Portable SSDs · Ranked #1 of 5 · Best overall

Crucial X9 Pro

88
Highly rated
Average of 8 professional reviews
8 of 8 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 8 reviews landedRange 83–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 87.6 · 1 printed, 7 estimated

Crucial X9 ProImage: Crucial

8 professional reviewers tested the Crucial X9 Pro, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: speed and portability.

Reviewed by PCMag Australia, Android Central, ServeTheHome and 5 more

The catch: The included cable is short and there is no USB-A adapter.

7 of these 8 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.

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What 8 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    PCMag AustraliaHands-on review · 2023

    A hands-on test that finds the X9 Pro a compact, rugged, encrypted all-rounder with no significant shortcomings.

    Read PCMag Australia review
  2. 89est.
    Android CentralNo printed score · Hands-on review

    A deal article in which the writer reports using the X9 Pro and measuring near-rated speeds.

    Read Android Central review
  3. 89est.
    ServeTheHomeNo printed score · Hands-on review

    Benchmarks show the X9 Pro is very competitive for a 10Gbps drive, beating the Samsung T7 Shield in most tests.

    Read ServeTheHome review
  4. 89est.
    iMoreNo printed score · Hands-on review

    After a week with the 2TB model, the reviewer found it ultra-portable, cool-running and decent in speed, and a great budget pick especially for Mac users, though not the fastest.

    Read iMore review
  5. 89est.
    Expert ReviewsNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2024

    A Best Buy review calling the X9 Pro a cracking, rugged and cheap external SSD with sequential speeds that max out USB 3.2 Gen 2, with only modest random performance.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  6. 89est.
    The SSD ReviewNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2024

    Praised as a very compact, high-capacity, well-priced portable SSD with quality NAND, encryption and a long warranty.

    Read The SSD Review review
  7. 83est.
    Tech AdvisorNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    A strong, durable drive that is a no-brainer in the US.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  8. 83est.
    EngadgetNo printed score · Buying guide · 2025

    Named the best portable SSD in a buying guide after benchmark testing.

    Read Engadget review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Speed5 of 8
Portability3 of 8
Ports and connectivity2 of 8

What critics dislike most

No clear pattern.

Other portable SSDs critics rate highly

Crucial X10 ProImage: Crucial
Best for peak speedCrucial X10 Pro9 reviews · critics agree84
Kingston XS2000Image: Kingston
Best for gamersKingston XS20007 reviews · critics agree84
Samsung T9Image: Samsung
Best for creatorsSamsung T97 reviews · critics agree84
Samsung T7 ShieldImage: Samsung
Best for rugged useSamsung T7 Shield11 reviews · broad agreement83

Common questions

Is the Crucial X9 Pro worth it?

Most critics think so: 8 of 8 recommend it. The included cable is short and there is no USB-A adapter.

Do critics agree about the Crucial X9 Pro?

Critics agree: scores range from 83 (Tech Advisor) to 90 (PCMag Australia), a spread of 7 points across 8 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What is the best alternative to the Crucial X9 Pro?

The Crucial X10 Pro (critic score 84), best for peak speed.