In today’s fast-paced digital world, slow storage is a productivity killer. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who hates waiting for files to load, a solid-state drive (SSD) is an absolute game-changer. And when it comes to reliability and blistering performance, Lexar has consistently delivered top-tier solutions. If you’re looking for the Lexar best SSD for speed, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve scoured Lexar’s impressive lineup to bring you the 7 best SSDs designed to give your system or workflow a serious speed boost. From internal NVMe drives that redefine PC performance to rugged portable options for creators on the go, Lexar has something for everyone. Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect speed demon for your needs!
1. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re still relying on an old-school hard disk drive (HDD) in your laptop or desktop, the Lexar NS100 is your ticket to a dramatic performance upgrade without breaking the bank. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD offers a significant leap in speed, instantly making your computer feel snappier, with faster boot times and quicker application launches. It’s an excellent entry-point for anyone looking to experience the benefits of solid-state storage.
- 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] 120TBW (Terabytes Written)
- Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Significant speed improvement over HDDs
– Cost-effective upgrade solution
– Durable due to no moving parts
– Easy to install in most laptops and desktops
Cons:
– SATA III speeds are slower compared to NVMe SSDs
– 256GB might be limiting for primary drive storage for some users
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the NS100 for its easy installation and the immediate, noticeable boost in system responsiveness. It’s widely regarded as a fantastic value for money, breathing new life into older machines.
2. Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s,…
The Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD is a powerhouse designed for creative professionals and mobile users who demand both speed and convenience. With incredible read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, you can transfer massive files in mere seconds. What truly sets it apart is its innovative MagSafe-compatible design, allowing it to snap securely onto your smartphone, making it perfect for recording high-resolution video directly to the drive, like Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS or Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS.
- Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write to transfer files fast for a smooth workflow (Performance on Mac and other systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 may be lower)
- The drive’s MagSafe-compatible design makes it easy to attach to your compatible smartphone. An additional metal ring accessory gives any device a magnetic surface to attach to
- Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS, and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
- Includes free access to the Lexar App to easily auto back up your media and expand the storage of your mobile device
- Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and is drop resistant up to 3M
- Thin and stylish, featuring a liquid silicone build that provides a comfortable grip. It also comes with a cable organizer that doubles as a lanyard
- A thermal control design ensures optimal temperatures to maintain high performance
Pros:
– Extremely fast read/write speeds for external storage
– MagSafe compatibility for mobile content creation
– Rugged and durable (IP65, 3M drop resistance)
– Excellent for video recording directly from mobile devices
– Stylish design with practical cable organizer/lanyard
Cons:
– Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, which isn’t universal
– MagSafe feature is specific to compatible devices
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the ES5’s raw speed and its ability to handle demanding video workflows directly from phones. The magnetic attachment is a huge hit for vloggers and mobile filmmakers who appreciate the seamless integration and robust build quality.
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
For hardcore gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand nothing but the absolute peak of performance, the Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD is a dream come true. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe drive pushes boundaries with astounding read speeds of up to 7400MB/s, making it twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. It’s engineered to accelerate everything from game loading to 4K video editing, providing a truly seamless and responsive experience. When considering the Lexar best SSD for speed for internal use, this one frequently comes to mind.
- [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW
- 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds
– Excellent value for its performance tier
– Lower power consumption than some competitors
– Compatible with PS5, making it a great upgrade
– Single-sided design for better laptop compatibility
Cons:
– Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard/system to achieve full speeds
– May require a heatsink in some systems for sustained heavy loads (though it’s efficient)
User Impressions:
Gamers report significantly reduced loading times, while video editors praise its ability to handle large project files with ease. The NM790 is often cited as a top-performer that offers excellent bang for your buck in the high-speed NVMe category.
4. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub isn’t just a storage device; it’s a complete mobile workstation for creators. This ultra-compact drive combines blazing-fast performance (up to 1050MB/s read/write) with a built-in hub, offering four USB Type-C ports. This incredible versatility means you can easily offload footage from multiple devices, power accessories, and even record high-quality Apple ProRes footage directly – all from one device that fits in your pocket. Its rugged IP65 rating also ensures it can keep up with your adventures.
- Ultra-compact so you can always keep it with you for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from tangled, cumbersome cables (press firmly to ensure drive is completely inserted before use)
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- The portable SSD plus the hub, which has its own four USB Type-C ports, along with included adapters and cables, gives you the ultimate flexibility to customize your setup to suit the shoot
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording, no dropped frames, and swift backups
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is currently in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Integrated USB-C hub enhances functionality for mobile creators
– Solid read/write speeds for portable storage
– Extremely portable and durable (IP65, 1M drop resistance)
– Ideal for on-location content creation and backups
– Wireless plug-and-play design reduces cable clutter
Cons:
– Wireless plug-and-play relies on a direct Type-C connection, which may not be ideal for all setups
– Performance, while good, isn’t as high as the Gen 2×2 external SSDs
User Impressions:
Reviewers love the Professional Go for its innovative hub functionality, making it a true all-in-one solution for photographers and videographers on the move. Its compact size and robust build are also frequently highlighted as major advantages.
5. Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB…
When extreme speed meets extreme durability, you get the Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD. This drive is built for the harshest environments and the most demanding data transfer needs, boasting incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s. Its IP66 rating means it’s both water and dustproof, and it can survive drops up to 3 meters, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventurers, field researchers, or anyone needing robust, high-capacity external storage that can keep up.
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds for accelerated data transfers
- Rated IP66 to protect against both water and dust; the rugged design is built to withstand up to 3-meter drops and falls making it perfect for the outdoors and extreme environments
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (magnetic ring sold separately)
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds, so high performance is always retained
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles, and more
- Includes Lexar DataShield, a 256-bit AES encryption advanced security solution
- Includes a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable
- Product dimensions and weight: 3.39” x 2.14” x 0.52”; 0.18 lbs.
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional 2000MB/s read/write speeds
– Extremely durable with IP66 rating and 3-meter drop resistance
– Advanced thermal control for sustained performance
– Supports direct ProRes recording from iPhone 15 Pro series
– Includes robust 256-bit AES encryption for data security
Cons:
– Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for maximum speed
– Magnetic ring for iPhone attachment is sold separately
User Impressions:
Users rave about the Armor 700’s incredible resilience and speed. It’s a popular choice for professionals who work in challenging conditions and need a reliable, fast backup solution that can withstand bumps, splashes, and drops.
6. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD,…
The Lexar ES3 External SSD strikes a fantastic balance between speed, portability, and affordability. While it doesn’t have the MagSafe feature of its ES5 sibling, it still offers rapid data transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write via USB 3.2 Gen 2. Its ultra-thin, stylish metal design makes it smaller than a credit card and incredibly lightweight, fitting effortlessly into any pocket or bag. For everyday external storage needs where quick transfers are key, the ES3 is a top contender.
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 15 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3’s thin, stylish, and durable metal design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
Pros:
– Excellent 1050MB/s speeds for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable drive
– Extremely compact, thin, and lightweight design
– Wide compatibility across various devices and platforms
– Includes 256-bit AES encryption for data security
– Durable metal casing for everyday use
Cons:
– No MagSafe feature (as noted)
– Speeds are lower than USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the ES3 for its pocket-friendly size and reliable, fast performance for daily backups and data transfers. It’s frequently recommended for users who want a high-quality, sleek portable SSD without needing the absolute highest speeds or specialized features.
7. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
Taking the incredible performance of the NM790 up a notch, the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink is specifically designed for systems where thermal management is crucial, like high-performance gaming PCs or PlayStation 5 consoles. With the same astounding 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds, this drive ensures you get sustained peak performance without throttling, thanks to its integrated heatsink. For users pushing their systems to the limit, this is arguably the Lexar best SSD for speed that maintains optimal temperatures.
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
- 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 a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Ultra-fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds
– Integrated heatsink for superior thermal management and sustained performance
– Large 2TB capacity ideal for extensive game libraries or large files
– Highly compatible with PlayStation 5 for storage expansion
– Excellent power efficiency
Cons:
– The heatsink adds to the physical dimensions, potentially limiting compatibility in ultra-compact systems
– May be overkill for users who don’t push their SSDs hard enough to warrant a heatsink
User Impressions:
Gamers and power users consistently highlight the peace of mind offered by the integrated heatsink, ensuring their drive performs at its best even during long, intense sessions. PS5 owners, in particular, find it an indispensable upgrade for expanding their game library without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly makes an SSD “fast” and why does it matter?
A1: An SSD’s speed is primarily determined by its read and write speeds, measured in MB/s (megabytes per second). Faster speeds mean your computer can access, transfer, and save data more quickly. This translates to faster boot times, quicker application launches, reduced game loading screens, and smoother handling of large files (like 4K video editing). It significantly improves overall system responsiveness.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs?
A2: SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs connect via the older SATA interface, offering speeds typically up to around 550MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs use the PCIe interface, which offers much higher bandwidth, leading to speeds often exceeding 3000MB/s, with some PCIe Gen4 drives hitting 7000MB/s or more. NVMe drives are significantly faster but require a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard.
Q3: Is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD worth it for gaming?
A3: Absolutely! While SATA SSDs are a huge step up from HDDs for gaming, PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs offer even faster load times for games, especially modern titles designed to take advantage of direct storage. They also excel in scenarios like texture streaming and asset loading, contributing to a smoother overall gaming experience and future-proofing your rig.
Q4: How important is the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating?
A4: TBW indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD over its lifetime before it’s expected to degrade. Higher TBW means greater durability for writes. For most everyday users, even lower TBW ratings are more than sufficient for many years. However, for professionals who frequently write massive amounts of data (e.g., video editors), a higher TBW provides extra peace of mind.
Q5: Can I use an external Lexar SSD with my smartphone or console?
A5: Yes, many Lexar external SSDs, especially those with USB-C connectivity and high speeds, are compatible with modern smartphones (like iPhone 15 series and Android devices) and gaming consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox). Always check the specific product’s compatibility list to ensure it works with your device, especially for features like direct video recording.
Q6: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A6: For most casual users, an NVMe SSD without a heatsink is usually fine, as modern drives are quite efficient. However, if you’re a heavy gamer, content creator, or frequently perform intensive tasks that involve sustained high-speed data transfers, an integrated or aftermarket heatsink is highly recommended. It helps prevent thermal throttling, ensuring your SSD maintains peak performance and extends its lifespan.
Q7: How do I choose the right Lexar SSD for my specific needs?
A7: Consider your primary use case:
* Upgrading an old PC: A SATA SSD (like the NS100) offers excellent value.
* High-performance gaming/editing PC: A PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD (like the NM790 or NM790 with heatsink) is ideal.
* Portable storage for creators: Look for rugged, fast external SSDs with features like MagSafe or built-in hubs (ES5, Professional Go, Armor 700).
* Everyday portable storage: The ES3 offers a great balance of speed and portability.
Also, consider capacity, budget, and specific connectivity requirements (USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 2×2, etc.).
Conclusion
Lexar clearly offers a fantastic range of solid-state drives designed to deliver exceptional speed and reliability across various applications. Whether you’re upgrading an old system, building a new PC, or expanding your portable storage, Lexar offers some of the Lexar best SSD for speed options available.
From the budget-friendly internal SATA drives to the blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe powerhouses and the incredibly versatile portable solutions, there’s a Lexar SSD tailored for your needs. We hope this guide helps you pick the perfect drive to unleash your system’s true potential and enjoy a smoother, faster digital experience!