Crucial X6 1TB
Score: 34/100
Lexar ES3 1TB
Score: 70/100Rankings
The Lexar ES3 1TB SSD offers ultra-fast USB-C performance in a lightweight metal shell, with software-based 256-bit AES encryption and extensive device compatibility. Its main drawbacks are limited iPhone support and the need to install encryption software.
The Crucial X6 1TB is an affordable, ultra-light portable SSD with decent everyday performance, but its QLC NAND and DRAM-less architecture prevent it from delivering the high sustained speeds some users expect.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,000 GB | 1,024 GBbest | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
212 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 40 gbest | 45 g |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1000 GB | 1024 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 212 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 40 g | 45 g |
Form Factor | portable | Portable |
Power & Connectivity(2) | ||
Power Source | bus-powered | Bus-powered via USB |
Included Cable Type | USB-C to USB-C | 2‑in‑1 USB‑C to USB‑C with Type‑A adapter |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, consoles | macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox, PlayStation |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the X6 a serviceable, budget-friendly portable SSD that works well for everyday tasks but is hampered by its SATA-based internals and DRAM-less design, recommending PCIe-based alternatives for power users.
Consumers appreciate the X6's reliability, pocket-size convenience, and price, though many note that real-world speeds fall short of the advertised 800 MB/s and that performance drops after the cache is exhausted.
Professional reviewers describe the Lexar ES3 as a high-speed, ultra-portable SSD that delivers near-SSD performance in a credit-card-sized metal shell, commending its fast read speed, built-in encryption and plug-and-play experience while noting its console compatibility and warmth under load.
Everyday users rate the drive highly for its speed, build quality and portability, praising the plug-and-play convenience and security features, with complaints about older iPhone incompatibility and cable length.
“smaller than car keys”
“perfect for travel”
“Crucial SSDs have never failed me.”
