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Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: 30-second review
This docking station from Lexar designed for creatives, enabling you to plug in a series of modular card readers or portable SSDs neatly into the front section of the unit. Essentially, it’s a dock to handle all your storage and data transfer needs.
I really liked just how complete this unit is with the support for up to six of the modular units that slot into the front, giving you a selection of SSDs and card readers. The Workflow also enables PD power to your laptop through the same Thunderbolt data cable, and if you want to plug in a monitor, then one can be connected through the Thunderbolt port at the back, although there’s no HDMI.
If those six slots don’t quite meet your needs, then there’s also the option to daisy chain further Workflow docks, something I like the idea of, but with only one unit to test for this review, I’ve focused on the single unit with a sample of each of the five modules.
In use, I quickly found that I needed to look at the Workflow in several parts: the main docking station, which is beautifully designed with those six front-facing slots for the modules, and the back, which features three USB ports, one for connection to your computer, one for power, and a third that can be used to daisy-chain those additional Workflow units. Why I like this idea is that you can then integrate mass working storage, expanding the capacity with six additional 4TB SSD modules, giving you 24TB of storage while still retaining six slots for memory card transfer.
I’ve been using the Workflow for the last four weeks, and while for the most part the streamlining of workflow has been welcomed, the one issue I have encountered is the low hum from the internal fans, which are noticeable in quiet environments. The problem I had is that for the most part the unit sits quietly, but then when the fans do kick in, they’re slightly louder than other docking stations I’ve tested, and they keep going for longer than I would have expected.
When it comes to the design, I liked the fact that each module is identical in size, so they’ll fit into any of the front slots, and each can be used either with the docking station or independently, so you can take the SSD or memory card readers with you. Taking a look at each of the modules, on the back is a USB Type-C port, which connects to the dock but can also be used to plug directly into your computer with a cable, which is supplied with each. The portable SSD module is waterproof and dustproof, which makes it ideal for field use. In the test, submerging the drive in water, it just took a quick wipe-down and shake, and it was ready to be used. The memory card modules are equally robust, though not waterproof.
In real-world use, Workflow proved useful. On shoots with multiple videographers, the ability to plug in CFexpress Type B or SD cards, transfer footage quickly to the SSD module, and then edit directly from that SSD made the process incredibly smooth. It’s worth pointing out that the workflow does require AC power, so along with the laptop, it was plugged into a Jackery 1KW power station. For larger productions, I can really see how multiple units with expanded storage would be useful. The fact that you can use it in the studio and take modules into the field makes it a flexible solution and one of the best docking stations for creative professionals right now.
Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? £749 / $799
- When is it out? Now
- Where can you get it? Widely available
The Lexar Workflow Dock is widely available and can be purchased directly from Lexar.com as well as most major retailers and high street stores. The base unit is $549, and the modules vary in price.
Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: Specs
Weight: 1570 g
Operating Systems Windows: 10/11; macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
Compatible Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Photoshop, Photo Mechanic, and Phase One
Dimensions (L x W x H): 270 × 143.5 x 78mm
Connection: Thunderbolt 4
Power: GaN 140W
Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: Design
The Lexar Workflow Dock has been designed as a modular docking system for memory cards and SSDs. The base station features six ports along the front, along with a power button, a USB Type-C, and a USB Type-A port.
These front ports enable you to connect other devices or use the system to dock them—so, for example, if you have a Lexar SL500, you can plug it into the USB Type-C port, and it will appear on your desktop alongside any of the modules inserted into the six slots.
The slots themselves are similar to those found on NAS enclosures, although there’s no locking mechanism; you simply push in the module you want, and it’s recognised by the system and mounted to your computer.
Around the back, there are three USB Type-C ports, one for power, one for the computer connection, and one for daisy-chaining additional Lexar Workflow systems or to a monitor. This means you can scale up and build a much larger production workflow if needed.
It’s worth noting that while there are six front slots, the first four (from left to right) are 10 Gbps, and the final two offer 40 Gbps. However, the connection between the computer and Lexar Workflow is via Thunderbolt 4, so the total maximum transfer rate across all devices is capped at 40 Gbps. If data is transferred from multiple modules simultaneously, this total bandwidth is shared across the connected devices.
In terms of size and weight, the unit is fairly bulky at 270 x 143.5 x 78mm. It’s intended as a desktop solution for studio use rather than portability. It requires AC power delivered via USB Type-C, and the included adapter is a compact plug-and-cable design with no large power brick, which helps reduce the overall weight and bulk.
When it comes to weight, it comes in at 1.57kg before any modules are inserted. Aesthetics-wise, the exterior is finished in a space grey look, making it a good visual match for MacBook Pros and other high-end laptops. The Lexar logo is embossed on the top, while the front-facing module slots are finished in a clean matte black, Overall, the design is sleek and professional.
Alongside the base unit, this review looked at five module types: CFexpress Type A, CFexpress Type B dual-slot, SD/microSD combo, and a 4TB SSD. All modules share the same dimensions, 103.4 x 57.7 x 12mm, and design, differing only in the front plate layout. The 4TB SSD is the heaviest at 145g, but still relatively lightweight. Each module connects via a centrally positioned USB Type-C socket, enabling easy, reversible installation into any slot.
Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: Features
The features of the Lexar Professional Workflow are extensive, but at its core, the system centres around the base unit with six modular slots designed to work with Lexar’s Professional Workflow modules. These include SSDs in two capacities, 2TB and the 4TB model reviewed here, as well as a variety of memory card readers, as noted in the design section above.
The unit is built around the Thunderbolt 4 interface, which supports up to 40Gb/s transfer speeds, allowing exceptionally fast data transfers from CFexpress cards and SSD modules. As mentioned earlier, there are limitations. Using both of the 40Gb/s slots does not double the bandwidth, you’ll still be limited to 40Gb/s total across the system.
Likewise, when all six slots are active, the maximum combined speed remains 40 Gb/s, not Gb/s. The bandwidth is shared across active modules, but the speed is still more than enough for most creative workflows.
One of the key features is expandability. With six slots as standard, you already have a flexible range of options. But if you require more capacity, you can daisy-chain additional Workflow units on top of the base system, adding six more modules per additional dock.
Power is supplied via a 140W GaN charger, and Lexar includes two plug types in the box to accommodate different regions—useful if you’re travelling with a production team. Another smart feature is power pass-through; this utilises the same connection between the Workflow and your laptop as the data connection.
The modular approach is something that I really like and essentially enables the full customisation of your setup depending on your equipment. For instance, I use several cameras, including a Canon EOS R5 C that uses CFexpress Type-B and SD cards, so ideally I would have two Type-B modules, an SSD, and the dual SD reader. I also use a Sony A7IV, so a CFexpress Type-A module would also be useful. In addition to the mirrorless camera options, I also have action cameras and drones—GoPro, DJI, and 360° systems—which can be supported with SD/microSD modules.
This setup enabled me to offload multiple memory cards quickly onto fast SSD storage. I also connected to my NAS so that everything could sync when downloaded.
Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: Performance
Getting started with the Workflow is relatively straightforward. Once removed from the box, the unit itself felt a little too large to sit directly under my monitor so it was placed to the side where I usually keep my card readers and my working drives, as readers and drives are all in the modules in the Workflow my usual pile of accessories was cleared away leaving a very neat and tidy area on my desk.
Having both the 4TB SSD and all the card readers I needed for my Sony and Canon cameras, along with the drones, and action cameras made this Workflow setup much neater and tidier than usual.
With the slots populated by the full range of modules available, bar the 2TB SSD, I had plenty of flexibility from the outset, CFexpress Type A and B cards, SD cards for stills and video, and microSDs for action camera and drone footage. Although my review sample included one of each module, if I were purchasing this myself, I’d likely configure it differently—perhaps using two 4TB SSDs and doubling up on microSD modules, given how often I work with action cameras and drones. That’s one of the key advantages here: the modular design allows you to tailor the system to your specific workflow and equipment.
I also like the potential for expansion. Being able to stack another Workflow unit on top is something I’d consider, especially given how much more streamlined this setup has made my day-to-day work over the last month. A second unit populated entirely with SSDs, perhaps 4TB drives for a total of 24TB, would be more than enough for most projects and could integrate nicely with a NAS-based storage setup.
What really stood out was the plug-and-play nature of the system. After a shoot, I could offload all my memory cards quickly to the SSD and, more importantly, remove a module and use it standalone. If I needed to take a CFexpress Type B reader into the field, I could plug it directly into my computer via USB-C, quick, simple, and convenient.
In terms of transfer rates, the Thunderbolt 4 connection delivered impressive results, or at least it was fast enough for me not to notice. For example, I was able to simultaneously download footage from a GoPro Hero 13 Black (microSD), Canon EOS R5 C (CFexpress Type B), and Sony A7 IV (CFexpress Type A), along with a few standard UHS-II SD cards.
The ability to connect and offload all of these at once to the 4TB SSD saved time, removing the need to constantly swap readers and drives. It also allowed me to complete transfers in one go, rather than one at a time.
While the theoretical maximum transfer rate is 40Gb/s, it’s important to note that this bandwidth is shared across all active modules. That means individual speeds can be slightly reduced when everything is operating at once. Still, overall throughput remained high and consistent. Though none of the connected drives individually hit the maximum possible speed, combined performance was still good.
Benchmark testing revealed some useful insights. All card readers operated at solid speeds, with each module using an interface appropriate for its card type. For example, the CFexpress Type B reader utilises USB4 and achieves over 2000 MB/s when used with a Lexar CFexpress Type B 1TB card. SD cards using USB 3.2 also produced decent results for their respective format.
A slight surprise came from the 4TB SSD module. Although it’s a standalone design using the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, its maximum speed is capped at 2000 MB/s. However, when connected via Thunderbolt 4 (as with the base dock), this is limited to 1000 MB/s, essentially half the drive’s potential. Taking the SSD module out of the Workflow and plugging it directly into a PC with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port instantly unlocked the full speed, as expected. This is common across many portable SSDs using this interface, and while it’s not supported by Apple, it’s now widely adopted in the PC space—especially in creative-focused machines like the ASUS ProArt line.
Over a month of use across various photo and video shoots, both solo and with small teams, the Workflow significantly sped up the process of downloading, backing up, and preparing footage. Offloading to the 4TB SSD before moving data to working drives made everything feel smoother and more organised.
Although I’ve focused primarily on hardware, it’s worth noting that the 4TB SSD also comes with Lexar’s security software, DataShield. If data protection is important, especially when shipping drives to collaborators, this software provides a useful layer of security. While not as robust as full hardware encryption, it still adds a level of protection that’s difficult to bypass.
An additional note that I have previously mentioned is that when I first powered up the unit, the fans were noticeable, producing a light, noticeable hum. However, after a few minutes, this settled. During heavy data transfers, the fans did occasionally kick in, and the noise that they produced could be a little annoying when editing, so that’s something to be aware of.
Essentially, the Lexar Workflow Dock delivered and really did streamline my workflow, with the most notable advantage being able to download multiple cards at once to the SSD ready for logging and organisation.
Lexar Professional Workflow Dock: Final verdict
I’ve used small memory card docking stations before, but none with the range and flexibility of the Lexar Professional Workflow. I really liked being able to plug in the modules I needed—having the full array during testing highlighted just how adaptable the system is. Given the variety of equipment I use, having one of each type made perfect sense. If I were buying the system, I’d definitely add another 4TB module to fill the final slot.
What surprised me most was how easily it fitted into my setup. Sitting neatly on the desk, plugged into my laptop and monitor, it simplified everything: storage, charging, and connectivity, removing the usual hassle of separate drives, readers and docks. I do wish it had two USB-A ports at the back, as I do prefer to use a wired keyboard and mouse.
I also liked that you can plug optional extras directly into the front ports. I used my Monogram Creative Console this way, with no need for an extra dock or adapter.
There are a few downsides. SSD transfer speeds are limited by the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface when connected via Thunderbolt 4, and the fans can be noisy at times. My main gripe is the lack of a utility for safely ejecting all modules at once, but otherwise the boost in the simplicity and flow of downloading and managing files after a shoot really does make the Workflow worth the money in a professional environment.
Should I buy a Lexar Professional Workflow?
|
Value |
The fact that it clears up your space and can be configured to your own requirements does make it great value |
5 |
|
Design |
The design is striking and fits in perfectly with any production studio, offering both good aesthetics and functionality |
5 |
|
Features |
The ability to adapt and change the features through modular design is great. I just wish the features were extended through a software utility |
5 |
|
Performance |
Performance is good but not exceptional. With the mix of USB interfaces, some modules don’t meet their full potential |
4.5 |
|
Overalls |
To pour so many functions and features into one device is impressive, and there’s no doubt the Workflow will speed up your processes |
5 |
