Are you on the hunt for a reliable, speedy, and affordable storage solution? If so, you’ve landed in the right spot! When it comes to digital storage, a 1TB SSD hits that sweet spot for many users, offering ample space without breaking the bank. And Lexar? They’ve been a trusted name in flash memory for ages, consistently delivering performance and value. But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best 1 tb ssd for the money that suits your needs?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive look at Lexar’s top 1TB SSD offerings, breaking down what makes each one tick. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone looking to speed up their daily tasks and back up precious memories, there’s a Lexar SSD here for you. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match!
Why Choose a Lexar 1TB SSD?
Lexar has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality memory products. Their 1TB SSDs are no exception, offering a fantastic balance of performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. With speeds that leave traditional hard drives in the dust, these solid-state drives are perfect for reducing load times, accelerating file transfers, and enhancing overall system responsiveness. Plus, their robust design means your data is safer, whether it’s an internal NVMe drive or a portable external solution.
Our Top Picks: Lexar Best 1TB SSD for the Money
Here are our detailed reviews of the Lexar 1TB SSDs that truly stand out in terms of value and performance.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This isn’t just an SSD; it’s a mobile workstation in your pocket! The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a game-changer for content creators and professionals on the move. Its ultra-compact design means you can literally take your projects anywhere, and the integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports transforms it into a versatile connectivity solution. Imagine capturing stunning Apple ProRes footage directly to your drive and backing it up with blazing-fast speeds – this device makes spontaneous creativity a reality.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design for ultimate portability
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with an integrated 4-port USB Type-C hub
- Supports capturing brilliant Apple ProRes footage
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Ready for travel: IP65 dust-proof and water-resistant, 1-meter drop-resistant
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Acts as both an SSD and a USB hub, reducing clutter
- Exceptional durability for outdoor or rugged use
- High speeds ideal for 4K video recording and large file transfers
- Excellent for creative professionals and mobile setups
- Long warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- Requires firm insertion for Type-C connection (might feel a bit finicky)
- iPhone 17 Series compatibility still in progress
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User Impressions: Users love the innovative hub feature, calling it a lifesaver for travel and on-the-go productivity. The rugged build quality also receives high praise, ensuring data safety even in less-than-ideal conditions. Its speed and versatility make it a top contender for those needing more than just storage.
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD
The Lexar ES3 is all about sleek design, serious speed, and broad compatibility in a super-portable package. If you need an external drive that’s lighter than a deck of cards and can slip into any pocket, this is it. It’s built for convenience and efficiency, offering impressive data transfer speeds that keep your workflow moving, whether you’re working with a laptop, a gaming console, or even an iPhone 15. Plus, with Lexar DataShield™ encryption, your important files stay secure.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write)
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series, Android, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5
- On The Go: Thin, stylish, durable metal design (42g, 10.5mm thick)
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play
- Data Safety First: Lexar DataShield™ 256-bit AES encryption software
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Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and thin, perfect for ultimate portability
- Strong security features with AES encryption
- Broad device compatibility ensures versatility
- Fast transfer speeds for quick backups and access
- Attractive and durable metal casing
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Cons:
- Magsafe is not available in this version
- Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models
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User Impressions: Customers often highlight the ES3’s incredibly compact size and lightweight build as major selling points. The speed is consistently praised for making quick work of large files, and the added security of AES encryption offers valuable peace of mind. It’s a great pick for everyday external storage.
Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD
Step into the future of mobile storage with the Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD. This isn’t just fast; it’s magnetic! With blistering speeds up to 2000MB/s for both read and write, it’s designed for serious content creation, including 4K120FPS Apple ProRes and 8K 30FPS Samsung Pro Video recording. The MagSafe-compatible design lets it snap right onto your smartphone, and an included metal ring ensures even non-MagSafe devices can get in on the action. It’s tough, smart, and a true powerhouse for mobile creators.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-high speeds: up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write
- MagSafe-compatible design for easy smartphone attachment (metal ring included for other devices)
- Supports Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
- Free access to Lexar App for auto backups and storage expansion
- Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- Thin and stylish liquid silicone build with cable organizer/lanyard
- Thermal control design for sustained high performance
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast, ideal for high-resolution video recording
- Innovative MagSafe compatibility for mobile content creators
- Excellent durability with IP65 rating and 3M drop resistance
- Bundled Lexar App and cable organizer add value
- Effective thermal management prevents throttling
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Cons:
- Performance may be lower on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- Relies on an additional metal ring for non-MagSafe devices
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User Impressions: Users are blown away by the ES5’s speed and the convenience of the magnetic attachment. It’s particularly popular among iPhone 15 Pro users who appreciate direct video recording capabilities. The robust build and smart design touches also receive high marks. If you’re looking for the Lexar best 1 tb ssd for the money for mobile content creation, this is a strong contender.
Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD
The Lexar SL500 is a sleek, speedy, and highly compatible portable SSD that punches well above its weight. Offering USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write, it’s built for those who demand top-tier speed in a pocket-friendly form factor. Its unique thermal control design ensures that even during intense transfers, the drive stays cool and maintains peak performance. Whether you’re recording ProRes footage on your iPhone 15 Pro or expanding your gaming console’s storage, the SL500 is ready for anything.
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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 Pro Res recording up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max
- Wide compatibility: mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained performance
- Equipped with Type-C data cable for plug-and-play
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for both creative work and general use
- Extremely portable and stylish with a durable metal build
- Broad compatibility across many platforms and devices
- Effective thermal management prevents slowdowns
- Data security with AES encryption and a long warranty
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Cons:
- Performance may be lower on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the SL500 for its impressive speed and slim profile. It’s a hit with iPhone 15 Pro users for its direct recording capabilities, and gamers appreciate the quick load times for their consoles. The robust build and reliable performance make it a favorite for those seeking high-speed portable storage.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
For serious PC builders and PlayStation 5 owners, the Lexar NM790 SSD with Heatsink is an internal storage beast. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 drive delivers mind-blowing speeds up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, making it twice as fast as many PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. The integrated heatsink is a crucial addition, ensuring your system stays cool under pressure, which is vital for maintaining peak performance during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. It’s the ultimate upgrade for blistering fast system responsiveness and game loading.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional PCIe Gen4 performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- Designed with an integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast internal speeds drastically improve system performance
- Integrated heatsink is a major plus for sustained performance and reliability
- Energy-efficient design (lower power consumption)
- Perfect upgrade for PS5 and high-end PC builds
- Backed by a strong five-year warranty
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Cons:
- Internal drive, not a portable solution
- Requires a compatible M.2 slot (PCIe Gen4)
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User Impressions: Gamers and tech enthusiasts rave about the NM790’s phenomenal speed, particularly for cutting down game load times on PCs and PS5s. The inclusion of a heatsink is a huge bonus, eliminating the need for a separate purchase and ensuring stable performance. It’s considered one of the Lexar best 1 tb ssd for the money for internal upgrades.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Lexar 1TB SSDs Answered
Choosing the right SSD can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some common ones to help you make an informed decision.
Q1: What does “1TB” mean in an SSD, and is it enough storage?
A1: 1TB stands for 1 Terabyte, which is approximately 1,000 Gigabytes (GB). For most users, 1TB offers a generous amount of storage. It’s typically enough for your operating system, a large library of games, numerous photos and videos, and plenty of software applications. If you’re a professional dealing with massive raw video files, you might consider higher capacities or supplementing with additional storage.
Q2: What’s the difference between an external and an internal SSD?
A2: An internal SSD (like the NM790) is installed directly inside your computer (or gaming console) and acts as its primary storage drive, offering the fastest possible speeds. An external SSD (like the ES3 or SL500) connects via a USB cable, offering portability and easy data transfer between different devices. External drives are great for backups, expanding storage on consoles, or working on files across multiple computers.
Q3: Why are some Lexar SSDs faster than others? What do MB/s and PCIe Gen4 mean?
A3: The speed difference comes down to the interface and technology used. “MB/s” refers to Megabytes per second, indicating how fast data can be read or written. PCIe Gen4 (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express Generation 4) is a newer, much faster interface than older SATA or even PCIe Gen 3, allowing for significantly higher data transfer rates. Portable SSDs use USB standards (like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Gen 2×2), which also dictate their maximum speeds.
Q4: Is a heatsink necessary for an SSD?
A4: For high-performance internal NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen4 drives, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate considerable heat under heavy loads, which can lead to thermal throttling (slowing down to prevent overheating). A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, ensuring the SSD maintains its top speeds and extends its lifespan.
Q5: What is “256-bit AES encryption” and why is it important?
A5: 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a highly secure data encryption method. When an SSD features this, it means your data is encrypted directly on the drive, protecting it from unauthorized access even if the drive is lost or stolen. It’s a crucial security feature, especially for sensitive personal or professional files.
Q6: Can I use these Lexar 1TB SSDs with my gaming console (PS5, Xbox)?
A6: Yes, many Lexar 1TB SSDs, particularly the external portable ones (ES3, ES5, SL500) are compatible with gaming consoles like the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S for expanding game storage. For the PS5, the internal NM790 with a heatsink is specifically designed and certified to meet its high-speed requirements for running PS5 games directly.
Q7: How do I know which Lexar 1TB SSD is the best value for my money?
A7: The “best value” depends on your primary use case.
– For extreme portability & mobile content creation: The ES5 Magnetic or Professional Go w/Hub.
– For everyday external storage & security: The ES3 or SL500.
– For a powerful internal upgrade for PC/PS5: The NM790 with Heatsink.
Consider your budget, required speeds, and specific features like ruggedness or MagSafe compatibility to find your ideal match.
Final Thoughts
Finding the Lexar best 1 tb ssd for the money really boils down to your specific needs and how you plan to use it. Lexar offers a fantastic range, from ultra-portable external drives perfect for content creators and everyday backups, to lightning-fast internal NVMe drives that’ll supercharge your PC or PS5.
No matter which one you lean towards, you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product from a reputable brand. We hope this guide has made your decision a little easier. Happy storing!