Is your laptop feeling sluggish, or are you constantly running out of space for your games, videos, and large project files? Upgrading to a high-capacity Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your machine. When it comes to reliable performance and ample storage, a 4TB SSD is a fantastic choice, and Lexar has some truly standout options. If you’re hunting for the Lexar best 4tb ssd for laptop, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the top Lexar 4TB SSDs, plus a fantastic alternative, to help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Lexar is a trusted name in storage, known for delivering fast, durable, and innovative solutions. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who needs a lot of lightning-fast storage, a Lexar 4TB SSD can significantly boost your laptop’s performance and versatility. Let’s dive into our top picks and see what makes them shine!
1. Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD
The Lexar SL500 is a marvel of portability and power, making it an ideal external storage companion for your laptop, especially if you’re always on the go. Its sleek, credit-card-sized design means it easily slips into your pocket, yet it packs a serious punch with incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance. Whether you’re transferring massive video files or backing up your entire laptop, this drive gets the job done at blazing speeds, ensuring your workflow remains smooth and efficient. It even supports direct Apple Pro Res recording from your iPhone 15 Pro, making it a dream for mobile content creators.
-
Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: 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/Pro Max.
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for an external SSD.
- Extremely compact and portable.
- Robust metal casing for durability.
- Excellent compatibility across various devices.
- Data encryption for enhanced security.
- Great for high-resolution video recording on the go.
-
Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for maximum speeds (otherwise performance may be lower).
-
User Impressions: Users love the SL500 for its impressive speed and tiny footprint, often remarking on how quickly large files transfer. Its sturdy build and broad device compatibility also receive high praise, making it a go-to for professionals and casual users alike seeking a top-tier external drive.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For those looking to upgrade their laptop’s internal storage, the Lexar NM790 is a powerhouse. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD delivers exceptional read and write speeds, making your laptop feel incredibly responsive. Boot-up times will shrink, applications will load in a flash, and even the most demanding games or creative software will run more smoothly. What’s more, it’s designed to be power-efficient, extending your laptop’s battery life while providing top-tier performance. Its single-sided design is a bonus, ensuring it fits perfectly into most laptops without any hassle. This is definitely a contender for the Lexar best 4tb ssd for laptop if you need an internal upgrade.
-
Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 3000TBW endurance.
- 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 and seamless performance.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (for gaming console expansion).
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast internal speeds significantly improve system responsiveness.
- Energy-efficient design helps prolong laptop battery life.
- Host Memory Buffer ensures consistent, high performance.
- Ideal for demanding applications and gaming.
- Single-sided form factor ensures broad laptop compatibility.
-
Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot to achieve maximum speeds.
-
User Impressions: Users consistently report a dramatic improvement in their laptop’s speed and responsiveness after installing the NM790. Gamers and content creators particularly appreciate the quick load times and smooth operation, praising its reliable performance and straightforward installation.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD
Need an external drive that can stand up to the elements? The Lexar Armor 700 is your go-to. This portable SSD is built like a tank with IP66 water and dust resistance and robust drop protection, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers, field photographers, or anyone working in demanding environments. But don’t let its rugged exterior fool you; inside, it offers blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, rivaling the SL500. It’s the ultimate combination of speed, durability, and convenience, complete with thermal control and data encryption.
-
Key Features:
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: 2000MB/s max read/write speeds.
- Rated IP66 for water and dust protection; withstands up to 3-meter drops.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max.
- Unique Thermal Control Design for optimal temperatures.
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption.
- Includes a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Extremely durable and ruggedized for extreme environments.
- Outstanding transfer speeds for large files.
- Excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers in the field.
- Offers data security with AES encryption.
- Broad compatibility and versatile cable included.
-
Cons:
- Slightly larger and heavier than non-rugged portable SSDs.
-
User Impressions: Customers rave about the Armor 700’s incredible resilience, often sharing stories of it surviving accidental drops and splashes without a hitch. Its speed and reliability are also frequently highlighted, making it a favorite for those who need a tough drive that performs under pressure.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 4TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Another excellent internal option for your laptop is the Lexar NQ780, offering a fantastic balance of speed and value. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD delivers impressive read/write speeds that will noticeably improve your system’s performance, from faster boot-ups to quicker application loading and smoother multitasking. Its high-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller, combined with HMB and SLC cache technologies, ensures consistent and reliable performance. Plus, its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control make it a smart choice for laptop integration, minimizing heat and optimizing battery life.
-
Key Features:
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 7000/6000 MB/s.
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller for sustained write performance.
- HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance and reduce latency.
- Great for laptops due to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control.
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool for firmware updates, drive management, and health monitoring.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Strong performance boost for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Designed with laptop compatibility in mind (single-sided).
- Intelligent Power Control enhances efficiency.
- Lexar DiskMaster software adds value for management.
- Good balance of speed and affordability for a 4TB SSD.
-
Cons:
- Slightly lower maximum speeds compared to the NM790, but still very fast.
-
User Impressions: Many users find the NQ780 to be a significant upgrade, noting faster boot times and a snappier feel to their laptops. The ease of installation and the utility of the Lexar DiskMaster software are often mentioned as positive aspects, making it a great choice for a performance upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re pushing your laptop to its limits, especially for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, heavy gaming, or running virtual machines, heat management becomes crucial. This version of the Lexar NM790 comes with a pre-installed heatsink, specifically designed to keep your SSD cool under sustained heavy loads. While some thin laptops might not accommodate a heatsink, if yours has the space, this drive ensures that its exceptional Gen4 speeds (up to 7400MB/s read) are maintained without thermal throttling. It’s the ultimate choice for sustained high-performance computing, making it arguably the Lexar best 4tb ssd for laptop in terms of consistent, top-tier performance for power users.
-
Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 3000TBW.
- Designed with a heatsink to maintain optimal temperatures and performance.
- 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:
- Heatsink prevents thermal throttling, ensuring sustained peak performance.
- Blazing-fast speeds for the most demanding applications.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Ideal for high-intensity gaming and professional workloads.
-
Cons:
- The heatsink might make it incompatible with some ultra-slim laptops or those with limited M.2 slot clearance.
-
User Impressions: Users who install this SSD in compatible systems (often gaming laptops or desktops with good clearance) are highly impressed with its ability to maintain high speeds even during extended, intensive use. The heatsink is frequently cited as a key factor in its superior, consistent performance.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Future-proofing your laptop? Look no further than the Lexar NM1090 PRO. This cutting-edge internal SSD harnesses the power of PCIe 5.0 technology, delivering truly blistering read/write speeds that are simply unmatched by Gen4 drives. If your laptop supports PCIe Gen5 (common in newer high-end models with AMD Ryzen 7000 series or Intel 13th/14th Gen processors), this drive will absolutely redefine “fast.” It’s designed not just for extreme gaming but also for AI PCs, accelerating everything from model training to real-time data processing. With DRAM and SLC Dynamic Cache, it’s engineered for zero bottlenecks.
-
Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% over Gen4 SSDs.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control.
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating AI tasks.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads, minimize delays, and conserve CPU power.
-
Pros:
- Unparalleled speed, setting a new benchmark for internal SSDs.
- Future-proof technology for next-gen computing.
- Exceptional for high-end gaming, AI applications, and professional content creation.
- Optimized heat control and advanced caching for stable performance.
-
Cons:
- Requires a laptop with a PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot to achieve full speeds.
- May generate more heat than Gen4 drives, requiring good laptop cooling.
- Often comes at a premium price point.
-
User Impressions: Early adopters of the NM1090 PRO are blown away by its speed, reporting incredibly fast boot times and application loading. Gamers particularly praise the noticeable improvements with DirectStorage-enabled titles, highlighting its potential for the next generation of PC performance.
- See it on Amazon here
7. SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD (Top Alternative)
While this article focuses on Lexar, we’d be remiss not to mention the SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD as a fantastic alternative, especially if you prioritize robust durability and broad compatibility in an external drive. SanDisk is another industry leader, and their Extreme Portable SSD lives up to its name. It offers strong NVMe performance in a compact, highly resilient package, making it perfect for taking your large files wherever you go, worry-free. With impressive drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance, it’s built to endure, similar to Lexar’s Armor 700 but with its own unique features like the carabiner loop and included password protection.
-
Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment.
- Included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.
-
Pros:
- Excellent speed for a USB-C portable SSD.
- Extremely rugged and durable, ideal for harsh conditions.
- Hardware encryption provides top-tier data security.
- Carabiner loop adds convenience and security.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app enhances usability.
-
Cons:
- Slightly slower maximum speeds compared to Lexar’s USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 portable drives.
-
User Impressions: The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD consistently receives high marks for its toughness and reliability. Users appreciate its compact size and the peace of mind offered by its rugged design and encryption. It’s a highly recommended drive for anyone needing dependable, portable storage that can withstand daily abuse.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I upgrade my laptop with a 4TB SSD?
A: A 4TB SSD provides massive storage for all your files, games, and applications, eliminating the worry of running out of space. More importantly, an SSD drastically improves your laptop’s speed and responsiveness compared to traditional HDDs. You’ll experience faster boot times, quicker application launches, and smoother multitasking. For gamers and creators, it means reduced load times and seamless handling of large files.
Q2: What’s the difference between an internal and external 4TB SSD for laptops?
A:
* Internal SSDs (like M.2 NVMe drives) replace your laptop’s existing storage. They offer the fastest speeds as they connect directly to your laptop’s motherboard via PCIe lanes, significantly boosting overall system performance.
* External SSDs (like the portable Lexar SL500 or Armor 700) connect via USB. They provide expandable storage, excellent portability, and are great for backups, sharing large files, or running applications from the drive without taking up internal space. They are typically slower than internal NVMe drives but much faster than external HDDs.
Q3: What do PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 mean for an SSD?
A: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) refers to the interface that connects the SSD to your laptop’s motherboard.
* Gen4 (Generation 4) SSDs offer theoretical speeds up to 7,000-7,500 MB/s, which is twice as fast as Gen3 SSDs. Most modern laptops support Gen4.
* Gen5 (Generation 5) is the latest standard, doubling Gen4 speeds to a theoretical maximum of around 14,000 MB/s. Only the newest high-end laptops with compatible CPUs (e.g., Intel 13th/14th Gen, AMD Ryzen 7000 series) and motherboards support Gen5. These offer unparalleled speed for future-proof performance.
Q4: Is Lexar a good brand for SSDs?
A: Absolutely! Lexar has a long-standing reputation in the memory and storage industry, known for producing high-quality, reliable, and performance-driven products. Their SSDs are often praised for their speed, durability, and competitive pricing, making them a trusted choice for consumers and professionals alike.
Q5: How do I know if an internal SSD like the Lexar NM790 will fit my laptop?
A: Most modern laptops use M.2 NVMe SSDs, typically in the 2280 form factor (22mm wide, 80mm long). Check your laptop’s specifications or consult its user manual to confirm it has an available M.2 slot and if it supports PCIe Gen4 or Gen5. Also, for SSDs with heatsinks, ensure there’s enough clearance inside your laptop’s chassis.
Q6: What is Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0?
A: HMB is a feature that allows a DRAM-less NVMe SSD to use a portion of your laptop’s system RAM as a cache. This helps to improve the SSD’s performance, especially for random read/write operations, making it feel much snappier. HMB 3.0 is an updated version that further optimizes this process, providing a smoother and more efficient transfer speed.
Q7: Can I use a portable Lexar SSD with my iPhone 15 Pro?
A: Yes! Lexar’s SL500 and Armor 700 Portable SSDs specifically support Apple Pro Res recording, allowing you to shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is a game-changer for mobile videographers, as it bypasses the phone’s internal storage limits.
Conclusion
Choosing the Lexar best 4tb ssd for laptop largely depends on your specific needs: do you need an internal speed demon for ultimate system responsiveness, or a rugged, portable workhorse for on-the-go storage? From the lightning-fast PCIe Gen5 NM1090 PRO to the incredibly durable Armor 700 portable SSD, Lexar offers a diverse range of 4TB SSDs that are built to perform. With any of these options, you’ll gain not just massive storage but also a significant boost in your laptop’s speed and efficiency. Don’t let slow load times and limited space hold you back – upgrade to a Lexar 4TB SSD today and experience the difference!