Upgrading to a solid-state drive is the fastest way to breathe new life into an older computer. Among entry-level SATA SSDs, the Lexar NS100 vs Kingston A400 are two of the most popular budget-friendly options.
While both offer major speed improvements over mechanical hard drives, they differ slightly in performance, pricing, and long-term reliability. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key specs, pros and cons, and real-world value to help you choose the right drive for your setup.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Lexar NS100 | Kingston A400 |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA III | 2.5-inch SATA III |
| Sequential Read | ~520 MB/s | ~550 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | ~456 MB/s | ~462 MB/s |
| Performance Score | ~661 | ~688 |
| Capacities Available | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB |
| Price (240–256GB) | ~$20 | ~$25 |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Quick Benchmark Highlights: Lexar NS100 vs Kingston A400
When comparing the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400, both are entry-level SATA SSDs designed to replace traditional hard drives with faster, more reliable performance. Here’s how they stack up:
| Metric | Lexar NS100 (512 GB) | Kingston A400 (480 GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to ~520 MB/s | Up to ~500 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to ~520 MB/s | Up to ~450 MB/s (cache-limited) |
| Random IOPS | Not officially listed | ~90K read / ~35K write |
| Endurance (TBW) | ~256 TBW | ~160 TBW |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Performance Edge: The Lexar NS100 has a slight advantage in sequential read and write speeds, making it marginally faster in everyday file transfers.
- IOPS & Responsiveness: The Kingston A400 lists clearer random IOPS values (90K/35K), which reflects its real-world responsiveness, especially under multitasking.
- Endurance Matters: Lexar NS100 offers higher endurance (~256 TBW vs ~160 TBW), which may translate to a longer lifespan under heavy workloads.
- Equal Warranty: Both drives come with a 3-year warranty, standard for budget SATA SSDs.
👉 In short, the Lexar NS100 edges ahead in raw speed and durability, while the Kingston A400 remains a reliable budget option with well-documented random performance.
Pros & Cons
✅ Lexar NS100
Pros:
- Lower price per gigabyte
- Good boot and load performance
- Generally positive user feedback
Cons:
- Slightly slower sequential speeds
- Entry-level endurance for heavy use
✅ Kingston A400
Pros:
- Slightly faster in benchmarks
- Strong brand recognition
- Widely available worldwide
Cons:
- Higher price than Lexar NS100
- Mixed reliability reports from some users
Buying Recommendations
- Budget Buyers & Everyday Users → Go with the Lexar NS100. It’s cheaper, reliable for light workloads, and great for older systems.
- Slightly Higher Performance → Choose the Kingston A400, which offers marginally better read speeds.
- Best Alternative → Consider the Crucial BX500, which often feels smoother in real-world use according to many users.
Final Verdict
Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 are strong contenders in the budget SSD market. The performance gap is minor, so for most people, the choice comes down to price vs brand preference.
- Pick Lexar NS100 if you want maximum value.
- Pick Kingston A400 if you prefer a globally recognized brand and slightly higher read speeds.
Either option will massively improve your system’s speed compared to an HDD.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the Lexar NS100 faster than the Kingston A400?
No. The Kingston A400 has slightly faster sequential read/write speeds, but the difference is barely noticeable in everyday use.
Q2: Which SSD is more reliable in the long run?
Both are entry-level SATA SSDs with similar endurance. However, user reports suggest the Lexar NS100 has fewer failure complaints compared to the Kingston A400.
Q3: Do these SSDs work in laptops and desktops?
Yes. Both are 2.5-inch SATA III drives, compatible with most laptops and desktops that support SATA connections.
Q4: Which drive is better for gaming?
For gaming, both drives perform almost identically. Game load times will be much faster than HDDs, but not significantly different between these two SSDs.
Q5: Is it worth buying these in 2025, or should I go NVMe?
If your system supports NVMe, you’ll get much faster speeds with an M.2 NVMe SSD. But for older SATA-only systems, the NS100 or A400 are excellent budget upgrades.
Q6: Which SSD has better warranty coverage?
Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 come with a 3-year limited warranty.
Short Conclusion
The Lexar NS100 wins on affordability, while the Kingston A400 edges ahead in speed and brand trust. In real-world usage, the difference is small—so your choice should depend on budget vs brand preference. Either way, both drives are solid low-cost upgrades that deliver huge improvements over traditional hard drives.
If you have any questions about “Lexar NS100 vs Kingston A400: Which one to buy” Then feel free and let us know through your comments.
