Verdict
Head-to-head · Best External SSDs

Corsair EX400U (1 TB) vs Samsung T7 Shield

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 narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Corsair EX400U (1 TB)
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best External SSDs
Corsair EX400U (1 TB)
$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
Samsung T7 Shield
Ranked #5 in Best External SSDs
Samsung T7 Shield
$429

The Samsung T7 Shield is praised for its rugged build, offering IP65 water and dust resistance alongside 3-meter drop protection, making it a reliable choice for outdoor or travel use. Reviewers highlight the inclusion of AES 256-bit hardware encryption and the availability of a massive 4TB capacity, which is rare for Samsung's portable lineup. However, the soft silicone exterior is noted as a dust magnet, and users must ensure their host device supports 10Gbps USB to achieve the drive's top transfer speeds of 1050MB/s. This drive best fits users who prioritize durability and security over sleek aesthetics or maximum speed on older hardware.

Strengths
  • IP65-certified water and dust resistance
  • 3-meter drop resistance for durability
  • AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security
Watch-outs
  • Silicone exterior casing attracts dust and lint
  • Requires 10Gbps USB port for maximum 1050MB/s speeds

Specs side-by-side

SpecCorsair EX400U (1 TB)Samsung T7 Shield
InterfaceUSB4 (40Gbps)USB 3.2 Gen 2
Capacity1 TB4TB
Max Read Speed3.5 GB/s1050MB/s
Max Write Speed3500 MB/s1000MB/s
Form FactorPortablePortable External SSD
NAND TypeTLCV-NAND
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