Lexar's latest portable SSD is so very unbelievably thin

Lexar Muse portable SSD
(Image credit: Lexar)

Lexar has revealed what it says is the world's thinnest portable SSD: Muse. Measuring just 3.8mm at its thickest point, tapering down to an incredible 1mm at the edges; its card-like profile means this SSD should slip effortlessly into a tight jeans pocket.

(Image credit: Lexar)

Alternatively, Lexar supplies a MagSafe-compatible magnetic sleeve so the SSD can be attached to the back of a phone, without significantly increasing the device's overall thickness. This set-up is ideal if you use your phone for shooting video, as it enables footage to be recorded directly to the SSD, with none of the bulk and inconvenience associated with more conventional external storage.

(Image credit: Lexar)

Lexar has achieved such a slim profile through the use of a custom ultra-thin PCB, along with high-density NAND stacking and an integrated component layout that makes efficient use of the space inside. A precision-machined unibody metal enclosure complements Mac products and gives a premium feel, while also ensuring strength and adequate heat dissipation.

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(Image credit: Lexar)

An unusual feature of Muse is its cable connection. Rather than using a conventional USB-C socket, Lexar has instead designed a new SnapLink Magnetic Cable that connects to a recessed pad of Pogo Pins on the rear of the SSD. N52-grade neodymium magnets guide alignment and help hold the cable securely in place.

(Image credit: Lexar)

Despite its super-svelte profile, Muse is capable of read speeds up to 1050MB/s, and a maximum 1000MB/s write speed. This performance enables compatible iPhones to record Apple ProRes 4K video at up to 120fps directly to the drive.

(Image credit: Lexar)

The Lexar Muse will be available in 512GB and 1TB capacities. Pricing has yet to be announced, and availability is scheduled for Q4 2026.

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Ben Andrews

Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys. 

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