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Sandisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read Speeds (Old Model)
Sandisk

Sandisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read Speeds (Old Model)

Bottom line: The Sandisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD ($189.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 16:17 UTC): Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write over USB-C; main trade-off: listed as an older model, so newer revisions exist.

$189.99

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

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For external drives and portable storage, 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 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write over USB-C
  • ✓ IP65 water and dust resistance, upgraded from IP55
  • ✓ Rated for up to 3-meter drop protection
  • ✓ 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection

Cons

  • ✗ Listed as an older model, so newer revisions exist
  • ✗ 500GB fills fast with 4K video or large game libraries
  • ✗ Speeds depend on host device; older USB ports throttle it
  • ✗ Encryption requires SanDisk software, not OS-native setup

Manufacturer description

Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.) Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.) Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Sandisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Sandisk's external 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 external 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 SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD?

SanDisk rates it at up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write based on internal testing. Real speeds depend on your host device and cable, so an older USB port will be slower.

Is this drive waterproof?

It carries an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, upgraded from the previous IP55 rating. That covers splashes and rain, not submersion.

Will it survive being dropped?

It is rated for up to 3-meter drop protection, raised from the earlier 2-meter spec. The solid-state design has no moving platters to damage.

Can I password-protect the files on it?

Yes. The drive includes password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and the SanDisk Memory Zone app handles file management and freeing up space.

What connection does it use?

It connects over USB-C using the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. Check the product listing for the exact cables and adapters included in the box.

Key Features

  • Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
  • Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
  • Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
  • Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
  • Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5)

Full Specifications

Size0.5TB
BrandSandisk
ColorBlack
ModelSDSSDE61-500G-G25
Warranty5-year limited manufacturer warranty
UnitCount1
ReleaseDate2020-09-24T00:00:01Z
ManufacturerSandisk Technologies, Inc.
ItemPartNumberSDSSDE61-500G-G25

Ready to buy?

Sandisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read Speeds (Old Model) 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 — $189.99

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

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Sandisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read Speeds (Old Model)
$189.99
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