Looking to give your computer a serious performance boost without breaking the bank? Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful changes you can make, transforming everything from boot times to application loading. And if you’re hunting for the sweet spot between capacity and affordability, finding the best 500GB SSD under $200 is an excellent strategy.
A 500GB SSD offers plenty of space for your operating system, essential applications, and a good chunk of your games or important files. Plus, staying under the $200 mark means you’re getting fantastic value for your money. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone tired of a sluggish system, there’s a perfect 500GB SSD out there for you.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a handpicked list of the top contenders. Let’s dive into our reviews and help you find the best 500GB SSD under $200 that fits your needs!
Our Top Picks for the Best 500GB SSD Under $200
Here are our detailed reviews of 10 excellent solid-state drives that offer great performance and value.
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State
The Samsung 870 EVO is a true workhorse among SATA SSDs, known for its consistent performance and rock-solid reliability. If you’re looking to upgrade an older laptop or desktop that uses a traditional 2.5-inch drive bay, this is often the go-to choice. It maximizes the SATA interface, offering speeds that are a massive leap over any hard disk drive, making your everyday computing tasks feel incredibly snappy.
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Key Features:
- Maximizes SATA interface with up to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Excellent long-term performance with a larger variable buffer.
- Up to 600 TBW endurance with a 5-year limited warranty.
- Wide compatibility with various chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices.
- Easy installation in standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management and optimization.
- Built with Samsung’s in-house DRAM and NAND components.
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Pros:
- Industry-leading reliability and endurance.
- Fantastic performance for a SATA III drive.
- Widely compatible with older and newer systems.
- User-friendly management software.
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Cons:
- Slower than NVMe SSDs (due to SATA interface limitation).
- May be overkill if your system is NVMe compatible.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 870 EVO for its outstanding reliability and noticeable speed improvement over traditional HDDs. Many find it incredibly easy to install, making it a popular choice for quick and effective system upgrades.
SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
When you need serious speed on the go, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers. This isn’t just about fast file transfers; it’s about robust, reliable performance packaged in a rugged, portable design. With NVMe speeds, you can quickly move large photo and video files, and its impressive drop protection and water/dust resistance mean your data is safe wherever your adventures take you.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment.
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for easy file management.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast portable speeds, comparable to internal NVMe drives.
- Exceptionally durable and rugged design.
- Built-in hardware encryption for data security.
- Compact and lightweight for ultimate portability.
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Cons:
- More expensive per GB than internal SATA SSDs.
- Speed can be affected by the host device and other factors.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the SanDisk Extreme’s incredible speed and its ability to withstand rough handling. It’s highly recommended by photographers, videographers, and anyone needing quick, secure, and durable external storage.
SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050 MB/s
The SSK Portable SSD is a fantastic option if you need high-speed external storage that’s also incredibly lightweight and compact. It’s designed for seamless cross-platform use, making it ideal for creatives, students, or anyone who frequently transfers large files between different devices, including the latest iPhones for 4K video recording. Its thoughtful design even includes dual cables for USB-C and USB-A compatibility.
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Key Features:
- Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds with 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2.
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for data security and extended lifespan.
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for wide compatibility.
- Stable 10Gbps performance for transfers smaller than 150GB with SLC caching.
- Supports 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture for iPhone.
- 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation.
- Weighs just 36.6g with compact dimensions (2.61.50.5 inch).
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for an external SSD.
- Very lightweight and portable.
- Great heat management due to aluminum casing.
- True cross-platform compatibility with dual cables.
- Ideal for mobile video recording.
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Cons:
- Performance may vary with extremely large, continuous transfers over 150GB.
- Displayed capacity on Windows differs from MacOS due to algorithm differences.
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User Impressions: Users love the SSK Portable SSD for its tiny footprint and impressive speed. It’s frequently praised for its robust build quality and its utility for on-the-go professionals, especially those using iPhones for video.
SAMSUNG 980 SSD 500GB PCIe 3.0×4, NVMe M.2 2280, Internal
Stepping into the world of NVMe, the Samsung 980 SSD offers a phenomenal leap in speed compared to traditional SATA drives. This M.2 drive is perfect for modern desktops and laptops that support the NVMe interface, providing sequential read/write speeds that are many times faster than SATA SSDs. It’s a game-changer for boot times, game loading, and demanding applications, all while coming in as one of the best 500GB SSD under $200 for internal upgrades.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe 3.0×4 interface with speeds up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s.
- Full Power Mode in Samsung Magician software for continuous high performance.
- Up to 600 TBW endurance and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Nickel coating and heat spreader label for effective thermal control.
- Samsung’s cutting-edge thermal control algorithm for consistent performance.
- Monitor drive health and optimize performance with Magician software.
- All components and firmware produced in-house by Samsung.
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Pros:
- Exceptionally fast performance, ideal for gaming and professional use.
- Excellent endurance and reliability.
- Advanced thermal management to prevent throttling.
- Comes with Samsung’s robust Magician software.
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Cons:
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard/laptop.
- Not as universally compatible as 2.5-inch SATA drives.
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User Impressions: Customers are blown away by the speed increase the Samsung 980 provides, calling it a “must-have” upgrade for compatible systems. The ease of installation and the noticeable snappiness of their machines are frequently highlighted.
fanxiang S101 500GB SSD SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5″ Internal
For those looking for a budget-friendly yet effective upgrade for older systems or secondary storage, the fanxiang S101 is a solid contender. This 2.5-inch SATA SSD offers a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives, making your computer boot up faster and applications load quicker. It’s a straightforward, no-frills option that gets the job done reliably, ensuring your system feels much more responsive.
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Key Features:
- Achieves read and write speeds of 550MB/s.
- Boots up at least 50% faster compared to HDDs.
- Incorporates 3D NAND TLC chips for longer lifespan.
- Compatible with desktops, laptops, all-in-one PCs, and various OS (Windows, Linux, Mac OS).
- Comes with a 5-year quality assurance.
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Pros:
- Very affordable entry point into SSD performance.
- Simple and effective upgrade for HDD-based systems.
- Good compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- Decent lifespan thanks to 3D TLC NAND.
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA interface.
- Not as well-known a brand as some competitors.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the fanxiang S101 for its excellent price-to-performance ratio. Many note the significant speed improvement over HDDs and find it to be a dependable choice for breathing new life into older computers.
BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
The BUFFALO External SSD is designed for those who need reliable, portable storage, especially gamers looking to expand their console’s capacity or speed up loading times. Its compact, durable design means you can carry your game library or critical files in your pocket, and its plug-and-play compatibility with PCs, Macs, and popular gaming consoles makes it incredibly versatile. It’s a great choice among the portable options for the best 500GB SSD under $200.
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Key Features:
- Compact and reliable, compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs.
- Faster speeds than HDD for quick data copying and multi-tasking.
- Shock-resistant, rugged design for drop protection.
- USB 3.2 connectivity with USB-C / USB-A support.
- Three-year warranty for registered devices.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for external portable storage.
- Great for expanding console storage and reducing game load times.
- Very durable and travel-friendly.
- Wide compatibility across devices.
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Cons:
- Specific speeds not detailed, only “faster than HDD.”
- Requires registration for the full 3-year warranty.
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User Impressions: Console gamers particularly love the Buffalo SSD for its ease of use and the noticeable reduction in game loading times. Users generally commend its compact size and robust feel, making it perfect for travel.
SK hynix Platinum P41 500GB SSD PCIe NVMe Gen4 M.2
If cutting-edge speed is your top priority and your system supports PCIe Gen4, the SK hynix Platinum P41 is a standout performer. This NVMe M.2 SSD delivers incredible read and write speeds, making it a dream come true for serious gamers, video editors, and anyone dealing with massive files. It’s a premium product from a global memory leader, offering unparalleled performance and efficiency for its price point.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance: Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s.
- Proprietary SK hynix HYPERWRITE cache technology.
- Next-tier power efficiency for smoother system operation.
- Compatible with PS5 for enhanced gaming immersion.
- 5-year warranty with superior reliability and stability (1.5 million hours MTBF, up to 1,200 TBW).
- Easy installation with custom SK hynix edition Macrium cloning software included.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 NVMe speeds, among the fastest available.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Highly reliable with high endurance (TBW) and long warranty.
- Great for gaming and demanding professional applications.
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard/laptop to achieve full speed.
- May be an overkill for everyday tasks if you don’t need top-tier speeds.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the sheer speed of the P41, often noting how it makes system operations feel instantaneous. Gamers find it particularly transformative for loading complex titles, and its reliability is a frequent point of praise.
Ediloca 500GB SSD Internal Solid State Drive 2.5″ SATA
The Ediloca 500GB SSD offers a solid performance upgrade for any system still running on a traditional hard drive. This 2.5-inch SATA III drive is a cost-effective way to revitalize your desktop or laptop, significantly reducing boot times and improving overall system responsiveness. With its focus on durability and broad compatibility, it’s a dependable choice for everyday users and gamers alike.
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Key Features:
- High-speed performance: 540MB/s read and 500MB/s write (3x faster than HDDs).
- Advanced 3D TLC NAND technology for high-density storage and extended lifespan.
- Silent, shock-proof, and drop-proof design for enhanced durability.
- Universal plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and NAS systems.
- 3-year limited warranty and 24/7 technical support.
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Pros:
- Significant speed improvement over HDDs.
- Durable and robust design features.
- Wide operating system and device compatibility.
- Good value for a SATA III SSD.
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA interface compared to NVMe.
- Less recognized brand compared to industry giants.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the Ediloca SSD as a simple and effective upgrade solution. Many highlight the immediate speed boost for their older systems and find it to be a reliable and quiet replacement for noisy hard drives.
Western Digital 500GB My Passport SSD Portable External
The Western Digital My Passport SSD combines sleek design with robust performance, making it an ideal choice for anyone needing fast, secure, and portable storage. Utilizing NVMe technology, it delivers impressive read and write speeds, perfect for backing up large projects or carrying your essential data wherever you go. Its focus on security and durability ensures your files are safe from both digital and physical threats.
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Key Features:
- Blazing fast NVMe technology with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption for data security.
- Shock and vibration resistant, with drop resistance up to 6.5ft (1.98m).
- Cross-compatible USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C (with USB-A for older systems).
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Pros:
- Excellent portable NVMe speeds.
- Strong data security with hardware encryption.
- Highly durable and shock-resistant.
- Broad connectivity options for modern and older devices.
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Cons:
- More expensive than internal SSDs of the same capacity.
- Performance may vary depending on the host device.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the My Passport SSD’s compact size, elegant design, and impressive speed. Its robust build quality and the peace of mind offered by hardware encryption are also highly valued by customers who transport sensitive data.
SanDisk 500GB SSD Plus M.2 NVMe SSD – PCIE Gen 3.0
The SanDisk SSD Plus M.2 NVMe SSD is an excellent choice for upgrading laptops and desktops that have an available M.2 slot. It offers a significant performance leap over SATA drives, with speeds up to 5x faster, translating into quicker boot times, faster application launches, and smoother multitasking. It’s a cost-effective way to get into the NVMe game and significantly improve your system’s responsiveness.
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Key Features:
- Speedy PCIe Gen 3.0 performance up to 2,400 MB/s.
- Up to 500GB storage capacity for photos, videos, music, and documents.
- Directly access SSD health reports using the Western Digital Dashboard.
- Fits and installs easily with a one-screw application for M.2 2280 slots.
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Pros:
- Much faster than SATA drives, great for system responsiveness.
- Easy to install in compatible M.2 slots.
- Good capacity for a primary drive.
- Western Digital Dashboard for drive health monitoring.
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Cons:
- Slower than PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drives.
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot, not suitable for all systems.
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User Impressions: Customers report a dramatic improvement in their system’s speed after installing this SanDisk NVMe SSD. They often highlight the straightforward installation process and the noticeable difference in boot and loading times, making it a popular choice for laptop upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A1: The main difference is speed and the interface they use. SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs connect via a SATA cable and are limited to around 550 MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot on your motherboard, allowing for much higher speeds, often ranging from 2,000 MB/s to over 7,000 MB/s, depending on the PCIe generation. NVMe drives are significantly faster for demanding tasks.
Q2: Is a 500GB SSD enough storage for my computer?
A2: For many users, 500GB is a good sweet spot. It’s ample space for your operating system, essential software, and a decent selection of games or media files. If you’re a heavy gamer with many large titles, or if you deal with massive video projects, you might consider a larger drive, but 500GB is excellent for general use and greatly improves performance over traditional hard drives.
Q3: Can I use an external 500GB SSD for gaming on consoles like PS4/PS5?
A3: Yes, absolutely! Many external SSDs (like the Buffalo and SanDisk Extreme reviewed above) are compatible with gaming consoles. Using an external SSD can significantly reduce game loading times compared to the console’s internal hard drive, giving you a smoother gaming experience.
Q4: How do I install an internal 2.5-inch SATA SSD in my desktop or laptop?
A4: For desktops, you typically need a 2.5-inch drive bay, a SATA data cable, and a SATA power cable from your power supply. For laptops, you usually replace the existing 2.5-inch hard drive. In both cases, you’ll physically secure the drive, connect the cables, and then initialize and format it through your operating system’s Disk Management tool (or use cloning software if replacing your main drive). It’s generally a straightforward process.
Q5: What factors should I consider when choosing the best 500GB SSD under $200?
A5: Consider your budget, your system’s compatibility (SATA or NVMe M.2 slot), intended use (internal upgrade, external portable storage, gaming), and desired speed. Also, look at features like durability (for portable drives), included software, and warranty period.
Q6: What does TBW (Terabytes Written) mean for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance, indicating how much data can be written to the drive before its warranty expires or it’s expected to fail. A higher TBW rating means the drive can handle more write operations over its lifespan, signifying greater durability. For a 500GB SSD, a TBW of 300-600 is very good for most users.
Q7: Will an SSD make my old computer faster?
A7: Yes! Upgrading from a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to an SSD is often the single most impactful upgrade you can make to an older computer. You’ll notice significantly faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall snappier system responsiveness, even if other components like your CPU or RAM are older.