MOVE Speed 256GB USB Drive Smart Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

S Sharkspeed 256GB NVMe SSD for MacBook Pro

The S Sharkspeed 256GB NVMe SSD targets a completely different use case. Unlike the MOVE SPEED drive, which is an external USB-C stick, this is an internal M.2 NVMe drive. It is designed specifically for upgrading 2016-2017 MacBook Pro models with the A1708 chassis. You lose the portability and the smart LCD display found on the MOVE SPEED unit. However, you gain direct integration into your laptop’s storage bay. This option is best if you need to expand internal storage on that specific older MacBook Pro rather than transferring files between devices.

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD offers four times the storage capacity of the MOVE SPEED 256GB drive. It uses a USB-C interface but comes in a larger, more rugged form factor measuring 2.55 by 1.96 inches. You give up the compact USB stick shape and the real-time temperature display. Instead, you get a durable enclosure built for travelers and creators who need more space for large video libraries. The 1TB capacity allows you to store significantly more 4K ProRes footage without managing multiple small drives. It is a practical choice if storage space is your primary constraint.

SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB USB-C SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD provides 2TB of storage, doubling the capacity of the MOVE SPEED 256GB model. It features a sturdier, rubberized exterior that offers better drop protection than the metal shell of the MOVE SPEED drive. You sacrifice the compact USB stick form factor and the smart display for a larger, more robust device. The interface remains USB-C, ensuring compatibility with modern Macs and iPhones. This drive is ideal for professionals who back up massive media libraries and need a reliable, high-capacity solution that can withstand rough handling during field work.

iStorage diskAshur2 256GB Encrypted Portable SSD

The iStorage diskAshur2 256GB focuses on security rather than speed or convenience. It includes hardware encryption and password protection, features absent from the MOVE SPEED drive. The form factor is larger and heavier, measuring 4.72 inches long, making it less portable than the slim USB stick. You give up the smart LCD screen and the ultra-fast 1090MB/s read speeds. However, you gain peace of mind for sensitive data. This drive is best for users who handle confidential files and require compliance with strict security standards, prioritizing data protection over transfer speed and compact size.

Silicon Power A55 256GB M.2 SATA SSD

The Silicon Power A55 is an internal M.2 SATA SSD, not an external USB drive. It is designed to upgrade older laptops that lack NVMe support. You lose all portability and the smart display functionality of the MOVE SPEED drive. Instead, you get a budget-friendly internal storage solution with SLC caching for stable performance. The interface is SATA III, which is slower than the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection of the MOVE SPEED unit. This option is suitable only if you are expanding the internal storage of an older system that does not support external USB-C SSDs for direct video recording.

Transcend 256GB Gen3 NVMe SSD

The Transcend 256GB Gen3 NVMe SSD is an internal M.2 drive for PCIe 3.0 slots. It is not an external USB device like the MOVE SPEED drive. You give up the portability, the USB-C connection, and the smart LCD screen. Instead, you get a reliable internal storage upgrade for desktops or laptops with PCIe 3.0 slots. The drive offers strong read speeds for its interface generation but lacks the real-time monitoring features of the MOVE SPEED unit. This choice is best for users upgrading older systems with internal M.2 slots who need fast, reliable storage without the need for external file transfer capabilities.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

MOVE SPEED 256GB USB-C SSD

Best for: iPhone 4K ProRes video recording

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

USB 3.2 Gen 2

Max Read Speed

Up to 1090MB/s

Compatibility

Mac

Dimensions

3 × 0.9 × 0.1 inches

Weight

1.6 ounces

View on Amazon: MOVE SPEED 256GB USB-C SSD Affiliate link

This 256GB USB-C drive offers up to 1090MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2. It features a smart LCD display showing capacity, speed, and temperature. The zinc alloy shell supports 4K ProRes HDR recording on compatible iPhones. It uses TLC memory for stable performance. This drive suits users needing fast, visible data transfer for large files.

Pros

• Up to 1090MB/s read speed
• Smart LCD display for real-time data
• Supports 4K ProRes HDR recording
• Zinc alloy shell for durability

Cons

• Limited to 256GB capacity
• No mention of encryption or password protection
• LCD display adds bulk compared to standard drives

Good fit if

• You need to monitor transfer speeds and temperature
• You record 4K ProRes video on an iPhone
• You want fast file transfers for large projects

Skip if

• You require more than 256GB of storage
• You need hardware encryption for sensitive data
• You prefer a drive without a display

Verdict: MOVE SPEED 256GB USB-C SSD provides fast 1090MB/s transfers and a useful LCD screen for monitoring performance. It is a solid choice for iPhone users shooting 4K ProRes video who need to track drive health and speed.

2 Also great

S Sharkspeed 256GB NVMe SSD for MacBook Pro

Best for: 2016-2017 MacBook Pro A1708 upgrades

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3.0x4

Max Read Speed

Up to 2500MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 2000MB/s

Form Factor

M.2

Compatibility

Mac

View on Amazon: S Sharkspeed 256GB NVMe SSD for MacBook Pro Affiliate link

This S Sharkspeed drive replaces the internal SSD in specific 13-inch MacBook Pro models. It uses NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4 technology to deliver read speeds up to 2500MB/s and write speeds up to 2000MB/s. The unit includes macOS pre-installed and features ECC error correction for data protection. It is designed for users upgrading older Apple laptops who need a direct replacement without adapters.

Pros

• Read speeds up to 2500MB/s
• Write speeds up to 2000MB/s
• NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4 interface
• macOS pre-installed for easy setup
• ECC technology for data reliability

Cons

• Limited to 256GB capacity
• Only compatible with specific non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro models
• Requires macOS 10.13 or later for proper recognition

Good fit if

• You own a 13-inch MacBook Pro A1708 (2016-2017) with EMC 2978/3164
• You need a direct NVMe replacement without adapters
• You want macOS pre-installed to simplify the upgrade

Skip if

• You have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar
• You need a capacity larger than 256GB
• You are using a different computer brand

Verdict: S Sharkspeed 256GB NVMe for MacBook Pro is a solid upgrade for owners of 2016-2017 13-inch non-Touch Bar MacBook Pros. It offers high speeds and pre-installed software, making it a practical choice for that specific niche.

3 Best premium

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

Best for: Users needing 1TB capacity and high durability

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

USB 3.2

Form Factor

Portable SSD

Max Read Speed

Up to 2,100 MB/s

Compatibility

Mac

Host Interface

USB-C

View on Amazon: Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD Affiliate link

The Crucial X10 offers 1TB of storage with read speeds up to 2,100MB/s via USB 3.2. This matte blue drive measures 2.55 by 1.96 inches and weighs 1.13 ounces. It features IP65 dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 9.8 feet. The drive connects via USB-C and supports Windows, Mac, and consoles. It suits users needing fast, durable portable storage.

Pros

• Read speeds up to 2,100MB/s
• 1TB storage capacity
• IP65 dust and water resistance
• Drop resistant up to 9.8 feet

Cons

• Higher capacity than the 256GB alternatives
• Includes only three months of bonus software
• No mention of hardware encryption

Good fit if

• You need more than 256GB of space
• You work in dusty or wet environments
• You want fast file transfers for large files

Skip if

• You strictly require 256GB capacity
• You need built-in hardware encryption
• You prefer a smaller form factor

Verdict: Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD provides high-speed performance and robust durability for users who need more than 256GB. It fits creators and travelers who value data protection and fast transfer rates over minimal storage size.

4 Also great

SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB USB-C SSD

Best for: Large media backups on Mac and iOS

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

USB-C

Max Read Speed

Up to 1000 MB/s

Max Write Speed

950 MB/s

Compatibility

Mac

Dimensions

3.4 × 2 × 0.4 inches

View on Amazon: SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB USB-C SSD Affiliate link

This SanDisk drive offers 2TB of storage with USB-C connectivity. It delivers up to 1000 MB/s read speeds and 950 MB/s write speeds. The rugged design suits travel. It works with Mac Time Machine and iOS devices via the Files app. You get ample space for media and projects. The compact form factor fits in a pocket.

Pros

• 2TB storage capacity
• Up to 1000 MB/s read speed
• USB-C interface
• Time Machine compatible
• Rugged construction

Cons

• Heavier at 14.4 ounces
• No encryption mentioned
• No included cable

Good fit if

• You need large storage for video files
• You use Mac or iOS devices
• You travel with your drive

Skip if

• You prefer lighter drives
• You need hardware encryption
• You require Thunderbolt speeds

Verdict: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB is a sturdy option for creators who need high capacity and reliable speeds. It fits users who back up large media libraries on Mac or iOS devices.

5 Best hardware encryption

iStorage diskAshur2 256GB Encrypted Portable SSD

Best for: secure data storage and compliance

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

USB 3.2

Form Factor

Portable

Max Read Speed

Up to 361MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 358MB/s

Security

Hardware Encryption, Password Protection

View on Amazon: iStorage diskAshur2 256GB Encrypted Portable SSD Affiliate link

This 256GB portable SSD prioritizes security over raw speed. It uses AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption and a 7-15 digit PIN for access. You get read speeds up to 361MB/s and write speeds up to 358MB/s. The drive is IP56 certified for dust and water resistance. It works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android without extra software.

Pros

• AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
• Password protection with 7-15 digit PIN
• IP56 dust and water resistance
• No software required for setup

Cons

• Write speeds are significantly lower than other options
• Heavier build at 7.62 ounces
• Smaller 256GB capacity limit

Good fit if

• You need strict data compliance like GDPR or HIPAA
• You carry drives in rough environments
• You want hardware-level encryption without software

Skip if

• You need transfer speeds over 1000MB/s
• You require larger storage capacities
• You prefer a lightweight, pocket-sized drive

Verdict: iStorage diskAshur2 256GB suits users who value security above all else. It is ideal for professionals handling sensitive data in rugged conditions.

6 Also great

Silicon Power A55 256GB M.2 SATA SSD

Best for: Upgrading older laptops with M.2 SATA slots

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

SATA III

Cache Type

SLC Cache

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Dimensions

3.15 × 0.87 × 0.14 inches

View on Amazon: Silicon Power A55 256GB M.2 SATA SSD Affiliate link

The Silicon Power A55 is a 256GB M.2 2280 internal drive using the SATA III interface. It features SLC caching to help maintain speed during heavy writes. This drive fits standard 2280 slots in laptops and desktops. It is a practical upgrade for systems that do not support NVMe protocols. You get reliable storage without the cost of newer interfaces.

Pros

• SATA III interface for broad compatibility
• M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
• SLC cache for sustained write speeds
• Compact 256GB capacity

Cons

• SATA III speed is slower than NVMe options
• 256GB capacity is smaller than modern standards
• Requires system support for M.2 SATA, not NVMe

Good fit if

• You need a cheap upgrade for an older laptop
• Your motherboard only supports M.2 SATA drives
• You want a small capacity for a secondary drive

Skip if

• You need NVMe speeds for gaming
• You require more than 256GB of storage
• Your system only accepts NVMe M.2 drives

Verdict: Silicon Power A55 256GB M.2 SATA SSD is a budget-friendly internal drive for older systems that lack NVMe support. It suits users who need basic storage expansion rather than high performance.

7 Best budget

Transcend 256GB Gen3 NVMe SSD

Best for: PCIe 3.0 internal storage upgrades

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3 x4, NVMe 1.3

Cache Type

SLC Cache

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Compatibility

Laptop, Desktop

Dimensions

3.15 × 0.14 × 0.87 inches

View on Amazon: Transcend 256GB Gen3 NVMe SSD Affiliate link

The Transcend MTE110S is a 256GB M.2 2280 SSD using PCIe Gen3 x4 and NVMe 1.3. It offers up to 1,800 MB/s read and 1,500 MB/s write speeds. It includes 3D NAND flash, SLC caching, and dynamic thermal throttling. This drive suits users needing reliable internal storage for desktops or laptops that support PCIe 3.0 interfaces.

Pros

• Up to 1,800 MB/s read speed
• Up to 1,500 MB/s write speed
• PCIe Gen3 x4 interface
• Built-in SLC caching for speed

Cons

• Limited to 256GB capacity
• No USB external connectivity
• Green PCB color may not suit all builds

Good fit if

• You need a fast internal drive for a PCIe 3.0 system
• You want reliable sequential read speeds up to 1,800 MB/s
• You prefer a compact M.2 2280 form factor

Skip if

• You require USB external portable storage
• You need more than 256GB of space
• You are building a PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 system

Verdict: Transcend MTE110S 256GB PCIe 3.0 SSD delivers strong PCIe 3.0 performance for users upgrading older systems. It fits desktops and laptops needing reliable internal storage with fast read speeds.

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See also

• sonoff zigbee smart USB outlet alternatives
• fosa USB encrypted hard drive alternatives