You should also note that older versions of the unit are still widely available online, so be sure to select the correct model before purchasing. Alternatively, you could save some money by purchasing an older version of the drive, although of course it won’t be as fast as the latest model.
Design
However, the Extreme Pro remains an attractive option for professional users looking for a USB4 SSD for use with a Mac, with a more compact design than its predecessor, measuring just 110mm long, 58mm wide and 10mm thick, and weighing just 65.2g. It’s easy to store in a bag or jacket pocket if you’re traveling with your laptop, and there’s a clip for a lanyard (not included) in one corner of the unit to help keep it secure. It has a solid IP65 weather resistance rating and Sandisk also claims that it can survive a drop from a height of three meters.
Performance
Performance is also good, with Sandisk quoting read and write speeds of 4 GB/s and 3.8 GB/s, respectively. The drive fell a little short on read performance in our tests, using the Blackmagic Drive Speed Test, hitting around 3.5GB/s, but outperformed in write performance, consistently hitting 4.2GB/s.
The Extreme Pro will certainly be fast enough for professional users working with large video files, although it’s a shame that such an expensive unit only uses a USB4 interface, with no support for the even faster Thunderbolt 5 that’s now available on several high-end Mac models.
Should you buy the SanDisk Extreme Pro?
SanDisk Extreme Pro combines the fast performance of USB4 with a slim, lightweight design that’s easy to carry along with your MacBook. Strong write speeds make it attractive to professionals working with large video and graphics files, while IP65 protection and three-meter drop resistance add peace of mind when traveling.
However, read speeds didn’t live up to SanDisk’s claims in our tests, and the lack of Thunderbolt 5 seems disappointing at this price. Starting at $549.99/£489.99 for 2TB, it’s an expensive investment. It’s worth considering whether portability, durability and speed are priorities, but the high price makes it harder to recommend without some reservations.
