Imagine having a tiny, powerful storage device that not only boosts your smartphone's capabilities but also serves as a reliable secondary drive for your computer. That's exactly what the Corsair EX400U promises—and it delivers. Starting at $119.99 for 1TB and $189.99 for the 2TB model we tested, this pocket-sized external SSD is a game-changer for anyone juggling high-res files, video recording, or simply needing extra storage on the go. But here's where it gets controversial: with its MagSafe connector, it attaches seamlessly to the back of your smartphone, turning it into a portable powerhouse. Is this the future of mobile storage, or just a niche gadget? Let’s dive in.
Design: A Sleek, Phone-Friendly Companion
The Corsair EX400U is a masterclass in minimalist design. Its square chassis, rounded corners, and matte silver-gray finish exude professionalism, while its compact dimensions (0.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches) and featherlight 3.2-ounce weight make it nearly invisible in your pocket. The Corsair logo subtly graces the top, adding a touch of brand pride. But the real star is on the bottom: a MagSafe connector, a first for SSDs, allowing you to magnetically attach it to devices like the iPhone 15 or later. This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a practical solution for videographers and content creators who need to offload files or record directly to the drive without clogging their phone’s storage.
MagSafe Magic: A Game-Changer for Videographers
When paired with a smartphone via USB-C, the EX400U shines. You can transfer files or record video directly to the drive, bypassing your phone’s limited storage. This functionality echoes the PCMag Editors' Choice Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD With Hub, which also supports direct 4K video recording. However, the EX400U outpaces the Lexar in several ways. While the Lexar is limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds and caps at 2TB, the EX400U offers USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, capacities up to 4TB, and a more affordable cost per gigabyte. Sure, it lacks the Lexar’s hub and extras, but its simplicity and speed make it a compelling alternative. And this is the part most people miss: the MagSafe connector transforms it into a streamlined videography tool, eliminating the need for cumbersome setups.
Connectivity and Capacity: Future-Proof Performance
The EX400U’s USB Type-C port supports both USB4 and Thunderbolt 4, ensuring blazing-fast speeds up to 40Gbps. It comes with a 1-foot USB-C cable and a status light for monitoring activity. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options, it’s pricier than standard USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSDs but competes well with high-end models like the LaCie Rugged SSD4. The 4TB version, in particular, offers exceptional value for its capacity. Corsair backs it with a three-year warranty and includes the SSD Toolbox software for secure erase, firmware updates, and more.
Performance: Speed That Matches the Hype
We put the EX400U through its paces with benchmarks like Crystal DiskMark 6.0, PCMark 10, and Blackmagic’s Disk Speed Test. On a Windows PC (NTFS format), its sequential read/write speeds matched the LaCie Rugged SSD4, while on a MacBook Pro (exFAT format), Thunderbolt 4 performance was equally impressive. In real-world tasks, it slightly trailed the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 but outperformed all USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 drives in our comparison. For professionals, this means seamless 4K video editing and lightning-fast file transfers.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Mobile Creatives
The Corsair EX400U isn’t just an external SSD—it’s a versatile tool that bridges the gap between smartphones and high-performance storage. Its MagSafe connector, USB4/Thunderbolt 4 support, and up-to-4TB capacity make it a standout choice for videographers, photographers, and power users. While it may not include all the bells and whistles of competitors, its speed, portability, and cost-effectiveness earn it our Editors' Choice award. But here’s the question: Is the MagSafe feature a revolutionary addition or just a nice-to-have? Let us know in the comments—we’re curious to hear your take!
