Tired of agonizingly slow load times and sluggish PC performance? If you’re still relying on an old-school hard drive or a smaller capacity solid-state drive (SSD), it’s probably time for an upgrade. A 2TB SSD offers ample space for your operating system, games, creative projects, and all your essential files, while significantly boosting your computer’s speed and responsiveness.
When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage, Lexar is a name that consistently delivers. They offer a fantastic range of SSDs, from blazing-fast internal NVMe drives to rugged portable solutions. But with so many options, how do you find the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PC that perfectly fits your needs?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into 10 of Lexar’s top 2TB SSDs, highlighting their unique features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or just someone looking for a snappier everyday PC experience, there’s a Lexar best 2TB SSD for PC waiting for you. Let’s get started!
Our Top 10 Lexar 2TB SSD Picks for PC
1. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD
The Lexar ES3 External SSD is your perfect companion for on-the-go storage that doesn’t compromise on speed or durability. It’s incredibly versatile, offering speeds up to 1050MB/s, making it 9.5 times faster than traditional hard drives. This drive is not only fast but also built tough, featuring double-layer graphite sheets for superior heat dissipation and a drop-resistant design to handle everyday bumps and knocks. Its plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable means you can easily use it across your PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing flexible, secure external storage.
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Key Features:
- Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- Built-in double layer graphite sheets for enhanced heat dissipation
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for excellent durability
- Plug-and-play compatibility with USB-C/USB-A cable
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption and Lexar Recovery Tool
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Pros:
- Impressive speed for an external drive
- Excellent durability with drop resistance and heat management
- Wide compatibility across multiple devices
- Enhanced data security with encryption software
- Lightweight and portable design
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Cons:
- Not as fast as some NVMe internal SSDs (expected for external)
- No integrated cable storage
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User Impressions: Users love the ES3 for its sturdy build and snappy performance. Many highlight its ease of use with various devices and the peace of mind offered by the encryption software. It’s a popular choice for quick backups and expanding storage for laptops and consoles.
2. Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD
When durability meets extreme speed, you get the Lexar Armor 700. This portable powerhouse boasts blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, reaching speeds up to 2000MB/s. But what really sets it apart is its rugged design, rated IP66 for water and dust protection and built to withstand drops up to 3 meters. It’s ideal for adventurers, outdoor photographers, or anyone who needs robust, high-speed storage in challenging environments. Plus, it even supports Apple ProRes recording for iPhone 15 Pro users, making it a fantastic tool for mobile content creators.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance (2000MB/s max read/write)
- IP66 rated for water and dust protection
- Built to withstand up to 3-meter drops
- Supports Apple ProRes recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro)
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained performance
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, gaming consoles, and more
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Pros:
- Outstanding read/write speeds for a portable SSD
- Extremely durable and ruggedized for harsh conditions
- Great for professional content creation on the go
- Excellent thermal management prevents throttling
- Five-year limited warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- Premium price reflects its high performance and durability
- Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, which isn’t universal yet
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the Armor 700’s incredible speed and its tank-like build. iPhone 15 Pro users particularly appreciate its ProRes recording capability, calling it a game-changer for mobile videography. It’s truly built for adventure.
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For those building or upgrading a PC with raw, internal speed in mind, the Lexar NM790 NVMe SSD is a fantastic choice. This PCIe Gen4 drive offers exceptional performance, hitting up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds – that’s twice as fast as many PCIe Gen 3 SSDs! It’s designed for hardcore gamers, demanding professionals, and content creators who need rapid loading times and seamless multitasking. What’s more, it boasts up to 40% less power consumption than other DRAM cache-enabled Gen4 SSDs, making it efficient for laptops and desktops alike. This is a top contender for the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PC internal upgrades.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance (7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write)
- 1500 TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (without integrated heatsink)
- Single-sided design, perfect for laptops
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds drastically reduce load times
- Excellent power efficiency
- High endurance rating for longevity
- Versatile for both PC and PS5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink (may require a separate one for optimal sustained performance in some systems)
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard to achieve full speeds
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User Impressions: Gamers and power users rave about the NM790’s impressive speed and how it transforms their system’s responsiveness. Many highlight its value for money, offering top-tier performance without the premium price of some competitors.
4. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
If you’re looking to breathe new life into an older laptop or desktop PC that doesn’t support NVMe, the Lexar NS100 SATA III SSD is your go-to solution. It’s a straightforward, cost-effective upgrade that delivers significant improvements over traditional hard drives. With sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s, you’ll experience much faster boot-ups, quicker application loads, and snappier data transfers. As a solid-state drive, it has no moving parts, making it far more reliable, shock-resistant, and quieter than an HDD.
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Key Features:
- SATA III interface (up to 550MB/s read speeds)
- Faster startups, data transfers, and application loads compared to HDDs
- Shock and vibration resistant design
- 960 TBW endurance rating
- Standard 2.5-inch form factor for wide compatibility
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Pros:
- Significant performance boost over traditional hard drives
- Excellent reliability and durability due to no moving parts
- Affordable upgrade path for older systems
- Easy to install in most desktops and laptops
- Quieter operation
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Cons:
- Slower than NVMe SSDs (inherent to SATA interface)
- Only a three-year limited product support compared to five for NVMe
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User Impressions: Customers love the NS100 for its ability to revive older computers, noting dramatic improvements in boot times and overall system snappiness. It’s often praised as a reliable and budget-friendly upgrade for everyday use.
5. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
This is the beefed-up version of the excellent NM790, now featuring an integrated heatsink – a critical addition for users who demand sustained performance without thermal throttling. The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink delivers the same exceptional PCIe Gen4 speeds of up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, making it perfect for intensive gaming sessions, heavy video editing, and large file transfers. The heatsink ensures your drive stays cool even under heavy loads, maintaining peak performance and power efficiency. It’s also fully compatible with the PlayStation 5, ready to expand your game library and reduce load times. This is arguably the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PC and PS5 gamers who prioritize consistent high speeds.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance (7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write)
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management and sustained performance
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth data transfers
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (meets PS5 specifications for heatsink)
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Pros:
- Maintains peak performance even under heavy, sustained use
- Excellent for high-performance gaming and professional applications
- Ready for PS5 expansion right out of the box
- High endurance and power efficiency
- Five-year limited warranty
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Cons:
- Slightly thicker due to the heatsink, check compatibility with very compact laptop or PC builds
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot to utilize full speed
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User Impressions: Users highly recommend the NM790 with Heatsink for its rock-solid performance during demanding tasks. PS5 owners particularly praise its easy installation and the noticeable reduction in game load times, confirming it’s a solid upgrade for their consoles.
6. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD
The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD is all about combining incredible speed with sleek, pocket-friendly portability. Offering USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write, it’s a powerhouse for anyone needing to transfer large files quickly. Its thin, lightweight, and durable metal design makes it easy to slip into any bag or pocket. Like other Lexar portable drives, it supports Apple ProRes recording for iPhone 15 Pro, making it a great asset for mobile content creation. Its wide compatibility extends to various devices, including mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and even gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox.
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Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance (up to 2000MB/s read, 1800MB/s write)
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design
- Supports Apple ProRes recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro)
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, laptops, cameras, and consoles
- Unique Thermal Control Design for optimal temperatures
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
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Pros:
- Exceptional portable speed for rapid file transfers
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Robust metal casing enhances durability
- Great for mobile creative workflows
- Ensures data security with encryption
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Cons:
- Full speed requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port
- Slightly less rugged than the Armor 700 series
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User Impressions: Many users appreciate the SL500’s slim profile and impressive speed, often remarking on how easily it fits into their daily carry. Its performance with iPhone ProRes recording is a frequently cited highlight for creators.
7. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
For the ultimate on-the-go creative or professional, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a game-changer. This isn’t just a fast portable SSD; it’s a versatile mobile workstation. Alongside blazing-fast 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds for seamless 4K recording and swift backups, it features an integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports. This incredible flexibility allows you to customize your setup wherever you are, connecting various peripherals or even charging devices. It’s also built for travel, boasting IP65 dust and water resistance and a 1-meter drop resistance.
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Key Features:
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports for ultimate flexibility
- Ultra-compact design with wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector
- Blazing-fast performance (1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write) for 4K recording
- Supports Apple ProRes footage capture
- IP65 dust-proof and water-resistant, 1-meter drop-resistant
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Pros:
- Unparalleled versatility with integrated USB-C hub
- Excellent speeds for professional video recording and large files
- Rugged and travel-ready design
- Wireless Type-C connector for convenience
- Perfect for mobile content creators and photographers
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Cons:
- The wireless Type-C connector needs to be firmly inserted for stable connection
- Could be overkill if you don’t need the hub functionality
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User Impressions: Creative professionals absolutely love this drive for its unique hub feature, calling it indispensable for managing multiple devices on location. Its robust build and fast performance are also frequently praised, making it a truly professional tool.
8. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Welcome to the future of storage! The Lexar NM1090 PRO is a cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD designed for the most demanding PC users. If you’re building a high-end system with AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors and want the absolute fastest storage available, this is your pick. It delivers blistering read/write speeds of up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s, accelerating load times by a staggering 200%. This drive is also perfect for “AI PCs,” reducing bottlenecks and speeding up AI model training and real-time data processing. With DRAM Cache, SLC Dynamic Cache, and Microsoft DirectStorage support, it truly redefines PC performance and is undeniably the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PC enthusiasts seeking the bleeding edge.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations
- Powerful 6nm controller for optimized heat control
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer speeds
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for superior gaming performance
- Perfect for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks in advanced workloads
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Pros:
- Unrivaled, future-proof speeds for the ultimate PC experience
- Significantly improves AI, gaming, and professional application performance
- Advanced thermal management with a 6nm controller
- Optimized for DirectStorage, a boon for modern gaming
- Excellent for professionals needing extreme data throughput
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU (very latest platforms)
- Premium price point, as expected for cutting-edge technology
- Will likely require an effective heatsink (often bundled or motherboard provided) to maintain peak speeds
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User Impressions: Early adopters are astonished by the NM1090 PRO’s incredible speed, noting immediate and dramatic improvements in system responsiveness and game loading. It’s considered an investment for those building truly high-performance, future-ready machines.
9. Lexar 2TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
Designed with gamers in mind, the Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink is an ideal choice for both your PC gaming rig and PlayStation 5. This PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe SSD boasts impressive max read speeds of 7400MB/s and write speeds of 6500MB/s, ensuring minimal load times and buttery-smooth gameplay. The integrated heatsink is not just for show – it’s crucial for sustained performance during intense gaming sessions, keeping your drive cool and preventing throttling. It’s been tested and approved for PS5 consoles, allowing you to expand your game library and play directly from the drive without hassle.
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Key Features:
- Designed to enhance your gaming experience on both PC and PS5
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- Tested and approved for PS5 console storage
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance and responsiveness
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Pros:
- Excellent for reducing game load times on PC and PS5
- Integrated heatsink ensures stable performance during long gaming sessions
- Simple plug-and-play installation for PS5
- High endurance rating (1600TBW for 2TB)
- Five-year limited warranty
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Cons:
- May not be the absolute fastest for pure data transfer compared to some Gen5 drives
- Heatsink might be too tall for extremely compact PC builds
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the Lexar Play for its ease of installation in the PS5 and the significant reduction in loading screens. PC users also appreciate its reliable performance and the peace of mind offered by the integrated heatsink.
10. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD (without the hub) is for those who prioritize ultra-compact, cable-free portability and professional-grade performance. With its wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector, you can instantly expand your smartphone’s storage or backup footage directly from your camera without fumbling with cables. It offers blazing-fast 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, perfect for seamless Apple ProRes 4K 60 fps recording without dropped frames. This drive is built for life on the move, featuring IP65 dust and water resistance, 1-meter drop resistance, and comes with a protective silicone case.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design with wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector
- Expand smartphone storage instantly and enjoy seamless data transfers
- Blazing-fast 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for 4K ProRes recording
- IP65 dust- and water-resistant, 1-meter drop-resistant
- Compatible with mobile phones, iPads, tablets, Macs, PCs, cameras, and more
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Pros:
- Incredibly portable and convenient with wireless Type-C connection
- Excellent speeds for mobile and professional content creation
- Highly durable with IP65 rating and drop resistance
- Comes with a protective silicone case
- Wide range of device compatibility
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Cons:
- Wireless Type-C connector needs to be firmly seated
- May not offer the peak speeds of some USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 portable drives
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User Impressions: Users love the Professional Go for its truly wire-free experience and robust build quality. Mobile videographers and photographers find it indispensable for quick backups and recording directly from their devices, praising its reliability and compact size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the main difference between an NVMe SSD and a SATA SSD?
A1: The biggest difference is speed and interface. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs use the PCIe interface, which is like a superhighway for data, offering significantly faster read and write speeds (often thousands of MB/s). SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs use an older interface, which is limited to around 550MB/s. NVMe drives are ideal for modern PCs and demanding tasks, while SATA drives are great for older systems or budget-friendly upgrades.
Q2: Why choose a 2TB SSD over smaller capacities?
A2: A 2TB SSD offers a generous amount of storage, which is becoming increasingly necessary. It gives you plenty of space for your operating system, a large library of games (which can be 100GB+ each!), extensive photo and video collections, and various applications without worrying about running out of space quickly. It’s a great balance of capacity, performance, and future-proofing, reducing the need for frequent data management.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my Lexar NVMe SSD?
A3: For PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. While the drives are designed to operate without one, heavy, sustained workloads (like long gaming sessions, video editing, or large file transfers) can cause the drive to get hot. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling which would otherwise slow down your drive’s performance to protect its components. Many modern motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks.
Q4: Can I use a portable Lexar SSD with my gaming console like PS5 or Xbox?
A4: Yes, many Lexar portable SSDs (like the SL500, Armor 700, and some Professional Go models) are compatible with gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. You can typically store and play older-generation games directly from these external drives. For current-gen games on PS5/Xbox Series X|S, you can often store them on the external drive and then transfer them to the internal SSD when you want to play, or in some cases, play them directly (check console specifics for full details).
Q5: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for an SSD?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might start to degrade. A higher TBW rating means the drive is designed to handle more data writes and typically lasts longer, especially important for users with heavy write workloads (e.g., video editing, large database work, or frequent installations). Lexar’s drives usually have excellent TBW ratings, ensuring longevity.
Q6: Is installing an internal Lexar 2TB SSD for PC difficult?
A6: For a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, installation is generally straightforward. You simply connect it via a SATA data cable and a SATA power cable to your motherboard and power supply, respectively, and then mount it in an available drive bay. For an M.2 NVMe SSD, it’s even simpler: you just slide it into an available M.2 slot on your motherboard and secure it with a small screw. You’ll then need to initialize the drive in Windows Disk Management. If you’re comfortable opening your PC case, it’s a very manageable DIY upgrade.
Q7: What’s the benefit of Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0?
A7: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) allows an SSD without its own dedicated DRAM cache to use a small portion of your PC’s system RAM as a cache. This helps to improve the SSD’s performance, especially for random read/write operations, making file transfers smoother and system responsiveness better. HMB 3.0 is an improved version, optimizing this process for even better efficiency and speed.