Portable SSDs are nothing new, but every now and then, we get a refresh that gives a proven product a little extra flair. This time, Kingston’s XS1000R is a new addition to the XS1000 portable SSD lineup. Internally, it’s the same reliable and fast drive we’ve seen before, now dressed in a sleek, red-accented shell that stands out in a sea of black drives.
So, what’s the deal with the Kingston XS1000R? Let’s dive in.
What’s in the Box?
Kingston keeps things simple and practical. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The XS1000R SSD
- A USB-C to USB-A cable
- A USB-A to USB-C adapter
- Basic documentation
It’s great to see Kingston continue to include both types of cables, ensuring the drive is ready to go whether you’re using a modern USB-C port or an older USB-A interface.
The XS1000R keeps the same ultra-compact form factor as its predecessor. Measuring just 69.5mm x 32.6mm x 13.5mm and weighing only 28.7g, it fits easily into your pocket, bag, or even your keychain pouch if you’re into that.
Where it differs is in the aesthetics. The original XS1000 came in a clean black design, while the XS1000R adds a splash of red, giving it a more eye-catching and aggressive look—perfect for gamers and power users who want their gear to look as fast as it performs.
Performance – USB 3.2 Gen 2 Speeds
As a plug-and-play drive, the XS1000R works flawlessly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even consoles like the PlayStation 5 for storing and playing PS4 games. It’s exFAT-formatted out of the box, which helps with cross-platform compatibility.
Kingston promises up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds via a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. In our testing on a modern system with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, the XS1000R lives up to the numbers:
- Sequential Read: ~1,058MB/s
- Sequential Write: ~972MB/s
We also did a linear write benchmark to check on its sustained write speeds. The XS1000R handled the first half like a champ, maintaining over 800MB/s, before gradually dropping to around 210-220MB/s once the SLC cache filled. That’s fairly standard behavior for drives of this class and capacity.
The XS1000R doesn’t have active cooling, but the metal casing helps with passive heat dissipation. Even during heavy transfers, the drive remained warm but never uncomfortably hot—something we appreciate in a compact SSD.
Verdict – Same Beast, New Skin
The Kingston XS1000R is essentially a new coat of paint on an already excellent product. It still delivers fast speeds, compact design, and reliable performance, now with a more striking look to match.
If you’re already rocking the original XS1000, there’s no need to upgrade unless you really want that red design. But if you’re shopping for a compact, stylish, and dependable portable SSD, the XS1000R deserves a spot on your shortlist.
