The Quickest and Most Compact Portable SSD I've Experienced

Meet the Samsung T9 Portable SSD

Insights from ZDNET

Amongst the external SSDs I've used, the Samsung T9 stands out for its incredible speed and resilience, aimed at professionals who need both brisk data transfers and extreme portability across both Windows and Mac platforms. Offered in variations of 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, this SSD impresses with its sleek design—only half an inch thick—and robust, rubber-coated exterior. It allows for seamless movement, thanks to its 2,000MB/s read and write speeds, and strong data protection with 256-bit encryption, suitable for tasks like gaming directly from the drive.

Bundled with the Samsung Magician app, the T9 provides various management tools, such as viewing available storage, device temperatures, and the overall health of the SSD. This app assesses the hardware's performance by analyzing data like power cycles and data units written, giving users a comprehensive view.

Why We Recommend Samsung T9

What the T9 Offers

Supporting data transfer speeds up to 20Gbps and incorporating 256-bit, hardware-based encryption makes this SSD a complete package. It's ready right out of the box, no app required, and includes its own USB-A and USB-C cables, enhancing its premium appeal.

With compliance to the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard, the T9 achieves consistent read and write speeds of 20Gbps, protected by thermal monitoring which ensures it remains cool even during intensive tasks.

Storage options from 1TB to 4TB come with varying price points, placing the T9 in a high-end bracket for professionals craving speed and portability. It supports exFAT formatting, ensuring immediate compatibility with Windows, MacOS, and Android systems.

Note that to fully leverage these top speeds, a USB-C capable system is required. Although it's backward compatible with older USB models, performance will default to the maximum capability of your existing hardware.

Remember, cable choice is crucial. Avoid using random USB-C cables to ensure optimal speeds. Fortunately, the SSD comes with high-quality USB-C and USB-A cables to maximize transfer speeds.

The T9 uses AES 256-bit encryption based on hardware, securing your data with automatic, rather than software-reliant, encryption.

Physically, the device boasts a simple but efficient design, with a discreet port and status light, encased in a sturdy shell. It lacks buttons or displays, which simplifies its plug-and-play functionality.

Though not dust- or water-proof, the SSD’s protective casing makes it resilient enough to survive accidental drops, historically a death sentence for data on older drives. Just avoid water exposure.

Recordings using CrystalDiskMark on Windows verified read and write speeds closely paralleling Samsung’s claims, transferring large files in seconds. For instance, a 2GB image set was shifted to the SSD in about four seconds.

Content creators will find this drive adept at handling 4K video files, RAW images with metadata, and even hefty game files, offering steady, rapid file movements, assuming compatible equipment.

ZDNET's Purchase Guidance

This slim, highly portable SSD showcases remarkable speed, available in versions up to 4TB, catering to a range of needs but mainly crafting-oriented professionals who swiftly manage and transfer vast media files.

While not inexpensive, its pricing is justifiable. For instance, as of this article, the 4TB model is available for $329 on Amazon—a reasonable cost for a durable SSD designed for longevity.