by 16 reviews.
SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD Review: Speed Meets Durability, But Is It Reliable?
The SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD is a powerhouse of storage, designed for professionals, creators, and adventurers who need speed, durability, and reliability. With up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, this SSD is perfect for handling large files like 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and extensive backups. Its IP65 water and dust resistance and 3-meter drop protection make it a rugged companion for outdoor use, while the 256-bit AES hardware encryption ensures your data stays secure. The SanDisk Memory Zone app adds convenience by helping you manage files and free up space effortlessly.
But is this SSD as reliable as it is fast and durable? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros: What Customers Love
1. Blazing-Fast Performance
The SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD lives up to its promise of speed. Customers rave about its lightning-fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for tasks like video editing, large file transfers, and backups. One user mentioned, "The speed is incredible—I can transfer 4K video files in seconds. It’s a game-changer for my workflow."
2. Compact and Lightweight Design
Many users were pleasantly surprised by how small and lightweight the SSD is. Its portability makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re traveling or working on the go. "I was amazed at how compact it is for an 8TB drive. It fits perfectly in my bag without adding any noticeable weight," shared a satisfied customer.
3. Durability for Adventurers
The IP65 water and dust resistance and 3-meter drop protection make this SSD a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. One reviewer said, "I took it on a hiking trip, and it survived rain, dust, and a few accidental drops. It’s built like a tank!"
4. Secure Data Protection
The 256-bit AES hardware encryption is a standout feature for users who prioritize data security. "I store sensitive client files on this drive, and the encryption gives me peace of mind knowing my data is safe," noted a professional photographer.
Cons: Where It Falls Short
1. Unreliable Connectivity
The most common complaint among users is the random disconnection issue. Many customers reported that the SSD frequently disconnects from their computers, especially when used with Macs. One frustrated user shared, "It randomly disconnects from my Mac, and I have to unplug and plug it back in multiple times a day. It’s incredibly frustrating."
2. Faulty Included Cable
Several users pointed out that the included USB-C cable is subpar and may be the root cause of connectivity issues. One reviewer explained, "I had constant problems until I switched to a high-quality USB-C cable. The included cable is garbage and should be replaced immediately."
3. Inconsistent Reliability
While some users had no issues, others experienced sudden failures after months of use. "I’ve had multiple drives fail unexpectedly, leaving me without access to my data. It’s a huge risk for backups," warned a disappointed customer.
4. Compatibility Issues
Some users found the SSD incompatible with certain devices or operating systems. "It worked fine on my PC but kept disconnecting on my Mac. I ended up returning it because it wasn’t reliable," said one user.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers incredible speed, durability, and security, making it a top choice for professionals and adventurers. On the other hand, its unreliable connectivity and inconsistent performance raise concerns about its long-term reliability.
If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality USB-C cable and don’t mind the occasional hiccup, this SSD could be a great addition to your tech arsenal. However, if you need a 100% reliable backup solution, you might want to explore other options like Samsung’s portable SSDs.
Conclusion
The SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD is a high-performance storage solution with impressive features, but its reliability issues hold it back from being a perfect product. While it excels in speed, durability, and security, the random disconnections and faulty included cable are significant drawbacks.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a fast and rugged SSD for occasional use, this could be a good fit. But for critical backups and long-term reliability, you might want to consider alternatives.
Specification SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-8T00-G25:
Comments from Amazon:
When the SSD arrived, I was surprised by how small and light-weight it is. Using it with my Mac was quite simple and straightforward. (GUID partition map, APFS Volume) But for the first few days, it was trouble. I came up to my Mac every day to find that my overnight backup of the device had failed and it had been removed from the system without being properly unmounted. Looking at the various causes of this, none of them made any sense. I was using the 6-inch USB-C/USB-C cable that came in the box. I tried moving the drive to a direct Mac port from the port on a dock that I had preferred to use. And yet, the SSD kept failing. As a sort of last-ditch effort before returning the unit, I grabbed one of my newest / best USB-C/USB-C cables and hooked the SSD up with it (instead of the included cable). Now, it has been several days with no problems at all, so I am pointing at the included cable and thinking that it was at fault for the early troubles. I now have a short USB-C/Thunderbolt-3/4/5 cable on order and hope to migrate the SSD back over to the dock port I'd planned. (Intending to use it as a "permanent" storage device, though with the small size/weight it would be great as a portable device. So, 4 stars. Device: 5 stars. Included Cable: 0 stars. (That cable's going into the electronics recycle.)
This particular drive randomly disconnects from any computer it’s plugged into. Pretty frustrating. Not sure if it’s because it’s an 8TB model. But it certainly gets frustrating to have to unplug and plug it back in frequently.
Bought 2 8TB drives, worked for about an hour, then mysteriously disconnected from my Mac. Same behavior with other drive. Tried them on the other 8 Macs in our house with multiple different USB C cables that work fine with other devices with no luck. Just a piece of expensive junk. So bad. DO NOT BUY. When you look online, this is a common problem for this junk. Sending back.
I am using the 8TB San Disk firm the rear Thunderbolt port of my 2023 Mac Studio M2 Pro Max with MacOS Sonoma. . The drive is a month old (Feb 2025). I've transferred millions of files to it,so far without finding any problems with the data. However, The drive seems to disconnect or become unmounted about 2-3 times per week. I do NOT receive a message from MacOS that the drive was removed unsafely, as I'm used to with other drives. The only indication is that the drive no longer appears in the Finder along with the other SanDisk SSD (4TB, working just fine in the port next to the 8TB), and there is a Popup from the Dropbox app that the disk is no longer available, and I need to re-attach it. I unplug and plug it back in, and things seem fine.
Having purchased several of these, I want to warn folks that they are not reliable, which defeats the whole point of having a "backup". I have had MULTIPLE instances with these drives suddenly failing to mount/read after months of normal function, which makes them particularly dangerous to rely on- you may not know you have a bad one until 6 months later, and end up losing all of your data. I STRONGLY CAUTION folks not to purchase for this reason alone. They look great, lightweight, fast, and they work great....until they don't. I've had much better experience with Samsung's SSD portables.
Within the first day of use, various errors, including random disconnects and corrupted files. A quick decision to return.
Really good product. Well worth it.