Crucial X9 Pro & Crucial X9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Crucial X9 Pro rather than the Crucial X9.

Why Do I Recommend The Crucial X9 Pro

  • The Crucial X9 Pro features TLC NAND flash for higher endurance and consistent write speeds during heavy workloads, whereas the Crucial X9 uses QLC NAND flash that has lower durability and slows down faster under sustained use.
  • Crucial X9 Pro comes with a five-year limited warranty for longer coverage and greater peace of mind, while the Crucial X9 includes only a three-year limited warranty.
  • It has an anodized aluminum housing for better durability and improved heat dissipation, whereas the Crucial X9 has a plastic housing.
  • The Crucial X9 Pro comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption for secure file storage and data protection, whereas the Crucial X9 does not support hardware encryption.
  • Crucial X9 Pro has an integrated activity LED and lanyard hole for easier use and portability tracking, while the Crucial X9 lacks both the LED indicator and lanyard support.
  • It maintains steadier sustained speeds during large file transfers for smoother backups and media editing, whereas the Crucial X9 experiences more significant performance drops under the same workload.
  • Crucial X9 Pro includes IP55 water and dust resistance for added protection in outdoor and professional environments, while the Crucial X9 does not include any official resistance rating.

Maybe the Crucial X9 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Crucial X9 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureCrucial X9 ProCrucial X9
NAND flash typeTLCQLC
Write enduranceHigherLower
Sustained performanceMore consistent under loadNoticeable drop over time
Build materialAnodized aluminumPlastic housing
Activity LEDPresent, integrated with lanyard holeNone
Lanyard attachmentIncludedNot included
Heat dissipationBetterPoor
Warranty period5 years3 years
Durability rating (IP)IP55None specified
Drop resistanceUp to 7.5 ftNot specified
Encryption support256-bit AESNot specified
CompatibilitySame broad compatibilityWindows, Mac, Linux, consoles
Capacity options1TB / 2TB / 4TB1TB / 2TB / 4TB
Base weightSlightly heavier due to metal housingSlightly lighter
Price tierHigher costMore affordable
Design portabilityCompact and premium feelBasic
Ideal use caseCreative workflows / backupsBudget storage / light use
Long-term reliabilityHigher due to TLC and buildModerate
Thermal throttling riskLowerHigher
PriceCheck Crucial X9 Pro PriceCheck Crucial X9 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 Interface: Both drives use a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, ensuring fast data transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s for smooth file handling.
  • Sequential Read Speeds: Each model delivers up to 1,050 MB/s read speeds, making them equally capable of quick file access and loading.
  • Sequential Write Speeds: Both achieve similar peak write speeds, allowing large files to be transferred rapidly without major bottlenecks.
  • Storage Capacities: Each drive is available in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB sizes, giving users flexible options to match their storage needs.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Both drives work seamlessly with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPad, and gaming consoles for wide device support.
  • Portable Form Factor: Each model is compact and lightweight, allowing users to carry them easily in a pocket or small bag.
  • Drop Resistance: Both drives are tested for drop protection up to about 2 meters, ensuring durability in everyday handling.
  • Included USB-C Cable: Each comes with a USB-C cable in the box, making it simple to connect without needing extra accessories.
  • Compact Dimensions: Both share a small physical footprint of around 65 × 50 × 10 mm, maximizing portability without sacrificing capacity.
  • Bus-Powered Design: Each drive operates entirely from the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power source.
  • Micron Engineering: Both are designed and manufactured under Crucial (Micron), providing the same quality assurance and brand reliability.
  • Firmware Update Support: Each model supports Crucial’s firmware tools, allowing users to keep performance optimized and secure.
  • Direct Editing Performance: Both drives are fast enough to allow editing of media files directly from the SSD, enabling efficient workflows.
  • Default exFAT Formatting: Each ships pre-formatted with exFAT, ensuring immediate compatibility across different operating systems.
  • Ultra-Portability: Both drives are designed to be highly portable, making them ideal for users who need reliable storage on the go.

Common Features

FeatureCrucial X9 ProCrucial X9
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2
Maximum sequential read speedUp to ~1 050 MB/sUp to ~1 050 MB/s
Maximum sequential write speedComparableComparable
Available capacities1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Plug-and-play operationWindows, Mac, Android, iPad, Linux, consolesWindows, Mac, Android, iPad, Linux, consoles
Portable (external) form factorCompact, palm-sizedCompact, palm-sized
Drop resistance (~2 m)Yes, drop-proof up to ~7.5 ft/2 mYes, drop-proof up to ~7.5 ft/2 m
Includes USB-C cableYesYes
Mini dimensions (~65 × 50 × 10 mm)YesYes
Bus-powered via USB-CYesYes
Designed by Micron/CrucialYesYes
Firmware updatable via toolsYesYes
Suitable for editing directlyYesYes
Formatted exFAT by defaultYesYes
Compact and ultra-portableYesYes
Price Check Crucial X9 Pro Price Check Crucial X9 Price

FAQ

Do both the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro support the same speed?
Yes, both drives support maximum sequential read and write speeds up to around 1,050 MB/s, thanks to their shared USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.

Which model is better for long-term reliability?
The Crucial X9 Pro is better for long-term reliability because of its TLC NAND flash, longer 5-year warranty, and better thermal handling compared to the Crucial X9’s QLC NAND and 3-year warranty.

Are both models compatible with Mac and Windows?
Yes, both the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro are plug-and-play compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, Android, and even gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.

Do the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro come with encryption?
The Crucial X9 Pro includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added data security, while the Crucial X9 does not include this feature.

Are they both portable enough for travel?
Yes, both models are palm-sized, compact, and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a pocket or small bag when traveling.

Do they both include a USB-C cable?
Yes, both drives come with a USB-C to USB-C cable included in the box, so users can connect them immediately to compatible devices.

How durable are the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro?
Both models are designed with drop resistance up to about 7.5 feet (2 meters), but the Crucial X9 Pro is slightly stronger with IP55 water and dust resistance while the X9 lacks this certification.

What warranty is provided with each drive?
The Crucial X9 comes with a 3-year limited warranty, while the Crucial X9 Pro extends coverage to a 5-year limited warranty, reflecting its professional positioning.

Do both drives come pre-formatted?
Yes, both the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro come pre-formatted with the exFAT file system, ensuring out-of-the-box compatibility across different operating systems.

Can both be used for video editing?
Yes, both drives are fast enough to support direct editing of photos and videos, but the Crucial X9 Pro is recommended for heavier editing tasks due to its more stable sustained performance.

Do they both have the same capacities available?
Yes, both the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro are available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, giving users flexibility in choosing storage size.

Is there any design difference between the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro?
Yes, the Crucial X9 has a simple plastic casing without an LED or lanyard hole, whereas the Crucial X9 Pro features an anodized aluminum build with an activity LED and lanyard support.

Do the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro require an external power source?
No, both models are bus-powered through USB-C, meaning they draw power directly from the connected device without the need for an additional adapter.

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