Samsung Portable SSD T9 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 Samsung Portable SSD T9 at 6.7/10.

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 leads on speed.

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

They score the same on warranty.

The biggest difference is build and ruggedness, where the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD scores 8/10 to the Samsung Portable SSD T9's 5/10.

Samsung Portable SSD T9

6.7/10verdict: buy

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a 2TB external drive for people who move large files often and have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. It suits those who want hardware encryption and a five-year warranty alongside fast transfers. It is less convincing for buyers who need a water-resistant drive or confirmed support beyond iPhone 15.

Typically about £205 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	Samsung Portable SSD T9	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Speed	30%	8/10	7/10
Build and ruggedness	20%	5/10	8/10
Compatibility	20%	5/10	6/10
Security	15%	7/10	8/10
Warranty	15%	8/10	8/10
Overall		6.7/10	7.3/10

Specifications

Spec	Samsung Portable SSD T9	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Capacity	2TB	2TB
Interface	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)	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 2,000 MB/sec	V3: up to 2000MB/s. V2: up to 1050MB/s.
Sequential write	Up to 1,950 MB/sec	V2 2TB: up to 1000MB/s. V3 2TB not confirmed.
Drop and water rating	Drop resistant up to 3m (free fall onto metal plate); no water or IP rating given	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	AES 256-bit hardware encryption	Password protection with built-in 256-bit AES encryption
Warranty	5 year limited warranty	5-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

Samsung Portable SSD T9

+ Up to 2,000MB/s read over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
+ Five-year limited warranty
+ AES 256-bit hardware encryption
− No water or IP rating given
− Drop damage not covered by warranty
− Owners call it expensive for its class

Skip it if:

Buyers without a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and cable who would not reach the rated speeds
Anyone needing a water or dust rating, as no IP rating is given
Buyers who want warranty cover for accidental drop damage

Read the full Samsung Portable SSD T9 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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