Lexar ES3 Portable External SSD (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
Capacity
Price
$164.99
Per TB$164.99
Buy on AmazonAlso available at
Reasons to buy
- Official ratings up to about 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write on USB 3.2 Gen 2 when the host chain supports it
- Very light carry at about 42 grams with a slim profile near 10.5 mm thick on published dimensions
- Lexar documents broad OS support including recent Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone 15 or 16 file-transfer use cases
- Optional Lexar DataShield encryption without forcing a subscription login for basic local use
- Three-year limited warranty called out on Lexar and Amazon listing pages
Reasons to avoid
- Headline speeds need a true USB 3.2 Gen 2 path; many older USB-A ports will cap throughput lower
- Amazon listing explicitly notes MagSafe is not available on this version
- Formatted capacity is below the printed TB number, which is normal for any SSD line
- Thin metal shells can warm under long sequential writes like most pocket drives
- iPhone 14 and older Lightning models are not listed for the same direct workflow without adapters
Specifications
- series
- ES3
- interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- form factor
- Portable external SSD
- manufacturer
- Lexar
- weight grams
- 42
- warranty notes
- Three-year limited warranty per Lexar and Amazon listings; confirm your region on Lexar support.
- warranty years
- 3
- drop protection meters
- 2
Researched and maintained by Hard Drive Prices Editorial Team. · Updated May 11, 2026
Specifications
- series
- ES3
- interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- form factor
- Portable external SSD
- manufacturer
- Lexar
- weight grams
- 42
- warranty notes
- Three-year limited warranty per Lexar and Amazon listings; confirm your region on Lexar support.
- warranty years
- 3
- drop protection meters
- 2
Researched and maintained by Hard Drive Prices Editorial Team. · Updated May 11, 2026
User ratings
- Amazon4.6(678)
What you're getting
The Lexar ES3 is a bus-powered portable solid-state drive that connects over USB 3.2 Gen 2. Lexar publishes sequential speeds up to about 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write based on internal testing, though the host port, cable, and workload must match that generation to approach the peak.
This family ships in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities in the blue metal enclosure. Retail boxes include the drive and a USB Type-C cable for typical laptop, desktop, and many tablet workflows.
Lexar bundles Lexar DataShield software for optional 256-bit AES file encryption on supported systems, which helps when the drive leaves your desk. Lexar also references the Lexar Recovery Tool for accidental delete scenarios, with the usual caveat that recovery is never guaranteed.
Amazon and Lexar Americas materials quote a three-year limited warranty for the line. Read Lexar's regional warranty page before you count on advance replacement or cross-border support.
Buying context
Typical value (not live pricing)
Using the two Amazon list prices captured here, the 1 TB SKU lands near $165 per TB while the 2 TB SKU is closer to $150 per TB, so the larger drive usually wins on simple $/TB math. Promotions change often, so confirm the live price on Amazon or Lexar partners before you check out.
Where this line often shows up
- Travel backup for USB-C MacBooks and thin Windows laptops
- PS5 or PS4 USB game and capture storage where Sony allows play-from-USB
- Xbox Series X or S compatible USB expansion for supported titles
- iPhone 15 or 16 offload of large ProRes or photo batches between locations
Features
USB 3.2 Gen 2 host link for up to 10 Gb/s class signaling when cables and ports match
Metal enclosure sized for a pocket with published dimensions near 100.6 mm by 50 mm by 10.5 mm on Lexar Americas
Bundled USB-C cable for plug-and-play use with many laptops, desktops, and supported phones
Lexar DataShield optional 256-bit AES encryption software on supported hosts
Drop-tested claim to 2 meters under Lexar controlled-test language with real-world variance called out in the footnote