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SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)
Samsung

SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)

Bottom line: The SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB ($229.97 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 10:15 UTC): Up to 540MB/s reads, rated up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs; main trade-off: 540MB/s trails newer USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSDs at 1,000MB/s+.

$229.97

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Buy on Amazon — $229.97 Compare to similar ssds & storage

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For SSDs and PC storage upgrades, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Up to 540MB/s reads, rated up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs
  • ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption with optional password lock
  • ✓ Shock-resistant metal shell, palm-sized and pocketable
  • ✓ Ships with both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables

Cons

  • ✗ 540MB/s trails newer USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSDs at 1,000MB/s+
  • ✗ USB 3.1 interface is a generation behind current drives
  • ✗ 1TB fills fast if you store 4K video or large game libraries
  • ✗ Password protection requires Samsung's software on each machine

Manufacturer description

The Samsung T5 Portable SSD 1TB puts V-NAND flash storage in a shell small enough to disappear into a jacket pocket. Sequential read speeds reach up to 540MB/s, which Samsung rates at up to 4.9x faster than a traditional external hard drive - the difference between waiting on a 4K video transfer and getting back to editing. The shock-resistant metal body is built top to bottom to survive being tossed in a bag, and there are no moving parts inside to jar loose. Security is handled in hardware rather than software: optional password protection pairs with AES 256-bit encryption, so a lost drive…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB 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 1TB?

Samsung rates sequential reads at up to 540MB/s over USB 3.1, which the company states is up to 4.9x faster than a typical external hard drive. Real-world speeds depend on your port and the file sizes you move.

Does the Samsung T5 work with Mac and Android?

Yes. It ships with both USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A cables to connect to PCs, Macs, smartphones, and other devices. Check the product listing for the current supported OS list before buying.

Is data on the T5 encrypted?

Yes. The T5 supports optional password protection backed by AES 256-bit hardware encryption. Encryption is opt-in, so you enable it during setup rather than it being on by default.

Is the Samsung T5 durable enough to carry every day?

It uses a top-to-bottom shock-resistant metal design and, as an SSD, has no moving platters to damage. It is sized to fit in your palm and slide into a pocket or purse.

How does the T5 compare to a portable hard drive?

Samsung cites transfer speeds up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs, and the V-NAND flash has no moving parts. That matters most when moving 4K video, high-resolution photos, or game installs.

Key Features

  • Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB s (up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs); Ideal for transferring large-sized data including 4K videos, high-resolution photos, games and more
  • Compact and portable design: Top to bottom shock resistant metal design fits in the palm of your hand and easily slides in your pocket or purse to take work and entertainment on the go
  • Secure encryption: Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure
  • Seamless connectivity: Includes USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables to connect to PCs, Macs, smartphones and other devices

Full Specifications

BrandSamsung
ColorBlack
Model NameSamsung T5
Form Factor2.5-inch
Media Speed540
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberMU-PA1T0B/AM
Built-In Media2 cables, user manual, T5 Portable SSD
Item Type NameSamsung Electronics MU-PA1T0B/AM T5 Portable SSD, 1TB USB 3.1 External
Hard-Drive Size1 TB
Mfr Part NumberMU-PA1T0B/AM
Number of Items1
Special FeatureSuperfast read write speeds
Hardware PlatformPC;Mac;Android OS
Installation TypeExternal Hard Drive
Secure encryptionOptional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure
Compatible DevicesDesktop, Gaming Console, Laptop, Smartphone
Data Transfer Rate540 megabits_per_second
Enclosure MaterialMetal
Additional FeaturesSuperfast read write speeds

Ready to buy?

SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/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.

Buy on Amazon — $229.97

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

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SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)
$229.97
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