This article covers Lexar 2TB ES3 外付けSSD.

Overview

Lexar's ES3 external SSD in the 2TB capacity delivers sequential read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s, making it roughly 9.5 times faster than a traditional HDD. The drive comes with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable, ensuring broad compatibility with PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones, cameras, and gaming consoles. Its rugged design includes 2-meter drop resistance, dust resistance, and waterproofing, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. A built-in dual-layer graphite sheet helps dissipate heat efficiently, keeping the drive cool during prolonged transfers. Additionally, Lexar includes DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software and a file recovery tool for added data security.

Compatibility Guide

The Lexar ES3 is a portable external SSD with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface (USB-C connector). It is bus-powered, meaning no external power adapter is required. The included 2-in-1 cable allows connection to devices with either USB-C or USB-A ports. Compatible devices include Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and tablets, iPads, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and USB‑OTG‑enabled cameras. For gaming consoles, note that some file systems may impose capacity limits, and for PS5 native games, the drive can only store data (not play) without an internal NVMe SSD.

Product Info

The Lexar ES3 sits in the mid-to-high tier of the portable SSD market. It launched around 2024 with a street price of roughly ¥52,000 for the 2TB model (as of writing). The product is available through major retailers and online retailers. It offers a 3-year warranty (confirmed). Its market positioning emphasizes a balance of fast transfer speeds and rugged durability, targeting creative professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone who needs reliable, high-capacity external storage.

Best Use Cases

  1. Creative Professionals (Photographers, Videographers)
    Ideal for transferring large RAW image files or 4K video footage. The 1050MB/s read speed can move several hundred gigabytes in under 15 minutes. However, if you frequently work with 8K RAW or other bandwidth-intensive workflows, a Thunderbolt-based SSD (e.g., 2000MB/s+) would be a better fit.
  2. Gamers (PS5, Xbox, and PC)
    Use it as external storage for PS4 games on PS5, or for storing older titles on Xbox Series X|S. The drive is also perfect for expanding a laptop's storage for game libraries. Not recommended for playing PS5 native games directly?those require an internal NVMe SSD.
  3. Outdoor and Field Workers
    With dust and water resistance plus 2‑meter drop protection, the ES3 can handle rough conditions. It's great for backing up data on remote shoots or field surveys. Just be aware that it's not fully submersible (no official IP rating), so avoid submersion.
  4. General Users for Backup and Expansion
    Plug-and-play simplicity makes it accessible for anyone needing extra storage for a laptop or desktop. The 2TB capacity is sufficient for a typical user's photo library, documents, and media files.

Things to Consider

To achieve the maximum 1050MB/s read speed, your device must support USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps). Connecting to a USB 3.0 port will cap speeds at around 500MB/s. The 2TB capacity is generous, but if you plan to store an entire AAA game library, you may need two drives or a larger capacity model. Competitors include Samsung T7 (similar speed, same price range, with a more compact design) and SanDisk Extreme Portable (IP55-rated, slightly more rugged). The Lexar software suite is decent, but the encryption is Windows-only by default; Mac users may need third-party tools.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this SSD with my PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, you can connect it via USB to store and play PS4 games, and to store PS5 games (but not play them directly). For playing PS5 native games, you must use the internal SSD or an expansion slot NVMe SSD.
Q: Does it work with Android smartphones?
A: Yes, if your Android phone has a USB-C port and supports USB‑OTG, you can connect the drive using the included cable. You may need a file manager app to access the files.
Q: Is the 1050MB/s speed real-world?
A: The sequential read speed of up to 1050MB/s is achievable under ideal conditions (USB 3.2 Gen 2, large files). Real-world speeds vary with file size, system load, and cable quality. For small random files, speeds will be lower.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: Lexar
  • Seller: Amazon US
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon US
  • ASIN: B0DG6WRD8L
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.