If you’re looking to give your computer a serious performance boost without breaking the bank, a 500GB SSD is often the sweet spot. It offers ample storage for your operating system, essential applications, and a good selection of games, all while delivering speeds far superior to traditional hard drives. If you’re specifically searching for the Sabrent best 500GB SSD for the money, you’re looking for a great combination of speed, reliability, and affordability from a brand known for its high-performance storage solutions.
While Sabrent certainly makes fantastic SSDs, the market is incredibly competitive, with many other top brands offering outstanding value in the 500GB segment. In this article, we’ll explore 10 top 500GB SSDs, including a mix of internal NVMe and SATA drives, as well as rugged portable options, to help you find the absolute best value for your needs. We’ll dive into what makes each drive stand out, weigh its pros and cons, and summarize real-world user impressions. Let’s dig in and find your next storage upgrade!
Why a 500GB SSD is the Sweet Spot
A 500GB SSD strikes an excellent balance between capacity and cost. It’s generally spacious enough for most users’ primary needs – think quick boot times, snappy application launches (like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator), and a decent library of games. Plus, the price-per-gigabyte for 500GB models is often more appealing than smaller capacities, making them a truly budget-friendly SSD upgrade that delivers significant performance gains.
Our Top 10 Best 500GB SSDs for the Money Reviews
Let’s get down to business and check out some of the best 500GB SSDs you can get your hands on right now.
Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
The Crucial P310 offers a fantastic entry point into the world of PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage without demanding a premium price tag. Designed for casual gamers and everyday users, this 500GB SSD delivers solid Gen4 performance that’s a noticeable step up from older Gen3 drives, ensuring quicker game loads, faster bootups, and smoother multitasking. It’s also broadly compatible, making it a versatile choice for laptops, desktops, and even some handheld gaming devices.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 500GB Capacity: Ideal for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun). Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3, improving everyday tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliability.
- Pros:
- Excellent value for a Gen4 NVMe SSD.
- Good performance boost over Gen3 SSDs.
- Wide compatibility.
- Reliable build quality from Micron.
- Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market.
- Thermal control might be less advanced than higher-end models.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise the P310 for its easy installation and immediate performance improvement. Many note it’s a perfect upgrade for older systems or budget-conscious new builds, offering a tangible speed increase for daily use and gaming without a hefty cost.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK SN7100 500GB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
When it comes to serious gaming, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is engineered to keep up with your high-octane sessions. This internal NVMe SSD, powered by a PCIe Gen4 interface, is purpose-built for gamers on the go, offering impressive read and write speeds that significantly cut down loading times. Its power efficiency also makes it a smart choice for laptops and handheld devices, letting you play longer without draining your battery as quickly.
- Key Features:
- High-Octane Gaming: Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (for 1-2TB models, 500GB will vary).
- Purpose-Built: Designed with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SanDisk’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND.
- More Space: Available in multiple capacities up to 2TB.
- Power Efficient: Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard: Downloadable software to optimize drive performance (Windows only).
- Pros:
- Excellent speeds for gaming and demanding applications.
- Good power efficiency for portable gaming devices.
- Robust SanDisk TLC 3D NAND technology.
- Dedicated dashboard for optimization.
- Cons:
- Peak speeds might only be achieved on higher capacities.
- Dashboard is Windows-only.
- User Impressions: Gamers love the SN7100 for its noticeable impact on game loading times and overall system responsiveness. Its reliability and compatibility with various gaming setups, especially laptops, often receive high marks from the user community.
- See it on Amazon here
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is truly an SSD all-star, especially for those still rocking a SATA interface. Built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology, this 2.5-inch internal SSD maximizes the SATA interface limits, offering professional-level performance that’s incredibly reliable and compatible with a vast array of systems. If you’re upgrading an older desktop or laptop that doesn’t support NVMe, the 870 EVO is arguably the best SATA SSD you can buy, offering exceptional endurance and stability.
- Key Features:
- SSD All-Star: Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility.
- Excellence in Performance: Maximizes SATA interface to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Industry-Defining Reliability: Up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- More Compatible Than Ever: Tested for major host systems, applications, NAS, and video recording devices.
- Upgrade with Ease: Simple plug-in to standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- Samsung Magician Software: Helps manage, update, and monitor drive health.
- World’s #1 Flash Memory Brand: In-house production of all components.
- Pros:
- Best-in-class SATA performance and reliability.
- Exceptional endurance and long warranty.
- Broad compatibility for older systems.
- User-friendly Magician software.
- Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives (inherent to SATA interface).
- 2.5-inch form factor might not fit ultra-thin modern laptops.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently highlight the 870 EVO’s rock-solid reliability and fantastic performance for a SATA drive. It’s a go-to choice for seamless upgrades in older machines, offering a new lease on life with fast boot times and application loading.
- See it on Amazon here
SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives
The SSK Portable SSD is a powerhouse of portability, perfect for creatives, professionals, and anyone needing fast, external storage on the go. Boasting blazing-fast 10Gbps speeds (up to 1050MB/s read), it allows instant access to large files without slowdowns. Its robust aluminum alloy case not only ensures superior heat dissipation but also gives it a premium, durable feel, making it an ideal companion for 4K ProRes video capture on iPhones or quick file transfers between various devices.
- Key Features:
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Blazing-fast 10Gbps with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Data Security: S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for health and lifespan.
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Rapid USB 3.2 Gen2 connectivity for seamless cross-platform transfers.
- Always Fast: No slowdowns during large file transfers (up to 150GB) due to SLC caching.
- For iPhone 4K ProRes: Empowers 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture with low power consumption.
- Less Heat: 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation.
- Powerful Portability: Weighs just 36.6g, compact 2.61.50.5 inch dimensions.
- Pros:
- Excellent portable speeds for its class.
- Versatile USB-C and USB-A connectivity.
- Durable, heat-dissipating aluminum design.
- Great for mobile devices and video capture.
- Cons:
- SLC cache size might be a limitation for extremely large, sustained transfers beyond 150GB.
- Capacity display differences between OSes can be confusing for some users.
- User Impressions: Users are impressed by its compact size and the incredible speed it offers for an external drive. Many find it invaluable for photo and video editing on laptops, as well as extending storage for smartphones and tablets.
- See it on Amazon here
BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
For console gamers and mobile professionals alike, the BUFFALO External SSD 500GB offers a compelling blend of value, compatibility, and durability. This compact drive is specifically highlighted for its seamless compatibility with PS4 and PS5, allowing gamers to offload titles and free up internal console space while reducing loading times. Beyond gaming, its shock-resistant, rugged design and fast speeds make it an ideal on-the-go accessory for secure backup of photos, videos, and documents.
- Key Features:
- Best Value SSD: Compact, reliable, and compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs.
- Ideal On-The-Go Accessory: Quickly copy large data; fast and secure storage for professionals.
- Fast Speeds and Multi-Tasking: Faster than HDD, enabling simultaneous intensive tasks.
- Compact, Durable, & Reliable: Shock-resistant, rugged design with drop protection.
- USB 3.2 Connectivity & 3-Year Warranty: Supports USB-C/USB-A; up to 3-year warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent compatibility with gaming consoles.
- Rugged and shock-resistant design for durability.
- Fast speeds compared to traditional HDDs.
- Flexible USB-C and USB-A connectivity.
- Cons:
- Specific speeds aren’t explicitly stated, suggesting they might be standard for external SATA-based SSDs.
- Warranty requires registration for the full 3 years.
- User Impressions: Console owners particularly appreciate its ease of use and the noticeable reduction in game load times. Users also praise its robust build quality, giving them confidence in carrying their valuable data wherever they go.
- See it on Amazon here
WD Blue SN5100 500GB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, PCIe
The WD Blue SN5100 is designed to speed up your projects and workflow, especially with AI-enabled applications, thanks to its PCIe Gen 4.0 speeds. This M.2 2280 NVMe SSD offers a significant performance jump, allowing you to copy large files and project folders in blistering speeds. Built with SanDisk’s 3D CBA NAND technology, it provides both reliability and performance, making it a solid choice for creators and everyday users looking for a dependable internal storage solution.
- Key Features:
- Speed Up Projects: Accelerate workflow with PCIe Gen 4.0 speeds up to 7,100 MB/s (for 1TB-2TB models).
- Create and Store More: Capacities up to 2TB on M.2 2280 with SanDisk 3D CBA NAND.
- Work Faster: Copy large files quickly with SanDisk nCache 4.0 technology.
- Create Confidently: Covered with SanDisk’s 5-year limited warranty.
- Acronis True Image Download: Data migration software included for easy transfer.
- Pros:
- Fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for productivity.
- Reliable SanDisk 3D CBA NAND technology.
- Includes data migration software.
- Strong 5-year warranty.
- Cons:
- Actual 500GB speeds might be lower than the advertised peak speeds for larger capacities.
- Less focused on extreme gaming compared to WD_BLACK series.
- User Impressions: Users find the SN5100 to be a fantastic upgrade for existing systems, providing a noticeable speed increase for general computing, photo editing, and software development. The included migration software is also a big plus for hassle-free installation.
- See it on Amazon here
SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventure and demanding workflows, offering NVMe solid-state performance in a rugged, go-anywhere package. With impressive read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively, it’s perfect for quickly moving large files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos. What truly sets it apart is its durability, featuring up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance, making it virtually indestructible for outdoor shoots or travel.
- Key Features:
- NVMe Solid State Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Extreme Durability: Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Carabiner Loop: Secure it to your belt or backpack for peace of mind.
- Password Protection: 256-bit AES hardware encryption included.
- SanDisk Memory Zone App: Easily manage files and free up space.
- Pros:
- Outstanding durability for extreme environments.
- Fast NVMe-level portable speeds.
- Hardware encryption for security.
- Compact and easy to carry with carabiner loop.
- Cons:
- Price might be slightly higher due to rugged features.
- Performance can vary depending on host device.
- User Impressions: This SSD is a favorite among photographers, videographers, and travelers who need reliable, fast storage that can withstand the elements. Its ruggedness and impressive speeds for large file transfers are consistently highlighted as major selling points.
- See it on Amazon here
SK hynix Platinum P41 500GB SSD PCIe NVMe Gen4 M.2
For those seeking top-tier performance and cutting-edge power efficiency, the SK hynix Platinum P41 is a standout contender. This PCIe NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD delivers incredible read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s, thanks to its proprietary HYPERWRITE cache technology. It’s not just fast; its next-tier power efficiency keeps your system running smoother and cooler, making it a premium choice for serious gamers and power users, even compatible with PS5 for an enhanced gaming experience.
- Key Features:
- Top-Tier Performance: Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s.
- Pioneering Power Efficiency: Keeps your system running smoother.
- Gaming Immersion: Speeds up to 7,000MB/s, compatible with PS5.
- Superior Reliability and Stability: Tested through 1,000 hours of HTOL, 1.5 million hours MTBF, up to 1,200 TBW.
- Premium SSD: From a global top-tier memory manufacturer.
- Easy Installation: Includes custom SK hynix edition Macrium cloning software.
- Pros:
- Among the fastest Gen4 NVMe SSDs available.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Highly reliable with strong endurance and warranty.
- Includes cloning software for easy migration.
- Cons:
- Premium performance often comes with a higher price tag.
- Might be overkill for basic users.
- User Impressions: Tech enthusiasts and gamers rave about the P41’s blistering speeds and its ability to drastically reduce loading times. Its low power consumption and consistent performance even under heavy loads also earn high praise.
- See it on Amazon here
SANDISK SSD Plus 500GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA
The SanDisk SSD Plus 500GB is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a no-fuss, reliable internal SSD upgrade that won’t break the bank. This SATA solid-state drive is designed to provide significantly faster boot times and application launches compared to a traditional hard drive, instantly revitalizing older laptops and desktops. With sequential read speeds of up to 545MB/s, it offers solid performance for everyday computing, backed by SanDisk’s reputation for durability and shock resistance.
- Key Features:
- Easy Upgrade: For fast boots and application launches.
- High Capacities: For applications and large media files.
- Sequential Read/Write: Up to 545MB/s read and 515MB/s write (1-2TB models, 500GB will be similar).
- Shock-Resistant: For proven durability, even if you drop your computer.
- Pros:
- Very affordable entry-level SSD.
- Significant speed improvement over HDDs.
- Reliable and durable SanDisk build.
- Easy to install in any 2.5-inch SATA bay.
- Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives.
- Performance is standard for SATA SSDs, not groundbreaking.
- User Impressions: This drive is frequently recommended for budget-conscious users looking to upgrade an older machine. Customers consistently report an immediate and noticeable improvement in system responsiveness and boot times, making it an excellent value for money.
- See it on Amazon here
SABRENT Rocket XTRM Plus 2TB Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD
While you might have been searching for the Sabrent best 500GB SSD for the money, the Sabrent Rocket XTRM Plus 2TB Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD perfectly exemplifies Sabrent’s commitment to high-performance and quality. Although this specific model is a 2TB external drive and uses Thunderbolt 3 (with USB fallback), it showcases the incredible engineering and speeds Sabrent is capable of. It’s built for professionals needing extreme speed for large media files, offering up to 2,700 MB/s with Thunderbolt 3, all in a durable, aluminum-clad design with a protective silicone sleeve. This drive certainly hints at the robust performance you’d find in Sabrent’s internal Rocket series, which do offer 500GB NVMe options.
- Key Features:
- Upgraded TB3/USB SSD: Enhanced design, perfect for on-the-go use.
- Flexible High-Speed Performance: Up to 2,700 MB/s (Thunderbolt 3) or 900 MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2×1).
- Built To Last: Aluminum outer shell for ruggedness and heat dissipation, with removable silicone sleeve.
- Complete Package: Includes premium Thunderbolt 3 and USB-A to USB-C cables.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems; plug-and-play, bus-powered.
- Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds via Thunderbolt 3.
- Excellent build quality and durability.
- Flexible connectivity with both TB3 and USB cables.
- Bus-powered, no external power needed.
- Cons:
- 2TB capacity is much larger than 500GB, and price reflects this.
- Thunderbolt 3 is not universally available on all computers.
- Not an internal SSD option.
- User Impressions: Professionals, especially those in video production and graphic design, are consistently thrilled with the XTRM Plus’s speed and reliability. Its robust construction and included cables make it a premium, portable powerhouse that handles even the most demanding workflows with ease.
- See it on Amazon here
Finding Your Ideal 500GB SSD: What to Consider
Choosing the right 500GB SSD goes beyond just looking at the price tag. Here’s what else you should keep in mind:
- NVMe vs. SATA: NVMe SSDs (especially PCIe Gen4) are significantly faster than SATA SSDs. If your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe, definitely go for an NVMe drive for the best performance. If you have an older system or only 2.5-inch drive bays, a SATA SSD is still a huge upgrade from an HDD.
- Internal vs. External: Internal SSDs are for upgrading your computer’s primary storage. External SSDs offer portable, fast storage for backups, transferring files between devices, or expanding console storage.
- Read/Write Speeds: Higher speeds mean faster boot times, quicker application loading, and quicker file transfers. Gamers and content creators will benefit most from higher speeds.
- Durability & Reliability: Look for features like shock resistance (especially for external drives) and good TBW (TeraBytes Written) ratings and warranty periods for internal drives, which indicate their lifespan and endurance.
- Price & Warranty: Compare prices across brands. A longer warranty often signifies the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s longevity.
Is the Sabrent Best 500GB SSD for the Money Hard to Find?
If you were specifically hoping to find an internal Sabrent best 500GB SSD for the money on this list, you might notice that a direct internal 500GB Sabrent option wasn’t featured among the main reviews (the Sabrent Rocket XTRM Plus was a 2TB external example). That’s not because Sabrent doesn’t offer great 500GB internal SSDs – quite the opposite! Sabrent’s Rocket series, for example, is highly regarded for its performance and value in various capacities, including 500GB NVMe options.
They are fantastic drives, often praised for their robust controllers and excellent performance-to-price ratio. When searching for a 500GB internal SSD, Sabrent’s offerings like the Rocket, Rocket Q, or Rocket 4.0 are absolutely worth exploring. They consistently rank well in benchmarks and user reviews for their speed and reliability. The fact that the list didn’t explicitly include one doesn’t diminish their standing in the market as a strong contender for the best value 500GB SSD.
Conclusion
Finding the best 500GB SSD for the money truly depends on your specific needs, budget, and system compatibility. Whether you prioritize blazing-fast NVMe speeds for gaming, robust external storage for portability, or a reliable SATA upgrade for an older machine, there’s a fantastic option out there for you. While we reviewed a range of excellent drives from Crucial, WD, Samsung, SanDisk, SK hynix, SSK, and Buffalo, remember that brands like Sabrent also offer exceptional value in the 500GB space. Do a quick search for their “Rocket” series if you’re keen on their brand.
No matter which drive you choose from our list, upgrading to a 500GB SSD will undoubtedly transform your computing experience, offering snappier performance and more efficient workflows. Happy upgrading!
FAQ Section
Q1: What makes a 500GB SSD a “good value”?
A1: A 500GB SSD offers a good balance between storage capacity and price. It’s typically large enough for your operating system, essential software, and several large games or media files, all while being significantly more affordable than 1TB or 2TB drives. “Good value” means getting reliable performance and durability without overspending.
Q2: Is NVMe always better than SATA?
A2: In terms of raw speed, NVMe SSDs are definitively faster than SATA SSDs, especially those using the PCIe Gen4 interface. NVMe drives can achieve speeds several times greater than the fastest SATA drives. However, for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, or light gaming, the difference might not be dramatically noticeable. SATA SSDs are still a massive upgrade from traditional hard drives and often more cost-effective for older systems without M.2 NVMe slots.
Q3: Can I use an external SSD for gaming?
A3: Yes, you absolutely can! Many external SSDs, especially those with USB 3.2 Gen2 or Thunderbolt connectivity, offer speeds fast enough to run games directly from them. This is a popular option for console gamers (PS4/PS5, Xbox) to expand storage and improve loading times, or for PC gamers who want to carry their game library between different computers.
Q4: How important are read/write speeds for an SSD?
A4: Read/write speeds are crucial for overall system responsiveness. Higher read speeds mean faster boot times and quicker application loading. Higher write speeds are important for tasks like saving large files, video editing, or transferring large amounts of data. For general users, anything above 500MB/s (typical for SATA) is great. For power users, gamers, and content creators, aiming for NVMe drives with speeds in the thousands of MB/s will provide the most significant benefit.
Q5: Do Sabrent SSDs offer good value?
A5: Yes, Sabrent SSDs, particularly their “Rocket” series (like the Rocket, Rocket Q, Rocket 4.0, etc.), are widely regarded for offering excellent value. They often combine high performance, robust controllers, and competitive pricing, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers looking for quality NVMe storage.
Q6: What is TBW (TeraBytes Written) and why does it matter?
A6: TBW stands for TeraBytes Written, and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance – how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability may degrade. A higher TBW rating indicates a longer lifespan under heavy use. For example, a 500GB SSD with a TBW of 300 means you can write 300 terabytes of data to it over its lifespan. For most average users, even lower TBW ratings are more than sufficient for many years of use, but for heavy writers (like video editors or database administrators), a higher TBW is beneficial.
Q7: Is 500GB enough storage for my needs?
A7: For many users, 500GB is a great starting point. It’s usually enough for Windows/macOS, essential software, and a decent library of games or personal files. However, if you’re a professional who works with large video files, a photographer with massive raw image libraries, or a hardcore gamer with dozens of AAA titles, you might find 500GB limiting and could consider a 1TB or larger drive.