High-resolution media, massive data sets, and the growing need for cross-device workflows have ramped up the need for portable storage solutions. Confounding the evergreen benefits of being lightning fast and impervious to damage compared to the ageing experiences of hard disc drives (HDDs), SSDs have become must-have products for professionals, gamers, and casual users.
In a crowded field of devices that balance speed, capacity, and resilience in different ways, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD stands out with a focus on the fact that it is incredibly small. In this review, we will examine how the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD has performed on several key aspects while providing an objective perspective for the technically inclined. This article will provide an in-depth look at whether it lives up to its promises based on official product specifications and professional reviews as the world of digital storage continues to evolve.
How to — Build Hi-Speed Player with seagate ultra compact ssd
According to the official Seagate website, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is a very small, lightweight, portable solid-state drive built to accommodate the needs of the modern mobile professional. Its tiny form factor, the same as a regular USB thumb drive and even with a keyring attachment, may fool you into thinking it can offer fast transfer speeds close to 1,000 MB/s.
The SSD will be offered in 1TB and 2TB capacities, as well as a third 500GB option, according to some official sources this week, and is designed to give users a fast and efficient way to store and transfer large files between devices. Seagate highlights the drive’s toughness with features like 3-metre drop resistance and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance that should make it a good fit for the rigours of on-the-go use .
In addition, two features of the Ultra Compact SSD include a USB-C connection for on-the-go files, without the need for cables, making for a simple plug and play. True to the modern-day environmentally minded view, Seagate has also used a minimum of 35% recycled materials in the build of this SSD. If you want an incredibly compact SSD solution with decent storage capacity, good speed performance, and a more sustainable design, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD clearly fits the bill.
A Decade of Changes in Portable Storage
The importance of portable solid-state drives has been growing in the face of the rapid advancements of modern times. The ever-evolving technology has transformed and considerably increased the dimension of digital files. The era of high-resolution images, 4K and even 8K videos and comprehensive project files has arrived, and all of these elements require a lot of storage space.
These large files can all be carried on portable SSDs, which is a handy way of not solely relying on the internal storage limit of devices. In fact, the need is not just storage but also quick data transfer to maintain productivity. Many professional or demanding tasks require massive files to be transferred fast and efficiently, and the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, with its maximum published speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s, cuts transfer times versus traditional USB drives or cloud solutions.
The trend of multi-device usage reinforces the need for portability, hence the significance of SSDs. People often use laptops, desktops, mobiles, and tablets for work and entertainment. A portable SSD allows the quick transfer of files between different devices. A great example of this versatility is the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, which works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles.
Durability and reliability are essential for users who are constantly on the move. Travel-friendly portable SSDs, such as the Seagate Ultra Compact, are designed to withstand even the most challenging conditions, boasting 3-meter drop resistance and IP54 dust/water protection to safeguard data from the elements. In addition to high-speed storage, portable SSDs also play a crucial role in backup and data security, enabling users to have backup copies away from their primary devices, protecting against potential data loss.
This is further supported with the Ultra Compact SSD, including Seagate Toolkit backup software and a trial for Dropbox Backup. The use of recycled materials is increasingly being adopted across various industries in response to the demand for more sustainable choices, and the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD’s implementation highlights this shift, making it attractive for environmentally conscious users.
Considering these factors, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD aims for a wide range of users. Photographers and videographers, including at-a-glance creative pros, will appreciate the rapid transfer speeds and portability for the sizable media files they have to manage on location. It will appeal to business users who travel regularly, as it is small, tough and able to carry critical data around safely. Gamers can use it to add on extra storage for their consoles or PCs, potentially at least benefiting from faster load times. Its ease of use and portability will appeal to even casual consumers looking for a simple — but dependable — way to back up personal files and media.
D-E-S-I-G-N Build Quality: Form and Function
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD truly embodies its name, featuring a design that prioritises a compact form factor. Its dimensions — officially 70mm long, 20.4mm wide and 12.5mm deep, and a weight of (usually) just 24 grams (including practical rubber sleeve protection) — mean it can easily find a hold in any pocket or keyring. This thumb drive-like form factor emphasises ultimate portability, making sure that users can get high-speed storage on the go. The built-in keyring attachment also adds to its portability, as users can attach it to their keys or a bag to help prevent losing it. The drive does also come with a lanyard, giving you one more way to keep the drive secure.
Seagate has chosen an aluminium body for materials and aesthetics, ensuring the drive feels strong and looks good. On top of that, a rubber sleeve provides an added grip and protects against impact. You do get a removable rubber cap to protect the USB-C connector, which had mixed reviews, with some reviewers eagerly warning they might lose it. The overall design is minimalistic and modern, as many tech users tend to prefer. There is also a small activity light, which gives you a visual indication of when the drive is in use.
For those who are always on the go, durability is a major factor. 3 to 8 Seagate Portable SSD M3 Seagate Ultra Compact SSD 44 Seagate Ultra Compact SSDs and 1 1 TB Seagate Expansion Portable SSD 10 3-year warranty Rated up to 3-meter drop resistance. It also features IP54 dust and water resistance , so it can take light splashes of water and dusty environments without damage (but still isn’t waterproof overall). Reviewers’ real-world trials have demonstrated its toughness against everyday handling (that is, being dropped, and also light rain).
Staying true to the first impression, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is essentially a grey/silver aluminium, which is paired with a grey rubber sleeve, but different retailers might offer different colour options. For example, one blue variant has been spotted on Amazon, and black is also marked as a possible colour choice. But the most feared colour is still grey.
Performance Analysis: Overview and Performance
Seagate’s Ultra Compact SSD boasts super-fast read and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s, making it highly competitive in the portable storage race. Various tech publications carried out benchmark tests to assess these claims. The table below summarises the performance data from these reviews:
| Benchmark | Read Speed (MB/s) | Write Speed (MB/s) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlackMagic Speed Test | 893.9 | 927.3 | StorageReview |
| IOMeter 1 Thread Seq 2MB | 822.7 | 853.03 | StorageReview |
| IOMeter 4 Thread Seq 2MB | 1016.4 | 981.09 | StorageReview |
| ATTO Disk Benchmark | 914.52 | 939.52 | TechRadar |
| CrystalDiskMark | 1053 | 1027 | CreativeBloq |
| AJA System Test Lite | 849 | 813 | TechRadar |
| Amorphous Disk Mark | 948.30 | 580.06 | TechRadar |
| Blackmagicdesign Disk Speed Test | 836.6 | 1575.4 | TechRadar |
| AS SSD Seq | 975.91 | 955.52 | SSD-Tester |
| CrystalDiskMark SEQ1M Q8T1 | 1050.35 | 1024.13 | SSD-Tester |
| CrystalDiskMark SEQ1M Q1T1 | 819.33 | 980.90 | SSD-Tester |
| DiskBench Mixed Files | 570 | 512 | Tom’s Hardware |
In terms of benchmark data, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD typically comes close to the advertised speeds for various synthetic tests. Creative Bloq’s tests, for example (as well as SSD-Tester), even show speeds of over 1,000 MB/s, while the DiskBench test by Tom’s Hardware reports slightly lower numbers.
The Ultra Compact SSD certainly stacks up well, the StorageReview benchmarks indicate, measuring up well against even the Samsung T5 EVO in tested write speeds while even beating it in some tested read speeds — though it may lag behind slightly in some comparisons to the Seagate Game Drive and SK Hynix Tube T31. But given the price, they note, the performance may not be class-leading relative to these and other products and offerings available.
Transfer speed tests in the real world provide a more practical view of the drive’s performance. TechRadar found that a successful transfer of 6GB of data took less than 10 seconds, meaning that it’s suitable for quickly moving large files. In addition, it did serve as a working drive for editing HD and 4K footage in professional applications like Premiere Pro and Photoshop with few problems, if they were not heavy on the pixel counts. The drive’s speed was also confirmed by Creative Bloq, who came close to the 1,000 MB/s advertised in their testing.
Seagate Ultra Compact SSD features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) interface with a direct USB-C connector. This interface works with virtually any USB-C host port, including faster ones like USB 40 Gbps and Thunderbolt 3/4/5, making it very future-proof connectivity. Despite this USB-C connection offering up-to-date connectivity, users of older machines equipped with USB-A ports will likely need to pick up a separate adapter in order to use the drive.
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD has been observed to heat up under extended heavy loads, like video editing. However, the PetaPixel hands-on suggests the heat generation here hasn’t become excessive. That means that the drive will obviously face some thermal throttling if run at high read and write speeds for extended periods of time, but nothing that will really hurt it in day-to-day use.
Integration with the ecosystem and its characteristics
One of the most compelling features of the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is its ability to work across such a wide range of operating systems and devices. It’s totally compatible with Windows and macOS (although if you’re using macOS, you may need to reformat the drive for full compatibility with features such as Time Machine).
The drive also works with Android and iOS devices that feature USB-C ports and gaming consoles popular like PlayStation and Xbox. Data can be transferred to different platforms easily because of the compatibility, so it helps in providing a true plug-and-play experience. The drive is exFAT formatted by default, so it can be used immediately on different operating systems, which increases its versatility even more.
Software Features
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD also comes with a security and storage software suite. Seagate Toolkit provides an interface for easy management, including backups and synchronisation. You also get a 6-month trial of the Dropbox Backup Plan, which provides cloud-based backup for additional protection. You also get a 6-month subscription to Mylio Photos, which provides tools for organising, decluttering, and enhancing photos and videos. Please note that this Dropbox Backup Plan and Mylio Photos subscription are not in the same regions. One of the most comforting parts of their service is including the manufacturer’s 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services, providing peace of mind for unexpected data loss. But this service also might be region-locked in some countries.
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD’s direct USB-C connectivity simplifies the process, eliminating the need for separate cables, unlike other SSDs. In the box is a Quick Start Guide with instructions for getting up and running, and although it’s generally pretty easy.
Available Storage, Pricing and Price-to-Value Ratio
Aimed at a wide range of users and budgets, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is offered with 1TB and 2TB storage capacities. Although official documents mention a 500GB option, it’s the 1TB and 2TB models that have received much coverage in retail listings and reviews.
The 1TB variant debuted at $99.99 on launch and the 2TB variant at $179.99. Please note that the 1TB model does appear priced around $79.99 and the 2TB model around $144.99 on major retailers, including Amazon and B&H, so these figures may have reduced from the starting price. Pricing may differ in other parts of the world, like the UK, starting at roughly £90.99 for 1TB and £179.99 for 2TB.
Compared to other portable SSDs, some reviews say that while the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is more competitively priced now than its original MSRP, there may be better value or performance offered by other SSDs for roughly the same price. For example, the Tom’s Hardware review noted that the ADATA SC750 could be a better-minded solution, a potential 2TB drive that is double the size at a much lower price. The 1TB model was middling when it first came out, and the jump to the 2TB model might seem significant, TechRadar reported. Comparing with other popular portable SSD brands such as Samsung, SanDisk and WD shows a market with plenty of choice and varying combinations of speed, capacity and features.
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD represents a balance of features for the price, albeit with a specific performance consideration. TechRadar awarded the drive a value rating of 4/5 and implies the cost is warranted by the convenience and size. According to the Tom’s Hardware review, a price drop would help make it a more enticing choice. Small, tough, solid performance; bundled software; and value-adding data recovery services all add to the value of the drive. But potential buyers should vet prices at the present date and compare the offering to competitors for the best deal on all of their specific needs.
Use Case Analysis: Specific to your needs
Because of the unique characteristics of the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, it is well suited for a number of use case scenarios. Its small stature will appeal to creative professionals constantly on location, as it can easily be stowed in a camera bag or even a pocket during on-location shoots.
The fast transfer speeds are especially helpful in enabling them to quickly back up their large files of photos and videos, accelerating their workflow. Great for stable real-time editing, but not so much for demanding, long-term workflows directly off the drive; most satisfactory for HD and shorter-length 4K video editing in compressed formats, with a slightly lower upper limit than larger, stronger portable SSDs. Their media libraries can also benefit from the included Mylio Photos subscription.
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD makes a perfect companion for any business users who need secure and reliable storage on the go. Its super-compact size means they won’t have to worry about adding mounds of extra weight to their luggage, and its lightning-fast transfer speeds mean they can access important documents and presentations in practically no time at all. Its durability adds protection for their valuable data while on the move. The addition of the Dropbox Backup trial can also prove to be useful for keeping an extra backup for important files in the cloud.
Casual consumers looking for a quick and reliable backup solution will assuredly appreciate the simplicity of the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, which is plug-and-play. It is small enough to store in the home or to tote around when necessary, and the speedy performance means backup of personal files and media is only a matter of minutes. They also provide peace of mind in knowing that their data is protected, alongside the 3-year warranty and data recovery service.
In terms of more granular performance for different tasks, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD will be fine for editing HD content and shorter 4K shoots, though prolonged intensive editing could prove challenging. So, for the loading of games, its SSD nature would get you some quicker load times than traditional HDDs, which could benefit gaming on both PCs and consoles. When it comes to typical file storage and transfer, the drive shines thanks to its high read/write speeds and compact form factor that suit fast data transfer and storage.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: A Balanced View
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is an interesting offering that has a few factors in its favour. Its ultra-compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable, fitting easily in pockets or attaching to keyrings. It has a durable build quality with its aluminium body and rubber sleeve, and an IP54 rating means it also stands up to the rigours of daily use and travel.
Transfer speeds are fast and, in most cases, very close to the claimed 1,000 MB/s, making file transfers pretty seamless. It features an easy, cable-free USB-C connection compatible with a variety of modern devices. Moreover, its versatility is also confirmed by extensive compatibility with a variety of operating systems and devices. It has high-value bundled software, including Seagate Toolkit, a Dropbox Backup trial, and a Mylio Photos subscription included. The 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services adds a level of security and peace of mind. Its sustainable design, which uses a minimum of 35% recycled materials, is another nice touch.
That said, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD does have its own drawbacks. The rubber cap that protects the USB-C connector is easy to lose — this may annoy some users. It is IP54 rated, which means it is addressed against dust and splashes but is not rainproof. It’s wider than a standard USB-C cable, which may mean it occludes ports on adjacent ports on some devices. However, it does not consistently outperform in all benchmark tests.
The price, especially for the 2TB version, might put some people off, even more so when there are cheaper alternatives. The rubber cap having no specific orientation fit could also be a tiny point of frustration. Finally, the drive has also no built-in hardware encryption, which can be an issue when processing highly sensitive data.
Competitive Positioning
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD joins a crowded portable SSD market, with well-established brands and their own portable SSD solutions. seagate portable ssd seagate portable ssd — $70.00 see details at amazon Compared to similar offerings from the likes of Samsung (see T7 and T5 Evo), SanDisk (see Extreme Portable SSD), SSD)and wd (see My Passport SSD), the Seagate’s most salient feature is its ersatz thumb drive form factor with a direct USB-C connection.
Although a few emergents may have a touch better sequentials (reads and writes) in specific synthetic benchmarks or undercut on price, the Seagate represents a compelling combination of ultra-portability with tough durability and a package of useful included software and data restoration options.
As StorageReview’s comparison shows, the Seagate often puts in strong performance, but it doesn’t always beat all competitors in every test. Still, in the end, Seagate has made a name for themselves in the Ultra Compact SSD space by featuring portability like you never seen before at the expense of not sacrificing much performance or features.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Review The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is an exceptionally portable and easy-to-use high-speed storage solution If you are a travelling professional, or in need for a portable back solution without the bulk of an external hard drive, or a gamer looking to expand storage without adding a Thunderbolt to your driver bay, many people stood by you with your choice of the smallest but brawniest solution. Bundled software and a 3-year warranty that provides data recovery services from Seagate make this a well-rounded package.
Potential buyers may want to note the easily losable rubber cap that covers the light’s charging port and that the light might not always be top-tier in performance compared with some competitors in the same price range. Because the pricing, particularly on the 2TB model, should be weighed against other available offerings.
In summary, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is a solid product that fulfils its promise of ultra-compact portability without compromising on key features and performance. At the top of the list is the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, which is highly recommended for users that are looking for such drives that can also conveniently easily fit in their pocket or on a keyring yet are able to squeeze a high capacity. Given its pricing as of now paired with the good reviews that praise its combination of portability, durability and performance, that is a fitting score of 4.5 out of 5.
