Lexar External SSD 2TB

For phone videographers who want footage stored outside their handset, the Lexar ES5 combines a 2TB external SSD with a magnetic attachment design for compatible phones. Its listed transfer speeds reach up to 2000MB/s for both reads and writes, though actual performance depends on the host device. The drive supports Apple ProRes and Samsung Pro Video recording, and its slim liquid-silicone build is meant to be comfortable to hold. If you often run out of room while shooting, could a drive that attaches to your phone make your workflow less fiddly?

On-body feel

The magnetic design lets the ES5 attach to a MagSafe-compatible smartphone, keeping the drive close while you record or move files. An included metal ring adds a magnetic surface to other devices, so attachment is not limited to phones with built-in MagSafe compatibility. Picture setting up a phone for a video shoot and keeping the SSD attached rather than letting a separate drive and cable swing around in your bag. A cable organizer that doubles as a lanyard helps manage the connection, while the liquid-silicone exterior is described as providing a comfortable grip.

It’s a great fit if you want a portable recording and backup drive that can travel with a compatible phone instead of relying only on internal storage. It may not suit you if you need guaranteed peak transfer speeds across every computer: the listing notes that Macs and other systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 may run slower. It gives peak read and write figures but no sustained-speed figure, making long recording sessions harder to assess without that measurement.

Pros

• 2TB capacity gives mobile footage and other files a dedicated place to go.
• Magnetic attachment supports compatible smartphones, and the included metal ring extends that option to other devices.
• Supports Apple ProRes recording at 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video at 8K 30FPS.
• IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, with drop resistance up to 3M.
• Free access to the Lexar App includes automatic media backup and mobile storage expansion features.

Compared with a basic portable SSD that you simply plug in and set aside, the ES5’s magnetic mounting and phone-video support are the main reasons to choose this style. A simpler drive may make more sense if you do not need a phone-mounted setup or the listed recording features.

Spec sheet

• Name: Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD
• Type: External SSD
• Capacity: 2TB
• Read speed: Up to 2000MB/s
• Write speed: Up to 2000MB/s
• Compatibility: USB-C smartphones, iPhone 15/16 or above, PC, and Mac
• Format support: Apple ProRes and Samsung Pro Video recording
• Material: Liquid silicone
• Color: Silver
• Protection: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop resistant up to 3M

Should you buy it?

Choose the ES5 if your priority is keeping a high-capacity drive attached to a compatible phone for video capture and media backup. Its recording support, magnetic setup, and included ring accessory give it a more mobile-first role than a conventional drive meant mainly for desk use. The tradeoff is that the advertised top speeds are not assured on systems that lack USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, and the listing does not give sustained transfer figures. If your workflow depends on consistent performance across a particular computer, that limitation matters, if you mainly want extra space close at hand while filming, the ES5’s design is more directly suited to the job.