We compared two 1TB portable SSDs from big storage brands: the Samsung T7 and the ruggedised SanDisk Extreme.
What we looked at
Stated speeds, interface, water and drop protection, encryption, and price.
The verdict
If you want a 1TB drive with USB 3.2 Gen.2 and hardware encryption at a slightly lower price, the Samsung T7 is the value pick, though its listing gives no speed or ruggedness figures. If you want stated 1050MB/s reads, IP65 water and dust resistance, 3-metre drop protection and a carabiner loop, the SanDisk Extreme is the tougher choice, and this listing is the older model.
Slightly cheaper, with USB 3.2 Gen.2 and AES 256-bit encryption, but the listing states no speeds or ruggedness rating.
Stated 1050MB/s reads, IP65 protection and 3-metre drop resistance with a carabiner loop, but it costs more and is an older model.
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB (Titanium Grey, MU-PC1T0T/WW) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a 1TB USB 3.2 Gen.2 external SSD with password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the SanDisk Extreme on these listings
- USB 3.2 Gen.2 interface
- Password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- 1TB capacity in a portable drive
Worth knowing
- The listing states no read or write speeds
- No water, dust or drop protection rating listed, unlike the SanDisk
Best for
- Buyers who want an encrypted 1TB portable SSD at a slightly lower price
- Desk and laptop users who don't need a ruggedised drive
- Anyone who wants hardware encryption with password protection
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a water- and dust-resistant drive
- Buyers who want stated speed figures before buying
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (Older Model, 1050MB/s) — Most Rugged
Intended for: Marketed as a rugged 1TB NVMe portable SSD with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, IP65 water and dust resistance, 3-metre drop protection, 256-bit AES encryption and a carabiner loop.
What we liked
- Stated up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- IP65 water and dust resistance
- Up to 3-metre drop protection, with a durable silicone shell
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Carabiner loop for attaching to a bag or belt, and compatible with PC, Mac and consoles over USB-C
Worth knowing
- Costs a little more than the Samsung T7 on these listings
- Listed as an older model
Best for
- Travellers, photographers and outdoor users who want a rugged drive
- Buyers who want stated speeds and IP65 protection
- Anyone who wants a carabiner loop
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers comparing price first
- Anyone who specifically wants the latest SanDisk model
