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Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB 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 Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB at 4.8/10.

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 Netac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GB's 3/10.

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

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

CriterionWeightNetac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GBSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Speed30%4/107/10
Build and ruggedness20%5/108/10
Compatibility20%6/106/10
Security15%3/108/10
Warranty15%6/108/10
Overall4.8/107.3/10

Specifications

SpecNetac Z Slim USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD 500GBSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Capacity500GB2TB
InterfaceUSB 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)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 readup to 550MB/s (manufacturer); ssd-tester.com measured 511.94MB/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 ratingNo IP or drop rating published; casing is aluminium alloyV3: 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-year limited warranty5-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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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