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If you’re upgrading your computer’s storage or replacing an old hard drive, you might be wondering, how much does Best Buy charge to install SSD? While Best Buy offers professional installation services through their Geek Squad, the cost typically ranges from $49.99 to $99.99, depending on the complexity of the installation—whether it’s a simple laptop SSD swap or a full desktop build with data migration. However, many users find it more cost-effective and convenient to purchase a high-quality SSD separately and either install it themselves or use trusted third-party services. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs available today—balancing performance, reliability, and value—so you can make an informed decision without overpaying for installation.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 How Much Does Best Buy Charge To Install Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5″ SATA III Internal SSD for PC and Laptop Storage Upgrade
The Samsung 870 EVO is a powerhouse internal SSD that delivers top-tier performance for both laptops and desktops. With 1TB of storage and blazing-fast SATA III speeds, it’s perfect for upgrading older systems or expanding your current setup without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ 600 TBW endurance rating with 5-year warranty
- ✓ Advanced 3D V-NAND technology for improved reliability
- ✓ Compatible with most laptops and desktops using 2.5″ bays
Why We Recommend It
This SSD consistently ranks as one of the most reliable drives on the market. Whether you’re booting Windows, loading games, or editing videos, the 870 EVO handles it all with ease. It’s also incredibly easy to install—even for beginners.
Best For
Users looking for a durable, high-performance internal SSD for everyday computing, gaming, or creative work.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance
- Proven long-term reliability
- Wide compatibility across devices
- Great value for 1TB capacity
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than budget QLC drives
- Not NVMe—so not ideal for ultra-high-speed needs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely. I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to tech, but even I managed the swap in under 20 minutes.”
Customer Review: “I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly. As always, Samsung delivers.”
2. 128GB mSATA SSD with 3D NAND, Low Power, SATA III for Laptops and Mini PCs
This compact mSATA SSD is ideal for older laptops, mini PCs, or embedded systems that require low-power, reliable storage. Despite its small size, it packs solid performance thanks to 3D NAND technology.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-low power consumption for longer battery life
- ✓ Miniature 30mm x 50mm form factor
- ✓ SATA III interface with stable data transfer
- ✓ Ideal for space-constrained devices
Why We Recommend It
For retrofits or upgrades in compact devices, this SSD offers a rare combination of size, efficiency, and reliability. It’s not meant for heavy workloads, but it excels in lightweight applications like media centers or legacy laptops.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops, mini PCs, or industrial devices with mSATA slots who need efficient, low-profile storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Energy-efficient design
- Stable performance for basic tasks
- Affordable entry-level SSD option
Cons:
- Only 128GB capacity—limited for modern use
- Not suitable for gaming or large file storage
- mSATA is becoming outdated
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Drive size is 128,022,237,676 B or 119.23GB when formatted, which is expected when factoring in 1024 byte scaling and the fact that computers calculate all data in base2 blocks, not base10. You can blame Apple and HDD OEMs for trying to change kilobytes from 1024 to 1000 so they can give you less while charging more. Still, this drive works perfectly in my old Lenovo ThinkCentre.”
Customer Review: “This works. I connected it to my laptop and started it up. It shows up in the system and can be formatted and written to. The read and write speeds are OK compared to my primary drive. I wouldn’t say that they are breaking speed records but they’re not incredibly slow either. I’ve only had it in for a week, but so far, so good.”
3. Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD with USB 3.2, Up to 800MB/s, for PC, Mac, and Consoles
The Crucial X6 delivers impressive speed and portability at a budget-friendly price. With 1TB of storage and USB 3.2 support, it’s perfect for gamers, students, and professionals who need fast, reliable external storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 800MB/s read speeds (3.8x faster than HDDs)
- ✓ Compact, pocket-sized design
- ✓ Works with PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox
- ✓ No external power required—bus-powered via USB
Why We Recommend It
For the price, the Crucial X6 offers exceptional value. It’s fast enough for game backups, video editing proxies, and large file transfers, yet small enough to toss in your backpack without adding weight.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and students needing affordable, high-capacity portable storage for consoles and laptops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Plug-and-play compatibility
- Durable shock-resistant build
Cons:
- Write speeds slower than read speeds
- No hardware encryption or password protection
- Plastic casing feels less premium
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got my previous portable storage solution, the platter-based HDD WD My Passport Ultra in 2TB capacity, back in mid-2015. It’s held up for almost eight years and I’ve been very proud of it. Recently it started to click, most likely meaning that it is on its way out. I take that to mean that the real-world lifespan of consumer HDDs is about 8 years—so I replaced it with this Crucial X6. So far, no regrets!”
Customer Review: “I bought this for my son’s laptop and it works great. The compact size allows for it to not be in the way and setup was quick and easy. He uses it to store games and school projects. Definitely worth the money.”
4. Samsung 870 QVO 1TB 2.5″ SATA III Internal SSD for Desktop and Laptop Storage
The Samsung 870 QVO offers massive storage capacity at an affordable price point. Using QLC NAND, it provides up to 8TB in a 2.5″ form factor—ideal for users who need lots of space without sacrificing SATA compatibility.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB
- ✓ SATA III speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for optimization
- ✓ Backward compatible with older systems
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a media server, archive drive, or just need extra space for games and videos, the 870 QVO delivers excellent capacity per dollar. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it’s reliable and widely compatible.
Best For
Users needing high-capacity storage for backups, media libraries, or secondary drives in desktops and laptops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very high storage density
- Good sequential performance
- Trusted Samsung reliability
- Easy migration tools included
Cons:
- QLC NAND has lower endurance than TLC
- Slower write speeds under sustained loads
- Not ideal for frequent write operations
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this when GPU prices were crazy. They had it on sale, and figured that it’s better to have more space than not enough. It’s quick, performs great. I would buy this again on future builds.”
Customer Review: “Works really well. I have a 2018 Mac, 27″ with 32gb memory and a 2 TB fusion drive and I try to keep about 350-400 GB free space, but sometimes it isn’t easy! The reason why I got an SSD is that I use Parallels for Mac and have three Windows VM’s and a few Linux and over time with the fusion drive, I was experiencing slowdowns. This SSD fixed everything.”
5. 256GB USB-C External SSD with Fingerprint Lock for Steam Deck, PS5, and Mobile Devices
This ultra-compact external SSD combines security and portability with a built-in fingerprint sensor. Designed for mobile users, it works seamlessly with Steam Deck, PS5, iPhone, and Android devices via USB-C.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fingerprint authentication for secure access
- ✓ Weighs only 5g—smaller than a stick of gum
- ✓ USB-C plug-and-play compatibility
- ✓ Shock-resistant and dustproof design
Why We Recommend It
For travelers, journalists, or anyone handling sensitive data, this SSD offers peace of mind with biometric security. Its tiny size makes it perfect for on-the-go use, especially with modern mobile devices.
Best For
Mobile professionals, gamers, and iPhone/Android users who need secure, portable storage for photos, documents, or game saves.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Biometric security adds strong protection
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
- Works with phones, consoles, and PCs
- No software needed—native iOS/Android support
Cons:
- Only 256GB capacity
- Slower than full-size SSDs
- Fingerprint sensor may require re-registration if damaged
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Love it, super compact USB C drive, works great on my iPhone 16 max pro (iOS 26.1) Plug-N-Play. No apps, just use the native file App on your iPhone. Copy and or send files to the thumb drive. Easy to save things, like notes and photos to the removable USB C drive. You set your finger print once and it’s smooth sailing after that.”
Customer Review: “I wished this was a 1TB but for my purposes it’s more than enough for my iPhone. It does have a little gap when installed but it’s great if you have a thicker case on your iPhone. Either way it fits and feels solid when attached.”
Complete Buying Guide for How Much Does Best Buy Charge To Install Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD, we evaluate performance, capacity, form factor, compatibility, and value. Internal drives like the Samsung 870 EVO are great for system upgrades, while portable SSDs like the Crucial X6 suit on-the-go users. Always check your device’s interface (SATA, NVMe, mSATA) before buying. And remember: while Best Buy charges $50–$100 for SSD installation, self-installation can save you money and give you valuable tech experience.
Budget Planning
Set a budget based on your needs. Budget users ($50–$80) should consider the Crucial X6 or mSATA options. Mid-range buyers ($80–$150) will love the Samsung 870 EVO. If you need massive storage, the Samsung 870 QVO offers terabytes at a fair price. Don’t forget to factor in potential installation costs—or learn to do it yourself with online guides!
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an SSD is one of the best performance improvements you can make for any computer. Whether you’re avoiding Best Buy’s installation fees or simply want the best drive for your system, our top picks balance speed, reliability, and affordability. Choose based on your device, usage, and budget—and enjoy faster boot times, quicker file access, and smoother multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Best Buy charge to install SSD?
A: Best Buy’s Geek Squad typically charges between $49.99 and $99.99 for SSD installation, depending on whether it’s a simple laptop swap or a complex desktop setup with data cloning.
Q: Can I install an SSD myself instead of paying Best Buy?
A: Absolutely! Most SSD installations are straightforward and require only a screwdriver and a few minutes. Many manufacturers include step-by-step guides, and YouTube tutorials make it easy even for beginners.
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs (like the Samsung 870 EVO) use older interfaces with max speeds around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe and can reach 3,500MB/s or more—but require compatible motherboards.
Q: Do I need to clone my old drive when upgrading to an SSD?
A: Cloning lets you keep your OS, apps, and files. It’s optional but recommended for seamless transitions. Tools like Samsung Data Migration or Macrium Reflect make it easy.
Q: Are portable SSDs as fast as internal ones?
A: Not usually. Portable SSDs like the Crucial X6 are fast for external use (up to 800MB/s), but internal SATA or NVMe drives are faster and better for system drives.
Ready to supercharge your system? Pick one of our expert-recommended SSDs today and experience the speed difference firsthand. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop, expanding console storage, or securing your data on the go, there’s an SSD here that fits your needs—and your budget. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab yours now!
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