Is your computer feeling sluggish? Are those loading screens making you want to pull your hair out? You’re not alone! Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful ways to breathe new life into an old system or build a snappy new one. But with so many options out there, how do you find a high-quality 500GB SSD that won’t break the bank?
Finding the Lexar best 500gb ssd for cheap, or any top-performing 500GB drive at an affordable price, can feel like a treasure hunt. That’s where we come in! A 500GB SSD is often the sweet spot for many users, offering enough space for your operating system, essential applications, and a good chunk of files, all while keeping costs down.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top 10 picks for budget-friendly 500GB SSDs, including some fantastic internal and external options. We’ll highlight what makes each one great, so you can easily choose the perfect upgrade for your needs without spending a fortune. Let’s dive in and find your next super-fast storage solution!
Our Top 10 Picks for Affordable 500GB SSDs
SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives
If you’re constantly on the go and need reliable, blazing-fast external storage, the SSK Portable SSD is a fantastic choice. This little powerhouse is built for speed and durability, making it perfect for transferring large files, backing up important documents, or even recording 4K ProRes video directly from your iPhone. Its compact design and excellent heat dissipation ensure it performs reliably, no matter where you are.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds (USB 3.2 Gen2)
- LED light for activity indication
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for data security and extended lifespan
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for broad compatibility
- Stable performance with SLC caching for files under 150GB
- Optimized for iPhone 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture
- Durable 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation
- Extremely lightweight (36.6g) and portable
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed for an external drive
- Very portable and lightweight
- Excellent heat management
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables
- Ideal for mobile content creation (e.g., iPhone video)
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Cons:
- SLC caching performance boost is limited to transfers under 150GB
- Capacity display might vary slightly between Windows and macOS
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User Impressions: Users love this SSD for its incredible speed and tiny footprint, often praising its ability to handle large video files without breaking a sweat. It’s a go-to for professionals and casual users alike who need reliable external storage that works seamlessly across devices.
See it on Amazon here
PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The PNY CS900 offers a straightforward, effective upgrade for anyone looking to ditch their old hard drive. This 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD brings a significant boost in speed and overall system responsiveness, making your laptop or desktop feel brand new. It’s a no-frills, reliable option that delivers exactly what you need for everyday computing tasks, from quicker boot times to faster application loads.
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Key Features:
- Super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s
- Sequential write speeds up to 500MB/s
- Superior performance compared to traditional HDDs
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
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Pros:
- Affordable entry-point for SSD upgrades
- Noticeable performance improvement over HDDs
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install in most laptops and desktops
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Cons:
- SATA III interface is slower than NVMe alternatives
- Doesn’t include advanced features found in higher-end SSDs
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User Impressions: Many users highlight the PNY CS900 as a fantastic budget upgrade. They frequently report significant improvements in boot times and application responsiveness, making it a popular choice for revitalizing older computers.
See it on Amazon here
Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
When you’re searching for the Lexar best 500gb ssd for cheap, the Lexar NS100 is definitely a top contender. This internal SSD provides an excellent balance of affordability and performance, perfect for upgrading an existing laptop or desktop. It’s built to be more reliable and faster than a traditional hard drive, giving you quicker startups and snappier data transfers without costing an arm and a leg. Lexar is a trusted name in memory, and this drive upholds their reputation for quality at a budget-friendly price point.
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Key Features:
- Faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- More reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant due to no moving parts
- 512GB capacity with a 240TBW endurance rating
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent value for a brand-name SSD
- Significant performance boost for older systems
- Enhanced durability over HDDs
- Solid warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- SATA III interface means it’s not the absolute fastest technology available
- Basic feature set compared to premium models
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User Impressions: Customers often praise the Lexar NS100 for its easy installation and noticeable performance improvements. It’s a highly recommended choice for anyone looking for a reliable, cheap 500GB SSD from a reputable manufacturer to upgrade their primary drive.
See it on Amazon here
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is often considered the gold standard for SATA SSDs, even in the 500GB segment. While perhaps a bit pricier than some ultra-budget options, its indisputable performance, industry-leading reliability, and broad compatibility make it worth every penny. If you want the absolute best SATA experience and are willing to pay a little extra for Samsung’s legendary quality and endurance, this is your drive.
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Key Features:
- Maximizes SATA interface limits with 560MB/s sequential read and 530MB/s write speeds
- Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
- Extensively compatibility-tested with major host systems and applications
- Easy upgrade process with standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor and renewed migration software
- Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management, updates, and performance enhancement
- Built with Samsung’s world-renowned DRAM and NAND, ensuring end-to-end integration
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Pros:
- Unmatched performance for a SATA drive
- Exceptional reliability and endurance
- Excellent 5-year warranty
- Broad compatibility
- Useful Magician software suite
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Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other 500GB SATA SSDs
- Still limited by the SATA III interface compared to NVMe
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User Impressions: The Samsung 870 EVO consistently receives rave reviews for its reliability and consistent performance. Users often report seamless upgrades and significant speed improvements, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier choice for internal SATA storage.
See it on Amazon here
BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
The BUFFALO External SSD is a robust and highly compatible portable storage solution, especially if you’re a console gamer looking to expand your PS4 or PS5 storage. Beyond gaming, it’s also an excellent companion for professionals needing fast, secure on-the-go backup for crucial photos, videos, and documents. Its durable, shock-resistant design means your data is safe even if you drop it, offering peace of mind wherever you take it.
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Key Features:
- Compact and reliable for on-the-go demands
- Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs
- Saves space and loading time on consoles
- Fast speeds for quick data copying and multitasking
- Shock-resistant, rugged design for drop protection
- Compact form factor for pocket portability
- USB 3.2 connectivity, supporting USB-C / USB-A
- Three-year warranty (two years if unregistered)
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Pros:
- Excellent value for an external SSD
- Highly compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles
- Very durable and shock-resistant
- Portable and lightweight
- Good warranty period
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Cons:
- Specific speed ratings are not explicitly detailed in the features
- May not be as blisteringly fast as some NVMe external drives
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User Impressions: Gamers particularly love this Buffalo SSD for its ease of use with consoles and noticeable improvements in game loading times. General users appreciate its ruggedness and versatility, making it a dependable choice for portable storage.
See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Stepping up to the NVMe game, the Crucial P310 offers impressive PCIe Gen4 performance at a surprisingly affordable price point. If your system supports M.2 NVMe drives, this is a fantastic way to experience significantly faster speeds than SATA SSDs. It’s perfect for quicker game load times, booting up your OS in a flash, and smoothly multitasking, making it an excellent choice for casual gamers and home users seeking a performance boost.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 performance with up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds
- Spacious 500GB SSD for games, apps, and media
- Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun)
- Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems
- Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation for real-world tasks
- Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable performance
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for its price point (PCIe Gen4)
- Great for gaming and demanding applications
- Wide compatibility, including handheld gaming devices
- Backward compatibility for older systems
- Trusted Micron quality
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Cons:
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard
- Full PCIe 4.0 speeds only achievable on compatible systems
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the speed and value of the Crucial P310. Many highlight its ease of installation and the dramatic improvement in system responsiveness, especially for tasks like gaming and heavy application use, even in Gen3 slots.
See it on Amazon here
SANDISK SSD Plus 500GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA III
The SanDisk SSD Plus is a highly popular and incredibly budget-friendly internal SSD, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a straightforward and easy upgrade. It delivers solid performance for everyday computing, ensuring faster boots, quicker application launches, and an overall more responsive experience compared to a traditional hard drive. Its shock-resistant design also adds a layer of durability that mechanical drives can’t match.
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Key Features:
- Easy upgrade for fast boots and application launches
- High capacities suitable for applications and large media files
- Sequential Read speeds of up to 545MB/s
- Write speeds of up to 515MB/s
- Shock-resistant for proven durability
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Pros:
- Very affordable and accessible
- Simple plug-and-play upgrade
- Noticeably faster than HDDs
- Increased durability due to no moving parts
- From a trusted memory brand
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Cons:
- SATA III interface caps performance below NVMe drives
- Not designed for extreme high-performance tasks
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User Impressions: The SanDisk SSD Plus is a go-to for many budget-conscious users. They frequently praise its ease of installation and the immediate performance boost it brings to older laptops and desktops, making it a great value proposition.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 500GB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
For serious gamers on a budget, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is a fantastic choice that brings high-end performance without the premium price tag. Designed specifically with gaming in mind, this PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD offers incredible speeds for quick game loading and seamless gameplay. It’s also power-efficient, making it ideal for gaming laptops and handheld devices where battery life matters.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write (1-2TB models, adjust for 500GB)
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous WD_BLACK drives
- PCIe Gen4 interface with TLC 3D NAND
- Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard for drive health monitoring (Windows only)
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for gaming and demanding applications
- Power-efficient, great for portable gaming devices
- Designed for serious gamers
- Comes with useful monitoring software
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 slot
- Full speed potential requires a Gen4 system
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently rave about the WD_BLACK SN7100’s performance, noting significantly reduced load times in their favorite titles. Its reliability and efficiency also earn high marks, cementing its place as a top budget gaming SSD.
See it on Amazon here
Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive
The Western Digital WD Blue SA510 is a dependable and efficient internal SATA SSD, perfect for everyday computing needs. As part of WD’s popular Blue series, it’s designed for reliability and consistency, offering a solid performance upgrade over traditional hard drives. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a tried-and-true brand name in an affordable 500GB SSD for your laptop or desktop.
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Key Features:
- 500 GB Storage Capacity
- Drive Interface: SATA
- Drive Type: Internal
- Form Factor: 2.5″
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Pros:
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand
- Good value for an internal SATA SSD
- Standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation
- Energy efficient
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA interface
- Doesn’t offer the extreme speeds of NVMe drives
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User Impressions: Users frequently choose the WD Blue SA510 for its reputation for reliability and consistent performance. They often mention that it’s an easy and cost-effective way to speed up an older computer, delivering a noticeable improvement in daily tasks.
See it on Amazon here
SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventure and speed. If you need a durable external drive that can withstand the elements and still deliver blazing-fast NVMe performance, this is it. Its rugged design with IP65 water and dust resistance, along with impressive drop protection, makes it an ideal companion for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs reliable storage in challenging environments.
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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 and space freeing
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Pros:
- Extremely durable and rugged for outdoor/travel use
- Very fast NVMe performance in a portable form factor
- Excellent data security features
- Convenient carabiner loop
- Reliable brand reputation
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Cons:
- More expensive than internal SATA options
- Performance can vary depending on the host device
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User Impressions: This portable SSD is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and creative professionals who need reliable, fast storage that can take a beating. Users consistently praise its robust build quality and impressive transfer speeds, even when exposed to harsh conditions.
See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Upgrading to a 500GB SSD is one of the smartest moves you can make to boost your computer’s performance, whether it’s an old desktop, a gaming laptop, or even a console. We’ve shown you that finding the Lexar best 500gb ssd for cheap or an equally impressive alternative is totally achievable without draining your wallet.
From the super-fast NVMe internal drives to rugged portable options and reliable SATA workhorses, there’s a budget-friendly 500GB SSD out there for every need. By choosing one of these top picks, you’re not just buying storage; you’re investing in speed, efficiency, and a much smoother computing experience.
FAQ Section
Q1: What exactly is an SSD and why is it better than an HDD?
A: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data, similar to a giant USB drive. Unlike traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs have no moving mechanical parts, which makes them significantly faster, more durable, quieter, and more energy-efficient. This translates to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and overall snappier system performance.
Q2: Why should I choose a 500GB SSD? Is it enough space?
A: A 500GB SSD is often considered the sweet spot for many users. It offers ample space for your operating system, essential applications, and a substantial amount of files (documents, photos, a few games, etc.). It strikes a great balance between capacity and cost, making it a very cost-effective upgrade for noticeable performance gains without needing to spend more on a 1TB or larger drive if you don’t require that much space.
Q3: What’s the difference between internal and external SSDs?
A: Internal SSDs are installed inside your computer (laptop or desktop) and typically connect via SATA or M.2 (NVMe) interfaces. They usually serve as the primary drive for your operating system and programs. External SSDs connect to your computer via a USB cable and are designed for portability, easy backup, and transferring files between devices. They’re great for extra storage on the go or for console gaming.
Q4: What do SATA vs. NVMe mean, and which is better?
A: These refer to the interface technologies SSDs use.
* SATA (Serial ATA) is an older interface, common for 2.5-inch internal SSDs. It offers speeds up to about 550MB/s (SATA III). It’s very compatible with older systems.
* NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer, much faster protocol designed for SSDs, typically connecting via an M.2 slot on your motherboard and utilizing PCIe lanes. NVMe drives can offer speeds many times faster than SATA (e.g., 3,000MB/s to over 7,000MB/s for PCIe Gen4). NVMe is better for high-performance tasks, gaming, and professional applications, but requires a compatible M.2 slot.
Q5: How does an SSD improve my computer’s performance?
A: An SSD dramatically improves performance in several key areas:
* Boot Times: Your computer will start up much faster.
* Application Loading: Programs like Photoshop, browsers, and games will open significantly quicker.
* File Transfers: Copying, moving, and saving large files is much faster.
* Overall Responsiveness: The entire operating system feels more fluid and snappy, reducing lag and stuttering.
Q6: Are cheap 500GB SSDs reliable?
A: Absolutely! While “cheap” might imply lower quality, many budget-friendly 500GB SSDs from reputable brands like Lexar, SanDisk, PNY, and Crucial offer excellent reliability and performance for the price. They might not have the absolute cutting-edge speeds or the longest warranties of their premium counterparts, but they provide a vast improvement over HDDs and are perfectly reliable for everyday use. Always check user reviews and brand reputation.
Q7: How long do SSDs typically last?
A: SSDs generally have a long lifespan, measured in “Terabytes Written” (TBW) or “Mean Time Between Failures” (MTBF). A 500GB SSD from a good brand often has a TBW rating of 150TBW to 300TBW or more, meaning it can write hundreds of terabytes of data before reaching its theoretical endurance limit. For an average user, this translates to many years of reliable use, often outlasting the computer itself.
Q8: What should I look for when buying a budget 500GB SSD?
A: When looking for an affordable 500GB SSD, consider:
* Interface: SATA (2.5-inch) for older systems/general use, or NVMe (M.2) if your system supports it for much faster speeds.
* Brand Reputation: Stick to well-known brands for reliability and support.
* Read/Write Speeds: Look for sequential speeds around 500-550MB/s for SATA, or 3000MB/s+ for NVMe, if possible.
* Warranty: A 3-year warranty is a good baseline for budget drives.
* User Reviews: Always check what real users are saying about the drive’s performance and reliability.