Is your computer feeling a bit sluggish? Does it take ages to boot up or load your favorite applications? You’re not alone! Many older systems, and even some newer budget ones, are still relying on traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), which are significantly slower than Solid State Drives (SSDs). If you’re looking for an affordable way to breathe new life into your PC without breaking the bank, upgrading to a 240GB SSD is an excellent choice. It’s the perfect sweet spot for an operating system, essential programs, and perhaps a game or two, offering a dramatic speed boost.
In this guide, we’ve scoured the market to find the best budget 240 SSD options available today. We’ll dive deep into their features, performance, and what makes them stand out, helping you pick the perfect drive to supercharge your system. Get ready for faster boot times, snappier applications, and an overall much smoother computing experience!
Why a 240GB SSD is a Smart Budget Choice
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why a 240GB SSD might be just what you need. For most users, this capacity is ideal as a primary boot drive. It’s large enough to comfortably house Windows or macOS, plus a good selection of everyday software like web browsers, office suites, and even a few games. The cost-per-gigabyte for 240GB drives often hits a sweet spot, making them incredibly attractive for budget-conscious upgrades. You’ll experience a massive leap in performance compared to an HDD, but without the higher price tag of larger SSDs.
The Top 7 Best Budget 240GB SSDs Reviewed
Here are our picks for the top budget-friendly 240GB solid-state drives that offer great value and reliable performance.
1. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is often cited as a go-to option for anyone looking for an affordable upgrade, and for good reason. It leverages Micron’s high-quality 3D NAND technology to deliver a significant performance boost over traditional hard drives. If you’re tired of waiting for your PC to boot or applications to load, the BX500 promises to get you up and running 300% faster, making it an excellent candidate for the best budget 240 SSD in its class. Plus, its energy efficiency means better battery life for your laptop!
Key Features:
– Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness.
– 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
– Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive.
– Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years.
– Crucial 3-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Very affordable entry point for SSD performance.
– Noticeable speed improvement over HDDs.
– Energy efficient, great for laptops.
– Backed by a reputable brand (Micron/Crucial).
Cons:
– Lacks a DRAM cache, which can impact sustained writes for very large files.
– Performance can fluctuate under heavy, continuous workloads.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the BX500 for its transformative effect on older computers, stating it’s incredibly easy to install and immediately provides a noticeable speed boost. Many are impressed by the value for money, making it a popular choice for reviving sluggish systems.
2. Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD SA400S37/240G
Kingston’s A400 series has been a long-standing favorite in the budget SSD market, offering a simple yet effective way to upgrade your system’s storage. This drive focuses on the essentials: fast start-up, quick file transfers, and improved application loading. It’s built to be more reliable and durable than a traditional hard drive, thanks to its solid-state design with no moving parts. If you just need a straightforward, dependable speed boost without any frills, the A400 is an excellent pick.
Key Features:
– Fast start up, loading and file transfers.
– More reliable and durable than a hard drive.
– Multiple capacities with space for applications or a hard drive replacement.
Pros:
– Extremely cost-effective for a basic SSD upgrade.
– Very durable and reliable due to no moving parts.
– Widely compatible with most laptops and desktops.
Cons:
– Performance is entry-level and may not match higher-end SSDs.
– Lacks a DRAM cache, similar to other budget options.
User Impressions:
Users consistently highlight the Kingston A400 as a fantastic value proposition, often recommending it for reviving older laptops or as a basic boot drive. Its ease of installation and immediate performance improvement are frequently mentioned as major positives.
3. Patriot Memory Burst Elite SATA 3 240GB SSD 2.5″ – (10 Pack)
For those looking to upgrade multiple systems or for IT professionals, this 10-pack of Patriot Memory Burst Elite SSDs is an incredibly cost-effective solution. Each 240GB drive comes equipped with the latest SATA 3 controller, ensuring reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. With features like Static and Dynamic Wear Leveling, these drives are designed for longevity and stable performance, even under consistent use. This bulk pack is ideal if you need multiple reliable, budget-friendly storage solutions.
Key Features:
– Latest SATA 3 Controller.
– Capacity: 240GB – 10 Pack.
– Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s.
– Static and Dynamic Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management.
– Low Power Management.
– Form Factor: 2.5″.
– Warranty: 3 Years.
Pros:
– Excellent value for bulk purchases.
– Includes advanced wear leveling for improved longevity.
– Low power consumption.
– Standard 3-year warranty.
Cons:
– Best suited for those needing multiple drives, not a single user.
– Performance is typical of a budget SSD, not a high-end one.
User Impressions:
Reviewers who purchase these packs for multiple builds or client upgrades often report high satisfaction with the consistent performance and reliability across all units. They appreciate the advanced features like wear leveling for durability in a budget drive.
4. Patriot Memory Burst Elite SATA 3 240GB SSD 2.5 Inch
This is the single-unit version of the Patriot Memory Burst Elite SSD, offering the same great features as its 10-pack counterpart but for individual users. It’s a solid contender for the best budget 240 SSD due to its focus on core reliability and efficient performance. With a robust SATA III 6Gb/s interface and smart features like wear leveling and bad block management, this drive is built to last while providing a noticeable speed boost to your system. It’s a practical, no-fuss upgrade.
Key Features:
– Latest SATA 3 Controller.
– Capacity: 240GB.
– Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s.
– Static and Dynamic Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management.
– Low Power Management.
– Form Factor: 2.5″.
– Warranty: 3 Years.
Pros:
– Good balance of price and performance for everyday use.
– Built-in wear leveling enhances drive lifespan.
– Standard 2.5-inch form factor ensures wide compatibility.
– Low power draw.
Cons:
– Performance benchmarks are not top-tier compared to premium SSDs.
– Lacks a dedicated DRAM cache.
User Impressions:
Individual users find this Patriot Burst Elite SSD to be a dependable and straightforward upgrade. They often mention that it delivers on its promise of faster boot times and program loads, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious PC builders and upgraders.
5. Lexar 240GB NQ100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
Lexar, a brand well-known for memory solutions, brings the NQ100 SSD to the table as another strong budget option. This 240GB drive is designed to deliver faster startups, quicker data transfers, and snappier application loads for both laptops and desktop computers. Its sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s are impressive for its price point, giving your system a significant performance edge. Plus, its shock and vibration resistance means it’s durable enough to handle everyday bumps and jostles without a hitch.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
– Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
– Experience better performance and reliability than with a traditional hard drive.
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
– [240GB] 84TBW (Terabytes Written).
– Three-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Excellent sequential read speeds for a budget drive.
– High durability due to shock and vibration resistance.
– Decent TBW rating for longevity.
– Reputable brand in memory and storage.
Cons:
– Write speeds aren’t explicitly highlighted, suggesting they might be lower than read speeds.
– No DRAM cache for peak sustained performance.
User Impressions:
Many users commend the Lexar NQ100 for its strong read performance and overall reliability. It’s frequently recommended as an easy and effective way to refresh an aging computer, with customers noting a significant improvement in general system responsiveness.
6. SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD – SATA III 6
The SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB is a popular choice for a reason: it focuses on delivering a balanced mix of performance and reliability that’s perfect for typical PC workloads. It’s pitched as an “easy upgrade” for faster boot-up, shutdown, and application response times, consistently outperforming traditional 5400 RPM hard drives. With solid read/write speeds and robust shock resistance, this drive is built to last and provide a consistent, improved computing experience. It’s a dependable workhorse among budget SSDs.
Key Features:
– Easy upgrade for faster boot-up, shutdown, application load and response.
– Boosts burst write performance, making it ideal for typical PC workloads.
– The perfect balance of performance and reliability.
– Read/write speeds of up to 530MB/s/440MB/s.
– Shock-resistant for proven durability —even if you drop your computer.
– Compatible devices: Desktop.
Pros:
– Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
– Good read and write speeds for its category.
– Highly durable and shock-resistant.
– Backed by the trusted SanDisk brand.
Cons:
– Performance might dip under very heavy, sustained loads.
– Advertised compatibility specifically for desktops (though generally works with laptops too).
User Impressions:
SanDisk SSD PLUS owners often praise its consistent performance and ease of installation. Many report that it breathes new life into their old systems, making everyday tasks feel much smoother and faster. It’s a widely recommended budget option.
7. Western Digital 240GB WD Green Internal SSD Solid State
Western Digital is a giant in storage, and their WD Green series SSDs are designed for everyday users looking for a reliable and energy-efficient upgrade. The 240GB WD Green SSD leverages SLC (single-level cell) caching to boost write performance, ensuring your daily tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing feel incredibly snappy. Its ultra-low power-draw is a huge plus for laptop users, extending battery life significantly. With WD’s F.I.T. Lab certification and the free SSD Dashboard software, you’re getting a drive that’s both compatible and easy to monitor.
Key Features:
– SLC (single-level cell) caching boosts write performance to quickly perform everyday tasks.
– Shock-resistant and WD F.I.T. Lab certified for compatibility and reliability.
– Ultra-low power-draw so you can use your laptop for longer periods of time.
– Available in 2.5″/7mm cased and M.2 2280 form factors to accommodate most PCs.
– The free, downloadable Western Digital SSD Dashboard* lets you easily monitor the status of your drive.
Pros:
– Excellent power efficiency, ideal for laptops.
– SLC caching provides good burst write speeds.
– WD F.I.T. Lab certified for broad compatibility and reliability.
– Free monitoring software is a nice bonus.
Cons:
– Overall sequential speeds might be slightly lower than some competitors.
– Not designed for heavy-duty gaming or professional video editing.
User Impressions:
Users frequently report satisfaction with the WD Green’s reliability and its positive impact on laptop battery life. They appreciate the ease of installation and the noticeable speed improvements for general computing, making it a solid choice for a practical upgrade.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a 240GB SSD is one of the most impactful and cost-effective improvements you can make to an older, slow computer. Any of the drives on this list represents a fantastic option for the best budget 240 SSD, promising to deliver a much faster, more responsive, and generally more enjoyable computing experience. Consider your specific needs – whether it’s a single upgrade, multiple units, or a focus on extreme energy efficiency – and pick the drive that’s right for you. Your PC will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a 240GB SSD good for?
A1: A 240GB SSD is ideal for use as a primary boot drive. It has enough space for your operating system (like Windows or macOS), essential software, and often a few games or frequently used applications. It dramatically improves boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness compared to a traditional hard drive.
Q2: How much faster is an SSD compared to an HDD?
A2: SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs. While HDDs typically offer read/write speeds of around 80-160 MB/s, even budget SATA SSDs can reach speeds of 400-550 MB/s. This translates to much quicker boot-ups (often under 10-15 seconds), faster file transfers, and snappier application launches.
Q3: Is 240GB enough storage for an SSD?
A3: For most users, 240GB is sufficient if it’s used as a boot drive and for core applications. If you have a large library of games, movies, or high-resolution photos, you might want a larger SSD or pair it with a secondary, larger traditional HDD for bulk storage.
Q4: What does SATA III mean?
A4: SATA III (also known as SATA 6Gb/s) is the latest revision of the Serial ATA interface, which connects host bus adapters to mass storage devices like hard drives and SSDs. It offers a maximum theoretical throughput of 600 MB/s, which is more than enough for these budget 240GB SSDs to reach their peak performance.
Q5: Do budget SSDs last long?
A5: Yes, budget SSDs are generally very reliable and durable. They have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and shocks than HDDs. While they might have slightly lower “Terabytes Written” (TBW) ratings than premium drives, for typical home use, they’re designed to last for many years of daily operation. Most come with a 3-year warranty.
Q6: Can I install a 240GB SSD myself?
A6: For most desktop PCs and many laptops, installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need to physically install the drive and then clone your existing operating system or perform a fresh installation. There are plenty of online guides and video tutorials available that can walk you through the process step-by-step.
Q7: What is “TBW” and why does it matter?
A7: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written” and is a rating that indicates the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD over its lifetime before it might start to experience wear-related issues. A higher TBW means the drive can handle more writes. For a 240GB SSD, a TBW rating of around 80-100 TBW is common and indicates excellent longevity for typical home or office use.