Sandisk has announced the third generation of its Portable SSD lineup, introducing refreshed versions of the Extreme, Extreme PRO, and standard Portable SSD models. The new Sandisk Portable SSD range offers capacities ranging from 500 GB to 8 TB, targeting users who require high-capacity external storage solutions. The company unveiled the updated drives with enhanced performance specifications across all three product tiers.
According to the official announcement, the three models cater to different performance and budget requirements. The drives are scheduled to become available in the second half of 2026, with varying capacity options rolling out at different times throughout the launch period.
Sandisk Portable SSD Performance Specifications
The Extreme Portable SSD delivers read speeds up to 2,000 MB/s and will be available in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB configurations. Additionally, a 500 GB variant is planned for release in the near future. This mid-tier option balances performance with affordability for mainstream users seeking reliable external storage.
The Extreme PRO Portable SSD represents the premium offering in the lineup, achieving read speeds up to 4,000 MB/s and write speeds reaching 3,800 MB/s. Initially, this model will launch in 2 TB and 4 TB capacities, with an 8 TB version planned for later availability. These specifications position the Extreme PRO as a solution for professional users handling large media files and demanding workflows.
Meanwhile, the standard Portable SSD serves as the entry-level option with read speeds reaching 1,000 MB/s. This model will be available in capacities from 500 GB to 2 TB, offering a more affordable alternative for users with basic portable storage needs.
Durability and Protection Features
The Extreme and Extreme PRO models include enhanced durability specifications, featuring 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance ratings. In contrast, the standard Portable SSD offers 2-meter drop protection but lacks the IP65 certification for environmental resistance. These protection features address the needs of users who frequently transport their drives in challenging conditions.
Pricing and Market Competition
Sandisk has revealed pricing for the Extreme Portable SSD, with the 1 TB model priced at $260, the 2 TB at $460, and the 4 TB at $920. The company attributed the premium pricing to ongoing supply constraints affecting the storage industry. However, pricing details for the Extreme PRO and standard Portable SSD variants have not been disclosed.
The announced pricing positions these drives at the higher end of the portable SSD market. For comparison, competing products like the Crucial X10 Pro 1TB offer slightly faster transfer speeds at significantly lower price points, currently available for $162.34 according to retail listings. This price differential may influence purchasing decisions among cost-conscious consumers.
Target Market and Use Cases
The third-generation Sandisk Portable SSD lineup targets users ranging from casual consumers needing extra storage to creative professionals managing large project files. The tiered approach allows customers to select models based on their specific performance requirements and budget constraints. Furthermore, the inclusion of high-capacity options up to 8 TB addresses the growing demand for portable storage as file sizes continue to increase.
The availability timeline remains partially unclear, with the second half of 2026 confirmed for initial releases but specific dates for individual capacity variants not yet announced. Consumers interested in the 8 TB Extreme PRO or 500 GB Extreme models should expect delays beyond the initial launch window.
