Are you tired of sluggish boot times and agonizingly slow application loading? It’s time to upgrade your storage, and a Solid State Drive (SSD) is the answer! When you’re looking for that sweet spot of ample storage without breaking the bank, a 500GB SSD often hits just right. And for many users, finding the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price is a key goal. Lexar has built a reputation for offering reliable and cost-effective storage solutions, making them a popular choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to dive deep into some of the top 500GB (or close to it) SSDs on the market, with a special focus on Lexar’s offerings and strong alternatives. While our main aim is to help you find the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price, we’ll also look at other highly-rated drives that offer incredible value, including a couple of Lexar’s popular smaller capacity drives for those with different budget or storage needs. We’ve got everything from internal SATA drives to blazing-fast NVMe options and even a portable powerhouse. Let’s find the perfect upgrade for your PC!
What Makes a Great 500GB SSD for the Price?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly go over what you should look for when choosing an SSD:
- Performance: Measured by sequential read/write speeds (MB/s). Faster means quicker boot-ups, file transfers, and app loads.
- Form Factor: Is it a 2.5-inch SATA drive (most common), an M.2 NVMe drive (smaller, faster), or a portable external SSD?
- Reliability & Durability: Look for a good Terabytes Written (TBW) rating and warranty period. SSDs have no moving parts, making them more durable than HDDs.
- Compatibility: Ensure it works with your laptop, desktop, or even gaming console.
- Value for Money: The core of our search! Balancing price with performance and features.
Ready? Let’s explore the top contenders!
1. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The Lexar NS100 is a fantastic option if you’re looking to give an older laptop or desktop a new lease on life without spending a fortune. This 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD delivers a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives, making everyday computing tasks feel snappier and more responsive. It’s a prime contender for the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price if you need a reliable, no-frills upgrade that just works.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- More reliable and performs better than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 512GB capacity with a 240TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for a 500GB-class SSD.
- Significant performance improvement over HDDs.
- Easy to install in most laptops and desktops.
- Good reliability for daily use.
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Cons:
- SATA III interface limits ultimate speed compared to NVMe.
- Not suitable for demanding users who need cutting-edge performance.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the NS100 for its straightforward installation and the immediate, noticeable boost in system performance. Many found it to be a perfect budget-friendly solution for revitalizing aging machines, highlighting its solid reliability over time.
2. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
While we’re talking about the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price, it’s impossible to ignore the Samsung 870 EVO. This drive is an industry benchmark for SATA SSDs, known for its exceptional performance, unparalleled reliability, and broad compatibility. If you’re willing to pay a slight premium for top-tier quality in a SATA form factor, the 870 EVO is a powerhouse that won’t disappoint.
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Key Features:
- Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility from Samsung’s pioneering technology.
- Maximizes SATA interface limits with up to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer.
- Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- Compatibility tested for major host systems and applications.
- Easy upgrade using the standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- Samsung Magician software for easy drive management and performance enhancement.
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Pros:
- Top-tier performance for a SATA SSD.
- Exceptional endurance and reliability with a long warranty.
- Excellent software support (Samsung Magician).
- Broad compatibility.
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Cons:
- Generally more expensive than other SATA alternatives.
- Still limited by the SATA interface compared to NVMe.
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User Impressions: Customers consistently laud the Samsung 870 EVO for its outstanding speed, reliability, and ease of migration. It’s often cited as the gold standard for SATA SSDs, delivering a premium experience that justifies its price tag, making it a favorite for professionals and everyday users alike.
3. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Stepping into the future of storage, the Crucial P310 offers blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance in a compact M.2 form factor. If your system supports NVMe, this drive provides a monumental leap in speed over SATA SSDs, perfect for quicker game loads, faster boot-ups, and seamless multitasking. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for raw speed around the 500GB mark.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 performance with up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 500GB SSD for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun).
- Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades.
- Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation, boosting productivity in applications like Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Excel.
- Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast read and write speeds thanks to PCIe Gen4.
- Excellent for gaming, content creation, and demanding tasks.
- Compact M.2 form factor.
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems.
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Cons:
- Requires an M.2 slot with NVMe support; not compatible with older systems.
- May run hotter than SATA drives under heavy load.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are thrilled with the P310’s incredible speed, noting how it transforms their system’s responsiveness for gaming and professional applications. Its easy installation and impressive performance-to-price ratio often make it a highly recommended upgrade for modern machines.
4. SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives
Sometimes, you need speed and capacity on the go! The SSK Portable SSD is a fantastic choice for external storage, offering robust performance and incredible portability. If you’re constantly moving large files between devices or need a lightning-fast backup solution, this 500GB external solid state drive is a stellar pick, perfect for photographers, videographers, and anyone working across multiple platforms.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD with read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s.
- LED light indicates instant USB SSD activity.
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring for drive health and TRIM technology for consistent write speeds and extended lifespan.
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables (USB 3.2 Gen2) for seamless cross-platform file transfers.
- Maintains steady 10Gbps speeds for files smaller than 150GB with SLC caching.
- Empowers 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture for iPhone (low power consumption).
- 2mm thick aluminum alloy case provides superior heat dissipation.
- Extremely lightweight (36.6g) and compact (2.6*1.5*0.5 inch).
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed for an external drive.
- Highly portable and durable.
- Excellent compatibility with USB-C and USB-A devices.
- Ideal for high-res video recording on mobile devices.
- Effective heat management.
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Cons:
- Performance might vary slightly with sustained large file transfers beyond 150GB.
- External drives are typically more expensive per GB than internal ones.
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User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the SSK portable SSD’s compact size, robust build, and especially its rapid transfer speeds. Many highlight its utility for quick backups, creative work, and seamless integration with both computers and mobile devices, making it a top choice for on-the-go professionals.
5. SANDISK SSD Plus 500GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA III
For users seeking a dependable and economical internal SSD upgrade, the SanDisk SSD Plus 500GB is a solid contender. It’s an ideal choice for breathing new life into older desktops and laptops that still rely on SATA connections. While not as fast as NVMe drives, it offers a dramatic improvement over traditional HDDs, delivering quicker boot times and application launches at a very competitive price point.
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Key Features:
- Easy upgrade for fast boots and application launches.
- High capacities for applications and large media files.
- Sequential Read speeds of up to 545MB/s and write speeds of up to 515MB/s.
- Shock-resistant for proven durability, even if you drop your computer.
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Pros:
- Very affordable entry into SSD storage.
- Reliable performance for everyday computing tasks.
- Durable design (shock-resistant).
- Simple installation for most SATA-enabled systems.
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Cons:
- Performance is capped by the SATA III interface.
- Not suitable for high-performance gaming or intensive workstations.
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User Impressions: Many users appreciate the SanDisk SSD Plus for its hassle-free installation and the noticeable boost it provides to older systems. It’s often recommended as a cost-effective solution for general use, school, or office PCs where maximum speed isn’t the primary concern but reliability and value are key.
6. Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
While our main focus is on the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price, sometimes an even smaller, super budget-friendly option is exactly what you need. The Lexar 128GB NS100 is perfect as a primary boot drive for a very lean system, or as a secondary drive for specific applications. It brings all the reliability and speed benefits of SSDs over HDDs to a truly entry-level price point, making it a great pick if you’re looking for the best Lexar value in a compact capacity.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 128GB capacity with a 60TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Extremely affordable way to get SSD performance.
- Ideal for boot drives in systems with minimal storage needs.
- Reliable and durable for its class.
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Cons:
- Limited storage capacity, requiring careful management.
- Speeds are good for SATA but not NVMe-level.
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User Impressions: Customers often purchase this 128GB Lexar drive for older laptops or as a dedicated OS drive to improve system responsiveness. They highlight its surprising speed for its price and capacity, making it a fantastic entry point into SSD technology.
7. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
Another excellent value proposition from Lexar, the 256GB NS100 SSD offers a comfortable step up in storage from the 128GB model, without a huge jump in price. This drive is ideal for users who need a bit more space for their operating system, essential applications, and a few games or important documents. It perfectly embodies the “for the price” aspect of our search, delivering solid SSD performance from Lexar at an accessible cost, even if it’s not the full 500GB we’re primarily targeting.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 256GB capacity with a 120TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Great balance of capacity and affordability.
- Significant performance upgrade for systems with HDDs.
- Durable and reliable with a decent warranty.
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Cons:
- Still a SATA III drive, not the fastest interface available.
- Might be too small for users with large game libraries or media collections.
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User Impressions: Users frequently report satisfaction with the 256GB NS100 as a primary drive for basic computing, student laptops, or secondary storage. They praise its quick boot times and improved application loading, viewing it as a smart, economical upgrade that breathes new life into slower machines.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Your Ideal SSD
Finding the perfect SSD, especially when considering the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price, really boils down to your specific needs and existing hardware.
- For Older Systems (Laptops/Desktops): If you’re upgrading a machine from the last 5-10 years, a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD like the Lexar NS100 512GB, Samsung 870 EVO, or SanDisk SSD Plus is probably your best bet. They offer a massive speed boost over traditional hard drives and are widely compatible.
- For Modern Systems (New Laptops/Desktops/Gaming): If your motherboard has an M.2 slot and supports NVMe, definitely consider an NVMe drive like the Crucial P310. The speed difference is phenomenal for demanding tasks.
- For On-the-Go Storage: The SSK Portable SSD is ideal if you need to carry your files with you and access them quickly from various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
- For Budget-Conscious Users / Boot Drives: The Lexar 128GB or 256GB NS100 drives offer fantastic value if you just need a quick, reliable boot drive and don’t require vast amounts of onboard storage.
Remember to check your system’s specifications to ensure compatibility with your chosen SSD’s form factor (2.5-inch SATA or M.2 NVMe) and interface (SATA III or PCIe Gen4/Gen3).
FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A1: SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) SSDs connect via a SATA III port and offer speeds up to around 550MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect via the PCIe interface, which is much faster, allowing for speeds of several thousand MB/s. NVMe drives are generally smaller (M.2 form factor) and offer superior performance for demanding tasks.
Q2: Is 500GB enough storage for a primary drive?
A2: For many users, 500GB is an excellent sweet spot. It’s usually enough for the operating system, essential applications, a moderate library of games, and personal documents. If you have a huge media collection or a massive game library, you might consider pairing it with a larger traditional HDD or a secondary, higher-capacity SSD.
Q3: How important is the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating?
A3: TBW indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifetime before it potentially starts degrading. For average users, even lower TBW ratings (like 240TBW for the Lexar 512GB NS100) are more than sufficient for many years of use. High TBW ratings are more crucial for heavy users, such as video editors or database administrators, who write vast amounts of data daily.
Q4: Can I install an SSD in my old laptop/desktop?
A4: Most older laptops and desktops use 2.5-inch hard drives, which can be easily replaced with a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. For desktops, you might also need a 3.5-inch to 2.5-inch adapter bracket. M.2 NVMe SSDs require a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard, which is typically found in newer systems.
Q5: What does “for the price” mean in the context of SSDs?
A5: “For the price” refers to getting the best possible performance, reliability, and features relative to how much you’re spending. It’s about finding the sweet spot where cost-effectiveness meets satisfactory performance, not necessarily the absolute cheapest option but the one that offers the most value for your investment.
Q6: Do Lexar SSDs come with migration software?
A6: While Lexar SSDs themselves might not always bundle proprietary migration software, there are many free and paid third-party tools available (like Macrium Reflect Free, EaseUS Todo Backup) that can help you clone your existing drive to your new Lexar SSD, making the upgrade process smooth.
Q7: How do external SSDs compare to internal ones?
A7: External SSDs offer portability and easy plug-and-play functionality, making them great for backups, expanding storage, or transferring large files between devices. Internal SSDs (SATA or NVMe) are designed for installation directly inside your computer, providing the fastest possible speeds for your operating system and installed applications.
Conclusion
Finding the Lexar best 500GB SSD for the price is a journey that reveals some excellent value options, not just from Lexar but also from other reputable brands. The Lexar 512GB NS100 stands out as a strong contender if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable internal SATA upgrade. However, as we’ve seen, options like the Samsung 870 EVO offer premium SATA performance, while the Crucial P310 pushes the boundaries with blazing NVMe speeds.
Ultimately, the “best” SSD for you depends on your system, your budget, and how you plan to use it. No matter your choice, upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your computer’s speed and responsiveness. So go ahead, pick the drive that fits your needs, and enjoy the lightning-fast performance!