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SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB vs Lexar SL500 Portable SSD

Buy the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD if you want a proven, rugged drive with a wide capacity range and a strong track record with owners. Buy the Lexar SL500 if raw speed and a magnetic mount matter more, since its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface is rated at 2000 MB/s read and 1800 MB/s write. The SanDisk has the longer reputation for durability in the field; the Lexar is the faster, slimmer drive with bundled encryption software.

  • Choose the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD if you want a rugged, well-known drive in capacities from 250 GB to 2 TB and you value a long record of owner experience over peak speed.
  • Choose the Lexar SL500 if you need the fastest USB transfer rates, a slim aluminum body that magnetically attaches to your laptop or phone, and built-in AES encryption.

Prices

  • SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB: $149.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Lexar SL500 Portable SSD: $149.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB is $0.04 cheaper than the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD at the latest prices (Nov 9)
SanDisk
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (USB-C)

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (USB-C)

$149.95at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

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Pros
  • Rugged, drop-resistant design suited to travel and fieldwork
  • Starts at 250 GB, so there is a smaller entry capacity
  • Long-standing model with broad owner feedback
  • Carabiner loop for attaching to a bag
Cons
  • No published speed rating as high as the Lexar's
  • No magnetic mounting
  • Top capacity stops at 2 TB
Lexar
Lexar SL500 1TB Portable SSD with Magnetic Set

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD

Lexar SL500 1TB Portable SSD with Magnetic Set

4.5(2 ratings)
$149.99at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

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Pros
  • Very fast on a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
  • Slim aluminum body that fits in a palm
  • Magnetic attachment for phones and laptops
  • Bundled 256-bit AES encryption
  • Available up to 4 TB
Cons
  • Full speed requires a 20 Gbps USB port, which many laptops lack
  • No small capacities below 1 TB
  • Aluminum body offers less shock protection than a rubberized shell

What separates them

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TBLexar SL500 Portable SSD
Rated sequential speedUSB-C NVMe drive; SanDisk does not publish the same headline figures for this listingUp to 2000 MB/s read and 1800 MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
InterfaceUSB-CUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which needs a matching 20 Gbps port to hit top speed
BuildRubberized, drop-resistant shell aimed at outdoor and travel useSlim solid aluminum unibody, about 0.5 inch thick
MountingNo magnet; carabiner loop for clipping to a bagMagnetic set lets it stick to the back of a phone or laptop
Capacity range250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Encryption softwareSanDisk bundles its own password protection softwareLexar DataShield 256-bit AES included
Device compatibilityWorks with PC, Mac, phones and cameras over USB-CMarketed for computers, cameras and gaming devices

Price history

$209.99$159.99
Nov 9Nov 10
  • SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB: lowest $159.99 on Nov 10 at Best Buy.
  • Lexar SL500 Portable SSD: lowest $184.95 on Nov 10 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $219.95Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • Office DepotNew

    In stock

    $225.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Office Depot
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by heartlandcomputers (99.8% positive, 10,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $149.95Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $199.90Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $189.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by mr.estore (100% positive, 418 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $149.99+ $2.99 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Peoria Camera ShopNew

    Availability unknown

    $224.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Peoria Camera Shop
  • Verdi.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $224.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Verdi.com

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TBLexar SL500 Portable SSD
TypeExternalSSD
ConnectionUSBUSB
ColorBlack, White, OrangeBlack
Capacity250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
NVMeYes—
Quantity1 drive—
Width (")—3.5
Wi-Fi—No
Placement—External
Size (GB)—1000
Height (")—0.5
External Connection—USB-C
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TBLexar SL500 Portable SSD
Depth (")—2.3
Sequential Write (MB/s)—1800
Sequential Read (MB/s)—2000
Interface—USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
hard_drive_capacity—1 TB

What reviewers say

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB

Owners generally rate the Extreme Portable SSD highly for its speed and rugged build, and it is a common pick for photo and video work. Complaints center on heat and on write speeds dropping during very large transfers.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedOwners say everyday transfers of photos and video clips finish quickly over USB-C.
  • BuildPraisedReviewers like the rubberized shell and report the drive survives drops and wet conditions.
  • HeatCriticisedSeveral owners note the drive becomes noticeably warm during long transfers.
  • Sustained writesMixedBurst speeds are fast, but some users see writes slow down on very large jobs.

Questions and answers

Which is faster in real use?
The Lexar SL500 is rated higher, at 2000 MB/s read and 1800 MB/s write, but only on a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. On a standard 10 Gbps USB-C port both drives are capped near 1000 MB/s, so the gap shrinks.
Which is better for travel and outdoor use?
The SanDisk Extreme, because its rubberized shell is built to survive drops. The Lexar's aluminum body is slim and light but less forgiving of impacts.
Is the Lexar worth stepping up to over the SanDisk?
Yes if you move large video or project files and have a 20 Gbps port, or if you want the magnetic mount and bundled encryption. Otherwise the SanDisk covers everyday backup and transfer needs.
Which holds up better over time?
Both are solid-state drives with no moving parts. The SanDisk has the longer public track record for durability; the Lexar is newer, so long-term owner data is thinner.
Can I use either with a phone?
Yes. Both connect over USB-C. The Lexar's magnetic set is designed to stick to the back of a phone, which the SanDisk cannot do.
Do I need special software for encryption?
No. Both bundle their own encryption tools, SanDisk's password protection and Lexar DataShield with 256-bit AES.

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