Samsung T9 2TB, Portable SSD, up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) NVMe, Rugged, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, External Solid State Drive (MU-PK2T0G/WW) Gray

It's easily the fastest USB disk I have, when connected to a USB 3.2 port but still very fast on any other USB port type. I now have three of them used mainly to host virtual machine disk images that take minutes to boot from a mechanical hard disk but usually take less than 30 seconds to boot from this. It also fits in my hand and weighs less than a phone so it's very portable since it only requires the USB connection, no second power cable. I understand it does an excellent job of managing block wear so even if I used it as the video store for my home security system writing 8MB per-minute the suggested "life" of 2400 total terrabytes written for the 4TB models I bought implies a working life of hundreds of years from that constantly updating video source. I'll not need to replace due to block wear in the remainder of my life, though there might be a USB 4 and a Samsung T10 that gives me a reason to replace my current T9s.

I tested the Samsung T9 Portable SSD extensively and found it to be an outstanding choice for professionals who need consistent high-speed performance for large file transfers, video editing, and backups. Unlike many drives that show fast speeds in short bursts but then slow down, the T9 consistently maintains over 1500 MB per second during continuous transfers. This makes it highly practical for workflows involving large 4K video files or heavy photo libraries without having to worry about throttling during long backups or editing sessions.The build quality is another strong point. With an aluminum core and a rubberized exterior, the T9 feels durable and premium while also providing drop resistance up to three meters. It is compact and easy to carry, making it a practical tool for creators who travel or frequently switch between workstations.Samsung’s Magician software adds real value with features like firmware updates, performance benchmarks, drive health monitoring, and AES 256-bit hardware encryption management. These tools make it easy to maintain the drive and ensure data security across Windows, macOS, and Android systems.The T9 also comes with a five-year limited warranty, providing confidence for long-term professional use. During my testing on systems that fully support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, the T9 achieved read and write speeds above 1800 MB per second, maximizing productivity for high-volume workflows.There are some limitations to consider. Random and small file performance is average compared to some competitors like the Crucial X10 Pro or SanDisk Extreme Pro V2, particularly under heavy mixed workloads. Additionally, macOS does not support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, so the T9 operates at around 950 MB per second on Macs, offering similar speeds to the T7 rather than its full potential.Despite these limitations, the Samsung T9’s combination of high sustained transfer speeds, reliable durability, software support, encryption features, and a solid warranty makes it a highly practical and dependable choice for professionals. Its price is slightly higher, but for users prioritizing consistent performance, cross-platform support, and brand trust, the T9 remains one of the best portable SSDs available today.

I use a MacBook Pro M4 Pro with Thunderbolt 5 ports. While Apple’s ports are compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 devices, they can’t use the dual-channel architecture that enables the T9’s full advertised 2000 MB/s speeds. Even so, I wanted to know: is the T9 still worth the extra money over the T7 for MacBook Pro users?Testing both drives (same cables, same computer, direct Thunderbolt 5 connection) with Blackmagic Disk Speed Test showed after multiple runs, the T9 averaged around 975/880 MB/s write/read, versus the T7’s 788/660 MB/s — about 20% faster, even without Gen 2x2 support. I've included screen shots of my speed test comparisons in this review.The T9’s rubber-encased design offers better grip and drop resistance, though it shows dust easily and its contoured look isn’t for everyone. It also carries a five-year warranty (two years longer than the T7), which adds peace of mind given SSDs’ unpredictable lifespans.For my workflow — loading large sample libraries in seconds, editing video/photos directly from the drive, and fast file copies — the T9’s speed is more than enough, and the 4 TB capacity is perfect. I able to load a Piano VST with 7,000 samples (that’s huge), in around 2 seconds.When I eventually need USB4 or full Thunderbolt SSD speeds, those options will likely be more affordable but for now, speed is more than adequate for my purposes.So, bottom line: Even on a MacBook Pro without Gen 2x2 support, the T9 is faster than the T7, sturdier, and better-warrantied. For me, the $50 premium is worth it.

I picked up the Samsung T9 1TB Portable SSD to replace the stock USB drive in my Tesla Model S. Not only is it a massive upgrade for Dashcam and Sentry Mode, but it’s also fast and spacious enough to store and run Steam games directly in the Tesla.🚗 Tesla Use – Dashcam & Sentry Mode:Instantly recognized by the car after formatting.No more "USB too slow" warnings — it handles Tesla’s multi-camera recording without breaking a sweat.Reliable and fast, even after hours of recording.Stays cool and stable — no overheating issues.🎮 Steam in the Tesla:Plenty of space to store a bunch of games.Load times are quick and smooth when launching Steam titles in the car.Perfect for road trips, charging stops, or just showing off what your car can do.Finally — a single drive that handles both Tesla features and in-car gaming.📦 Build & Quality:Rugged, rubberized body that feels premium.Compact enough to fit in the glovebox or console without clutter.Comes with a sturdy USB-C cable — no flimsy connectors here.🎯 Final Verdict:If you want one drive that does it all — records Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage and lets you game in your Tesla — the Samsung T9 is it. Fast, reliable, and spacious. It’s the upgrade your Tesla didn’t know it needed.