Thinking about upgrading your PC’s storage? If you’re looking for that perfect blend of speed, capacity, and affordability, then diving into the world of M.2 SSDs is a smart move. Specifically, a 1TB M.2 SSD hits a sweet spot for most users, offering ample space for your operating system, games, and applications without breaking the bank. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best budget 1TB M.2 SSD that genuinely delivers?
We’ve done the legwork for you! In this guide, we’re zeroing in on seven fantastic M.2 NVMe SSDs that offer serious bang for your buck. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone who wants a snappier computer, you’ll find a great option here. Let’s get your system running faster, smoother, and more efficiently without emptying your wallet.
Our Top Picks for the Best Budget 1TB M.2 SSD
Here’s a breakdown of the M.2 SSDs that stand out in the budget-friendly 1TB category.
1. Crucial P310 1TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P310 promises to shift your system into high gear with next-level PCIe Gen4 performance. Designed for those who crave speed without compromising on cost, this drive claims incredible sequential read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s, promising significantly faster boot-ups, quicker file transfers, and snappier game loads. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to boost productivity and enhance your gaming experience with a power-efficient solution.
-
Key Features:
- Next-level Gen4 performance up to 7,100MB/s sequential read
- Designed to extend device lifecycle and storage capacity
- Nearly 20% faster performance in bootups and gameplay
- Up to 20% faster in real-world tasks like launching Adobe applications or Microsoft Excel
- Offers up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio for improved battery life
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds
- Significant improvements in boot times and application loading
- Excellent power efficiency
- Enhances overall system responsiveness
- Backed by a reputable brand
-
Cons:
- May require a Gen4 compatible motherboard to achieve full speeds
- Performance might vary depending on system configuration
-
User Impressions: Users frequently praise the P310 for its noticeable speed increase, especially for system boot times and heavy application usage. Many are surprised by the high performance offered at its price point, making it a favorite for general upgrades.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
2. Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0
The Kingston NV3 is a fantastic pick for anyone seeking a solid, reliable, and high-performance drive without breaking the bank. This PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD offers a great balance of speed and power efficiency, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of uses, from upgrading a sluggish laptop to building a new desktop. It delivers the kind of snappiness you’d expect from modern storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick data access.
-
Key Features:
- Ideal for high-speed, low-power storage needs
- Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe performance
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
-
Pros:
- Good value for a PCIe Gen4 drive
- Excellent for both laptops and desktops
- Improves overall system responsiveness
- Low power consumption helps with battery life
-
Cons:
- May not be the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market
- Performance can vary slightly based on workload
-
User Impressions: Customers often highlight the Kingston NV3 as a “no-brainer” upgrade, praising its straightforward installation and immediate performance boost. It’s frequently recommended for users moving from older SATA drives.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus steps up the game as another strong contender in the best budget 1TB M.2 SSD category. This Gen4 drive boasts impressive sequential read speeds up to 5000MB/s, making it significantly faster than many Gen3 alternatives. It’s built for longevity and reliability, ensuring your data is secure and accessible for years to come. Whether you’re upgrading an older system or building a new one, the P3 Plus offers a compelling blend of speed, capacity, and durability.
-
Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
- Random read/write up to 650K/800K IOPS
- Spacious storage available up to 4TB
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems
-
Pros:
- Excellent performance for its price point
- Reliable and durable with high MTTF rating
- Good for both Gen4 and Gen3 systems (backward compatible)
- Significant upgrade from SATA or older NVMe drives
-
Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available
- Performance might be bottlenecked on Gen3 systems
-
User Impressions: Users love the noticeable speed difference when upgrading to the P3 Plus, especially for gaming and large file transfers. Its reliability and ease of installation are also frequently mentioned as major positives.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen
While often considered a premium brand, Samsung surprises with the 990 EVO Plus, offering groundbreaking speeds that might just make it the best budget 1TB M.2 SSD for those seeking top-tier performance on a slightly stretched budget. With sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s, it’s a speed demon designed to handle massive file transfers and demanding tasks with ease. Its advanced thermal control and compatibility with both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 (x2) make it a future-proof investment.
-
Key Features:
- Groundbreaking sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
- Enhanced large-file performance with Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0
- Exceptional thermal control via an efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller
- Optimized for compatibility with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2
- Keep your drive updated and optimized with Samsung Magician Software
-
Pros:
- Extremely fast read and write speeds
- Excellent thermal management
- Supports current and future PCIe standards
- Reliable Samsung brand quality and software support
-
Cons:
- Might be on the higher end of the “budget” spectrum
- Full speeds require PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 compatibility
-
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the incredible speed and responsiveness of this drive. Gamers and professionals, in particular, appreciate how it slashes loading times and improves workflow efficiency, often noting that it feels like a top-tier performer without the typical top-tier price.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
5. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal
For users who demand the absolute best performance possible, even when looking for a “budget” option (perhaps budget meaning “best value” at its tier), the Samsung 990 PRO is a formidable contender. Boasting sequential speeds near the max of PCIe 4.0 (7,450/6,900 MB/s), it offers a huge speed boost over previous generations. Optimized for gaming and demanding workloads, this drive redefines what fast storage can be, all while maintaining excellent power efficiency and thermal control.
-
Key Features:
- Huge speed boost with up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s sequential read/write
- Up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO
- Smart thermal control with Samsung’s own nickel-coated controller
- Optimized for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games
- Advanced optimization tools via Samsung Magician Software
-
Pros:
- Top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance
- Exceptional power efficiency
- Superb for gaming and professional applications
- Excellent thermal management
- Robust software support
-
Cons:
- Definitely on the higher end price-wise for a “budget” list
- May be overkill for casual users
-
User Impressions: Users rave about the mind-blowing speeds and the noticeable impact on game loading times and professional editing tasks. It’s often called the “gold standard” for gaming SSDs, with many users feeling it’s worth the extra investment for its unparalleled performance.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
6. Crucial P3 1TB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
If your system doesn’t support PCIe Gen4 or you simply want a highly reliable and performant NVMe SSD at an unbeatable price, the Crucial P3 is an outstanding choice. As a Gen3 drive, it offers solid performance with sequential reads up to 3500MB/s, which is still incredibly fast compared to traditional SATA SSDs. It provides ample storage and the dependable quality Crucial is known for, making it a truly best budget 1TB M.2 SSD for everyday users and even light gamers.
-
Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads
- Random read/write up to 650K/700K IOPS
- Spacious storage available up to 4TB
- Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
-
Pros:
- Excellent value for a Gen3 NVMe SSD
- Significant speed upgrade over SATA SSDs
- High reliability and durability
- Good for systems without Gen4 support
- Very competitive price point
-
Cons:
- Not as fast as Gen4 drives
- Best suited for systems with PCIe Gen3 slots
-
User Impressions: Many users find the Crucial P3 to be an incredible upgrade for older systems, praising its simplicity, speed, and affordability. It’s a popular choice for budget builds and laptop upgrades where Gen4 speeds aren’t necessary or supported.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
7. WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While listed as a 2TB model, the WD_BLACK SN7100 series, including its 1TB variant, is specifically designed for high-octane gaming and creative workloads. This PCIe Gen4 SSD delivers impressive speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write, making it a serious contender for gamers and professionals alike. Its power efficiency makes it suitable for laptops and handheld gaming devices, while the robust endurance ensures it can handle intense usage scenarios.
-
Key Features:
- High-octane gaming performance with speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write
- Purpose-built with a PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB (including 1TB)
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation, ideal for portable devices
- Optimize drive performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only)
- High endurance with up to 2,400TBW (4TB model, similar for 1TB) for heavy use
-
Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for gaming and demanding applications
- Great power efficiency for laptops
- High endurance for heavy workloads
- Reliable WD_BLACK brand for gamers
- Useful dashboard software
-
Cons:
- May be more premium priced than other “budget” options
- Overkill for basic use
-
User Impressions: Gamers especially laud the SN7100 for its transformative effect on game loading times and overall system responsiveness. Its performance-to-power ratio is often highlighted as a major benefit for laptop users, extending play sessions.
-
Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly is an M.2 SSD?
An M.2 SSD is a solid-state drive that uses the M.2 form factor, which is a small, versatile connection designed for internally mounted expansion cards. Unlike traditional 2.5-inch SSDs that connect via SATA cables, M.2 drives plug directly into a compatible slot on your motherboard, making your PC build much cleaner and often faster.
Q2: Why choose a 1TB M.2 SSD?
A 1TB M.2 SSD offers a fantastic balance of capacity and cost. It’s usually enough space for your operating system, a good selection of modern games (which can be quite large!), and all your essential applications and files. For most users, it hits that “just right” sweet spot, providing ample storage without the higher price tag of 2TB or 4TB drives.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 for budget SSDs?
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) refers to the interface standard for M.2 SSDs. Gen4 is the newer generation, offering roughly double the theoretical maximum speed of Gen3. While Gen4 drives are faster, Gen3 drives are typically more affordable and still offer a massive speed upgrade over older SATA SSDs. For a best budget 1TB M.2 SSD, Gen3 can be a very cost-effective choice, especially if your motherboard only supports Gen3 or if you don’t need the absolute fastest speeds for your daily tasks.
Q4: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my computer?
Installing an M.2 SSD is surprisingly straightforward! You just need to locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard, gently push the SSD into the slot at an angle, and then screw it down with a small screw (often provided with your motherboard or the SSD). After physical installation, you’ll need to initialize and format the drive in Windows Disk Management or macOS Disk Utility. It’s usually a quick and easy process.
Q5: Are budget M.2 SSDs reliable for long-term use?
Absolutely! “Budget” in this context usually means excellent value for performance, not necessarily a compromise on reliability. Most reputable brands (like Crucial, Kingston, Samsung, WD) offer strong warranties and high endurance ratings (TBW – Terabytes Written, or MTTF – Mean Time To Failure) even on their more affordable models. For typical home or gaming use, these drives are designed to last many years.
Q6: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
It depends. Higher-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially those without built-in thermal solutions, can generate a fair amount of heat during sustained heavy loads (like large file transfers or intense gaming). If your motherboard has M.2 heatsinks, definitely use them. Otherwise, for Gen4 drives or if you experience thermal throttling (performance slowdowns due to heat), an aftermarket heatsink can be a good investment. Many budget-friendly Gen3 drives don’t strictly require a heatsink for typical use.
Q7: What’s the best budget 1TB M.2 SSD for gaming?
For gaming, you’ll want a drive that offers good sequential read speeds for fast game loading and robust endurance. From our list, the Crucial P3 Plus or Kingston NV3 offer a great balance of speed and affordability for Gen4 systems. If you’re on a Gen3 motherboard or a tighter budget, the Crucial P3 is an excellent, reliable choice that still provides a huge upgrade over older storage. The Samsung and WD_BLACK options are premium choices that offer top-tier gaming performance if your “budget” allows for a bit more investment.