In today’s fast-paced digital world, sluggish storage can be a real bottleneck for everything from gaming to professional content creation. That’s why solid-state drives (SSDs) have become indispensable, offering a significant performance leap over traditional hard disk drives. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Lexar has consistently proven itself as a reliable player in the storage game, and many consider them among the Lexar best brands for SSD.
Lexar has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation, offering a diverse range of SSDs designed to meet different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer needing lightning-fast load times, a creative professional demanding quick file transfers, or just someone looking to speed up their everyday PC, Lexar likely has a solution for you. We’ve handpicked five of their top offerings to help you decide if Lexar truly stands out as one of the Lexar best brands for SSD. Let’s dive in!
Why Lexar is a Contender for the Best Brands for SSD
Lexar isn’t just another name; they’ve earned their stripes by consistently delivering high-performance, reliable, and innovative storage solutions. They focus on crucial aspects like speed, durability, and compatibility, which are paramount for modern users. From internal NVMe drives that push the boundaries of data transfer to robust portable SSDs built for life on the go, Lexar ensures that your digital assets are not just stored, but accessed and managed with efficiency. Their commitment to quality and user experience makes them a strong candidate when you’re looking for the Lexar best brands for SSD.
Our Top 5 Lexar SSD Picks
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
This beast of an SSD is designed for those who demand uncompromising speed and vast storage. The 4TB Lexar NM790 isn’t just fast; it’s a performance powerhouse, pushing the limits of PCIe Gen4 with incredible read and write speeds. What truly makes it shine for intense users, particularly gamers and content creators, is the integrated heatsink, ensuring your drive stays cool even under the heaviest workloads. If you’re building a high-end PC or upgrading your PlayStation 5, this drive offers an exceptional blend of capacity, speed, and thermal efficiency.
Key Features:
– 4TB Capacity for massive storage needs
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 3000TBW (Terabytes Written) for outstanding durability
– 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
– Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for smoother transfer
– Compatible with PlayStation 5 for expanded gaming
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for rapid data access
– Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal performance
– Massive 4TB capacity caters to large game libraries and media files
– Power-efficient design helps extend laptop battery life
– Excellent endurance with a high TBW rating
– Perfect for PS5 upgrades
Cons:
– Premium price point due to capacity and performance
– Requires an M.2 NVMe slot, not compatible with all older systems
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the NM790’s impressive speed and seamless performance, especially when paired with a PS5 or a high-end PC. The heatsink receives particular praise for keeping temperatures in check during extended use, making it a favorite among gamers and professionals who rely on sustained high performance.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
For the on-the-go creative or anyone needing robust, flexible external storage, the Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a game-changer. This ultra-compact device isn’t just an SSD; it’s a complete portable workstation. Its integrated hub, wireless Type-C connection, and rugged build make it an ideal companion for photographers, videographers, and drone operators who need to offload and manage files directly on location without a mess of cables. Its ability to handle Apple ProRes footage is a huge plus for serious content creators.
Key Features:
– Ultra-compact design for ultimate portability
– Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector for cable-free operation
– Supports Apple ProRes footage capture for professional video workflows
– Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports for versatile connectivity
– Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
– Seamless 4K recording with no dropped frames
– Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Incredible portability and convenience with integrated hub
– Rugged build quality for peace of mind on location
– Excellent speeds for 4K video editing and large file transfers
– Cable-free Type-C connection simplifies setup
– Specifically designed for creative professionals with ProRes support
Cons:
– 1TB might be limiting for extensive 4K ProRes projects
– Wireless Type-C connector might require a firm press to ensure full insertion
– iPhone 17 compatibility is still being tested
User Impressions:
Photographers and videographers absolutely love this drive for its compact size, integrated hub, and robust design. The ability to connect directly to cameras or mobile devices for quick backups is a standout feature, though some users noted a slight learning curve for ensuring a secure connection with the Type-C port.
Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage…
If you need fast, reliable external storage for everyday use, backups, or expanding your device’s capacity, the Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD is an excellent choice. This drive offers speeds up to 1050MB/s, making it dramatically faster than any traditional HDD. What sets it apart is its thoughtful design, including built-in graphite sheets for superior heat dissipation, and a rugged build that can withstand drops. Plus, with Lexar DataShield encryption and a recovery tool included, your data is both secure and protected.
Key Features:
– 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
– Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion
– Built-in, double-layer graphite sheets for enhanced heat dissipation
– Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for excellent durability
– Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable for wide device support
– Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
– Access to Lexar Recovery Tool to help restore accidentally deleted files
Pros:
– Excellent external transfer speeds for quick file management
– Durable design with 2-meter drop resistance
– Effective heat management keeps the drive cool
– Wide compatibility with various devices via 2-in-1 cable
– Valuable included software for security and data recovery
– Great value for a 2TB external SSD
Cons:
– Not as compact or feature-rich as the Professional Go series
– Speeds are fast for external, but not at internal NVMe levels
User Impressions:
Customers praise the ES3 for its blend of speed, durability, and ease of use. Many found it perfect for backing up large media libraries or as a speedy external drive for their laptops and consoles. The included encryption software was a welcome bonus for those concerned about data security.
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
Taking everything great about its 1TB sibling and doubling the storage, the Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub offers even more freedom for demanding creative projects. This version provides ample space for extended 4K recording sessions and massive photo libraries, all while maintaining its ultra-compact form factor and integrated hub functionality. For professionals who are constantly on the move and need significant, reliable, and versatile storage right at their fingertips, this 2TB option is truly a powerhouse.
Key Features:
– Ultra-compact design for ultimate portability
– Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector for cable-free operation
– Supports Apple ProRes footage capture for professional video workflows
– Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports for versatile connectivity
– Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
– Seamless 4K recording with no dropped frames
– Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Increased 2TB capacity for larger projects and more extensive backups
– Unmatched portability and convenience with integrated hub
– Extremely rugged and durable for field use
– High speeds ideal for professional content creation workflows
– Cable-free connectivity simplifies on-site data management
Cons:
– Premium price point for the 2TB capacity and features
– Wireless Type-C connector might require a firm press to ensure full insertion
– iPhone 17 compatibility is still being tested
User Impressions:
Creative professionals, particularly those working with high-resolution video, found the 2TB capacity to be a sweet spot. They appreciate the convenience of the integrated hub for connecting peripherals and the peace of mind offered by its robust, travel-ready design.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
For PC enthusiasts and PlayStation 5 owners who want top-tier performance without committing to the massive 4TB capacity, the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink is an outstanding choice. This drive delivers the same incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds and efficient thermal management as its larger counterpart, making it perfect for significantly improving game load times, application responsiveness, and overall system performance. It’s a smart investment for those seeking a balance between high-speed storage, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for their main system or console.
Key Features:
– 2TB Capacity for substantial storage needs
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1500TBW (Terabytes Written) for long-term endurance
– 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
– Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for smoother transfer
– Compatible with PlayStation 5 for expanded gaming
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for instant responsiveness
– Integrated heatsink ensures stable performance under load
– Generous 2TB capacity for games and applications
– Power-efficient operation is great for laptops
– Excellent endurance with a high TBW rating
– Ideal for PS5 storage expansion
Cons:
– Requires an M.2 NVMe slot in your motherboard
– Still a higher price point compared to slower SATA SSDs
User Impressions:
This 2TB version of the NM790 is a highly recommended upgrade by PC builders and PS5 users. They consistently report noticeable improvements in loading times and overall system snappiness. The heatsink is frequently mentioned as a critical feature for maintaining peak performance during intense gaming sessions.
Conclusion
When it comes to solid-state drives, Lexar consistently demonstrates why they are considered one of the Lexar best brands for SSD. From the blistering speeds of their internal NVMe drives like the NM790, perfect for gamers and PC builders, to the innovative, rugged, and feature-packed Professional Go Portable SSDs for creative professionals on the move, Lexar offers solutions that truly make a difference. The ES3 external SSD strikes an excellent balance of speed, durability, and value for everyday users needing reliable external storage.
No matter your specific needs, Lexar offers a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and thoughtful design. We hope this breakdown helps you choose the perfect Lexar SSD to power your digital life!
FAQ Section
Q1: What makes Lexar a good brand for SSDs?
A1: Lexar has a strong track record of producing high-quality, reliable, and high-performance storage solutions. They offer a diverse range of SSDs, from internal NVMe drives that push speed limits to robust external portable options, catering to various user needs, from gaming to content creation. Their drives often feature excellent endurance, good warranties, and competitive pricing.
Q2: What’s the difference between an NVMe SSD and an external SSD?
A2: An NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSD is typically an internal drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a PCIe slot (often in an M.2 form factor) for maximum speed. An external SSD is a portable drive that connects to your computer or device via a USB cable (like USB-C or USB-A) and is designed for portability and external storage expansion, offering fast speeds but generally not as fast as internal NVMe drives.
Q3: Is the Lexar NM790 SSD compatible with PlayStation 5?
A3: Yes, both the Lexar 4TB NM790 and 2TB NM790 SSDs with heatsinks are specifically designed and tested for compatibility with the PlayStation 5, offering significant storage expansion and fast load times for your games.
Q4: What does “TBW” mean for an SSD?
A4: 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 it’s expected to fail. A higher TBW rating means the drive is more durable and can handle more write cycles.
Q5: Are Lexar portable SSDs durable enough for travel?
A5: Absolutely! Lexar’s Professional Go Portable SSDs (and the ES3 external SSD) are built with durability in mind. Features like IP65 dust and water resistance, and drop resistance (up to 1 meter for the Go series, 2 meters for the ES3) ensure they can withstand the rigors of travel and on-location work.
Q6: What is a “Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0”?
A6: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) allows an NVMe SSD to use a small portion of your system’s DRAM (RAM) as a cache. HMB 3.0 is an improved version that helps the SSD achieve higher performance without needing its own dedicated DRAM cache, which can reduce power consumption and cost while still providing smooth and fast data transfers.
Q7: Do Lexar SSDs come with a warranty?
A7: Yes, all the Lexar SSDs reviewed in this article come with a five-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and demonstrating Lexar’s confidence in the quality and longevity of their products.