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Lexar Professional Workflow XQD 2.0 Card Reader Review

Lexar Professional Workflow XR2 XQD 2.0 Reader with 64GB XQD Card

Introduction

The Lexar Professional Workflow XR2 is an XQD 2.0 memory card reader. The SR2 can be used as an independent card reader or mounted in the Lexar HR1 Professional Workflow 4-port hub.

The XR2 features a black plastic case with single XQD slot on the front. The XQD card inserts about one inch into the reader; the last 1/4 inch has some resistance as the card is pressed into the spring-loaded mechanism. Pressing the card ejects it by about 1/4 inch to facilitate removal. The slot has tight fit and guides the card as it is inserted and removed. When a card is in the reader, a blue light is illuminated. The light blinks when the card is accessed.

Lexar Professional Workflow XR2 XQD 2.0 Card Reader Bottom

The bottom of the reader has a rubber pad to prevent sliding. It also has the serial number and model number LRWXR2U and specifies that the reader is made in China.

Lexar Professional Workflow Card Reader Back with USB 3.0 standard-B connector and cable

The XR2 has a full-size USB 3.0 standard-B connector located on back. This connector is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 cables. It provides a firm connection that is much more durable than the micro-B connectors frequently found on other USB 3.0 card readers.

Performance

XQD cards can offer outstanding performance and the XR2 promises compatibility with the latest XQD 2.0 cards.

Reader: Lexar XR2 XQD 2.0 Card Reader
Benchmark: CrystalDiskMark 3.0.3 x64
Program settings: 1000 MB, 5 passes, random test data
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H
Processor: Intel Core i7-3770K @ 4.40GHz
RAM: 32GB DDR3 1600

Lexar XR2 XQD 2.0 Card Reader
Card Benchmarks
Sequential
Read
(MB/s)
Sequential
Write
(MB/s)
Sony G-Series 440MB/s XQD 64GB278.691213.995
Lexar Professional 2933x XQD 64GB263.959149.818
Sony M-Series XQD 32GB263.69341.761
Sony G-Series 400MB/s XQD 64GB262.735146.388
Sony M-Series XQD 64GB255.96966.198
Lexar Professional 1400x XQD 64GB194.541161.518

The XR2 reader is compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0, although USB 2.0 connections are limited to 35MB/s transfer speed. Operating system compatibility is listed as Mac OS X 10.6+ and Windows 7/8. Lexar Professional Workflow products are covered by a two-year limited warranty.

Lexar Professional Workflow XR2 XQD 2.0 Card Reader Box and Packaging

Recommendation

The Lexar XR2 offers transfer speed and elegant design. It is easier to use than Sony XQD readers.

Compare prices on the Lexar XR2 XQD 2.0 Card Reader reader. The lowest prices are highlighted in the table below.

Card ReaderConnectionModel NumberPrices
AmazonB&H PhotoAdorama
Lexar XR2 XQD 2.0 Card ReaderUSB 3.0LRWXR2TBNA$59.99Check price$44.99