	6/10	8/10
Compatibility	20%	6/10	6/10
Security	15%	3/10	8/10
Warranty	15%	6/10	8/10
Overall		5.3/10	7.3/10

Specifications

Spec	Crucial X9 Portable SSD	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Capacity	1TB, 2TB, 4TB (some capacity used for formatting)	2TB
Interface	USB-C connector; USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) on supported devices	USB Type-C (V3); V2 is listed as USB 3.2 Gen 2. The V3 Gen level is not stated in the sources read.
Sequential read	Up to 1,050MB/s (CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4, desktop)	V3: up to 2000MB/s. V2: up to 1050MB/s.
Sequential write	not listed	V2 2TB: up to 1000MB/s. V3 2TB not confirmed.
Drop and water rating	Drop-proof up to 7.5 ft (2 m) without data impact on carpeted floor; shock, vibration and extreme temperature proof	V3: 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).
Encryption	not listed	Password protection with built-in 256-bit AES encryption
Warranty	3-year limited, valid until maximum TBW is reached	5-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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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