The SanDisk Extreme Pro Dual offers solid 10Gbps read speeds that meet expectations, though it struggles with larger data transfers. Its built-in Type-A and Type-C connectors ensure easy compatibility across various devices without needing extra accessories.

Connecting a Type-C device to a Type-A port, or the reverse, often leads to inconvenience, requiring an adapter that can slow down workflows.

This minor issue, while annoying, wastes valuable time, prompting manufacturers to develop USB drives with both Type-A and Type-C options, like the SanDisk Extreme Pro Dual under review.

Continue reading for in-depth analysis, followed by a selection of top external storage options for reference.

The device spans about 3.2 inches in length with the connector extended, measures 0.65 inches across, and is 0.4 inches thick. At 1.2 ounces, it feels substantial, thanks to the robust metal enclosure that houses the rotating drive component.

Users rotate the drive within the casing to reveal either the Type-A or Type-C end, with one always accessible. It locks securely when aligned parallel to the body, but both can be positioned outward if preferred, as shown in the main photo.

Supporting USB 3.x Gen 2 at 10Gbps, it achieves peak transfers near 1GBps, and the flash memory appears to be a recent iteration based on testing. Although write speeds decline, they stabilize around 350MBps.

SanDisk provides a limited lifetime warranty on the Extreme Pro Dual, which stands out since typical external drives come with three-year or occasionally five-year coverage. The limitations likely relate to write endurance rather than extreme damage scenarios.

The manufacturer assumes everyday use won't exhaust the flash memory's write limits. Regardless of the reasoning, this coverage justifies the professional designation in the product's name.

Currently, the Extreme Pro Dual is listed on Amazon in 256GB for $55, 512GB for $73, and 2TB for $180. The 1TB model tested cost $110 directly from SanDisk, and similar pricing is anticipated on Amazon once available.

These costs run slightly above average, particularly compared to the more affordable and high-performing Teamgroup X2 Max.

The Extreme Pro Dual delivers respectable results in many scenarios, though it falls short of the Teamgroup X2 Max. It can exceed 900MBps in writes using datasets of 32GiB or less, but the 1TB unit reviewed showed lower figures in broader tests. A 2TB version might perform better but still trail the competitor.

Standard evaluations here use a 64GiB dataset, reflected in the reported results. Apologies to SanDisk for the conditions.

Random access benchmarks in CrystalDiskMark outperformed the listed scores, but only with datasets at 32GiB or smaller.

For the 1TB model, a 48GB write operation surpassed the secondary cache capacity. Results follow, along with an image capturing the slowdown during the process.

The drive's limited secondary cache becomes evident in this Windows Explorer transfer view.

In a 450GB write test, the Extreme Pro Dual lags behind most competitors except the PNY Duo Link V3. It trailed the superior Teamgroup X2 Max by taking 20 minutes, yet this is acceptable for a portable drive. Its sustained write speed exceeds 350MBps, far better than the PNY's mere 15MBps.

The PNY unit was also 1TB, while the 2TB X2 Max benefited from additional flash for caching. Even so, the X2 Max's doubled native write speed would dominate anyway.

The flash technology in the Extreme Pro Dual seems modern, maintaining around 350MBps sustainably, with the base rate activating after roughly 20GB.

These devices endure rigorous testing, but typical users rarely transfer volumes that trigger slowdowns regularly.

For those handling smaller data amounts, the dual fixed connectors and durable build make the Extreme Pro Dual appealing. With numerous alternatives available, careful selection is advised.

Testing occurs on Windows 11 24H2, 64-bit, powered by a PCIe 4.0 Samsung 990 Pro SSD in an Asus Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard supporting PCIe 4.0 and 5.0. The system features an Intel Core Ultra i5 225 processor, paired with two 64GB Crucial DDR5 5600MHz modules for 128GB total RAM.

The motherboard includes 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 5, with Intel CPU/GPU graphics. PCIe 5.0 SSDs for tests are installed via an Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 adapter in a PCIe 5.0 slot.

Evaluations employ CrystalDiskMark 8.04 (and 9), AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 benchmarks, reporting only the first to manage length. Real-world 48GB transfers and 450GB writes use Windows Explorer for everyday simulation, plus admin FastCopy for peak speeds.

A 25Gbps two-SSD RAID 0 array on the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 serves as the target for transfers. Previous 48GB tests used a RAM disk instead.

Drives are formatted NTFS and freshly TRIMmed for peak results. In practice, filling the drive can reduce speeds due to reduced caching NAND and other elements, though modern SSDs with advanced controllers and newer NAND mitigate this.

The testing methodology improves over time, so results may differ from prior reports. Only intra-article comparisons are fully reliable, as they use the latest setup.

Jon Jacobi, a musician and former x86/6800 programmer, has long been passionate about computers. He reviews televisions, solid-state drives, dash cameras, remote access tools, Bluetooth audio devices, and various consumer technology products.