In the competitive portable SSD market, especially at the budget level, the Netac Z Slim falls short in cost-effectiveness. Its performance, although considered acceptable in the past, lags behind due to the widespread availability of USB 3.2 Gen 2. Faster speeds should be offered without any excuses.
NewForTech Opinion:
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight design
- Three-year warranty
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to rivals
- Lacks IP rating
- No included software bundle
Quick Review
The Netac Z Slim: lightweight, compact, affordable, but slow portable SSD. It sports a scratch-prone aluminum case in black, devoid of flashy elements. It included accessories: USB cable, adapter, pouch; no bundled software. Available in capacities from 250GB to 2TB. No IP or MIL-STD ratings; not water-resistant. It’s still reasonably solid, with a three-year warranty.
Netac claims up to 500 MBps read/write speeds, slow due to SATA parts instead of faster NVMe. Possibly to reduce costs, but not a bargain.
Z Slim is among the pricier SATA-based external SSDs. Some competitors offer double the speed at a lower cost.
NETAC Z SLIM: PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
- 2TB: $109.99
- 1TB: $65.99
- 500GB: $42.99
- 250GB: $31.99
Available now, globally.
In a fiercely competitive category, the Z Slim struggles, often determined by price. Currently not in our best portable SSD buying guide.
NETAC Z SLIM: BENCHMARK
Test results align with expectations. Netac claims 550 MBps read/write, approaching synthetic tests. Real-life tests drop it just under 400 MBps, with no overheating.
| Read (MBps) | Write (MBps) | |
|---|---|---|
| AJA | 501 | 461 |
| CrystalDiskMark | 588 | 508 |
| ATTO | 533 | 481 |
| AS SSD | 510 | 465 |
| Real Life | 394 | 394 |
NETAC Z SLIM: SPECS
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacities available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Size | 100 x 29 x 9mm |
| Weight | 30g |
| Enclosure material | ABS plastic |
| Connector | USB-C |
| Technology | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Warranty (in years) | 3 |
| Rated R/W speeds (MBps) | 550/550 |
| Software bundle | No |
| Accessories | Sleeve, USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-C adapter |
SHOULD I BUY THE NETAC Z SLIM?
Buy it if…
- You desire a compact external SSD.
- The Z Slim’s ultra-thin design suits your needs, despite the bulky USB-C connector.
Don’t buy it…
- You require a rugged portable SSD.
- Seeking an SSD with an IP rating or MIL-STD-810 compliance.
- You expect fast SSD performance.
- The Z Slim offers SATA-level speeds, making it one of the slowest external SSDs available.
- You want the most affordable external SSD.
- The Z Slim is around 50% more expensive than the Lexar SL200, a larger but more budget-friendly option.
NETAC Z SLIM ALTERNATIVES
| Alternatives | SSK | Silicon Power PC60 | Lexar SL200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1TB | 0.96TB | 1TB |
| Price | $59.99 | $49.99 | $44.88 |
| Speed | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| IP rated | No | No | No |
| Warranty (yrs) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
- SSK: The fastest affordable alternative with a rated read/write speed of 1050/1000 MBps. It includes a helpful carabiner and is slightly thicker than the Z Slim.
- Silicon Power PC60: A cost-effective, unassuming device with average performance, excelling in affordability.
- Lexar SL200: The most budget-friendly 1TB portable SSD. It has a mainly plastic chassis and is bulkier than the Z Slim, but offers great value for bargain hunters.