Lexar lays claim to the world’s fastest portable SSD with its new SL100 Pro 1TB

Lexar is gunning for the title of fastest 1TB portable SSD in the world with its newly unveiled SL100 Pro series. There is next to nothing on the market that can rival the theoretical read speeds up to 950MB/s and write speeds up to 900MB/s, but the SL100 Pro series doesn’t come without its limitations.

The SL100 Pro range is built with “professional photographers and videographers in mind,” encasing blazing-fast solid state drive-level speeds in drop, shock and vibration resistant, stylish brushed aluminium casing. Lexar helps to redefine the definition of portable with its compact 55 x 73.4 x 10.8 mm (2.165 x 2.89 x 0.425 inches) dimensions.

DataVault Lite software helps to keep things protected with 256-bit AES encryption, securing files against corruption and deletion. The flagship 1TB drive’s unparalleled speeds are twice as fast as Lexar’s SL100 ³ and over 1.5 times faster than Samsung’s reliable T5 portable drive. Achieving these higher theoretical speeds requires a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port, although Lexar has ensured that the SL100 Pro series is compatible with the more common USB Type-A input thanks to its included USB-C to USB-A converter.

Although the price is undoubtedly a little eye-watering, it is relatively competitive for the portable SSD market given the speeds that Lexar is offering. The company pegs the RRP of the SL100 Pro 1TB at $279.99/€249.99, the SL100 Pro 500GB will supposedly set users back $149.99/€139.99 and the SL100 Pro 250GB is believed to hit shelves at $99.99/€89.99. Those wanting higher capacity will have to look elsewhere for the time being.

Lexar explains that the three SL100 Pro drives should be available for purchase later this month, and will be shipped alongside a 3-year warranty.

KitGuru Says: Even if these prices don’t appeal to our readers, the introduction of faster portable SSDs will create a domino effect of price drops for slower variants and mechanical drives. Are you in the market for more portable storage?

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