External SSDs are one of the devices that you should have for your daily drive. If you often move files like photos, videos, or backups, you understand the need for speed and portability.

With this in mind, I’m going to review one of the popular external SSDs out there in the market. The LEXAR SL300 External SSD.

Specifications:

Capacity	1TB | 2TB
Color	Black
Interface	USB 3.2 Gen 2
Performance	Up to 1050MB/s read, up to 1000MB/s write
Systems Supported	Mac® OSX 10.6+, Windows® 11/10/7/8, iOS, Android 4.4+
Compatibility	PC, Mac, tablets, iPad, Android, iPhone 15 Series & iPhone 16 Series (Note: iPhone compatibility is limited to file transfers)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Storage Temperature	-40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Dimension (L x W x H)	3.96” x 1.97” x 0.41”, 100.6mm x 50mm x 10.5mm
Weight	0.092lbs, 42g
Included	11.8-inch USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable (10Gbps) USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter (10Gbps)

Closer Look

The SL300 comes in a colored box that highlights the drive itself along with some of its key specifications.

At the back, you’ll find more details about the SL300, written in different languages along with its certifications.

Inside the box, you’ll get the SL300 portable SSD, a user manual, and the USB Type-C cable that also comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

The Lexar SL300 comes with a simple clean matte black finish that gives it a modern and practical vibe with the Lexar Logo up front.

The back shows the model name, capacity, and serial number of the portable SSD with some certifications

At the bottom is the USB Type-C port and LED indicator.

The cable has just the right length, making it easy to use while keeping things portable.

Thanks to its USB-C to USB-A adapter, you can use the SL300 with lots of devices from Mac, PC, and Mobile Phones.

Booting up the Lexar SL300, you’ll find pre-loaded folders, documents, and the Lexar Data Shield app inside. Personally, I’m not a big fan of this approach since I prefer starting with a clean slate.

Lexar DataShield comes bundled with the SL300, just like with most of Lexar’s storage devices. It’s a simple software that lets you create a password-protected safe on the drive using 256-bit AES encryption. You just drag and drop your files into the secure folder, and it keeps them protected from unauthorized access, theft, or accidental loss.

Test Methodology

Here are the components used for testing the SSD.
Specifications:
ASRock Z790 NOVA WIFI
Intel i5 13600KF
Thermaltake Core P3 Pro Chassis
DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler
Thermaltake GF3 850W Power Supply
Noiseblocker e-Loop-X Fans

For Benchmark Apps we will be using CrystalDiskMark.

Benchmarks

The random read speed is pretty much what you’d expect from a USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive.

The temperatures during every operation stayed well within the range stated on Lexar’s spec sheet.

Conclusion

When it comes to portable storage, I always look for three things: build quality, ease of use, and reliable performance. The Lexar SL300 checks those boxes right away with its slim and lightweight design that makes it easy to bring anywhere.

The Lexar SL300 is a good portable SSD that has good durability due to its IP54 rating with a 2-meter drop resistance and the 2-in-1 cable that allows you to plug-and-play to a wide range of devices you can think of with a port.

That said, the SL300 is a bit bigger compared to something like the Kingston XS1000, even if the performance is almost the same. And from my experience, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter does slow things down, so you’ll really want to use native USB-C to get the best speeds. I also prefer a clean drive setup, so I’m not a fan of the pre-loaded software.

Overall, the Lexar SL300 is a good choice for users who want to have a portable and fast external SSD that they can use during their outdoor shoots or possibly for doing productivity stuff outside the office. It has a good balance of portability and speed, which makes it a great partner for your storage needs.

You can buy the Lexar SL300 (1TB) for around $70 or P3,999.00 at PCWORX (Pre-Order Basis).

With that, the Lexar SL300 (1TB) receives the Recommended Award.