Are you ready to future-proof your gaming setup for 2026 and beyond? As game files get larger and load screens become a dreaded enemy, a high-performance Solid State Drive (SSD) isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. And when it comes to speed, reliability, and value, Lexar has consistently proven itself a contender. But which Lexar SSD is the Lexar best SSD for gaming 2026?
We’ve scoured the market and dived deep into Lexar’s current and upcoming offerings to bring you a comprehensive review of the top 5 Lexar SSDs that will give you the edge in your gaming adventures. From lightning-fast internal NVMe drives to versatile external solutions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get those load times obliterated!
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This 2TB beast is a serious contender for the Lexar best SSD for gaming 2026 if you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one. With blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds, it’ll drastically cut down your game load times and improve overall system responsiveness. Its efficiency, thanks to Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0, means you get top-tier performance without a huge power draw, which is great for both desktops and gaming laptops. Plus, it’s PlayStation 5 compatible, making it a fantastic choice for console gamers looking for more storage and speed.
Key Features:
– 2TB Capacity
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1500TBW (Total Bytes Written) 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, perfect for laptops
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds dramatically reduce load times.
– High 2TB capacity for a large game library.
– Excellent power efficiency is great for laptops and reducing heat.
– PS5 compatibility makes it versatile for console upgrades.
– Robust 1500TBW ensures long-term reliability.
Cons:
– Lacks an integrated heatsink, which might be necessary for sustained high-performance gaming in some systems.
– May experience thermal throttling without adequate system cooling.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise its incredible speed and ease of installation, noting significant improvements in game loading and file transfers. Many highlight its value for money, especially given the high performance, though some suggest adding an aftermarket heatsink for peace of mind during intense gaming sessions.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
When it comes to sustained gaming performance, thermal management is key, and this version of the 2TB NM790 addresses that head-on. It’s essentially the same incredibly fast drive as its sibling, offering the same astounding PCIe Gen4 speeds and power efficiency, but with a crucial upgrade: an integrated heatsink. This makes it an even stronger contender for the Lexar best SSD for gaming 2026, especially for desktop PC builders and PS5 owners who want to ensure their drive stays cool under pressure, preventing any performance drops during those epic gaming marathons.
Key Features:
– 2TB Capacity
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1500TBW (Total Bytes Written) endurance rating
– 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 for smoother transfer speeds
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal performance and prevents throttling.
– Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds drastically reduce load times.
– High 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
– Excellent power efficiency reduces heat generation.
– PS5 compatibility makes it ideal for console upgrades.
Cons:
– The heatsink might make it too tall for some very compact laptop M.2 slots (though perfect for desktops and PS5).
User Impressions:
Gamers absolutely love the peace of mind the integrated heatsink provides. They report consistent high speeds even during demanding tasks and extended gaming, with many calling it the perfect upgrade for their PS5 or high-end gaming PC. Installation is generally straightforward, and the reliability is highly praised.
3. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
While not an internal drive for running games, the Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD is a fantastic tool for gamers who also create content, stream, or need robust external storage. This ultra-compact device isn’t just an SSD; it’s also a hub, offering incredible flexibility on the go. Its blazing-fast external speeds are perfect for capturing and storing high-resolution game footage (Apple ProRes!), swiftly backing up large game files, or transferring media between devices. Its rugged design means it can handle the bumps and spills of travel, making it a great companion for event attendees or content creators.
Key Features:
– Ultra-compact design for portability
– Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly to ensure drive is completely inserted)
– Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease
– Portable SSD plus an integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports
– Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
– Ready for travel: IP65 dust-proof and water-resistant, drop-resistant up to 1 meter
– Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Extremely portable with an integrated hub for versatility.
– Rugged design (IP65, drop-resistant) for durability.
– Great for capturing and editing high-resolution game footage and streaming content.
– Fast external transfer speeds for quick backups and file management.
Cons:
– Not suitable for internal primary game installation and execution.
– 1TB capacity might be limiting for vast external game libraries.
– External speeds, while excellent for portable, are not Gen4 NVMe internal speeds.
User Impressions:
Creative professionals and tech-savvy gamers find this drive incredibly useful for its portability and hub functionality. They appreciate the fast transfer speeds for video editing and content creation, as well as its robust build quality. The convenience of the integrated hub is a major plus for reducing cable clutter.
4. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For gamers who want to experience the sheer speed of PCIe Gen4 without breaking the bank, the 1TB version of the NM790 is an outstanding choice. This internal SSD delivers the same exceptional read/write speeds as its 2TB sibling, meaning incredibly fast game loading, seamless level transitions, and snappier system performance. It’s also energy-efficient and PlayStation 5 compatible, making it a stellar entry point into high-speed storage. While 1TB might seem modest for modern game libraries, it’s a significant upgrade for your primary boot drive and frequently played titles, easily earning its spot among the best Lexar SSDs for gaming 2026.
Key Features:
– 1TB Capacity
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1000TBW (Total Bytes Written) 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, perfect for laptops
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading and system responsiveness.
– More affordable entry point to high-performance NVMe storage.
– Excellent power efficiency.
– PS5 compatibility for console gamers.
– Single-sided design ideal for laptops.
Cons:
– 1TB capacity can fill up quickly with modern AAA games.
– Lacks an integrated heatsink, potentially requiring aftermarket cooling for peak performance.
User Impressions:
Reviewers frequently highlight the dramatic improvement in boot times and game loading, even with the 1TB model. It’s often recommended as a great value upgrade, particularly for users moving from SATA SSDs or older Gen3 NVMe drives. Many consider it sufficient for a main drive, pairing it with a larger HDD or external drive for less-played titles.
5. Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD
Rounding out our list is another excellent external option that offers immense versatility for gamers, especially those on the go or with multiple devices. The Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD boasts impressive external transfer speeds, rivalling some internal drives. Its unique MagSafe-compatible design makes it incredibly convenient for attaching to compatible smartphones, turning your phone into a powerful recording device for high-quality game captures (ProRes at 4K120FPS, Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS). With its rugged build and integrated backup app, it’s perfect for quickly moving large game files, backing up your saves, or expanding mobile storage, making it a smart accessory for the modern gamer.
Key Features:
– 2TB Capacity
– Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write for fast file transfers
– MagSafe-compatible design for easy attachment to smartphones
– Includes an additional metal ring accessory for non-MagSafe devices
– Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
– Free access to the Lexar App for auto backup and mobile storage expansion
– Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and drop resistant up to 3 meters
– Thin, stylish liquid silicone build with a comfortable grip and cable organizer/lanyard
– Thermal control design ensures optimal temperatures for high performance
Pros:
– Excellent external transfer speeds for rapid data movement.
– MagSafe compatibility and mobile recording support are innovative for content creators.
– High 2TB capacity for external game backups or media storage.
– Extremely durable with IP65 rating and 3M drop resistance.
– Stylish, portable design with useful accessories.
Cons:
– Not designed for internal primary game installation and execution.
– Performance on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 may be lower.
– Faster than most externals, but still not at the level of internal PCIe Gen4.
User Impressions:
Mobile content creators and gamers who frequently transfer large files rave about the ES5’s speed and convenience. The magnetic attachment is a standout feature for phone users, and its robust build quality inspires confidence. Users also appreciate the Lexar App for easy backups, making it a go-to for safeguarding important game footage and files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD better for gaming than a SATA SSD?
A1: PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds (up to 7000MB/s+) compared to SATA SSDs (around 550MB/s). This translates to drastically reduced game loading times, quicker level transitions, and overall snappier system performance, especially beneficial for modern AAA titles with large assets.
Q2: Is a heatsink necessary for a Lexar NM790 SSD?
A2: For most everyday use, a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary. However, for sustained, intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps prevent thermal throttling, ensuring your SSD maintains peak performance and doesn’t slow down due to overheating. Many motherboards come with built-in M.2 heatsinks, or you can opt for an SSD with an integrated heatsink like the Lexar 2TB NM790 with Heatsink.
Q3: Can these Lexar SSDs be used with the PlayStation 5?
A3: Yes, the Lexar NM790 series (both 1TB and 2TB versions, with or without heatsink) are fully compatible with the PlayStation 5. They meet or exceed Sony’s recommended specifications for read speed and form factor, allowing you to expand your PS5’s internal storage for your favorite games.
Q4: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for an SSD?
A4: TBW stands for “Total Bytes Written” and is an endurance rating for an SSD, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start experiencing issues. For gamers, a higher TBW means the drive can handle more game installations, updates, and general writes, ensuring a longer lifespan for your investment. Lexar’s NM790 series offers excellent TBW ratings (e.g., 1500TBW for 2TB).
Q5: Are external SSDs like the Lexar Professional Go or ES5 good for running games directly?
A5: While external SSDs offer fast transfer speeds for portable storage, they are generally not ideal for running high-performance games directly, especially current-gen titles that expect internal NVMe speeds. Their primary benefit for gamers is for backing up game files, storing captured gameplay footage, transferring large files between systems, or expanding storage for older, less demanding games.
Q6: How much storage capacity do I need for gaming in 2026?
A6: Modern AAA games can easily consume 100GB or more each. For a comfortable gaming experience with a decent library, 1TB is a good starting point for your primary drive, but 2TB is highly recommended for future-proofing. This allows you to install numerous titles without constantly uninstalling games to make space.
Conclusion
Choosing the Lexar best SSD for gaming 2026 boils down to your specific needs, whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading a PS5, or looking for versatile external storage. For pure, unadulterated internal gaming performance, the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink is a clear winner, offering incredible speed and crucial thermal management. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or have adequate motherboard cooling, the 2TB NM790 without a heatsink is still a phenomenal choice.
Remember, faster load times mean more time playing and less time waiting. Investing in a high-quality Lexar SSD now will ensure your gaming setup is ready for whatever the future of gaming throws your way!