Toshiba XS700 240GB
Got the need for speed? Try this
£85 FROM Toshiba, toshiba-memory.com features USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB-A to USB-C adapter
There are a lot of external SSDs out there, but few as
fast as the XS700. If you’ve got a USB-C Mac, this trades blows with the best without breaking the bank.
Our testing put it neck and neck with the Seagate Fast SSD that we reviewed in MF #331, with average read speeds of 443MB/sec to the Seagate’s 447.2MB/sec. The average write speeds were similarly close, with the Toshiba edging ahead with 417.5MB/sec compared to 411.7MB/sec for the Seagate.
It’s a similar story when it comes to maximum speeds. The Toshiba was a hair behind, its read speed maxing out at 536.1MB/sec, but its 510.7MB/sec max write speed pulled it ahead.
That makes it one of the fastest single-drive external SSDs we’ve reviewed, even (slightly) quicker than the CalDigit Tuff, our previous champ. If you need to move a lot of files in a hurry, the XS700 is a strong contender.
The drive’s USB-A speeds were in line with what we expected and have seen on similar drives, so you’re not missing out if you don’t have a USB-C Mac.
The design feels fairly sturdy, but not as strong as the partly metal Seagate Fast SSD. There’s a USB-A to USB-C cable included and, helpfully, an adapter so you can use it with a USB-C Mac right out of the box.
That’s where you’ll really feel the benefits of this drive, but it’s still worth getting if you have a USB-A Mac or are considering a drive with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support.