Samsung T9 1TB Portable USB 3.2

The Samsung T9 is a fast, durable portable SSD that hits 2,000 MB/s, but only with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. It's a solid buy at the low end of its price range, especially with the 5-year warranty. Skip it if you need console storage or don't have the right port.

When you've got the right port, the T9 moves. Sequential transfers hit around 2,000 MB/s in both directions, which puts it right at the 50th percentile in our database. That's solid but not groundbreaking anymore. The DRAM-less design doesn't hurt much for big file transfers, though sustained writes can dip a bit under heavy load. The Dynamic Thermal Guard keeps temps in check, so you won't see the drive throttle into oblivion during a long 4K edit session. For random small-file work, it's fine but nothing special. If you're coming from a SATA-based portable SSD, this feels like a rocket. If you've used a Thunderbolt drive, it feels like a brisk jog.

The T9 goes up against some serious internal NVMe competition in our database. The Crucial T500 and WD_BLACK SN7100 both outpace it on raw speed, but those are internal drives, so it's not a fair fight unless you're willing to build your own enclosure. The Kingston FURY Renegade G5 and Lexar NM1090 PRO are also internal and faster. If you want a plug-and-play portable drive, the T9 is really competing against other external SSDs, and in that space it holds its own. The Micron T710 is another internal option that beats it on paper. Bottom line: as a portable drive, the T9 is competitive. As a raw performance part, it's middle of the pack.

Pricing is all over the place right now. US listings range from $145 to $260, which is a wild spread for the same drive. If you're shopping in the US, the $145 listing is the one to grab. At that price, the T9 is a reasonable deal for a branded portable SSD with a 5-year warranty. At $260, you're getting fleeced. Canadian buyers see a tighter range of CAD 343 to CAD 390, with the CAD 343 listing being the obvious pick. The affordability percentile sits at 41st, so this isn't a budget drive by any stretch. You're paying for the Samsung name, the warranty, and the polished Magician software. Whether that's worth it depends on how much you value peace of mind.

The Samsung T9 is a pocketable NVMe drive that promises 2,000 MB/s reads and writes over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. It's aimed at creators who want to edit off the drive without waiting around. The 1TB model we're looking at comes with a 5-year warranty and hardware encryption, which is a nice combo for a portable drive.

But here's the thing: that 2,000 MB/s number only happens if your machine actually has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. Most laptops don't. Plug this into a regular USB-C port and you'll see roughly half that speed. Still fast, but not the headline number Samsung puts on the box.

Console gamers should skip this one entirely. The console score is a dismal 24.4 out of 100, and you'll be fighting compatibility issues the whole time. If you need a drive for your PS5 or Xbox, get something built for that purpose. Also skip it if your machine lacks USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and you're paying full price. You'd be paying for speed you can't use.

Buy the T9 if you need a reliable, pocketable drive for editing photos or video on the go and your laptop has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. The 5-year warranty and hardware encryption make it a safe choice for work files. If you're on a machine without that port, you'll still get good speeds, but you're leaving performance on the table. Gamers looking for console storage should look elsewhere. The console score of 24.4 out of 100 tells you everything you need to know there.