Netac Z Slim vs. Alternatives: Speed, Price, and Features

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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

Netac Z Slim vs. Alternatives: Speed, Price, and Features
Image Credit: Netac

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.

Video From Greg Toope’s YouTube channel

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

NETAC Z SLIM: BENCHMARK
Image Credit: Netac

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)
AJA501461
CrystalDiskMark588508
ATTO533481
AS SSD510465
Real Life394394

NETAC Z SLIM: SPECS

SpecificationsDetails
Capacities available250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Size100 x 29 x 9mm
Weight30g
Enclosure materialABS plastic
ConnectorUSB-C
TechnologyUSB 3.2 Gen 2
Warranty (in years)3
Rated R/W speeds (MBps)550/550
Software bundleNo
AccessoriesSleeve, USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-C adapter
SHOULD I BUY THE NETAC Z SLIM?
Image Credit: Netac

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

AlternativesSSKSilicon Power PC60Lexar SL200
Capacity1TB0.96TB1TB
Price$59.99$49.99$44.88
SpeedUSB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2
IP ratedNoNoNo
Warranty (yrs)333
  • 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.