Looking to boost your computer’s speed or expand your storage without breaking the bank? When it comes to performance, reliability, and affordability, Lexar has consistently delivered excellent options. Finding the Lexar best bang for buck M.2 SSD can seriously upgrade your system, whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just need faster everyday computing.
M.2 NVMe SSDs are the go-to for modern systems, offering lightning-fast data transfer speeds far beyond traditional SATA drives. But with so many choices out there, picking the right one that gives you the most value for your money can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together a list of Lexar’s top M.2 SSDs and other fantastic storage solutions that truly offer “bang for buck,” ensuring you get superb performance without overspending. Let’s dive in!
Our Top Lexar Best Bang for Buck M.2 SSDs & Storage Picks
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re hunting for a serious speed upgrade that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Lexar NM790 is a fantastic contender for the Lexar best bang for buck M.2 SSD. This Gen4 NVMe drive punches well above its weight, offering blistering speeds perfect for gaming, demanding applications, and large file transfers. Its efficiency and PS5 compatibility make it a sweet spot for many users seeking high performance without the premium price tag of Gen5 drives.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW endurance rating
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, ideal for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent value for Gen4 performance
- Low power consumption, great for laptops
- PS5 compatible for expanded gaming storage
- High endurance rating
- Includes a generous five-year warranty
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Cons:
- Not as fast as top-tier Gen5 drives (but much more affordable)
- Might require a heatsink in some high-performance desktop builds (though power efficient)
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the NM790 for its incredible speed-to-price ratio. Many report seamless upgrades and noticeably faster system responsiveness, especially in gaming and professional applications. The ease of installation and solid performance make it a consistent favorite.
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2. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For those who truly need bleeding-edge performance and are building a top-tier PC, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is an absolute beast. While it might not fit everyone’s definition of “bang for buck” due to its premium nature, for enthusiasts and professionals demanding the absolute fastest, this Gen5 SSD delivers unparalleled speeds. It’s a future-proof investment, especially for AI PCs and next-gen gaming, pushing the limits of what an M.2 SSD can do.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200%
- Powerful 6nm controller for optimized heat control
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for superior game loads
- Ideal with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms
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Pros:
- Currently among the fastest SSDs available
- Designed for future-proof performance in AI and gaming
- Advanced caching technologies for consistent speed
- Optimized heat management
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Cons:
- Premium price point, not for budget builds
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard to achieve full speeds
- Might generate more heat, necessitating good airflow or a robust heatsink
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User Impressions: Early adopters are thrilled with the raw speed, reporting almost instantaneous load times in games and applications. They highlight its robust performance for demanding tasks like video editing and AI model training, validating its premium position in the market.
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3. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
While our main focus is on M.2 SSDs, the Lexar NS100 offers fantastic value as a traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSD. If your system doesn’t have an M.2 slot or you’re upgrading an older laptop or desktop, this drive is a true “bang for buck” hero. It provides a massive speed improvement over any hard drive at a very accessible price point, making your system feel snappier and more responsive for everyday tasks.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 960TBW endurance
- Three-year limited product support
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Pros:
- Highly affordable storage solution
- Significant performance boost over HDDs
- Durable and reliable with no moving parts
- Easy to install in most older systems
- Good endurance rating for its class
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Cons:
- Slower than any NVMe M.2 SSD
- Uses the older SATA III interface
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User Impressions: Customers love the NS100 for breathing new life into older machines. They often mention how simple it was to install and how dramatically it improved boot times and application loading. It’s frequently recommended as a budget-friendly upgrade for secondary storage or older gaming rigs.
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4. Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Sometimes, the best bang for your buck isn’t just about internal speed, but also about portability and ruggedness. The Lexar Armor 700 is an outstanding portable SSD, perfect for professionals and adventurers alike. Its exceptional durability combined with blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds makes it a versatile companion for on-the-go content creation, secure backups, or even recording directly from your iPhone 15 Pro.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds
- IP66 rated for water and dust protection
- Rugged design withstands up to 3-meter drops
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro)
- Unique Thermal Control Design maintains performance
- Wide compatibility (PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles)
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption
- Comes with a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely fast for a portable drive
- Military-grade durability (water, dust, drop-resistant)
- Excellent for creative professionals on the go (Pro Res support)
- Strong security features
- Broad device compatibility
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Cons:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port needed for full speed, not universally available
- Magnetic ring for iPhone sold separately
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User Impressions: Users love the Armor 700’s robust build and how effortlessly it handles demanding tasks like 4K video recording on iPhones. Its speed and reliability in tough conditions are frequently highlighted, making it a favorite for outdoor photographers and videographers.
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5. Lexar E300 M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Adapter, USB 3.2 Gen 2
While not an SSD itself, the Lexar E300 M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Adapter is a fantastic “bang for buck” accessory that transforms any compatible M.2 NVMe SSD into a blazing-fast portable drive. This enclosure allows you to repurpose an old internal M.2 SSD or create a custom external drive, offering incredible flexibility and value. It’s a smart way to maximize the utility of your M.2 storage.
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Key Features:
- NOT Compatible with SATA SSD.
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface delivers data transfer rates up to 10Gbps.
- Integrated metal housing and heat dissipation sticker keep your drive cool.
- Durable, metal enclosure for housing an internal drive.
- Portable design with a lanyard hole and rugged bumper.
- Tool-free, easy installation.
- Lexar 2-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Transforms internal M.2 SSDs into portable storage
- High-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- Excellent thermal management for sustained performance
- Rugged and portable design
- Tool-free installation for convenience
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Cons:
- Only for NVMe M.2 SSDs, not SATA
- Requires a separate M.2 NVMe SSD to function
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User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate the E300 for its simple, tool-free design and robust build quality. They often mention its effectiveness in keeping drives cool during heavy transfers and how it provides an affordable way to create a high-performance external drive from spare M.2s.
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6. Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM710 stands out as another strong candidate for the Lexar best bang for buck M.2 SSD, offering solid PCIe Gen4 performance at an incredibly attractive price point. It’s a superb choice if you’re upgrading from an older Gen3 drive or a SATA SSD and want a noticeable speed bump without needing the absolute peak speeds of a Gen5 drive. This drive offers a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and affordability for mainstream users.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) 3.0 and SLC Cache technology
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- More than 40% faster speed than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
- Sequential read speed up to 4850MB/s, sequential write speed up to 4500MB/s
- 1200TBW endurance
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for Gen4
- Solid speeds for gaming and daily tasks
- Durable and reliable design
- Good endurance and warranty
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Cons:
- Not as fast as premium Gen4 or Gen5 drives
- No DRAM cache (relies on HMB)
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User Impressions: Many users find the NM710 to be a perfect sweet spot for a cost-effective upgrade. They report significant improvements in boot times and application loading compared to their previous drives, making it a popular choice for mainstream gaming PCs and workstations.
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7. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro
If you need a portable SSD that’s both incredibly fast and unbelievably sleek, the Lexar SL500 is a fantastic option. Its slim, durable metal design makes it easy to slip into any pocket, while its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds ensure your files transfer in a flash. For iPhone 15 Pro users, its Pro Res recording capability makes it an indispensable tool for mobile videography. It’s the definition of “bang for buck” in a portable form factor.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max)
- Wide compatibility (mobile, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5)
- Unique Thermal Control Design for optimal temperatures
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Ultra-portable and stylish
- Blazing-fast transfer speeds for a portable drive
- Excellent compatibility across devices
- Great for iPhone 15 Pro video recording
- Built-in security features
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Cons:
- Full speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, not common on all devices
- Performance on Mac and other systems may be lower without full Gen 2×2 support
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User Impressions: Users rave about the SL500’s minimalist design and how easily it slips into a bag or pocket. Its speed for large photo and video files is consistently praised, and iPhone 15 Pro owners particularly appreciate its seamless integration for recording.
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8. Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD
This is another listing for the Lexar NM790, which reaffirms its status as a top choice for a Lexar best bang for buck M.2 SSD. With its excellent blend of Gen4 performance, power efficiency, and compatibility, it’s clear why this drive frequently appears as a recommended upgrade. It truly delivers high-end speed without the high-end cost, making it a smart choice for a broad range of users from gamers to professionals.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe interface
- High read/write speeds (up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write as per main NM790 description)
- Excellent power efficiency
- Suitable for PS5 expansion
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Outstanding performance for the price
- Energy efficient design
- Robust for various demanding applications
- Reliable with a good warranty
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Cons:
- Actual performance might vary slightly based on system configuration
- No dedicated DRAM cache (uses HMB)
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User Impressions: As with the previous NM790 listing, users consistently highlight its impressive speed for gaming and daily multitasking, often noting that it feels just as fast as more expensive alternatives. Its ease of installation and dependable performance are major selling points.
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9. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD, Supports Apple 4K ProRes
For creative professionals and mobile warriors, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is a game-changer. Its ultra-compact, cable-free design makes it incredibly convenient, letting you expand your smartphone or tablet storage instantly. With blazing-fast speeds and robust IP65 dust/water resistance, it’s a powerhouse for on-the-go 4K ProRes recording and quick backups, proving that great value comes in small, mighty packages.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Ultra-compact, wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector
- Blazing-fast performance 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Seamless Apple ProRes 4K 60 fps recording without dropped frames
- Compatible with mobile phones, iPads, tablets, Macs, PCs, cameras, and more Type-C devices
- Dust- and water-resistant (IP65 rated), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Comes with a protective silicone case
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely portable and cable-free design
- Excellent for mobile content creation (ProRes support)
- Rugged and durable for travel
- Broad compatibility with Type-C devices
- Fast transfer speeds for its compact size
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Cons:
- Speed is lower than Gen2x2 portable drives
- Wireless connector needs to be firmly inserted for proper function
- Compatibility with future iPhone series (17+) is still being tested
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User Impressions: Users are incredibly impressed by the Professional Go’s tiny footprint and the sheer convenience of its cable-free design. Mobile videographers particularly love its ability to handle ProRes recording flawlessly, making it an essential tool for on-the-spot creativity.
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10. Lexar EQ790 SSD 2TB, M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe 1.4
Rounding out our list of top picks, the Lexar EQ790 is another solid entry in the Gen4 NVMe space, offering excellent performance for an improved user experience. If you’re looking for a dependable Lexar best bang for buck M.2 SSD that focuses on core speed and efficiency, the EQ790 is a fantastic choice. It brings the advantages of PCIe 4.0, NVMe, and smart caching technologies to deliver fast and responsive storage for everyday tasks and gaming.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- PCIe 4.0 interface, NVMe protocol
- HMB and SLC cache technologies
- High-performance – sequential read/write speeds up to 7000/6000MB/s
- M.2 2280 form factor
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Pros:
- Very competitive Gen4 speeds
- Utilizes HMB and SLC cache for efficient performance
- Great for gaming and general computing
- Strong performance for its price point
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Cons:
- Might be slightly slower than the top-tier Gen4 drives in some benchmarks
- No specific PS5 compatibility mentioned (though likely compatible, verify with Lexar)
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User Impressions: Customers report smooth operation and fast load times with the EQ790. They often cite it as a robust and reliable drive that significantly improves system responsiveness, making it an easy recommendation for anyone needing a performance boost.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
Conclusion: Finding Your Lexar Sweet Spot
Lexar truly offers a diverse range of storage solutions that consistently deliver on the “bang for buck” promise. Whether you’re after the blazing speeds of a PCIe Gen5 internal SSD like the NM1090 PRO, the incredible value of a Gen4 M.2 SSD like the NM790 or EQ790, or the convenience and ruggedness of a portable drive like the Armor 700 or SL500, there’s a Lexar product for you. Even for older systems, the NS100 SATA SSD offers a vital performance boost at minimal cost.
When choosing your next storage device, consider your primary use case, your system’s compatibility, and of course, your budget. With Lexar, you’re not just buying a drive; you’re investing in reliable performance that makes your digital life faster and smoother. Happy upgrading!
FAQ Section
Q1: What exactly does “best bang for buck” mean for an M.2 SSD?
A1: “Best bang for buck” means you’re getting the most performance, features, and reliability for the price you pay. For an M.2 SSD, this typically translates to excellent sequential read/write speeds, good endurance (TBW rating), a solid warranty, and perhaps advanced caching technologies, all at a competitive price point compared to its direct competitors or higher-tier models.
Q2: What’s the main difference between PCIe Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 M.2 SSDs?
A2: The “Gen” (Generation) refers to the PCIe interface version, which determines the maximum theoretical speed of the SSD. PCIe Gen 3 offers speeds up to around 3,500 MB/s, Gen 4 typically reaches 7,000-7,500 MB/s, and Gen 5 pushes past 10,000 MB/s, with Lexar’s NM1090 PRO hitting 14,000 MB/s. Newer generations offer significantly faster data transfer rates, crucial for demanding tasks like 4K/8K video editing, large game loading, and AI workloads. However, your motherboard must support the specific PCIe generation to fully utilize its speeds.
Q3: Can I use a Lexar M.2 NVMe SSD in my PlayStation 5?
A3: Yes, many Lexar M.2 NVMe SSDs, particularly those with PCIe Gen4 speeds (like the NM790), are compatible with the PlayStation 5. The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD that meets specific performance and physical dimensions. Always double-check the product specifications and Lexar’s official compatibility list to ensure it meets Sony’s requirements, especially regarding sequential read speed (PS5 recommends 5,500 MB/s or higher) and the need for a heatsink.
Q4: What is NVMe, and why is it important for M.2 SSDs?
A4: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol specifically designed for SSDs that use the PCIe interface. It allows for much faster data transfer than older protocols like SATA because it reduces latency and supports more commands simultaneously. In simple terms, NVMe is the “language” that allows your M.2 SSD to communicate with your computer at incredibly high speeds via the PCIe “highway.”
Q5: Are Lexar SSDs reliable?
A5: Yes, Lexar has a strong reputation for producing reliable storage products. They often back their SSDs with generous warranties (typically three to five years) and provide solid endurance ratings (TBW – Terabytes Written), indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. User feedback generally confirms their durability and consistent performance.
Q6: What is TBW (Terabytes Written), and why does it matter?
A6: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance, indicating the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before it might start to degrade or fail. A higher TBW rating means the SSD is designed to last longer under heavy writing workloads. For an average user, even a lower TBW rating is often sufficient, but for professionals who constantly write and rewrite large files, a higher TBW like the 1500TBW on the NM790 is a significant advantage.
Q7: How do portable SSDs like the Lexar Armor 700 compare to internal M.2 SSDs?
A7: Internal M.2 NVMe SSDs generally offer the fastest speeds available for internal storage, directly leveraging your motherboard’s PCIe lanes. Portable SSDs, while also very fast, are designed for external use and connect via USB. Their speeds are limited by the USB interface (e.g., USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 offers up to 2000MB/s). Portable SSDs excel in convenience, ruggedness, and compatibility across multiple devices, while internal M.2 SSDs are best for maximizing your primary system’s performance.
Q8: Do I need an M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure like the Lexar E300?
A8: You need an M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure if you want to use an internal M.2 NVMe SSD as an external, portable drive. This is great for repurposing an old drive, carrying large files between computers, or using it as a high-speed backup solution. The enclosure provides the necessary interface (usually USB) and protects the delicate M.2 drive.