Listen to this Post
Portable storage solutions have evolved dramatically, and the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is a perfect example of this transformation. Offering the convenience of a USB flash drive with the speed and capacity of an SSD, this device is designed for professionals and everyday users alike. With ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 1000MB/s and a capacity of up to 2TB, this compact SSD is a serious contender in the market. However, despite its impressive specifications, it does come with a few drawbacks, such as a removable rubber cap that is easy to misplace.
In this review, we explore its design, performance, and overall value to determine whether it’s worth the investment.
Seagate Ultra Compact SSD: A Quick Overview
Pros
✔️ Massive 2TB storage capacity
✔️ Impressive transfer speeds (up to 1000MB/s)
✔️ Sturdy aluminum and rubberized design
Cons
❌ The rubber cap is easy to misplace
❌ Not waterproof despite its durable build
Price and Availability
💰 Price: $189 / £189
📦 Available: Now
🛒 Where to buy: Seagate.com, Amazon, and other retailers
Design & Build Quality
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD features a sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum body for durability, complemented by a rubber sleeve for extra protection. At just 70mm x 20.4mm x 12.5mm and 24g in weight, it is ultra-light and small enough to fit in a pocket, making it ideal for on-the-go storage.
A key feature is its USB Type-C connector, which eliminates the need for extra cables. However, a potential downside is the removable rubber cap, which is not attached to the sleeve, making it easy to lose.
The SSD is rated IP54, meaning it can withstand dust and light water exposure, though it isn’t fully waterproof. It is also drop-resistant up to 3 meters, adding to its durability.
Performance & Speed
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is powered by USB 3.2 Gen 2, allowing transfer speeds of up to 1000MB/s. While real-world performance varies, benchmark tests showed:
- Read Speeds: 849MB/s (AJA), 914MB/s (ATTO), 948MB/s (Amorphous)
- Write Speeds: 813MB/s (AJA), 939MB/s (ATTO), 580MB/s (Amorphous)
During testing with Premiere Pro and Photoshop, the SSD handled 4K video editing and high-resolution image transfers smoothly. While it did heat up under heavy use, removing the rubber sleeve helped with cooling.
Features & Software
One of the standout aspects of this SSD is the included Seagate Toolkit software, which provides:
✔️ Backup & sync tools for data protection
✔️ Mylio Photos app for photo organization
✔️ Dropbox Backup (6-month trial) for cloud storage
✔️ Rescue Data Recovery Services for accidental data loss
However, the lack of built-in encryption software is a notable omission, especially for those handling sensitive data.
Durability & Usability
The SSD underwent rigorous testing, including drops, light rain exposure, and continuous portability in a pocket or bag. It performed well under these conditions, proving its durability. However, the rubber cap’s loose design remains a concern.
Additionally, port blocking can be an issue on laptops with closely spaced USB-C ports, as the drive is wider than a standard USB-C cable.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
✔ Buy it if:
✅ You need high-speed, large-capacity storage in a compact form.
✅ You want portability without cables.
✅ You value backup and sync software for added convenience.
❌ Don’t buy it if:
🚫 You rarely transfer large files.
🚫 You need a dedicated SSD for video editing, as prolonged high-load use may cause overheating.
🚫 You require built-in encryption for sensitive data.
Overall, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is an excellent choice for creatives, business professionals, and tech enthusiasts who need fast and reliable storage on the go. While the rubber cap design could be improved, its performance, capacity, and software features make it one of the best portable SSDs available today.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
What Undercode Says:
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD brings a compelling mix of portability, speed, and storage capacity, making it a strong competitor in the flash storage market. But how does it stack up against similar devices? Let’s break it down analytically.
1. Portability & Design
📌 Compared to larger external SSDs, this USB stick-style drive eliminates the need for extra cables, making it far more convenient for on-the-go professionals.
📌 The rubberized sleeve is a smart touch for added grip and durability, but the detachable cap flaw could have been avoided with a tethered design.
📌 At 24g,
2. Performance & Usability
📊 Benchmarks confirm consistent speeds of 800MB/s – 900MB/s, making it competitive with many portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme Pro.
📊 For 4K video editors, the lack of a cooling mechanism means it might struggle under prolonged workloads, but for casual use and file transfers, it’s an absolute powerhouse.
📊 The USB-C form factor is modern and practical, though the drive’s width might block adjacent ports—a minor inconvenience.
3. Software & Features
✅ Seagate’s Toolkit software adds real value—the ability to sync and back up files seamlessly is a great feature, especially for creative professionals.
✅ Cloud backup integration (Dropbox 6-month trial) is a fantastic addition, ensuring you have a secondary storage solution.
❌ The lack of built-in encryption is a notable downside—especially when other brands offer hardware-level security in this category.
4. Value for Money
💰 Priced at $189 for 2TB, it is competitively priced but not the cheapest option.
💰 Considering the build quality, software bundle, and speed, it justifies the cost—though users who don’t need such fast transfer rates may find cheaper alternatives sufficient.
Final Thought
While not perfect, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD stands out as one of the best in its class—offering high speeds, massive capacity, and a great software suite. However, the rubber cap design and lack of encryption are areas where Seagate could improve in future models.
Fact Checker Results
✔️ True – The SSD reaches speeds close to 1000MB/s in optimal conditions, as confirmed by multiple benchmark tests.
✔️ True – It is drop-resistant up to 3m and has an IP54 rating, meaning it can handle light dust and water exposure but is not fully waterproof.
✔️ Mostly True – While it supports 4K video editing, prolonged workloads may cause heat buildup, making it less ideal for intensive video projects.
Would you consider this SSD for your workflow, or do you have another preferred portable storage solution? 🚀
References:
Reported By: https://www.techradar.com/computing/seagate-ultra-compact-ssd-review
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.facebook.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI
Image Source:
Pexels
Undercode AI DI v2
