“`html
Upgrading your MacBook Air with a new SSD is one of the smartest ways to breathe new life into an older machine. Whether you’re dealing with a sluggish drive, limited storage, or a failed internal SSD, buying and installing a compatible SSD can dramatically improve performance, boot times, and overall responsiveness. The good news? It’s absolutely possible—and often more affordable than Apple’s official upgrades. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the best SSDs you can buy and install in MacBook Air models from 2013 to 2017, including step-by-step insights to help you make the right choice.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Can You Buy A Ssd And Install Into Macbook Air Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. FM13A 256GB NVME SSD with DIY Tools for MacBook Air A1465 A1466
This SSD is a direct-fit replacement designed specifically for older MacBook Air and Pro models, offering blazing-fast read/write speeds and a hassle-free upgrade experience. It comes with essential DIY tools and pre-installed macOS support, making installation smooth even for beginners.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Read speeds up to 1700MB/s and write speeds up to 1300MB/s
- ✓ 1:1 design matching original Apple SSD interface—no adapter needed
- ✓ Includes screwdrivers and prying tools for easy self-installation
- ✓ Compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra and later
- ✓ Works with MacBook Air A1465/A1466 (2013–2017) and MacBook Pro Retina A1398/A1502
Why We Recommend It
We picked this as our top choice because it combines performance, compatibility, and value. The included tools and clear instructions make it ideal for first-time upgraders, while the NVMe speed ensures your aging MacBook feels like new again.
Best For
Users with Mid-2013 to Mid-2017 MacBook Air or Retina MacBook Pro who want a reliable, plug-and-play SSD upgrade without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent speed for the price
- Comes with all necessary installation tools
- Pre-formatted and ready to use
- Wide model compatibility
Cons:
- Only 256GB capacity—may be tight for heavy users
- Requires macOS 10.13 or newer (not suitable for older OS versions)
Customer Reviews
“It worked just as advertised fast speed, and it has the operating system installed already, which makes it easy very easy to install inside the computer”
“I was in a rush since the SSD in my old mid-2015 MacPro died, so I didn’t notice the third photo down in the seller’s description. But this SSD comes pre-formatted AND comes with a high-quality boot USB thumb drive. These extras saved a huge amount of time. Most importantly, the new replacement SSD w”
2. GAMERKING 256GB NVMe SSD for MacBook
The GAMERKING SSD delivers impressive Gen3x4 NVMe performance in a compact M.2 2230 form factor, perfectly tailored for MacBook Air and Pro models. With read speeds up to 2450MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drop-in replacements available.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen3x4 interface with read/write up to 2450MB/s and 1850MB/s
- ✓ True 1:1 replacement—no adapter or modification required
- ✓ Uses 3D TLC NAND for better endurance and reliability
- ✓ Compatible with MacBook Air A1465 (Mid 2013–Early 2015) and similar models
- ✓ Lightweight and energy-efficient design
Why We Recommend It
This SSD stands out for its raw speed and build quality. If you’re looking to maximize performance on a compatible MacBook Air, this drive offers near-flagship speeds at a fraction of the cost of Apple’s proprietary drives.
Best For
Tech-savvy users who want maximum speed and don’t mind verifying exact model compatibility before purchase.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest NVMe SSDs for older MacBooks
- Solid construction and reliable NAND flash
- No adapter needed—direct fit
- Great for gaming or media editing on older hardware
Cons:
- Limited to specific early MacBook Air models
- No included installation tools
- 256GB may feel small for power users
Customer Reviews
“The GAMERKING 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD delivers solid performance with stable speeds on PCIe Gen 3.0×4. Build quality feels reliable, and installation was straightforward. This size and form factor make it ideal for upgrading handheld gaming consoles, ultrabooks, or mini PCs that use the 2230 slot.”
“Honest seller and incredibly accurate product. I bought this to replace my SSD in my 2015 MacBook Pro that abruptly died before I can backup. I came across this sellers product that advertises not only being compatible but the MacOS came already installed so I could bypass the restore from disk util”
3. Crucial BX500 1TB SATA SSD
While not a direct internal replacement for most MacBook Airs, the Crucial BX500 is an excellent budget-friendly SSD option when used with an external enclosure or in compatible models that support 2.5-inch drives. It offers reliable performance and massive 1TB capacity at a low price point.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity for under $70—exceptional value
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 540MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than traditional HDDs
- ✓ Improves boot time and system responsiveness significantly
- ✓ Trusted brand with 3-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
If you’re on a tight budget or need large storage for backups, media, or external use, the BX500 is hard to beat. While it won’t fit internally in most MacBook Airs without modification, it’s perfect as an external boot drive or for older Macs that accept 2.5-inch SSDs.
Best For
Budget-conscious users needing high-capacity storage for external use or compatible MacBook models that support standard SATA SSDs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable price per gigabyte
- Reliable Crucial brand reputation
- Low power consumption extends battery life
- Easy to install in external enclosures
Cons:
- Not compatible with most MacBook Air internal slots (requires adapter or external use)
- Slower than NVMe options
- Bulkier than M.2 drives
Customer Reviews
“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”
4. 1TB PCIe Gen3x4 SSD for MacBook Air and Pro A1466 A1465 (2013–2017)
This high-capacity 1TB SSD offers a rare combination of large storage and native MacBook compatibility. Pre-installed with macOS High Sierra, it’s ready to go right out of the box and supports a wide range of MacBook Air and Pro models from 2013 to 2017.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 1TB storage—ideal for photographers, videographers, and students
- ✓ Pre-installed macOS High Sierra (upgradable via App Store)
- ✓ PCIe Gen3x4 interface for fast data transfer
- ✓ Compatible with MacBook Air A1465/A1466 and Pro A1398/A1502
- ✓ Includes detailed installation guide
Why We Recommend It
If you need more space without sacrificing speed or compatibility, this SSD is a standout option. The pre-loaded OS saves hours of setup time, and the 1TB capacity future-proofs your device for years.
Best For
Users who need ample storage and want a seamless, out-of-the-box experience without reinstalling macOS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge 1TB capacity at a reasonable price
- MacOS pre-installed—no recovery needed
- Broad compatibility across multiple MacBook models
- Fast NVMe performance
Cons:
- Slightly higher price than smaller-capacity alternatives
- Requires careful model verification before purchase
Customer Reviews
“Fixing up a salvaged Macbook. Had a suspicion it was the SSD. Works great, now.”
“Used on old 2015 MacBook. Worked perfectly”
5. 512GB SSD for MacBook Pro A1398 A1502 / MacBook Air A1466 A1465
This 512GB NVMe SSD strikes a sweet spot between capacity and performance, offering double the space of 256GB drives while maintaining fast Gen3x4 speeds. It comes with dual macOS installer USB drives, making recovery and setup incredibly convenient.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 512GB capacity—perfect balance of space and affordability
- ✓ Includes two USB drives with different macOS installers
- ✓ NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 interface for high-speed performance
- ✓ Compatible with MacBook Air A1465/A1466 and Pro A1398/A1502
- ✓ High-performance 3D NAND flash memory
Why We Recommend It
The inclusion of dual bootable USB drives sets this SSD apart. Whether you’re restoring a dead drive or upgrading for speed, having multiple macOS versions ready to go is a huge time-saver.
Best For
Users who want mid-range storage with maximum convenience and flexibility during installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great capacity for everyday and professional use
- Two macOS installer USBs included
- Fast and reliable NVMe performance
- Easy to install with clear instructions
Cons:
- Price is higher than 256GB options
- Limited to specific older MacBook models
Customer Reviews
“Complete package, with 2 USB with different MacOS installer, well done A+”
“Complete package, with 2 USB with different MacOS installer, well done A+”
Complete Buying Guide for Can You Buy A Ssd And Install Into Macbook Air
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD for your MacBook Air, compatibility is everything. Not all NVMe drives fit—older MacBook Airs (2013–2017) use a proprietary connector that differs from standard M.2 slots. Always verify your model number (e.g., A1465, A1466) and EMC code before buying. Speed matters too: look for PCIe Gen3x4 support with read speeds above 1500MB/s. Finally, consider whether the drive comes pre-formatted or includes macOS—this can save hours of setup.
Budget Planning
Prices range from around $50 for 256GB budget drives to over $150 for 1TB high-performance models. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the Crucial BX500 for external use. For internal upgrades, the FM13A offers the best balance of price, performance, and ease of installation. Remember: investing in a quality SSD extends your MacBook’s lifespan by years.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you absolutely can buy an SSD and install it into a MacBook Air—especially models from 2013 to 2017. With the right drive, some basic tools, and a little patience, you’ll enjoy faster boots, quicker app launches, and a noticeably snappier experience. Our top pick, the FM13A, is ideal for most users, but if you need more space, the 1TB Jorkar model is worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install an SSD in any MacBook Air?
A: No—only MacBook Air models from Mid-2013 to Mid-2017 (A1465 and A1466) support user-replaceable SSDs. Newer models have soldered storage and cannot be upgraded.
Q: Do I need to reinstall macOS after swapping SSDs?
A: Not necessarily. Many replacement SSDs come pre-loaded with macOS High Sierra or later. If not, you’ll need to boot into Recovery Mode (Cmd+R) and reinstall the OS.
Q: Are third-party SSDs safe for MacBooks?
A: Yes, as long as they’re designed for your specific model. Stick to reputable brands and check compatibility carefully. Avoid cheap, no-name drives that may lack proper firmware support.
Q: Will upgrading my SSD void my warranty?
A: If your MacBook is still under AppleCare, opening it may void the warranty. However, most older Airs are out of warranty anyway, so this is rarely a concern.
Q: Can I use a regular M.2 SSD in my MacBook Air?
A: Generally no. Older MacBook Airs use a custom Apple connector, not standard M.2. You need a specialized SSD like the ones reviewed above.
Ready to give your MacBook Air a new lease on life? Pick one of our top-rated SSDs today and enjoy faster performance, more storage, and a smoother computing experience. Don’t wait—upgrade now and feel the difference!
“`