SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD Review: Excellent Speed & Portability

Depending on the storage interfaces and devices utilized, uploading and transferring huge amounts of data between devices might take anywhere from minutes to hours on any given day. For some, this might not be a problem at all and you might not even mind the wait. But if you’re someone who runs a tight schedule and needs things to be done quickly, you’ll want the fastest option available in the market. With that in mind, check out our review of the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD here and see if this is the best solid-state drive for you.

See Where The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD Ranks In Our List Of The Best External Hard Drives For 2021.

Overview Of The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is a lightweight external drive with reading rates up to 2000MBps (the old gen model had reading rates up to 1050 MBps only) that you can take with you wherever you go. This portable SSD’s tough exterior has a rating of IP55 and is resistant to water and dust, and the silicon rubber coating and notch let you store it however you like.

Apart from that, we like that the SanDisk Extreme Pro works with both USB-A and USB-C connectors, so you won’t have to worry about device compatibility or upgrading your devices to a USB-C connection in the future.

While the 500GB storage option is the most cost-effective for on-the-go users, 1TB and 2TB variants are also available if you need a larger storage capacity. The SanDisk Secure Access application also employs general encryption.

However, most people will find this drive to be a little costly, and the built-in carrying loop may be too large to fit on a standard keychain. Apart from that, this is an excellent external hard disk for general use and one that is difficult to surpass in terms of portability.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 0.41 x 2.28 x 4.36 inches
• Item Weight: ‎2.72 ounces
• Brand: Sandisk
• Storage Capacity: 500 GB up to 2 TB
• Interface: USB Type C, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
• Compatibility: PC & Mac computers (no driver needed), Cameras (also compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8,  Windows® 7 and Mac OS 10.9+)

Check Out SanDisk’s Official Product Preview Of The Extreme Pro Portable SSD Below.

If You’d Like To Check Out Other External Drives, See Our Top Picks Of The Best External Hard Drives For 2021 Here.

What We Love About The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD

Design

The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD’s design didn’t go through a lot of changes. In fact, it seems to have retained the same rugged aesthetic aside from the obvious size upgrade and that the corners are now more rounded compared to its predecessor. It has a rubberized body that is simple to grasp, as well as an aluminum body with a loop at the top that can be secured with a carrying clip.

Personally, I have no qualms or complaints about the overall design. I think it’s unique enough to stand out among its competitors without looking too tacky or cheap. Plus, it has excellent portability that makes it ideal for you if you’re someone who is always traveling.

In addition to that, two USB cables are included with the drive, one with USB type C on both ends and the other with USB type A for more universal compatibility.

Durability

This portable SSD is water and dust resistant with an IP rating of IP55, making it ideal for individuals who need to transfer data fast during photo shoots or filming. It should survive most conditions but there are definitely a few reminders you might want to keep in mind before you put this drive to the test.

For example, this particular external drive is not built for complete submersion underwater. Additionally, while the SanDisk should be able to withstand a six-foot drop or a light spray of water, it cannot also be exposed to beach sand or dust storms. It’s probably gone if you drop it in the ocean, the bathtub, or in the rare case you’re shooting in the middle of a desert.

With that said, the USB-C port at the bottom is the only thing you’ll have to watch out for. Because this port isn’t covered or protected in any way, if your drive comes into contact with water or gets dusty, you’ll want to make sure it’s completely dry and clean before connecting it to anything.

It would have been absolutely nice if SanDisk could have included a detachable cover attached to the drive to protect this connector from any accidental spills but here’s to hoping they include one in future models.

Performance

When it comes to performance and speed, there’s no doubt that this is where the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD truly shines. You won’t be disappointed if you’re hoping for incredibly fast data transfer speeds with this drive. Moreover, this portable SSD can deliver excellent performance if you connect it to a Thunderbolt 3 connector.

On the old gen model, this item promised transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MBps, while the newer model offers transfer speeds of up to 2,000 MBps. And it’s safe to say, no promises were broken here.

Not to mention, SanDisk’s SecureAccess software is included with the drive, and it allows you to establish a safe zone on your drive to lock data and folders behind a password. So if you want your data protected, SanDisk has your back.

But if you just want to use your drive casually and you have no problems with security then you can just use it without the software. It’s still a nice option though in case the need for it ever arises.

Our Least Favorite Things

Form Factor

The Extreme Pro Portable SSD’s form factor is by no means that bad. However, the integrated loop that is supposed to add portability features with this device seems to have very limited utility.

One might think that this is to provide a place for a corner loop to which a carabiner or other clips could be attached. However, I feel like this just serves to make the overall size of the SanDisk larger than necessary.

Some of you might find this loop useful, but adding your keys would be a mistake. Not only would it add bulk to your pocket, but the keys would almost surely scratch or scrape the silicone rubber that covers the casing. The loop is may seem appealing, but it provides very little value. If you wish to clip the drive to your belt or pack for convenient access, this is the best and most practical option.

In A Nutshell

Now that we have finished discussing the things we liked and disliked about the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD, here’s a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this external drive.

Our Final Verdict

There are several excellent portable SSDs to choose from in the market. As a rule of thumb, your criteria in finding the most suitable external SSD might be more or less a balance between price, speed, convenience, portability, as well as other value-added features.

In several of these categories, SanDisk’s Extreme Pro Portable SSD excels quite well. It’s fast, it’s portable, has a rugged design, and has an excellent choice for USB cables. Overall, it has plenty to offer and aside from its slightly steep pricing, it’s an SSD that’s quite hard to beat.

So if you’re always on the go or your job description requires you to be in the outdoors a lot and need to transfer large amounts of data in a short amount of time, this is definitely the external drive for you.

Have you already bought your own external hard drive? Was our review of the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions to share, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!

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