Netac US9 1TB USB SSD review

Netac US9: 30-second review

The market for ultrafast, high-capacity USB SSD sticks is expanding, and the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is a prime example of what looks to be an exceptional device. With its high-quality full metal build and dual connectors (USB Type-A and Type-C), it offers wide compatibility with a range of computers and mobile devices. The drive is plug-and-play, preformatted in ExFat for compatibility with Mac, PC, Android, and iOS devices.

The design is stylish and functional, with the USB SSD being instantly recognised by all tested devices. The build quality initially seems excellent, thanks to the full metal construction that provides what seems to be a robust and high-quality feel. However, on closer inspection you'll notice that the covers that flip over the connectors although a major feature is a weak point. The cover over the USB Type-A connector is held in place by a small magnet, which generally stays secure until intentionally flipped upwards. On the other hand, the cover over the USB Type-C connector flaps around as the small magnet that's supposed to hold it in place is far to weak.

Despite this minor design flaw, the SSD's performance is undisputed. Like any of the best portable SSDs (and with this device, we really mean portable), it boasts fast transfer speeds, making it an excellent solution for anyone looking to boost their mobile or computing storage. The overall build quality is durable, although the loose USB Type-C cover is a weak point and could potentially expose the connector to damage. Nonetheless, the Netac US9 is a decent enough choice for reliable and fast storage expansion.

Netac US9: Pricing and availability

• How much does it cost? €129
• When is it available? Now
• Where can you get it? It is available for sale in Europe

The Netac USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is currently available on Amazon Europe for around €129.

• Value: 4/5

Netac US9: Benchmark

In benchmark tests, the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 1TB put in a decent performance, reaching read speeds up to 1050.09MB/s and write speeds up to 1029.87MB/s, these exceeded those stated by Netac. 

Netac US9: Specs

Netac US9: Build and Handling

When you first take the Netac US9 out of the packaging, you can feel its weight and quality. It's fully made out of metal, giving it a strong and robust feel. The design of this compact SSD has been developed for maximum compatibility, featuring a USB Type-C on one end and a USB Type-A on the other, both supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 for speeds up to 10 Gbps (1000 MB/s). It is available in various capacities, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB—the sample reviewed here is the 1TB version.

The flash drive is ready to use out of the box. It is preformatted in the ExFat format, ensuring compatibility with Mac and PC systems, as well as most Android and iOS smartphones and devices. Simply plug it in, and you can access the drive's capacity through your device's file manager. Not bad in the realms of the best external hard drives and best external hard drive for Mac. Bu not without flaws. 

Unlike some other drives, there is no software included, so setting up the file format and software you use on the drive is entirely up to you. There are also no software or hardware security options, so you'll need to use your operating system's native software protection if you wish to secure the drive.

The design is neat, with both connectors protected by strong metal covers that flip down, ensuring protection during transport. The USB Type-A connector's protective lid is held in place by a small magnet, while the USB Type-C cover rests inside the connector. This allows easy access to the connectors by simply flipping up the lids and plugging the drive into your device.

Overall, the build quality is good, with a full metal construction and sturdy caps that will protect the connectors when the drive is carried in a backpack or pocket, although as highlighted there is an issue with the USB Type-C protective cover staying in place.

• Design: 3/5

Netac US9: Features

As with many compact devices, the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive is packed with features designed to make it stand out. For data transfer, this small SSD utilises USB 3.2 Gen 2, enabling read speeds up to 1000 MB/s and write speeds up to 950 MB/s. It features both Type-A and Type-C connectors, ensuring wide compatibility with computers, mobile phones, TVs, and other devices.

While no encryption software is included, the drive supports file encryption via hardware. This means if you use hardware or software encryption for your drives, this SSD will be fully compatible, offering added security for your data.

One of the standout design features is the interface protection design. The two flip-down covers protect the USB Type-A and Type-C ports. These covers are held in place by small magnets, providing secure closure and protecting the drive while it's in a bag or pocket. These flip-down covers are made of the same high-quality metal as the rest of the drive, ensuring durability and robust protection. Again there is a design flaw with the USB Type-C cover that we'll talk about in the performance section. 

• Features: 4/5

Netac US9: Performance

The performance of the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is impressive and versatile. Benchmarking against various applications revealed it to be an extremely fast SSD, often reaching the manufacturer's quoted speeds in our benchmarking tests. Viewing media files directly from the drive or editing within Photoshop or Adobe Premiere Pro 2024 is seamless, allowing for real-time editing. The metal casing effectively dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling during short-term intensive tasks.

Using the drive for long, sustained periods under heavy load isn't recommended, but for short-term tasks, it excels. The drive is instantly recognised by devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, enabling quick transfers of photos, videos, and other files, freeing up valuable space. This portability and ease of use make it a great option for use with mobile devices.

A major feature is the ability to switch between USB Type-C and USB Type-A connectors, allowing easy connectivity between portable devices and desktop PCs. Transferring files between devices, including Macs, is straightforward thanks to the drive's compatible formatting.

Although the drive doesn't include built-in security software, you can utilise tools like Disk Utility on Mac to reformat and secure the drive with passwords. This requires some technical know-how but provides flexibility for added securit

The full metal build gives the drive a premium feel, but there is a significant drawback: the USB Type-C cover. Unlike the secure magnetised cover on the USB Type-A end, the USB Type-C cover is loosely held by a weak magnet, making it prone to opening which could leave the connector exposed to potential damage when stored in a bag or pocket.

Overall, while the Netac US9 performs exceptionally well and offers excellent capacity and speed, the ineffective USB Type-C cover is a notable flaw.

• Performance: 4/5

Should I buy the Netac US9?

When first looking at this compact flash drive, the build quality and design are very appealing, offering a high-quality feel. It meets the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specifications, transferring files quickly and effectively. The metal casing disperses heat well, allowing for sustained use and light video editing. Its durability, speed, and large capacity are significant benefits for expanding storage on computers or mobile devices. However, the major issue is the ineffectual USB Type-C cover, which doesn't stay secure. To get around this you could consider using a small case to prevent the cover from flapping about, but really while the speed and capacity is excellent this design flaw is an issue.

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