5 Best M.2 SSDs at Best Buy for 2026 – Expert Picks

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If you’re wondering, “does Best Buy sell M.2 SSD?”—the short answer is yes! Best Buy carries a solid selection of M.2 SSDs from top brands like Samsung, WD Black, and Crucial, both in-store and online. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, boosting your laptop’s performance, or building a new PC, M.2 NVMe SSDs offer blazing-fast speeds and compact designs that fit seamlessly into modern systems. In this roundup, we’ve handpicked the best M.2 SSDs available today—many of which you can find at Best Buy or through trusted online retailers like Amazon—so you can make an informed decision based on real performance, value, and reliability.

Quick Product Comparison

Product Image Check Price
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Gen4 PCIe, up to 7,250 MB/s Read… WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Gen4 PCIe, up to 7,250 MB/s Re Check Price
2. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Gen4 PCIe, up to 6,600 MB/s, for PC and laptop… Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Gen4 PCIe, up to 6,600 MB/s, fo Check Price
3. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen 5×2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,150 MB/s, Upgrade St…… Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2 2280, Speeds U Check Price
4. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 …… WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink - M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/ Check Price
5. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read S…… Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid St Check Price

Our Top 5 Does Best Buy Sell M.2 Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended

🏆 Best Choice

1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Gen4 PCIe, up to 7,250 MB/s Read

WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD

The WD Black SN7100 2TB is a powerhouse NVMe SSD built for gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With Gen4 PCIe performance and read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s, this drive delivers noticeably faster boot times, quicker game loads, and smoother multitasking compared to older Gen3 drives.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Blazing-fast read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s
  • ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with Sandisk’s advanced TLC 3D NAND technology
  • ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB—perfect for storing large game libraries
  • ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern laptops and desktops
  • ✓ Optimized for gaming with low latency and high endurance

Why We Recommend It

This SSD strikes an excellent balance between performance, capacity, and price. Whether you’re upgrading a gaming PC or building a high-performance workstation, the SN7100 offers near-flagship speeds without the premium cost of top-tier models.

Best For

Gamers, content creators, and PC builders looking for a high-speed, high-capacity M.2 SSD that delivers consistent performance under load.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Exceptional read/write speeds for Gen4 NVMe
  • Reliable performance with strong thermal management
  • Great value for a 2TB high-speed drive
  • Easy installation—just plug into any M.2 slot
Cons:
  • No included heatsink (may require third-party cooling in tight builds)
  • Higher power draw under load compared to Gen3 drives

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “I bought the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB to replace my smaller WD SN570 Gen3 boot drive. Installation was straightforward i.e just slide it into the M.2 slot, and done. Using CrystalDiskMark V9.5.0, I consistently saw around 7000 MB/s read and 6200 MB/s write on the 4 GB test, and about 6800 MB/s write on sustained loads—way faster than my old drive!”

Customer Review: “Great SSD for the price. Installation was simple and the drive delivers fast load times in games and everyday use. The performance is definitely noticeable. Overall, a solid upgrade for any gaming PC!!”

⭐ Editor’s Choice

2. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Gen4 PCIe, up to 6,600 MB/s, for PC and laptop

Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD

The Crucial P310 500GB is a compact yet powerful Gen4 NVMe SSD that brings high-speed storage to budget-conscious users and laptop upgraders. With read speeds up to 6,600 MB/s, it’s a significant step up from SATA SSDs and even outperforms many entry-level NVMe drives.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ PCIe Gen4 performance with up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds
  • ✓ Compact M.2 2280 design ideal for laptops and small-form-factor PCs
  • ✓ Broad compatibility with desktops, laptops, and select handheld gaming devices
  • ✓ 500GB capacity offers a sweet spot for OS, apps, and essential games
  • ✓ Low power consumption and reliable thermal performance

Why We Recommend It

For users upgrading from a slower drive or building a budget gaming PC, the P310 delivers impressive real-world performance at an accessible price. It’s especially great for handheld consoles like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go.

Best For

Laptop users, handheld gamers, and anyone needing a fast, reliable SSD for everyday computing and light gaming.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Excellent Gen4 speeds for the price
  • Works seamlessly with laptops and compact systems
  • Low heat output—no heatsink needed in most cases
  • Reliable brand with strong warranty support
Cons:
  • Only 500GB—may fill up quickly with modern games
  • Not the fastest in sustained write workloads

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Plenty of space: 2 TB gives me lots of room for OS, apps, games, and files without tight space concerns. Fast speeds: For Gen4 NVMe, load and boot times are noticeably quicker than my old SATA drive.”

Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Crucial P310 2TB SSD for 4 months now in my small form factor PC build and it’s been fantastic. Installation was simple and straightforward—no issues at all. The performance is outstanding for both gaming and everyday use. Boot times are superfast, and game loading speeds have improved dramatically.”

💰 Best Budget

3. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen 5×2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,150 MB/s, Upgrade St…

Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB is a versatile SSD that blends Gen4 and Gen5 compatibility with impressive real-world performance. With read speeds up to 7,150 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest EVO models yet—and a fantastic value for users who want Samsung reliability without paying PRO prices.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Hybrid Gen4/Gen5 support (runs at Gen4 speeds on most systems)
  • ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,150/6,300 MB/s
  • ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large-file performance
  • ✓ Advanced thermal control with nickel-coated controller
  • ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, games, and media

Why We Recommend It

Samsung’s EVO line has long been known for balancing performance and affordability. The 990 EVO Plus continues that tradition, offering near-PRO speeds at a more accessible price point—making it perfect for mainstream users.

Best For

Everyday users, students, and upgraders who want a fast, reliable SSD from a trusted brand without overspending.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Excellent speed and responsiveness
  • Strong thermal management prevents throttling
  • Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
  • Great price-to-performance ratio
Cons:
  • Not fully utilizing Gen5 speeds on most current systems
  • No included heatsink

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “As a PC builder and heavy gamer, my old SATA SSD was becoming a serious bottleneck for my i7-12700K and RTX 5070 Ti system. I chose the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB to be my new primary OS and games drive, and the difference is staggering. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.”

Customer Review: “I picked up this Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB to upgrade one of our PCs, and it has been a really good improvement so far. Installation was simple. It slotted right into the M.2 spot and the system recognized it right away. I cloned the old drive and everything transferred without any issues. Performance is noticeably snappier.”

4. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 …

WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink

The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB with heatsink is a premium NVMe SSD designed for enthusiasts and gamers who refuse to compromise. With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and a built-in heatsink, it delivers sustained performance even during long gaming sessions or heavy file transfers.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Insane read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s
  • ✓ Integrated heatsink prevents thermal throttling in compact builds
  • ✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability and longevity
  • ✓ Optimized for gaming with reduced load times and smooth gameplay
  • ✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB

Why We Recommend It

This SSD is built for those who want the absolute best performance without worrying about overheating. The included heatsink makes it plug-and-play ready for high-end desktops and even some consoles.

Best For

High-end gaming PCs, workstations, and users who want maximum performance with minimal setup hassle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Top-tier Gen4 performance
  • Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
  • Excellent for PS5 and high-performance desktops
  • Reliable and consistent under heavy workloads
Cons:
  • Higher price per GB compared to non-heatsink models
  • Heatsink may not fit in ultra-compact laptops

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, matching the specs perfectly.”

Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are no joke.”

5. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read S…

Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe

The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB is the flagship NVMe SSD from Samsung, engineered for extreme performance and reliability. With read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest Gen4 drives on the market—ideal for pros, streamers, and hardcore gamers.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Blazing sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s
  • ✓ Over 55% improvement in random performance over previous gen
  • ✓ Advanced thermal control with nickel-coated controller and heat spreader
  • ✓ Optimized for PS5, high-end desktops, and content creation workloads
  • ✓ 2TB capacity provides ample space for large projects and games

Why We Recommend It

If you need the absolute best performance and don’t mind paying a premium, the 990 PRO is hard to beat. It’s reliable, fast, and backed by Samsung’s reputation for quality.

Best For

Professionals, video editors, competitive gamers, and anyone who demands maximum speed and reliability from their storage.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Among the fastest Gen4 SSDs available
  • Excellent thermal management prevents slowdowns
  • Great for PS5 and high-performance builds
  • Strong endurance rating and 5-year warranty
Cons:
  • Expensive compared to non-PRO models
  • Overkill for basic computing tasks

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. I have two 12TB HDD drives, two slower SSDs, and two of these great Samsung 1TB NVMe drives. While the majority of my backups are on the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these NVMe drives for high-speed caching—and they’ve been flawless.”

Customer Review: “Installed this SSD in my PS5 and it just works exactly as advertised. Physical install took literally 3-4 minutes (unscrew the cover, slot it in, screw it down). No issues at all. PS5 recognized it instantly, formatted in under a minute, and I started moving games over right away. Transfer speeds were lightning-fast.”

Complete Buying Guide for Does Best Buy Sell M.2 Ssd

Essential Factors We Consider

When choosing an M.2 SSD, we evaluate several key factors: speed (measured in MB/s for read/write), capacity (how much data it can hold), form factor (most are 2280, meaning 22mm wide and 80mm long), interface (Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5), and thermal performance (especially important in compact builds). We also consider brand reputation, warranty, and real-world user feedback to ensure reliability.

Budget Planning

M.2 SSDs range from around $50 for a 500GB Gen4 drive to over $200 for high-capacity, high-speed models. For most users, a 1TB Gen4 SSD offers the best balance of speed, space, and cost. Gamers and creators may want 2TB or more, while budget builders can start with 500GB and expand later.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re asking “does Best Buy sell M.2 SSD?” or shopping online, there’s never been a better time to upgrade. The drives on this list represent the best in performance, value, and reliability—so you can pick the one that fits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Best Buy sell M.2 SSDs in-store?

A: Yes, Best Buy carries a variety of M.2 SSDs from brands like Samsung, WD Black, and Crucial. You can check availability online or visit your local store. However, for the widest selection and best prices, we often recommend purchasing through Amazon.

Q: What’s the difference between Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 M.2 SSDs?

A: Gen3 SSDs offer speeds up to ~3,500 MB/s, Gen4 up to ~7,500 MB/s, and Gen5 up to ~14,000 MB/s. Gen4 is the sweet spot for most users today, while Gen5 requires compatible motherboards and is still emerging.

Q: Can I install an M.2 SSD myself?

A: Absolutely! Installing an M.2 SSD is simple: just insert it into the M.2 slot on your motherboard at a slight angle, press down, and secure it with a screw. Most systems will detect it automatically.

Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?

A: Not always. If your case has good airflow or you’re using a laptop, a heatsink may not be necessary. However, for high-performance desktops or PS5 upgrades, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling.

Q: Are M.2 SSDs compatible with laptops?

A: Yes, as long as your laptop has an available M.2 slot. Most modern ultrabooks and gaming laptops support M.2 NVMe SSDs—just check your model’s specs before buying.

Ready to upgrade your system? Whether you’re looking for raw speed, massive storage, or budget-friendly performance, one of these top-rated M.2 SSDs will deliver. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and find the perfect fit for your setup!

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