Performance is decent, even if it cant compete with conventional external SSDs, and it’s reasonably cheap.
Given the modest price differences, why anyone would buy the two smaller drives is a mystery.
We know which we would have, given the choice.
Oddly, with the US5, you could expose both at the same time.
Each end has a cast metal cover that pivots up from a central shared axel.
It can be forced back on, but wed avoid the temptation to experiment in the first place.
Magnets hold the blade cover in place, thankfully stopping them from swinging up when the drive is pocketed.
But on a Mini PC or laptop, the possibility exists that the port is inverted.
How this issue wasnt noticed in product development is a question only Netac can answer.
Another lack of forethought is that the drive has no capacity printed on the outside of the US5.
It feels chunky and able to handle some abuse, but exactly how much isnt stated.
Considering that almost every other drive maker has a sync tool or something similar, this is rather disappointing.
Netac US5 Portable SSD: Performance
When testing this drive, the quoted performance levels rarely materialised.
We were curious if the two interface options, USB-C and USB-A, operated at the same potential speeds.
The answer gives the impression of that they dont.
Its helpful to know if you have the option of either port.
Netac US5 Portable SSD: Verdict
The concept behind this product is a good one.
A silly mistake that makes the drive much less useful for those with inverted USB-A ports.
Budget doesnt stretch to something betterAt just $73 for the 1TB option, the Netac US5 is affordable.
Although the Crucial X9 is only 75 and offers twice the performance and quoted resilience specs.
You need more than 1TBThe biggest capacity on offer is 1TB.
Those wanting more space need to look elsewhere.
It is more expensive, but its better value overall.
Read our full review of ithere.
Crucial X9 ProPhysically identical to the X10 Pro except in silver.
The X9 Pro has the same resilience and waterproofing and has the same capacities.
But it only supports Gen 2 USB connections, reducing the best speed to 1000MB/s.
Still its twice the speed of the US5.
And it still offers hardware encryption.
Kingston XS2000This drive came out in late 2021, when Gen 2x2 drives werent a popular option.
While it does use plastic construction, it has an IP55 rating and should travel well enough.
Costing less than $100 for the 1TB model, it delivers better-sustained performance and hardware encryption.
Check out ourKingston XS2000 review
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