Samsung
SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 2TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA2T0B/AM)
Bottom line: The SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 2TB ($599.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 10:15 UTC): Up to 540 MB/s read-write speeds over USB 3.1; main trade-off: 540 MB/s top speed is slower than NVMe-based portable SSDs.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 540 MB/s read-write speeds over USB 3.1
- ✓ 2TB of Samsung V-NAND flash in a palm-sized body
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption with optional password protection
- ✓ Comes with USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables
- ✓ Metal body from top to bottom, with shock resistance
Cons
- ✗ 540 MB/s top speed is slower than NVMe-based portable SSDs
- ✗ Full speed needs a USB 3.1 port; older USB ports run slower
- ✗ No water or dust resistance rating listed
- ✗ Drop height for the shock resistance is not specified
Manufacturer description
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD 2TB fits 2TB of Samsung V-NAND flash storage into a metal enclosure small enough to sit in the palm of your hand. It reads and writes at up to 540 MB/s over USB 3.1, so you can move large photo libraries, video projects and game installs quickly. Security is built in. You can turn on optional password protection, which uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption, so your files stay locked if the drive is lost or left behind. The metal body runs from top to bottom and resists shock, which makes the T5 a sturdy choice to carry in a laptop bag or camera kit. Samsung puts…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 2TB using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the ssds & storage category. Samsung's ssds & storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for ssds & storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Samsung T5 Portable SSD 2TB?
Samsung rates the T5 at up to 540 MB/s for reads and writes over USB 3.1. Actual speed depends on the port and cable you use, so connect it to a USB 3.1 port for the best results.
Will the Samsung T5 work with a computer that only has USB-A ports?
Yes. The box includes a USB Type-C to A cable for standard USB-A ports and a USB Type-C to C cable for newer laptops, tablets and desktops with USB-C.
Can I password-protect the Samsung T5?
Yes. The T5 has optional password protection that uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption, so the data stays locked unless someone enters the password.
How durable is the Samsung T5 for travel?
It has a metal design from top to bottom and is listed as shock resistant. The listing gives no drop height or water resistance rating, so keep it away from liquids.
What warranty comes with the Samsung T5 2TB (MU-PA2T0B/AM)?
The product details given here don't include warranty terms. Check the product listing or Samsung's support site for the current warranty that covers this model.
Key Features
- Superfast read-write speeds of up to 540 MB/s
- Top to bottom metal design that fits in the palm of your hand
- Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Includes USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables. Shock resistance
Full Specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | Samsung T5 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Media Speed | 540 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | MU-PA2T0B/AM |
| Built-In Media | 2 cables, user manual, T5 Portable SSD |
| Item Type Name | Samsung Electronics MU-PA2T0B/AM T5 Portable SSD, 2TB USB 3.1 External |
| Hard-Drive Size | 2 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | MU-PA2T0B/AM |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable, Shock Resistant |
| Hardware Platform | PC;Mac;Android OS |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop, Smartphone |
| Data Transfer Rate | 540 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Additional Features | Portable, Shock Resistant |
Ready to buy?
SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 2TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA2T0B/AM) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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