Portable SSDs · Ranked #5 of 5 · Best for rugged use

Samsung T7 Shield

83
Well liked
Average of 11 professional reviews
8 of 11 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 11 reviews landedRange 66–92
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 82.8 · 5 printed, 6 estimated · printed scores only: 87

Samsung T7 ShieldImage: Samsung

11 professional reviewers tested the Samsung T7 Shield, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: speed and ports and connectivity. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by TechGearLab, How-To Geek, AppleInsider and 8 more

The catch: It costs more than the base T7 with similar performance.

6 of these 11 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 11 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 92
    TechGearLabHands-on review · 2023

    Among the best all-around portable SSDs tested, combining top-tier speed with real drop and water testing.

    Read TechGearLab review
  2. 90
    How-To GeekHands-on review · 2022

    A rugged, compact and fast portable SSD with little reason to avoid it unless budget matters.

    Read How-To Geek review
  3. 90
    AppleInsiderHands-on review · 2022

    A tough, fast portable SSD that fills the need for a rugged T7 variant.

    Read AppleInsider review
  4. 82
    Dong Knows TechHands-on review · 2022

    The reviewer finds this ruggedized portable SSD fast, compact and dependable, and calls it an easy buy at current street prices despite not being flawless.

    Read Dong Knows Tech review
  5. 80
    PCMag AustraliaHands-on review · 2022

    A durable, secure rugged SSD for travelers and outdoor workers.

    Read PCMag Australia review
  6. 89est.
    Windows CentralNo printed score · Hands-on review

    A rugged, fast and well-protected portable SSD that outperformed its T7 siblings in testing.

    Read Windows Central review
  7. 89est.
    Tom's HardwareNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2022

    A tough, consistent portable SSD that holds up its write speed and is priced and designed correctly for its niche.

    Read Tom's Hardware review
  8. 85est.
    Popular ScienceNo printed score · Buying guide

    Named best overall portable SSD by an author who uses it daily, praised for its balance of ruggedness, speed, price and portability.

    Read Popular Science review
  9. 77est.
    Digital TrendsNo printed score · Hands-on review

    An excellent, fast and secure drive, but it is the same as the cheaper T7 inside.

    Read Digital Trends review
  10. 71est.
    Tech AdvisorNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2022

    The reviewer found it only a marginally tougher T7 with the same performance at a higher price, and cheaper rivals offer similar speed.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  11. 66est.
    TechRadarNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2022

    The reviewer sees the Shield as a marginal tweak of the T7 that adds an IP rating but little else.

    Read TechRadar 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

Speed8 of 11
Ports and connectivity4 of 11
Portability3 of 11

What critics dislike most

Price3 of 11

Other portable SSDs critics rate highly

Compare the Samsung T7 Shield with another product →

Common questions

Is the Samsung T7 Shield worth it?

Most critics think so: 8 of 11 recommend it. It costs more than the base T7 with similar performance.

Do critics agree about the Samsung T7 Shield?

Broad agreement: scores range from 66 (TechRadar) to 92 (TechGearLab), a spread of 26 points across 11 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the Samsung T7 Shield?

Price (3 of 11 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Samsung T7 Shield?

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