Kingston just released a new product before ending the year 2025, which is the Kingston Dual Portable SSD. From the name itself, dual, it will allow you to plug it into your device via two interfaces, either through USB Type-C or USB Type-A.

In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Kingston Dual Portable SSD 1TB variant to see how it performs and whether it delivers good performance in this small form factor of an SSD.

Specifications:

Interface	USB Type-A and USB Type-C®
NAND	3D
Standard / Speed	USB 3.2 Gen 2 Up to 1,050MB/s Read, 950MB/s Write
Capacities	512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Dimensions	71.85mm x 21.1mm x 8.6mm
Weight	13g
Casing Material	Metal + Plastic
Operating temperature	0°C-60°C
Storage temperature	-20°C-85°C
Warranty	Limited 5-year warranty
Compatability	Windows® 11, macOS® (v. 13.7.6 +), Linux (v. 4.4x +), Chrome OS™, Android™, iOS/iPadOS® (v.13+)

Closer Look

The packaging comes in the usual-colored white box with an image of the product and some specifications and features on the front.

At the back, you’ll find some compatibility information about the SSD and which header it is best plugged into to achieve the declared speeds.

In the box, you will only find the Dual Portable SSD in paper-box packaging.

The Dual Portable SSD from Kingston comes in with its signature red color of the body with white text.

The port covers are made from plastic while the body is made from aluminum. Also, users should take note. The port covers are easily detachable which means there’s a big chance you will lose it even if you will just put it inside your backpack or pocket.

As the name itself, Dual Portable, this portable drive features a USB-C and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 Ports. But you should remember that this thumb drive only allows one attachment at a time. Meaning, you can’t simultaneously plug it in on different devices as it will only recognize the first device you plugged it in.

I also compare the size of the previous portable SSD product from Kingston which is the Kingston XS1000. As you can see, it is much smaller than the XS1000.

Test Methodology

Here are the components used for testing the SSD.

Specifications:
ASRock Z790 NOVA WIFI
Intel i5 13600KF
Thermaltake Core P3 Pro Chassis
DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler
Thermaltake GF3 850W Power Supply
Noiseblocker e-Loop-X Fans

For Benchmark Apps we will be using CrystalDiskMark.

Benchmarks

In Sequential Read and Write tests, the results show that it performs slightly below the rated speed, which is quite normal as with most SSDs, performance can vary depending on the components used. Meanwhile, its Random Read and Write speeds fall within the typical range for external SSDs.

The operating temperatures is slightly above within the normal range based on the spec sheet. Still it is showing that the drive maintains stable performance even under load.

Conclusion

Kingston’s Dual Portable SSD is clearly built for people who constantly move files between different devices. It looks like a regular flash drive at first, but once you hold it, the metal body immediately feels more solid and premium. It’s small enough to throw into your pocket or bag, yet tough enough that you won’t worry about it during daily work or travel.

Performance-wise, it is powered by USB 3.2 Gen 2. The Dual Portable SSD enables fast file transfers, smoother handling of large files, and minimal waiting time. For a product that offers numerous advantages as a content creator who is always on the go, a product with a small footprint like this makes it a good daily storage device to have.

Comparing it to the other external SSD I tried from Kingston, which is the XS1000, they are almost the same in performance, but what gives the Dual Portable SSD more advantage is the small footprint, and it doesn’t need any cables to be plugged to your device.

Overall, the Kingston Dual Portable SSD gets the job done. It’s fast, easy to use, and works across both USB-A and USB-C devices without needing adapters. It’s one of the best options for professionals, creators, and everyday users who just want reliable portable storage.

You can buy the Kingston Dual Portable SSD (1TB) for around $112.00 or P6,595.00 at your nearest Kingston online and physical stores.

With this, Kingston Dual Portable SSD receives the Recommended Award.