Netac ZX20L
Price
$50-$60Well, portable SSDs have been one of the most attractive options for consumers who prefer mobility with their workstations, and manufacturers like Netac, TeamGroup, and others have doubled down to ensure they offer the best solutions for their customers. Many of the options out there usually focus on a USB-like form factor, but Netac has decided to do something interesting here, which is to provide a long "bar-like" design that we'll talk about in detail.
Netac ZX20L SSD - Quick Rundown of Specifications
While portable SSDs sound like an amazing concept, they face a performance hurdle, especially when compared with mainstream SSDs designed for PCs. But when we talk about portable SSDs alone, the Netac ZX20L is certainly one of the faster options out there, thanks to modern USB interfaces and more. Here's a quick look at the specifications of the Netac ZX20L:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | ZX20L |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C |
| Capacity | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB |
| Transmission Speed (MB/s) | Up to 2000 MB/s |
| Color | Black / Silver / Red |
| Operating Temperature | 0 ℃ ~ 70 ℃ |
| Storage Temperature | -40 ℃ ~ 85 ℃ |
| Size | 102 × 30 × 9.2 mm |
| Supported Systems | Windows / Mac / Linux / Android |
| Warranty | 5-year |
While we will test all of the above temperature/speed ratings ahead, our variant is the 512 GB model, and the ZX20L is available up to 2 TB, which is certainly great for consumers looking for a hefty storage solution as a "to-go" option. Another interesting aspect of the ZX20L is its unique design, which we'll discuss next.
Netac ZX20L SSD – Unboxing and Closer Look
Of course, with a portable SSD, one cannot expect "too much" in terms of the onboard storage, but with the Netac ZX20L, this is indeed the case. Upon opening the box, you get the SSD itself, a cloth bag to carry the drive, and two USB cables. These cables include Type-C-to-Type-C and Type-C-to-Type-A interfaces, likely making this drive compatible with multiple platforms, such as PCs and mobile devices.
The ZX20L itself comes with a pretty unique design: an aluminium casing on the outside, with a black-and-red color scheme that certainly complements the overall look. But the material doesn't look scratch-resistant at all, which might bother a few consumers looking for a "rugged" storage device.
I couldn't find a way inside the ZX20L, since I was really curious to see what types of NAND controllers and thermal design are inside the portable SSD. The only possible way could involve damaging the SSD itself, so I decided not to take a chance either way.
Netac ZX20L SSD – Performance & Thermal Reviews
Well, since we haven't reviewed similar flash drives, or should I call them portable SSDs, compiling real-time tests might be a bit difficult. However, to compare the Netac ZX20L with industry alternatives, we have compared the read/write speeds of available options and their respective data, as disclosed by the manufacturers. Here's how it stacks up:
Compact USB Stick-Style Portable SSD Speeds (MB/s)
Based on the above infographics alone, it is clear that the ZX20L outperforms its competitors in read and write speeds, and it is likely one of the fastest options in this segment. The above figures are based on our CrystalDiskMark tests, and the sequential read/write speeds are on par with what the company advertises, unlike some manufacturers. If you are looking for a portable SSD that doesn't compromise on performance, the Netac ZX20L would probably be a great option.
For testing the thermals, the best way we've found is to run large file transfers from the portable SSD to our main workstation, since that reflects a real-world consumer workload. We decided to manually test the drive's thermals by moving a 200 GB file between systems. The temperatures were recorded at 62 to 65 degrees, which isn't that high for a drive that relies on aluminum for heat dissipation. So, if you are skeptical about thermal issues with such a compact storage drive, I'd say you shouldn't worry about the ZX20L at all.
Netac ZX20L SSD - Conclusion
The Netac ZX20L SSD is a great portable SSD option for consumers who aren't looking to compromise on performance and are seeking a solid portable SSD. The only downside to this particular drive would probably be its outer shell, which is prone to scratches. That's about it. In terms of pricing, the ZX20L has usually retailed for around $50-$60 for the 512 GB variant, but given the era of NAND shortages, the actual retail price right now might be higher.
You can find additional information about our hardware review process and ethics policy here.
The Netac ZX20L is a great portable SSD option, offering speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, without compromising on thermals on build quality at all. However, it might not be a great option for rugged environments.
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds
- Great aesthetics
- Solid packaging
Pros
- Prone to scratches
Cons
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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