Kingston XS1000 is the latest addition to the Kingston External Solid State Drive (SSD) market. The XS1000 was announced in April 2024 in India. The Kingston XS1000 series includes two models of 1TB and 2TB. In our Kingston XS1000 Review, we will be reviewing the 1TB variant which costs ₹ 8250 INR and the 2TB variant costs ₹12,875 on Amazon.
Also, the product can be found on PrimeABGB and ITGo at a more affordable price of just ₹6,759.
Specifications
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Speed | Up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write |
| NAND | 3D |
| Capacities | 1TB, 2TB |
| Dimensions | 69.54 x 32.58 x 13.5mm |
| Weight | 28.7g |
| Casing material | Metal + plastic |
| Includes | 12” USB-C to USB-A cable |
| Operating temperature | 0°C~40°C |
| Storage temperature | -20°C~85°C |
| Warranty/support | Limited 5-year warranty with free technical support |
| Compatible with | Windows® 11, 10, macOS (v.10.15.x +), Linux (v. 4.4.x +), Chrome OS™, Android™, iOS/iPadOS® (v.13+) |
Design
The XS1000 is notably small and lightweight, measuring 70 x 33 x 13.5mm and weighing just 28.7g. Its casing is a mix of metal and plastic, providing a sturdy feel despite its diminutive size. However, it does not come with any official shock, dust or splash protection ratings.
Performance
The XS1000 delivers impressive speeds of up to 1,050MB/s for read and 1,000MB/s for write with USB 3.2 Gen 2. This performance is perfect for tasks requiring quick data transfers, such as editing high-resolution photos and videos or backing up large files. Thanks to efficient thermal management, consistent performance is maintained even during extended use.
The Kingston XS1000 utilizes a Silicon Motion SM2320 controller and comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. Although the total guaranteed amount of data written (TBW) is not specified by the manufacturer, the drive’s wear level is still monitored. You can keep track of this indicator using the proprietary Kingston SSD Manager application.
Furthermore, the Kingston XS1000 is compatible with the Sony PS5 and Xbox One gaming consoles. We were effortlessly able to install our favourite games and enjoy the gaming experience without any compatibility issues.
In the following benchmark test, the Kingston XS1000 performs as advertised:
Software
The Kingston® SSD Manager application can be downloaded from the Kingston website. This utility makes it possible to ensure the lifespan of the product, the presence of problems via the postponement of SMART instructions, or even to update the firmware of the SSD if a new one is available. Simple and effective, we do not ask much more. However, a bit of polishing on the software front would be better.
Conclusion
In our Kingston XS1000 Review, we found that the drive stands out from the competition for its performance and design. It’s an excellent choice for users needing a reliable and fast SSD for everyday use, especially those who prioritize size and space. However, it would be unfair to compare it with the SanDisk Extreme Pro Series or the Samsung Sheild Series, as they do offer a lot more in terms of outdoor protection. The lack of Type-C to Type-C cable and 256-bit AES hardware encryption is something that we did miss. But overall if you want a no-nonsense storage solution, then the Kingston XS1000 or the Kingston XS2000 are worth checking out.
Kingston XS1000 (1TB): 8250 INR
