Portable SSDs · Ranked #3 of 5 · Best for gamers

Kingston XS2000

84
Well liked
Average of 7 professional reviews
7 of 7 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 7 reviews landedRange 80–89
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 83.7 · 1 printed, 6 estimated

Kingston XS2000Image: Kingston

7 professional reviewers tested the Kingston XS2000, and 7 recommend it. Most praised: speed and portability. Most common complaint: software and app.

Reviewed by PCMag UK, Club386, The Independent and 4 more

The catch: Full speed needs a rare Gen 2x2 port, and it lacks hardware encryption.

6 of these 7 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 7 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 80
    PCMag UKHands-on review · 2021

    A tiny, semi-rugged and very fast portable SSD that earned an Editors' Choice award, held back by the need for a rare Gen 2x2 port and the lack of hardware encryption.

    Read PCMag UK review
  2. 89est.
    Club386No printed score · Hands-on review · 2022

    A tiny, very fast and fairly priced portable SSD that topped the reviewer's charts after a firmware fix.

    Read Club386 review
  3. 85est.
    The IndependentNo printed score · Buying guide

    Named best overall in a tested USB drive guide, praised for fast 2,000MB/s transfers in a pocketable body with a rugged sleeve.

    Read The Independent review
  4. 83est.
    TechRadarNo printed score · Hands-on review

    A fast, rugged and well-priced drive that is a no-brainer if you own a Gen 2x2 port.

    Read TechRadar review
  5. 83est.
    Tom's HardwareNo printed score · Hands-on review

    A well-priced, light and fast drive that excels at reads and small datasets and is a good buy for gamers.

    Read Tom's Hardware review
  6. 83est.
    Tech AdvisorNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2022

    A fast, pocketable and fairly priced drive that hits headline speeds only on rare Gen 2x2 ports.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  7. 83est.
    CNETNo printed score · Buying guide · 2025

    In a best-drives roundup the XS2000 gets a short section as a well-priced, fast and compact SSD with a protective sleeve.

    Read CNET 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

Speed6 of 7
Portability2 of 7
Ports and connectivity2 of 7

What critics dislike most

Software and app2 of 7
Price2 of 7

Other portable SSDs critics rate highly

Common questions

Is the Kingston XS2000 worth it?

Most critics think so: 7 of 7 recommend it. Full speed needs a rare Gen 2x2 port, and it lacks hardware encryption.

Do critics agree about the Kingston XS2000?

Critics agree: scores range from 80 (PCMag UK) to 89 (Club386), a spread of 9 points across 7 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Kingston XS2000?

Software and app (2 of 7 reviews), Price (2 of 7 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Kingston XS2000?

The Crucial X9 Pro (critic score 88), best overall.