Conclusion
Living with the Rugged SSD4 is painless. It connects to any USB-C port from 40 Gbps on down (a Type A-to-C adapter may be required for 5 Gbps connections). The drive manages the cache automatically, recovering its original capacity after large transfers. Additionally, the enclosure has been designed to avoid thermal throttling in ambient air up to 35 C, according to LaCie.
At $214.99 USD for the 2TB model we tested (current price as of 09/24/25), the Rugged SSD4 is a compelling alternative to popular USB4 options such as the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 ($279.99 USD). Anyone familiar with that orange bumper design knows that it will be durable, and this one is IP54 rated for dust and water, and drop tested to 3 meters.
If you’re in the market for a fast portable SSD that can leverage the potential of a USB4 interface, the LaCie Rugged SSD4 is a sensible choice. The competitive price tag and peace of mind from the durable external design make it an easy recommendation.
Current pricing for the LaCie Rugged SSD4 is as follows:
- LaCie Rugged SSD4 – 1TB: $119.99
- LaCie Rugged SSD4 – 2TB: $214.99
- LaCie Rugged SSD4 – 4TB: $399.99