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Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD vs Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

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

all judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD scores 6.7/10 overall, ahead of the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD at 5.5/10.

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD leads on speed, build and ruggedness, compatibility and security.

The Lexar ES3 Portable SSD leads on warranty.

The biggest difference is security, where the Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD scores 7/10 to the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD's 4/10.

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD

6.7/10verdict: buy

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB is for people who move large files regularly and have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to use it with. It suits buyers who want a small drive with hardware encryption and IP55 protection. Buyers without a matching port, or who put data integrity first, should weigh the owner reports before buying.

Typically about £449.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

5.5/10verdict: wait for deal

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 (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightCrucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSDLexar ES3 Portable SSD
Speed30%7/106/10
Build and ruggedness20%7/105/10
Compatibility20%7/106/10
Security15%7/104/10
Warranty15%5/106/10
Overall6.7/105.5/10

Specifications

SpecCrucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSDLexar ES3 Portable SSD
Capacity4TB512GB
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) over USB-CUSB 3.2 Gen 2
Sequential read2,100MB/sup to 1,050MB/s
Sequential write2,000MB/sup to 1,000MB/s
Drop and water ratingIP55 water and dust resistance; drop resistance to 2 metres (manufacturer figure)not listed
Encryption256-bit AES hardware encryptionnot listed
Warrantynot listed3-year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD

  • + 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
  • + 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • + IP55 dust and water resistance, 2m drop rating
  • − Speed roughly halves on most ports, including Thunderbolt 4
  • − Owners report drives that stopped mounting
  • − Owners report heat peaking at 42°C

Skip it if:

  • Buyers whose computers lack a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
  • Anyone who puts low price first, given owner complaints about cost
  • Users who will store irreplaceable data with no second backup
Read the full Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD 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 ›

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