Lexar Professional SL600 SSD review: getting a handle on portable SSDs

The Lexar SSD is a little on the larger side, but it offers fast enough speeds that photographers and videographers should have it on their wish lists

Lexar Professional SL600 SSD held in a hand
(Image: © Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Lexar SSD is fast enough for most photographers and videographers who want to work directly from an external SSD. The SL600 drive is more than capable of fast transfer of images and video, directly recording from a camera, or editing directly from the drive. The design is my only issue, the handle seems a little unnecessary for a non-rugged drive and I would have preferred a smaller drive than a rugged aesthetic.

Pros

  • +

    Fast enough speeds for most creators

  • +

    Solid and well-built drive

  • +

    Multiple capacities available up to 4TB

Cons

  • -

    Design won’t suit everyone

  • -

    Gen 3.2 2x2 not widely compatible

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Despite their pedigree in manufacturing other types of storage, Lexar is probably not a name that crops up a lot when talking about the best portable hard drives, with the middling Lexar SL200 being a big disappointment and big players like SanDisk, Western Digital, and Samsung since grabbing all the limelight with superior models.

Lexar however is back with a more serious entry, recently adding a twin set of much more competent seeming portable SSDs to its lineup – the Lexar SL660 Blaze and the Lexar Professional SL600. 

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Capacity512GB/1TB/2TB
MaterialGraphite Grey Aluminium
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen2x2
Performance Speedup to 2000MB/s read, up to 2000MB/s write
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 70°C
Storage Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C
System SupportedMac OSX 10.6+, Windows 8+, Android 4.4+
Warranty5-year limited warranty
Size (L x W x H)112.6 x 59 x 10.6 mm (4.43 x 2.32 x 0.42 in)
Weight64 g (0.14 lb)
Samsung T9

Samsung T9
The Samsung T9 is Samsung’s latest entry into its portable SSD range, offering the same Gen 2x2 connection, but in a rugged rubberized exterior, while also being a little smaller in overall size. In my tests, the Samsung T9 pipped the Lexar SL600 to the fastest maximum speeds.

PNY EliteX-Pro SSD

PNY EliteX-Pro SSD
If you are after a Gen 2x2 drive but don’t have a lot of money to spend, then the PNY EliteX-Pro might be the one to check out. With speeds that rival the Lexar SL600, although in a slightly cheaper feeling package overall.

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Gareth Bevan
Reviews Editor

Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.