Deciding whether to buy a hard drive or SSD can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance speed, storage capacity, and budget. While traditional hard drives (HDDs) offer more storage for less money, SSDs deliver faster boot times, quicker file access, and better overall system responsiveness. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a new PC, or expanding storage for gaming or work, understanding the strengths of each option is key. In this guide, we break down the top SSDs on the market today—so you can confidently choose the right storage solution for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy A Hard Drive Or Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD for PC and Laptop
The Samsung 870 EVO is a powerhouse SSD that delivers top-tier performance and reliability, making it ideal for both everyday users and power users alike. With read speeds up to 560 MB/s, it maximizes the SATA III interface, offering a noticeable upgrade over traditional hard drives. Whether you’re booting your system, loading games, or transferring large files, this SSD handles it all with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
✓ Compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops
✓ Advanced error correction and data integrity protection
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and value. Samsung’s reputation for quality shines through, and the 870 EVO consistently ranks among the most reliable SATA SSDs on the market. It’s a smart long-term investment for anyone looking to breathe new life into an older system or upgrade a newer one.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and professionals who need fast, reliable storage without breaking the bank. Also great for upgrading older laptops or desktops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance and consistency
- High endurance rating ensures long lifespan
- Easy installation with included mounting options
- Trusted brand with strong customer support
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than budget SSDs
- Limited to SATA III speeds (not NVMe)
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: “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, Samsu”
2. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s – CT1000BX500SSD1, Solid Stat…
The Crucial BX500 offers impressive value for money, delivering solid performance at a budget-friendly price. With read speeds up to 540 MB/s, it’s a fantastic option for users looking to upgrade from an HDD without spending a fortune. It’s energy-efficient, reliable, and perfect for everyday computing tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 540MB/s read and 500MB/s write speeds
✓ 3D NAND technology for improved durability and efficiency
✓ 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
✓ Includes Acronis True Image for easy cloning
✓ Compact 2.5-inch form factor fits most systems
Why We Recommend It
If you’re on a tight budget but still want the benefits of SSD speed, the BX500 is a no-brainer. It’s not the fastest SSD out there, but it delivers consistent performance for daily use, including web browsing, office work, and light gaming. Crucial’s reputation for quality makes it a trustworthy choice.
Best For
Students, home users, and anyone upgrading from an HDD on a budget. Also ideal for secondary storage in a desktop build.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point for a 1TB SSD
- Energy-efficient design helps extend laptop battery life
- Easy migration with included cloning software
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
Cons:
- No DRAM cache, which can affect sustained performance
- Not ideal for heavy multitasking or large file transfers
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”
3. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a rugged, high-speed external drive perfect for on-the-go professionals and creatives. With blazing read speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s ideal for transferring large video files, backing up projects, or expanding storage for laptops. Its IP65 rating means it resists dust and water, making it a durable companion for travel.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
✓ USB-C connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
✓ Includes carabiner loop for secure attachment
Why We Recommend It
This SSD combines speed, durability, and portability in one sleek package. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or remote worker, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD keeps your data safe and accessible. It’s also backward compatible, so it works with older USB ports too.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and professionals who need fast, reliable external storage. Great for 4K video editing and large file backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for a portable SSD
- Rugged design withstands drops and weather
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying
- High 2TB capacity at a competitive price
Cons:
- No hardware encryption or password protection
- Requires high-quality USB-C cable for full speed
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: “I’ve encountered the frustration described by other reviewers where drive does not appear when plugged in, or unmounts unexpectedly and intermittently (appears dead). These were all solved in my case by using a quality high-speed USB-C cable, or using the super short cable provided with the unit. I t”
4. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD – SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5″/7mm…
The WD Blue SA510 is a reliable internal SSD that delivers solid performance for everyday computing. With SATA III speeds and a compact 2.5-inch design, it’s perfect for upgrading laptops or building a budget desktop. Western Digital’s reputation for quality ensures this drive will last.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SATA III 6 Gb/s interface for fast data transfer
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Low power consumption improves battery life
✓ Includes WD Dashboard for drive monitoring
✓ 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers a great balance of performance, reliability, and brand trust. It’s not the fastest drive on the market, but it’s consistent and dependable—ideal for users who want a hassle-free upgrade. The included software helps monitor health and performance over time.
Best For
Home users, students, and anyone upgrading from an HDD. Also suitable for secondary storage in gaming or workstation builds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand
- Easy to install and configure
- Energy-efficient design
- Comes with useful monitoring software
Cons:
- Not the fastest SATA SSD available
- No included cloning software
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD Firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly! That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!! I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance. I would still buy WD drives over “
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect. The most n”
5. HP EX900 Plus 1TB SSD Hard Drive
The HP EX900 Plus is a solid entry-level SSD that offers good performance at an affordable price. With a compact M.2 form factor, it’s ideal for modern laptops and small-form-factor PCs. While not the fastest drive, it’s a reliable choice for basic computing needs.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ M.2 2280 form factor for space-saving builds
✓ NVMe interface for faster speeds than SATA
✓ 1TB capacity for ample storage
✓ Low power consumption
✓ Simple installation with no cables required
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building or upgrading a compact system, the HP EX900 Plus is a cost-effective NVMe SSD that delivers decent performance. It’s not built for heavy workloads, but it’s perfect for everyday tasks, light gaming, and general storage.
Best For
Users with M.2 slots looking for an affordable NVMe upgrade. Great for thin laptops and mini PCs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable NVMe SSD with good value
- Compact M.2 design saves space
- No cables needed—easy to install
- Reliable for daily use
Cons:
- Lower endurance compared to premium SSDs
- No heatsink included—can throttle under sustained load
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I have 1 of these as the boot drive for my server and the 2nd as the main drive on my HP Victus gaming laptop. They’re a solid value on price, and I have not had any reliability issues. I recommend adding a basic heatsink to ensure longevity. Even the most basic slim piece of copper will do the tri”
Customer Review: “Eine originale HP beste Qualität einfacher Einbau netto 953 GB”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy A Hard Drive Or Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing between a hard drive or SSD, consider your primary use case. If you need large storage capacity at a low cost, an HDD might still make sense—especially for media archives or backups. However, for speed, reliability, and system responsiveness, SSDs are the clear winner. Look at interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), form factor (2.5-inch, M.2), endurance (TBW), and warranty when comparing models. Also, consider whether you need internal or external storage, and whether portability matters.
Budget Planning
SSDs have become much more affordable in recent years, with 1TB models now available under $60. While HDDs still offer more gigabytes per dollar, the performance gap makes SSDs worth the investment for most users. Set a budget based on your needs: $50–$80 for a reliable 1TB SATA SSD, $100+ for high-speed NVMe or portable options. Remember, upgrading to an SSD can extend the life of older devices and improve daily productivity.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between a hard drive or SSD depends on your priorities. For most people, an SSD is the better investment—especially as the primary drive. The speed boost, durability, and energy efficiency far outweigh the higher cost per gigabyte. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just browsing, an SSD transforms your computing experience. Start with one of our top picks above and enjoy faster boots, quicker apps, and smoother multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an SSD better than a hard drive for gaming?
A: Yes! SSDs drastically reduce game load times, improve level streaming, and make your system feel more responsive. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Microsoft Flight Simulator benefit immensely from SSD storage.
Q: Can I use both an SSD and HDD in the same computer?
A: Absolutely. Many users install an SSD as the primary drive for the operating system and frequently used programs, while using a larger HDD for storing media, backups, and less-used files.
Q: Do SSDs last as long as hard drives?
A: Modern SSDs are very durable and often outlast the devices they’re installed in. With proper use and within their TBW rating, a quality SSD can last 5–10 years or more.
Q: Are portable SSDs worth it?
A: If you need fast, reliable storage on the go—especially for large files like videos or photos—a portable SSD is a smart investment. They’re faster, more durable, and more compact than external HDDs.
Q: Do I need to install drivers for an SSD?
A: No. Most SSDs are plug-and-play and work immediately after installation. Some manufacturers offer optional software for monitoring health and performance.
Ready to make the switch? Whether you’re looking for speed, capacity, or portability, one of the SSDs on this list is perfect for your needs. Click any “Check Price” button to compare current deals and upgrade your storage today!