Seagate has introduced a new portable SSD that resembles a thumb drive, potentially signaling the decline of traditional flash drives. The Ultra-Compact SSD, available in 1TB and 2TB options, features a small and sleek design with a USB-C port and a durable aluminum shell made from 35% recycled materials. It offers drop resistance up to three meters and has IP54 dust and water resistance ratings.
Despite its compact size, the Seagate Ultra-Compact SSD delivers decent performance with sequential read and write speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. However, tests by Tom’s Hardware revealed that it falls short compared to some competitors in terms of transfer rates, particularly on read speeds. The drive ranks well for its mixed-file read speed and includes a valuable backup recovery service for three years.
While the SSD is a solid choice for everyday users, its pricing may deter some potential buyers. The 1TB version is priced at £90.99, positioning it as a mid-range option, while the 2TB model costs $179.99. Ultimately, the Seagate Ultra-Compact SSD offers a compelling mix of design, durability, and performance, albeit with room for improvement in certain aspects.