Are you gearing up your PC, laptop, or gaming console for 2026 and beyond? Then you’re probably on the hunt for a reliable, fast, and budget-friendly solid-state drive (SSD). While 500GB used to be the sweet spot for many, the landscape of storage solutions is constantly evolving. For 2026, getting the Lexar best 500gb ssd for the money often means looking at drives that offer excellent value, even if they’re slightly larger, like 1TB, because the price-per-gigabyte often favors these higher capacities. Lexar, a trusted name in digital storage, offers a fantastic range of SSDs that deliver on performance, durability, and affordability.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into some of Lexar’s top SSD offerings. We’ll help you navigate the options to find the ideal storage upgrade, whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone looking for a snappier system. We’ll explore various capacities and types, making sure to highlight how each option delivers value, ultimately helping you pinpoint the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money – or the next best thing in terms of sheer value!
Let’s get your data moving faster!
1. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM790 isn’t just fast; it’s a beast for anyone craving top-tier performance without breaking the bank. While it’s a 1TB drive, it represents incredible value per gigabyte, making it a strong contender if you’re looking for the spirit of the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money but need more space and blistering speed. Designed for power users, gamers, and creators, this NVMe drive leverages PCIe Gen4 technology to slash loading times and transfer huge files in a blink, making your system feel incredibly responsive. Its efficiency in power consumption is also a big plus, especially for laptops.
-
Key Features:
- 1TB capacity with exceptional read/write speeds up to 7400MB/s and 6500MB/s respectively.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, future-proofing your setup.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 ensures smooth transfers and seamless performance.
- Ideal for hardcore gamers, professionals, and content creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 for expanded game storage.
- Single-sided design perfect for slim laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
-
Pros:
- Extremely high read/write speeds for lightning-fast performance.
- Excellent power efficiency, great for battery life in laptops.
- Durable with a high Terabytes Written (TBW) rating.
- PS5 compatible, a huge bonus for console gamers.
- Great value per GB for a high-performance drive.
-
Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot to achieve full speeds.
- May be overkill for basic users who don’t need extreme speeds.
User Impressions: Users rave about the NM790’s impressive speed boost, transforming boot times and game loading. Many highlight its affordability for a Gen4 NVMe of this caliber, making it a favorite for performance-per-dollar.
2. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
When your digital life is on the go, a portable SSD becomes indispensable. The Lexar SL500 is a fantastic external storage solution that, despite being 2TB, offers incredible performance and versatility. If you’re pondering the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money for external use, consider stepping up to a 1TB or 2TB portable drive like this for long-term value. It’s built for speed and durability, letting you carry massive projects, games, or high-res video files in your pocket, making it perfect for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs fast, reliable storage away from their main machine.
-
Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 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/Max.
- Wide compatibility: mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5.
- Unique Thermal Control Design maintains optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Compact dimensions (3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”) and very light (0.095 lbs.).
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast portable speeds for quick file transfers.
- Extremely compact and lightweight, highly portable.
- Excellent compatibility across multiple devices, including consoles and iPhones.
- Robust security features with AES encryption.
- Effective thermal management for sustained performance.
-
Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for maximum speeds (otherwise performance may be lower).
- Higher capacity might be more than some users need for specific tasks.
User Impressions: Users love the SL500’s sleek design and phenomenal speed, especially when used for video editing on the go or transferring large game files. The iPhone Pro Res recording feature is a game-changer for mobile content creators.
3. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
For the creative professional who demands versatility, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with a built-in hub is a powerhouse. It’s more than just a portable drive; it’s a mobile workstation, offering a seamless experience for capturing and managing content. While not a direct 500GB equivalent, its 1TB capacity and integrated hub functionality provide immense value for its specific target audience, positioning it as a strong contender if you’re considering the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money for creative, on-the-go work. Its rugged design ensures your data is safe wherever your projects take you.
-
Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design for portability.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from cables.
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease.
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, adapters, and cables for ultimate flexibility.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for 4K recording.
- Ready for travel: dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant (up to 1 meter).
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Innovative integrated hub significantly boosts productivity.
- Exceptional durability makes it ideal for fieldwork.
- Excellent speeds for professional video recording and backups.
- Wireless connector is incredibly convenient.
- Designed for robust compatibility with creative workflows.
-
Cons:
- Higher price point due to the integrated hub and features.
- Specific niche product; not everyone will need the hub functionality.
User Impressions: Professionals frequently praise this drive for its all-in-one solution. The hub is a standout feature, eliminating the need for separate dongles, and its ruggedness gives users confidence in harsh environments.
4. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal
If you’re on a tight budget or looking to breathe new life into an older laptop or desktop, the Lexar NS100 2.5-inch SATA III SSD is a fantastic entry-level choice. While its 256GB capacity is below the 500GB target, it offers a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives for minimal investment. It dramatically improves boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness. If your goal for the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money is truly about the cheapest possible upgrade for basic tasks, this could be an option, but for future-proofing, you might want more space.
-
Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop 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 120TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance.
- Three-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Very affordable way to upgrade from an HDD.
- Significant speed improvement for everyday tasks.
- Reliable and durable due to no moving parts.
- Easy to install in most standard laptop/desktop bays.
-
Cons:
- Lower capacity might quickly fill up with modern applications and games.
- SATA III interface is slower than NVMe drives.
- Not ideal for intensive gaming or large media storage in 2026.
User Impressions: Customers often highlight the night-and-day difference this SSD makes compared to an old HDD. It’s praised as a cost-effective way to extend the life of an aging computer, perfect for basic computing needs.
5. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This is the 2TB version of the Professional Go Portable SSD with a Hub, offering all the fantastic features of its 1TB sibling but with double the storage. For serious content creators, videographers, or photographers who are constantly dealing with massive files, this 2TB version is an absolute godsend. It’s the ultimate professional solution for on-the-go data management and capture. While certainly not a 500GB drive, its value is in its comprehensive feature set, robust design, and ample space, making it an excellent investment for those seeking the very best portable solution, even if they started by looking for the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money for their professional kit.
-
Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity anywhere.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector.
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease.
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, along with included adapters and cables.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording.
- Ready for travel –dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive creative projects.
- Integrated hub greatly simplifies mobile workflows.
- Extreme durability suitable for demanding environments.
- High speeds for demanding tasks like 4K video editing.
- Wireless connector adds convenience and reduces clutter.
-
Cons:
- Premium price reflects its professional-grade features and capacity.
- Overkill for users who only need basic portable storage.
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the sheer capacity combined with the integrated hub. It’s often described as an essential piece of gear for professional content creation, providing both storage and connectivity in one rugged package.
6. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
The 1TB version of the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD strikes an excellent balance between capacity, performance, and portability. If you found the 2TB version appealing but don’t need quite that much space, this 1TB option delivers the same incredible speeds and sleek design at a more accessible price point. It’s perfect for gamers who want to expand their console library, students with large project files, or anyone needing fast, secure external storage. For those exploring options beyond strict 500GB, this 1TB drive offers exceptional value and could easily be considered a strong contender for the “Lexar best portable SSD for the money” in 2026.
-
Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, and more.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Compact dimensions (3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”) and very light (0.095 lbs.).
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Excellent balance of capacity and high-speed performance.
- Extremely portable and durable for on-the-go use.
- Broad compatibility with various devices.
- Includes security features with AES encryption.
- Great for console gaming expansion and creative work.
-
Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for peak performance.
- Still a higher initial cost than a basic USB flash drive.
User Impressions: This 1TB portable drive is highly praised for its speed and compact form factor. Users appreciate its versatility, using it for everything from backing up photos to expanding PS5 storage, all with rapid transfer times.
7. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal
Finally, for those who are specifically targeting a traditional 2.5-inch SATA drive around the 500GB mark for an internal upgrade, the Lexar 512GB NS100 is your closest and best bet. This drive delivers a noticeable performance boost over mechanical hard drives, offering faster boot times and application loading. It’s an ideal choice for refreshing an older laptop or desktop PC that doesn’t support NVMe drives, providing a good balance of capacity and cost-effectiveness. If your search is precisely for the Lexar best 500gb ssd 2026 for the money in a SATA form factor, look no further; this drive hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious upgrades.
-
Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 512GB capacity with 240TBW endurance.
- Three-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Directly matches the 500GB (or 512GB) capacity target.
- Affordable and effective upgrade for older systems.
- Significantly improves system responsiveness over HDDs.
- Durable and silent operation due to solid-state design.
- Easy to install in any 2.5-inch drive bay.
-
Cons:
- SATA III interface is slower than NVMe.
- May not be sufficient capacity for modern AAA games or extensive media libraries in 2026.
- Not suitable for systems requiring M.2 NVMe.
User Impressions: This 512GB NS100 is highly rated for its simplicity and immediate impact. Users frequently commend it for being an excellent, affordable solution to revive an aging computer, providing solid performance for its price point.
FAQ Section
Q1: What does “Lexar best 500GB SSD 2026 for the money” really mean?
A1: This means finding a Lexar SSD that offers the best balance of price, performance, and features around the 500GB capacity mark, considering technology trends and pricing expected by 2026. Often, a 1TB drive might offer better value per gigabyte than a strict 500GB in 2026, making it a better “for the money” option, but a 512GB drive like the NS100 is the closest direct match.
Q2: Why consider a 1TB SSD when I’m looking for 500GB?
A2: As technology advances, the cost per gigabyte often decreases for higher capacities. By 2026, a 1TB SSD might offer significantly better value (more storage for a comparatively small price increase) than a 500GB model. This makes it a more future-proof and cost-effective choice in the long run, especially with growing file sizes and game installations.
Q3: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
A3: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs use the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster read and write speeds (thousands of MB/s) compared to SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) SSDs (hundreds of MB/s). NVMe drives are ideal for high-performance tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking, while SATA SSDs are a great, affordable upgrade for older systems or general use.
Q4: Are Lexar portable SSDs compatible with gaming consoles like PS5 or Xbox?
A4: Yes, many Lexar portable SSDs, including the SL500 series, are designed for wide compatibility, supporting consoles like the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and older Xbox One models. They can significantly expand your game storage and often improve loading times. Always check the specific product’s compatibility list for your console model.
Q5: What is “TBW” and why is it important for an SSD?
A5: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is an endurance rating for SSDs. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might start to degrade. A higher TBW rating means the drive is more durable and can handle more write cycles, which is important for power users, content creators, or servers.
Q6: Can I use these SSDs to record directly from my iPhone?
A6: Yes, models like the Lexar SL500 and Professional Go Portable SSDs support direct Apple ProRes recording when connected to compatible iPhones (like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max). This allows you to record high-quality video footage directly to the SSD, saving valuable internal phone storage.
Q7: How do I choose between an internal and external SSD?
A7: Internal SSDs (like NVMe M.2 or SATA 2.5-inch) are installed inside your computer and are typically for system drives or primary storage, offering the fastest possible speeds for your OS and applications. External SSDs (portable) connect via USB and are best for expanding storage, backing up data, transferring files between devices, or for use with consoles and cameras, offering portability and versatility. Choose based on your primary need: performance inside your device or flexible, mobile storage.