Lexar SL500 1TB
Score: 74/100
SanDisk Creator Pro 1TB
Score: 66/100Rankings
The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD delivers a sleek, credit-card-sized form factor with impressive advertised speeds and solid durability (IP54, 2 m drop). It's ideal for creators needing a lightweight, encrypted drive, though actual transfer rates may fall short of the 2000 MB/s claim without a compatible host.
A high-performance NVMe portable SSD with rugged IP65 protection and fast 2000 MB/s speeds, aimed at creative professionals, but limited by host compatibility and lack of encryption.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,000 GBbest | 1,000 GBbest | |
2,000 MB/sbest | 2,000 MB/sbest | |
1,800 MB/s | 2,000 MB/sbest | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 43 gbest | 77.5 g |
| ↓ lower better | 4.8 mmbest | 9.7 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 83.8 mmbest | 100.8 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 53.3 mm | 9.7 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 1800 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | true | false |
Build & Design(6) | ||
Weight (g) | 43 g | 77.5 g |
Thickness (mm) | 4.8 mm | 9.7 mm |
Length (mm) | 83.8 mm | 100.8 mm |
Width (mm) | 53.3 mm | 9.7 mm |
Height (mm) | 7.6 mm | 52.6 mm |
IP Rating | IP54 | IP65 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SL500 for its premium, compact design, solid durability, and competitive pricing, noting that it delivers very fast transfers when paired with a suitable Gen 2×2 or USB 4.0 host. They point out that real-world performance often lags behind the 2000 MB/s claim and that users without the appropriate port will not experience the drive's full speed potential.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's pocket-sized form factor, reliable build, and sufficient speed for on-the-go 4K editing, as well as the added security of encryption. Common complaints revolve around the gap between advertised and actual speeds, the absence of a USB-A adapter, and the lack of MagSafe support.
“Fits in my pocket like a credit card”
“Fast enough for 4K video editing on the go”
“Secure with encryption and durable build”
Professional reviewers commend the Creator Pro for delivering true 2000 MB/s NVMe performance over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, noting the forged aluminum chassis eliminates thermal throttling, while pointing out the need for a Gen 2x2 host and the absence of hardware encryption.
Everyday users rave about the blazing-fast transfers and ruggedness, especially for on-location shoots, but complain about not reaching advertised speeds on older PCs, warmth during use, and short stiff cables.
