Head-to-head · Best External SSDs

Corsair EX400U (1 TB) vs Crucial X10 Pro

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Corsair EX400U (1 TB) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best External SSDs

Corsair EX400U (1 TB)

4.4

$140

The SSD Review highlighted the Corsair EX400U's exceptional performance, noting it can reach 4GB/s read speeds on Thunderbolt 5 systems, though it cautioned that motherboard implementations often limit USB4 speeds. PCMag's Tony Hoffman praised its unique magnetic Magsafe connector, which allows the drive to securely attach to metal surfaces like the Corsair 6500x case. While the build quality is commended for using Phison controllers and KIOXIA memory, reviewers noted that users must ensure their host device supports USB4 to avoid significant speed bottlenecks. This drive is best suited for users with high-end USB4/Thunderbolt setups who value secure physical attachment, rather than those relying on standard USB 3.2 ports.

Strengths

— Achieves up to 4GB/s read and 3.6GB/s write speeds on compatible USB4/Thunderbolt 4 systems
— Features a unique magnetic Magsafe connector for secure attachment to metal surfaces
— Constructed with high-quality internal components including Phison PS2251-21 controller and KIOXIA TLC memory

Watch-outs

— Performance drops significantly to 2GB/s on USB 3.2 ports and 1GB/s on lower-speed connections
— Not waterproof despite being shock resistant
— Requires specific USB4/Thunderbolt 4 host to achieve advertised maximum speeds

$140 · Buy at alternate.de Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best External SSDs

Crucial X10 Pro

4.0

$262

The SSD Review and StorageReview highlight the Crucial X10 Pro as a high-performance portable drive tailored for media professionals needing fast data transfer via its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface. Reviewers praise its ultra-compact aluminum build and robust security features, including hardware encryption and a 5-year warranty, which distinguish it from the base X10 model. However, some testers note that sustained write performance can dip below Crucial's maximum claims under heavy loads. This drive is best suited for users with compatible 20Gbps ports who prioritize speed and durability over cost, while those with older USB ports should consider the slower but cheaper X9 Pro.

Strengths

— Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface for up to 20Gbps transfer speeds
— Compact 65 x 50mm unibody anodized aluminum chassis weighing 1.48 ounces
— Includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption with software-based password protection

Watch-outs

— Real-world sustained write speeds may fall short of the advertised 2,000MB/s peak
— Higher price point compared to standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSDs

$262 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Corsair EX400U (1 TB)	Crucial X10 Pro
Interface	USB4 (40Gbps)	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
Capacity	1 TB	1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Max Read Speed	3.5 GB/s	Up to 2,100MB/s
Max Write Speed	3500 MB/s	Up to 2,000MB/s
Form Factor	Portable	Portable
NAND Type	TLC	Micron TLC NAND

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