Choosing between a 500GB and 1TB SSD comes down to your storage needs, budget, and usage habits. While 500GB might seem sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and office work, a 1TB SSD offers significantly more room for games, large applications, media libraries, and future-proofing your system. In this roundup, we’ve tested and compared the best 1TB SSDs on the market to help you decide whether upgrading to 1TB is worth it — and which drive delivers the best performance, reliability, and value for your money.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Is It Better To Buy 500G Or 1Tb Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB SSD is a reliable, no-frills storage upgrade that delivers solid performance for everyday computing. Whether you’re replacing an old hard drive or building a budget PC, this SATA-based SSD offers a noticeable speed boost with 540MB/s read speeds and improved energy efficiency.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity for ample storage of OS, apps, and files
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s sequential read speeds
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than traditional HDDs
- ✓ 300% faster system responsiveness compared to HDDs
- ✓ 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between affordability and performance. It’s ideal for users who want a hassle-free upgrade without breaking the bank. While it lacks DRAM cache, it still handles daily tasks like booting Windows, launching apps, and transferring files with ease.
Best For
Home users, students, and office PCs needing a reliable, high-capacity SSD upgrade from an HDD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for 1TB storage
- Easy installation in laptops and desktops
- Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- Consistent performance for everyday use
Cons:
- No DRAM cache may affect sustained write performance
- Slower than NVMe drives (but still fast for SATA)
- Basic design with minimal heatsink
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you:- DRAM cache: ❌- Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌- Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌On the o”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features:PerformanceAlthough I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers fo”
2. Crucial P510 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 1TB SSD
The Crucial P510 is a next-gen powerhouse, leveraging PCIe Gen5 technology to deliver blazing-fast speeds up to 11,000MB/s. Designed for gamers, content creators, and power users, this 1TB NVMe SSD offers top-tier performance with TLC NAND and broad compatibility across modern desktops and laptops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 x4 interface for ultra-fast data transfer
- ✓ Up to 11,000MB/s read and 8,500MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity with TLC NAND for endurance
- ✓ Backward compatible with PCIe Gen4 systems
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a high-performance PC or upgrading a Gen5-compatible system, the P510 is one of the fastest consumer SSDs available. It drastically reduces game load times, accelerates video editing workflows, and handles multitasking with ease.
Best For
Gamers, video editors, and tech enthusiasts with PCIe Gen5 motherboards who demand maximum speed and responsiveness.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Among the fastest consumer SSDs on the market
- Excellent for large file transfers and 4K/8K video
- Reliable TLC NAND with good endurance
- Works with both Gen5 and Gen4 systems
Cons:
- Requires Gen5 motherboard to reach full speed
- Higher price per GB compared to SATA drives
- May need a heatsink under heavy sustained loads
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this Crucial NVMe drive to replace a Samsung Pro that seems to have an issue with one of Windows 11 updates. Although I updated the firmware, it still would go south from time to time. However, purchasing this Crucial P510, I find that it performs better than the Samsung 990 Pro ever did”
Customer Review: “It’s a good drive. I think Crucial (Micron) just announced though, that they are stopping their consumer drives to concentrate on their commercial side, making drives for AI use. I’m happy with the speeds and it was a good drive for the money.”
3. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD known for its reliability, consistent performance, and industry-leading endurance. With 1TB of storage and speeds up to 560MB/s, it’s a top pick for users who want proven quality without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Maximizes SATA III interface limit (560/530 MB/s)
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
- ✓ Advanced ECC and error correction
- ✓ Compatible with laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
The 870 EVO is the gold standard for SATA SSDs. It’s built with Samsung’s proven V-NAND technology and delivers stable, long-term performance. Even though SATA is older than NVMe, it’s still more than fast enough for 99% of users.
Best For
Users upgrading older systems, building reliable workstations, or anyone prioritizing durability and brand trust over cutting-edge speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional reliability and longevity
- High endurance rating (600 TBW)
- Consistent performance under load
- Widely compatible with older hardware
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- SATA interface limits future upgrade paths
- No hardware encryption or advanced security features
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 “
Customer Review: “its a shame sata III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the formfactor is so much nicer then nvme and it is still more then fast enough for like 99 percent of people, there are sata III drives available with real ecc error correction and super durable enterprise grade drives, tryi”
4. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
The Samsung T7 is a sleek, pocket-sized powerhouse that delivers desktop-grade speed in a portable design. With 1TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, it’s perfect for creatives, travelers, and professionals who need fast, reliable external storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Compact and lightweight (just 57g)
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with USB-A adapter included
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
- ✓ Shock-resistant and durable aluminum body
Why We Recommend It
The T7 combines speed, security, and portability like few other drives. It’s ideal for transferring large video files, backing up projects on the go, or expanding your laptop’s storage without cables or bulk.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, remote workers, and students who need fast, secure, and portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast for a portable drive
- Compact and stylish design
- Hardware encryption for data security
- Works with PC, Mac, and Android devices
Cons:
- No IP rating for water/dust resistance
- Can get warm during large transfers
- Requires reformatting for optimal use with Windows
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
5. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventurers and professionals who need rugged, high-speed storage. With IP65 water and dust resistance, drop protection, and 1,050MB/s speeds, it’s one of the most durable portable SSDs on the market.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ IP65-rated for water and dust resistance
- ✓ Withstands drops up to 3 meters
- ✓ Carabiner loop for easy attachment
- ✓ USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
Why We Recommend It
If you’re traveling, shooting outdoors, or working in harsh environments, this SSD can take a beating. It’s fast, tough, and reliable — perfect for backing up footage in the field or storing critical data securely.
Best For
Outdoor photographers, field researchers, travelers, and anyone needing rugged, high-performance portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rugged design with IP65 rating
- Fast transfer speeds for large files
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes carabiner for easy carrying
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than non-rugged drives
- No hardware encryption
- Limited color options
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
Complete Buying Guide for Is It Better To Buy 500G Or 1Tb Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding between a 500GB and 1TB SSD, consider your storage needs, usage patterns, and budget. A 500GB SSD may suffice for light users who only run an OS, web browser, and a few apps. However, modern games can take 50–100GB each, and 4K video files consume even more space. A 1TB SSD gives you breathing room for growth, reduces the need for constant file management, and often offers a better price per GB. We also evaluate speed (SATA vs. NVMe), durability, warranty, and real-world performance in our recommendations.
Budget Planning
While 500GB SSDs are cheaper upfront, the cost difference between 500GB and 1TB has narrowed significantly. For just $20–$40 more, you can double your storage — a smart investment for most users. Budget around $60–$100 for a reliable 1TB SATA SSD and $100–$150 for a high-performance NVMe model. Portable SSDs range from $90–$150 depending on speed and ruggedness.
Final Thoughts
For most people, 1TB is the sweet spot in 2024. It offers enough space for years of use without constant cleanup, and the performance benefits of SSDs over HDDs are undeniable. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or just want a snappier PC, upgrading to a 1TB SSD is almost always worth it over 500GB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 1TB SSD overkill for everyday use?
A: Not at all. While 500GB might work for basic tasks, 1TB gives you room for updates, apps, media, and future needs. It’s especially useful if you install multiple programs or store photos and videos locally.
Q: Can I use a 1TB SSD in an old laptop?
A: Yes, as long as your laptop supports SATA or M.2 SSDs. Most laptops from 2012 onward can accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. Check your manual or use a tool like Crucial’s Scanner to confirm compatibility.
Q: Do I need NVMe or is SATA enough?
A: SATA is sufficient for general use, office work, and light gaming. NVMe is better for fast boot times, large file transfers, and demanding applications like video editing or 3D rendering.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are very durable. Most 1TB drives have a lifespan of 300–600 TBW (terabytes written), meaning you could write 100GB per day for 8–15 years before reaching the limit.
Q: Should I get an internal or portable SSD?
A: Internal SSDs are best for permanent upgrades to your PC or laptop. Portable SSDs are ideal for backups, travel, or expanding storage on multiple devices.
Still unsure whether to go with 500GB or 1TB? Our top pick, the Crucial BX500 1TB, offers the best balance of price, performance, and reliability for most users. But if you need speed, the Crucial P510 Gen5 NVMe is unbeatable. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and make the right choice for your setup today!