Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB vs Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Lexar ES3 Portable SSD scores 5.5/10 overall, ahead of the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB at 4.7/10.

The Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB leads on build and ruggedness.

The Lexar ES3 Portable SSD leads on speed, compatibility, security and warranty.

The biggest difference is warranty, where the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD scores 6/10 to the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB's 3/10.

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB

4.7/10verdict: skip

This is a compact, metal-cased 1TB portable SSD for buyers who want IP65 dust and water resistance and a claimed 2000MB/s peak. It suits people who already have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and can live with some open questions. Those questions cover the interface, the warranty length and hardware encryption.

Typically about £208.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

5.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Lexar ES3 is a small USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSD for people who move files between a laptop and a phone. It suits everyday backups, photo libraries and project folders rather than workloads that need the fastest transfers. Linux users, console owners and anyone who wants hardware encryption should check the limits first.

Typically about £123 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB	Lexar ES3 Portable SSD
Speed	30%	5/10	6/10
Build and ruggedness	20%	7/10	5/10
Compatibility	20%	5/10	6/10
Security	15%	2/10	4/10
Warranty	15%	3/10	6/10
Overall		4.7/10	5.5/10

Specifications

Spec	Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB	Lexar ES3 Portable SSD
Capacity	1 TB nominal; usable capacity may be lower	512GB
Interface	Conflicting: USB 3.0 in UK 1TB product information; USB 3.2 Gen 2 in marketing text; UK 2TB sibling lists USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	USB 3.2 Gen 2
Sequential read	Up to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)	up to 1,050MB/s
Sequential write	Up to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)	up to 1,000MB/s
Drop and water rating	IP65 water and dust resistant; no drop rating published	not listed
Warranty	Conflicting or not confirmed: no length on Amazon.com listing; 5 years per Indian reseller; 1 year per a third-party review	3-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB

+ IP65 water and dust resistance, stated on the UK listing
+ Metal casing with scratch-resistant polymer base, about 51.8g
+ Includes both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables
− Interface details conflict between listings and sources
− No hardware encryption published; warranty length unconfirmed
− Console and phone support not confirmed; laptop only listed

Skip it if:

Buyers who need hardware-encrypted, password-protected storage
Anyone who needs a confirmed warranty length or confirmed console and phone support
Users without a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port who want the top quoted speed

Read the full Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB review ›

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

+ Plug-and-play setup, no drivers needed, according to owners
+ Mac, Windows, iOS and Android support listed
+ 2-metre anti-drop rating on a 45g body
− Encryption is software-based; no hardware encryption described
− Linux and consoles not listed as compatible
− Can feel warm during extended use, owners say

Skip it if:

Buyers who need hardware encryption built into the drive
Linux or console users who want manufacturer-listed support
Anyone who wants a published water rating or the fastest transfers available

Read the full Lexar ES3 Portable SSD review ›

More comparisons

Compare all External SSDs · Best External SSDs