Is your computer feeling sluggish? Are you constantly running out of storage space, especially with today’s massive game files and high-res media? Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is often the best solution for a noticeable performance boost. And if you’re hunting for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for budget, you’ve landed in the right spot! Lexar has built a strong reputation for offering reliable and high-performance storage solutions without breaking the bank.
A 1TB SSD hits that sweet spot for most users, providing ample space for your operating system, essential applications, and a decent chunk of your digital life. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who needs faster load times and more storage, Lexar likely has a budget-friendly option for you. We’ve done the digging to bring you our top 7 picks for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for budget, covering both internal and external drives to suit every need and setup. Let’s get down to business and find the perfect storage upgrade for you!
Our Top 7 Lexar 1TB SSD Picks for Your Budget
Here are our top recommendations for a reliable and affordable 1TB SSD from Lexar:
1. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
For content creators, photographers, or anyone who needs robust, on-the-go storage with extra utility, this portable SSD is a game-changer. What truly sets it apart is the integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, making it incredibly versatile for expanding connectivity while also serving as a high-speed storage device. Its ultra-compact design ensures you can easily slip it into your bag, ready for spontaneous creativity wherever inspiration strikes, even offering support for capturing Apple ProRes footage!
- Ultra-compact design for ultimate portability
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with integrated four-port hub
- Supports Apple ProRes footage capture and storage
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- IP65 dust-proof, water-resistant, and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent for professionals needing both storage and connectivity on the go
– Exceptional durability and weather resistance
– High-speed transfers for demanding media workflows
– Integrated hub adds incredible value
Cons:
– Wireless Type-C connector requires firm insertion
– Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series is ongoing (may not be optimized for older models)
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise this drive for its clever design and practical hub functionality, noting how it streamlines their mobile workflow. The robust build quality also gets high marks, giving users peace of mind when traveling. While some find the Type-C connection a bit finicky at first, the overall utility and performance are widely appreciated.
2. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD
Looking for a sleek, super-portable external SSD that doesn’t skimp on speed or security? The Lexar ES3 1TB external SSD is a fantastic choice. Its incredibly thin and light metal design means it’s smaller than a credit card and weighs next to nothing, making it the perfect companion for anyone who needs to carry their data without bulk. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, you’re looking at quick file transfers that won’t hold you back.
- High-speed data transfer up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Wide compatibility with iPhone 15 series, Android, laptops, consoles, and cameras
- Thin, stylish, and durable metal design (42g, 10.5mm thick)
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield™ 256-bit AES encryption software for data safety
Pros:
– Extremely compact and lightweight
– Fast transfer speeds for everyday use
– Broad compatibility across many devices
– Enhanced data security with AES encryption
Cons:
– Not compatible with MagSafe
– No support for iPhone 14 and older models
User Impressions:
Customers love the ES3 for its pocket-friendly size and impressive speed. Many highlight the ease of use and the added security feature as major plusses. It’s often recommended for students and professionals who need quick access to files across various devices.
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
For hardcore gamers, video editors, or anyone who demands top-tier internal performance, the Lexar NM790 with a heatsink is an absolute beast. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD delivers blistering speeds up to 7400MB/s read, making it twice as fast as many Gen 3 SSDs. The integrated heatsink is a crucial addition, ensuring your drive stays cool under pressure, which is vital for sustained performance during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads, and it’s compatible with your PlayStation 5!
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management and sustained 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:
– Phenomenal speed for gaming, creative work, and system responsiveness
– Heatsink prevents thermal throttling, maintaining performance
– Excellent power efficiency
– PS5 ready for expanded console storage
Cons:
– Internal drive, requires a compatible M.2 slot
– May be overkill for casual users who don’t need extreme speeds
User Impressions:
Reviewers are consistently blown away by the speed of the NM790, especially how it transforms boot times and game loading. The inclusion of a heatsink is a much-appreciated feature for PC builders and PS5 owners, providing peace of mind about thermal management during prolonged use.
4. Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD
This Lexar ES5 magnetic external SSD truly stands out for its innovative design and incredible speed. Offering up to 2000MB/s read and write, it’s designed for workflows that demand the fastest possible data transfers. But the real magic lies in its MagSafe-compatible design, allowing it to easily snap onto your compatible smartphone. With support for recording Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS, it’s a mobile filmmaker’s dream, all wrapped in a durable, liquid silicone body.
- Blazing-fast speeds up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write
- MagSafe-compatible design for easy smartphone attachment
- Supports high-resolution video recording (Apple ProRes 4K120FPS, Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS)
- Free Lexar App for auto backup and mobile storage expansion
- Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and drop resistant up to 3M
- Thin, stylish liquid silicone build with cable organizer/lanyard
Pros:
– Ultra-high speeds for professional video editing and large file transfers
– Unique magnetic attachment for mobile devices
– Extremely durable and resistant to elements
– Excellent for expanding smartphone storage and video capabilities
Cons:
– Full speed performance depends on USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatibility (not universal)
– Premium features might be more than casual users need for a budget 1TB SSD
User Impressions:
Users are particularly impressed by the ES5’s lightning-fast transfer rates and the convenience of the magnetic attachment, especially those who shoot a lot of video on their phones. The rugged build and sleek design also receive frequent praise, making it a favorite for outdoor and travel use.
5. Lexar 1TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
If you’re still running an old-school hard drive in your laptop or desktop and want a significant upgrade without spending a fortune, the Lexar NS100 is your go-to. This 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD is designed to breathe new life into older systems, providing dramatically faster boot-ups, quicker application loads, and snappier data transfers compared to traditional HDDs. It’s a fantastic Lexar best 1TB SSD for budget if you’re looking for a cost-effective, reliable performance boost for an existing machine.
- Upgrades laptop or desktop computers for faster performance
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- More reliable and durable than traditional hard drives (no moving parts)
- Shock and vibration resistant
- Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent value for money, very budget-friendly
– Dramatically improves performance of older systems
– High reliability and durability due to solid-state design
– Easy to install in most laptops and desktops
Cons:
– Slower than NVMe PCIe SSDs
– Limited by the SATA III interface (up to 6Gb/s)
User Impressions:
Customers consistently report that the NS100 is an easy and impactful upgrade, transforming the speed of their older computers. They appreciate its reliability and the noticeable difference in daily computing tasks, often calling it the “best bang for your buck” for older system refreshes.
6. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This version of the Lexar NM790 delivers the same incredible PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling but in a single-sided design, making it ideal for laptops and other devices with tight space constraints. It’s perfect for serious gamers, demanding professionals, and content creators who need top-tier speeds up to 7400MB/s read, without the added bulk of a heatsink, while still offering impressive power efficiency.
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 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 speed and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5; single-sided design perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast speeds for demanding applications
– Energy-efficient design helps with laptop battery life
– Single-sided form factor is excellent for thin laptops and compact builds
– PS5 compatible for rapid game loading
Cons:
– No heatsink included, so ensure your system provides adequate cooling
– Internal drive, requiring M.2 slot compatibility
User Impressions:
Users are thrilled with the raw speed and responsiveness this SSD brings to their high-performance laptops and desktops. The fact that it’s single-sided is a huge plus for those with restrictive M.2 slots, allowing them to tap into Gen4 speeds where other drives might not fit.
7. Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NQ780 offers a compelling balance of modern PCIe Gen4 performance and affordability, making it another excellent choice for a Lexar best 1TB SSD for budget. While not reaching the peak speeds of the NM790, its read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s are still incredibly fast compared to Gen3 drives. It’s particularly great for laptops thanks to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control, ensuring a snappy experience without draining your battery. Plus, the Lexar DiskMaster tool helps you keep everything running smoothly.
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s for fast gameplay and boot-ups
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller with HMB and SLC cache for sustained performance
- Great for laptops with its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool for firmware updates and drive health monitoring
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Solid PCIe Gen4 performance at a competitive price point
– Optimized for laptops with power control and single-sided design
– Included management software for easy maintenance
– Good balance of speed and value
Cons:
– Write speeds are noticeably lower than premium Gen4 drives like the NM790
– May not satisfy users needing the absolute fastest sequential write speeds
User Impressions:
Customers find the NQ780 to be a fantastic upgrade from older SSDs, praising its quick boot times and game loading. Laptop users especially appreciate its efficiency and the ease of installation, noting that it provides a very responsive computing experience for its price.
FAQ: All Your Lexar 1TB SSD Questions Answered
When looking for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for budget, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones to help you make an informed decision:
Q1: What’s the main difference between an NVMe and a SATA Lexar 1TB SSD?
A: The main difference is speed and interface. SATA SSDs connect via a SATA III port and typically offer read/write speeds up to around 550MB/s (like the Lexar NS100). NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect via the PCIe interface (usually in an M.2 slot) and are significantly faster, with speeds ranging from 2000MB/s up to 7400MB/s or more (like the Lexar NM790). If your motherboard has an M.2 slot, NVMe is almost always the better, faster choice.
Q2: Is a 1TB SSD enough storage for gaming and everyday use?
A: For most users, yes, a 1TB SSD is a generous amount of storage. It’s enough for your operating system, several large games (which can be 100GB+ each), essential applications, and plenty of documents, photos, and videos. Heavy video editors or users with massive game libraries might eventually need more, but 1TB is an excellent starting point and a sweet spot for performance and capacity.
Q3: How do I know if my computer supports a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD?
A: You’ll need to check your motherboard’s specifications. Most modern motherboards (especially those supporting Intel 11th Gen CPUs or newer, or AMD Ryzen 3000 series CPUs or newer) will have PCIe Gen4 M.2 slots. Older motherboards might only support PCIe Gen3 M.2, which an NVMe Gen4 drive will still work in, but at reduced Gen3 speeds.
Q4: Can I use an external Lexar 1TB SSD with my gaming console (PS5/Xbox)?
A: Yes, many Lexar external SSDs, such as the ES3 and ES5 models, are compatible with gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S for storing games. For PS5, while you can store PS5 games on an external drive, you’ll generally need to transfer them back to the internal NVMe drive to play them. PS4 games, however, can often be played directly from an external USB drive. Always check the specific console’s requirements.
Q5: What’s the benefit of an external SSD having a heatsink or being “thermal controlled”?
A: For high-performance external SSDs, especially those reaching speeds of 1000MB/s or more, thermal control is crucial. Sustained heavy transfers (like copying large video files) can generate significant heat. A heatsink or intelligent thermal design helps dissipate this heat, preventing the drive from throttling its performance to cool down. This means you maintain optimal speeds even during long transfer sessions.
Q6: Are Lexar SSDs reliable, and what kind of warranty do they offer?
A: Lexar is a well-established brand in the storage industry and generally known for producing reliable SSDs. As you can see from our reviews, many of their drives come with a 3-year or even a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind regarding product longevity and support. Always check the specific product’s warranty details.
Q7: Should I choose an internal or external Lexar 1TB SSD for my budget?
A: This depends entirely on your needs.
– Internal SSDs (like the NM790 or NS100) are generally faster (especially NVMe) and offer the best system performance for your main computer. They’re ideal for upgrading your primary boot drive or expanding desktop/laptop storage.
– External SSDs (like the Go Portable, ES3, or ES5) offer portability, easy data transfer between devices, and are great for backups, expanding console storage, or working with media on the go. They tend to be a bit more versatile for multi-device users.
Conclusion
Finding the Lexar best 1TB SSD for budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality or performance. Lexar offers a fantastic range of options, whether you’re looking for an internal NVMe powerhouse to turbocharge your gaming rig or a rugged, portable external drive for creative work on the go. Each of these 7 drives brings something unique to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for your specific needs and wallet.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and feel confident about your next storage upgrade. Whichever Lexar 1TB SSD you choose, you’re sure to enjoy faster speeds, more storage, and a much smoother computing experience. Happy upgrading!