Portable SSD Comparison: Crucial X10 vs Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, storage needs have evolved dramatically. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, student, or professional, having reliable and high-speed storage is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Two standout options in the SSD market are the Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue – CT1000X10SSD9-02 and the Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen 5×2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,150 MB/s, Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops, HMB Technology and Intelligent Turbowrite 2.0, (MZ-V9S1T0B/AM). While both offer 1TB of storage, they cater to very different use cases and user preferences. One is a rugged, travel-ready external SSD built for portability and durability, while the other is a high-performance internal drive designed for maximum speed and system integration.

This comprehensive comparison dives deep into both products, exploring their performance, design, compatibility, software, and real-world applications. The Crucial X10 1TB Portable is ideal for users who need fast, secure, and resilient external storage that can withstand the rigors of travel, outdoor work, or gaming on the go. On the other hand, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is engineered for power users, gamers, and professionals who want to upgrade their desktops or laptops with blistering-fast internal storage, leveraging the latest PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 technologies. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which SSD better suits your workflow, budget, and lifestyle. We’ll analyze every aspect—from raw speed and thermal management to software support and long-term reliability—so you can make an informed decision backed by data and expert insight.

In-Depth Look: Crucial X10 1TB Portable

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable is a sleek, modern external solid-state drive that blends performance, durability, and broad compatibility into a compact, travel-friendly package. Designed with creators, students, and gamers in mind, this SSD is built to handle real-world challenges—whether you’re transferring 4K video on a remote shoot, backing up your thesis from a coffee shop, or loading games on your PS5 during a LAN party. Its standout feature is the IP65 dust and water resistance rating, which means it can withstand splashes, light rain, and dusty environments without compromising performance. This makes it one of the most rugged portable SSDs in its class, especially when compared to many other external drives that lack any kind of environmental protection.

Performance-wise, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable delivers impressive speeds of up to 2,100 MB/s read and 1,900 MB/s write via its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface. While not the fastest in the market, these speeds are more than sufficient for most high-bandwidth tasks. For example, you can transfer a 20GB 4K video file in under 15 seconds, or back up an entire game library in minutes. The drive uses a USB-C connection and comes with both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, ensuring compatibility with nearly every modern device. Whether you’re using a MacBook Pro, a Windows gaming laptop, an Android tablet, or even a PS5 or Xbox Series X, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable connects effortlessly and is recognized immediately.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Crucial X10 1TB Portable is its durability and build quality. The drive is drop-resistant up to 9.8 feet (3 meters), which is ideal for users who are always on the move or working in unpredictable environments. The matte blue finish not only looks professional but also resists fingerprints and scratches, maintaining its appearance over time. At just 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches and 1.8 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to slip into a pocket, backpack, or camera bag. The compact form factor doesn’t sacrifice storage capacity—1TB is generous for most users, allowing you to store thousands of photos, dozens of games, or several hours of high-resolution video.

Compatibility is another strong suit. The Crucial X10 1TB Portable works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, PS5, and Xbox consoles. This cross-platform support is rare among external SSDs and makes it a true universal solution. For gamers, the drive supports PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S external game storage, meaning you can expand your console’s library without upgrading internal hardware. For content creators, the fast transfer speeds and large capacity make it perfect for editing directly from the drive or offloading footage from cameras and drones.

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable also includes bonus software that adds significant value. Upon registration, users receive three months of Mylio Photos+, a powerful photo management tool that helps organize, edit, and back up images across devices. Additionally, you get Acronis True Image, a full-featured backup and cloning software that enables you to create system images, schedule backups, and recover data in case of drive failure. These tools are especially useful for users who want to protect their data or migrate from an old drive to a new one.

In terms of real-world performance, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable excels in everyday scenarios. Whether you’re transferring large files, running applications, or using it as a boot drive for a secondary OS, the drive remains responsive and stable. The lack of moving parts (a hallmark of all SSDs) ensures silent operation and minimal heat generation. While it doesn’t have active cooling, the metal enclosure acts as a heat sink, keeping temperatures in check during sustained transfers. The drive also supports hardware encryption (AES 256-bit), providing an extra layer of security for sensitive data.

Pros of the Crucial X10 1TB Portable:

• Excellent IP65 dust and water resistance for outdoor and travel use
• Drop resistance up to 9.8 feet—ideal for rugged environments
• Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds (up to 2,100 MB/s read)
• Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, consoles, and more
• Includes 3 months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image software
• Compact, lightweight, and pocket-friendly design
• Comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables for maximum flexibility
• Silent operation with no moving parts

Cons of the Crucial X10 1TB Portable:

• Not as fast as internal NVMe drives like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus
• No built-in activity light or status indicator
• No hardware encryption toggle (relies on software tools)
• Matte finish can show minor scuffs over time
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 requires compatible ports for full speed (not all laptops support it)

Best For: The Crucial X10 1TB Portable is ideal for travelers, content creators, students, gamers, and professionals who need a durable, high-speed external SSD that works across multiple platforms. It’s perfect for backing up data on the go, expanding console storage, transferring large media files, or using as a portable editing drive. If you value ruggedness, portability, and universal compatibility, this is one of the best external SSDs you can buy. Check the latest price on Amazon here.

In-Depth Look: Samsung 990 EVO Plus

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a next-generation internal NVMe SSD that pushes the boundaries of speed, efficiency, and intelligent performance. Designed for high-end desktops and laptops, this drive leverages the latest PCIe 5.0 x2 and PCIe 4.0 x4 interfaces, delivering sequential read speeds up to 7,150 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s. These are among the fastest speeds available in consumer SSDs, making the Samsung 990 EVO Plus a top contender for users who demand maximum performance—whether for gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, or large-scale data processing.

At the heart of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is Samsung’s Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology, which dynamically allocates buffer space to maintain high write speeds even during sustained transfers. Unlike older SSDs that slow down after the cache is filled, TurboWrite 2.0 intelligently manages data flow, ensuring consistent performance throughout the entire transfer. This is especially beneficial when working with large files like 8K video, game installations, or database backups. The drive also uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which leverages system RAM to reduce latency and improve responsiveness without requiring DRAM on the SSD itself—a cost-effective and efficient design.

Thermal management is a critical factor in high-performance SSDs, and Samsung addresses this with a nickel-coated controller that dissipates heat more efficiently than traditional designs. This allows the Samsung 990 EVO Plus to maintain peak performance even during extended workloads, such as video rendering or gaming marathons. While the drive doesn’t come with a heatsink, its efficient thermal design means it rarely throttles under normal use. For users with high-end motherboards that include M.2 heatsinks, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus will perform even better, with sustained speeds that remain near theoretical maximums.

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus uses the M.2 2280 form factor, the standard for modern laptops and desktops. Its compact size (3.1 x 0.9 x 0.1 inches) makes it easy to install in tight spaces, and it’s compatible with nearly all motherboards that support NVMe SSDs. The drive supports both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0, making it future-proof. On PCIe 5.0 systems, it achieves its full 7,150 MB/s speed, while on PCIe 4.0 systems, it still delivers excellent performance at around 5,000–6,000 MB/s. This backward and forward compatibility ensures that the Samsung 990 EVO Plus will remain relevant for years to come.

One of Samsung’s biggest strengths is its Magician Software, a comprehensive tool suite that enhances the SSD experience. With Magician, users can:

• Monitor drive health, temperature, and lifespan
• Optimize performance with over-provisioning and TRIM commands
• Update firmware automatically
• Enable encryption and secure erase functions
• Benchmark performance and compare with other drives

The software is intuitive and runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS (with some limitations), making it accessible to a wide range of users. Samsung also provides automatic firmware updates, ensuring the drive stays secure and performs at its best over time.

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is built for high-end workloads. Gamers will appreciate the near-instant loading times in modern titles, especially those with open worlds and large textures. Content creators will benefit from the drive’s ability to handle multiple 4K/8K video streams, complex After Effects compositions, and large RAW photo libraries. Developers and data scientists will find it ideal for compiling code, running virtual machines, and processing large datasets. The drive’s endurance rating of 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) ensures long-term reliability, even under heavy use.

Despite its high performance, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is surprisingly power-efficient. Thanks to the nickel-coated controller and HMB technology, it consumes less power than many competing drives, which helps extend battery life in laptops and reduces heat in desktops. This makes it a great choice for both mobile workstations and energy-conscious users.

Pros of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus:

• Blazing-fast speeds (up to 7,150 MB/s read, 6,300 MB/s write)
• Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for sustained performance
• Nickel-coated controller for superior thermal management
• HMB technology reduces latency and improves efficiency
• PCIe 5.0 x2 and PCIe 4.0 x4 compatibility
• Samsung Magician Software for optimization and monitoring
• 600 TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability
• Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
• Low power consumption for better battery life

Cons of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus:

• Requires installation—not plug-and-play like external drives
• No IP rating or drop protection (not suitable for portable use)
• No included cables or accessories (standard for internal SSDs)
• Higher price point than budget SSDs
• May require heatsink for sustained peak performance

Best For: The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is perfect for gamers, content creators, developers, and power users who want to upgrade their PC or laptop with the fastest internal storage available. It’s ideal for systems that support PCIe 5.0 or PCIe 4.0, and it delivers unmatched performance for gaming, video editing, programming, and data-intensive applications. If you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, this SSD is a top-tier choice. Check the latest price on Amazon here.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Performance: Raw Speed vs Real-World Use

When it comes to raw speed, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is in a different league. With up to 7,150 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds, it’s more than three times faster than the Crucial X10 1TB Portable. This makes it ideal for tasks that demand maximum throughput, such as 8K video editing, large game installations, or database processing. The Crucial X10 1TB Portable, while fast for an external drive, maxes out at 2,100 MB/s—still excellent, but not in the same performance tier.

However, real-world performance depends on more than just specs. For most users, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable is fast enough. Transferring a 50GB game from PC to console? Done in under 30 seconds. Backing up a 100GB photo library? Less than a minute. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, on the other hand, will complete the same tasks in half the time—but unless you’re working with massive files daily, the difference may not be noticeable. The law of diminishing returns applies here: going from 2,100 MB/s to 7,150 MB/s is impressive, but the practical benefit is limited for casual users.

Another key factor is sustained performance. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus maintains high speeds thanks to TurboWrite 2.0 and HMB, while the Crucial X10 1TB Portable may slow slightly during very long transfers due to thermal throttling (though this is rare). For burst transfers and everyday use, both drives perform admirably.

Durability and Portability: Built to Last vs Built for Speed

Here, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable has a clear advantage. Its IP65 rating and 9.8 ft drop resistance make it one of the most rugged portable SSDs available. You can take it hiking, use it in rainy conditions, or drop it on concrete—it’s designed to survive. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, by contrast, is an internal drive with no environmental protection. It’s not meant to be moved, and it’s vulnerable to physical damage if handled improperly during installation.

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable is also truly portable—small enough to fit in a pocket, with no installation required. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus requires opening your laptop or desktop, installing the drive, and possibly configuring BIOS/UEFI settings. It’s not a plug-and-play solution.

Compatibility and Ease of Use

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable wins hands-down in compatibility. It works with Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, PS5, Xbox, iPad Pro, and Chromebooks—no drivers or software needed. Just plug in and go. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is limited to systems with M.2 NVMe slots, primarily Windows and Linux desktops and laptops. Mac users may need adapters or specific models.

Ease of use also favors the Crucial X10 1TB Portable. It’s ready to use out of the box, with no technical knowledge required. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, while not difficult to install, requires some PC hardware familiarity.

Software and Smart Features

Both drives offer excellent software support. The Crucial X10 1TB Portable includes Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image, great for photo management and system backups. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers Magician Software, which is more advanced and includes firmware updates, health monitoring, and performance optimization.

For power users, Magician is more robust. For casual users, the Crucial bundle is more accessible and user-friendly.

Value and Price

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable typically costs less than the Samsung 990 EVO Plus, especially when you consider the included software and cables. However, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus delivers superior performance per dollar for users who need it. If you’re building a high-end system, the Samsung drive is a better long-term investment. If you need a reliable external drive for travel or backups, the Crucial is the more practical choice.

Use Case Scenarios

• Traveler/Photographer: Crucial X10 1TB Portable—rugged, portable, works with cameras and phones.
• PC Gamer: Samsung 990 EVO Plus—faster load times, better system responsiveness.
• Video Editor: Samsung 990 EVO Plus—handles 8K streams, faster rendering.
• Student: Crucial X10 1TB Portable—easy to use, works with Chromebooks and laptops.
• Console Gamer: Crucial X10 1TB Portable—PS5/Xbox compatible, plug-and-play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the Crucial X10 1TB Portable as a boot drive for my MacBook?

A: Yes, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable can be used as a boot drive for macOS. Simply format it as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and install macOS via Recovery Mode. It’s fast enough for daily use and works seamlessly with Apple systems. Check price on Amazon.

Q: Is the Samsung 990 EVO Plus compatible with my 2020 laptop?

A: Most likely, if your laptop has an M.2 NVMe slot and supports PCIe 3.0 or higher. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, but you’ll get lower speeds (around 3,500 MB/s). Check your laptop’s manual or manufacturer website for M.2 compatibility. Check price on Amazon.

Q: Which drive is better for gaming on PS5?

A: The Crucial X10 1TB Portable is better for PS5 because it’s plug-and-play and officially supports external game storage. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is an internal drive and requires opening the PS5, which is not recommended for most users. Use the Crucial for external expansion.

Q: Do I need a heatsink for the Samsung 990 EVO Plus?

A: Not always. The nickel-coated controller keeps temperatures low under normal use. However, for sustained workloads (like 8K video editing), a heatsink is recommended to prevent thermal throttling. Many motherboards include M.2 heatsinks.

Q: Can I use the Crucial X10 1TB Portable with my Android phone?

A: Yes, if your Android phone supports USB OTG (On-The-Go) and has a USB-C port. You can transfer photos, videos, and files directly to the drive. Some phones may require a file manager app to access the drive.

Q: Which drive has better long-term reliability?

A: Both are highly reliable. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus has a 600 TBW endurance rating, while Crucial doesn’t publish one for the X10, but their drives typically have similar or better ratings. Both come with 5-year warranties.

Q: Can I use both drives together?

A: Absolutely! Many users pair the Samsung 990 EVO Plus as their internal OS and game drive, and use the Crucial X10 1TB Portable for backups, media storage, and cross-platform file transfers. This combo offers the best of both worlds—speed and portability.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Crucial X10 1TB Portable and the Samsung 990 EVO Plus ultimately comes down to your primary use case and workflow.

If you need a rugged, portable, and universally compatible