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
| Feature | Crucial X9 Pro | Crucial X9 |
| NAND flash type | TLC | QLC |
| Write endurance | Higher | Lower |
| Sustained performance | More consistent under load | Noticeable drop over time |
| Build material | Anodized aluminum | Plastic housing |
| Activity LED | Present, integrated with lanyard hole | None |
| Lanyard attachment | Included | Not included |
| Heat dissipation | Better | Poor |
| Warranty period | 5 years | 3 years |
| Durability rating (IP) | IP55 | None specified |
| Drop resistance | Up to 7.5 ft | Not specified |
| Encryption support | 256-bit AES | Not specified |
| Compatibility | Same broad compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, consoles |
| Capacity options | 1TB / 2TB / 4TB | 1TB / 2TB / 4TB |
| Base weight | Slightly heavier due to metal housing | Slightly lighter |
| Price tier | Higher cost | More affordable |
| Design portability | Compact and premium feel | Basic |
| Ideal use case | Creative workflows / backups | Budget storage / light use |
| Long-term reliability | Higher due to TLC and build | Moderate |
| Thermal throttling risk | Lower | Higher |
| Price | Check Crucial X9 Pro Price | Check 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
| Feature | Crucial X9 Pro | Crucial X9 |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Maximum sequential read speed | Up to ~1 050 MB/s | Up to ~1 050 MB/s |
| Maximum sequential write speed | Comparable | Comparable |
| Available capacities | 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB | 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB |
| Plug-and-play operation | Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, Linux, consoles | Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, Linux, consoles |
| Portable (external) form factor | Compact, palm-sized | Compact, palm-sized |
| Drop resistance (~2 m) | Yes, drop-proof up to ~7.5 ft/2 m | Yes, drop-proof up to ~7.5 ft/2 m |
| Includes USB-C cable | Yes | Yes |
| Mini dimensions (~65 × 50 × 10 mm) | Yes | Yes |
| Bus-powered via USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Designed by Micron/Crucial | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware updatable via tools | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for editing directly | Yes | Yes |
| Formatted exFAT by default | Yes | Yes |
| Compact and ultra-portable | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Crucial X9 Pro Price | Check Crucial X9 Price |
FAQ
Do both the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro support the same speed? Which model is better for long-term reliability? Are both models compatible with Mac and Windows? Do the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro come with encryption? Are they both portable enough for travel? Do they both include a USB-C cable? How durable are the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro? What warranty is provided with each drive? Do both drives come pre-formatted? Can both be used for video editing? Do they both have the same capacities available? Is there any design difference between the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro? Do the Crucial X9 and X9 Pro require an external power source? |
