If you’re wondering, should I buy a M.2 SSD, the short answer is: absolutely—especially if you want faster boot times, quicker game loads, and smoother multitasking. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a gaming PC, or expanding storage on a handheld device like the Steam Deck or PS5, an M.2 NVMe SSD delivers a noticeable performance boost over traditional SATA drives. With prices dropping and capacities increasing, now is one of the best times to make the switch. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 5 M.2 SSDs to help you decide which one fits your needs, budget, and device.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy A M.2 Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Fanxiang 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen4 for Steam Deck and Mini PCs
If you’re upgrading a compact device like the Steam Deck or a Microsoft Surface, the Fanxiang 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD is a smart, high-speed choice. With PCIe Gen4 support, it delivers impressive read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s—perfect for gamers and power users who need both space and speed in a tiny form factor.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing-fast read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,600 MB/s
- ✓ Compact M.2 2230 size ideal for Steam Deck, Surface, and mini PCs
- ✓ Built-in graphene thermal pad for improved heat dissipation
- ✓ 1TB capacity offers ample space for games, apps, and media
- ✓ Reliable performance with strong endurance for daily use
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an excellent balance between performance, size, and thermal management. The included graphene heat dissipation sticker helps prevent throttling during long gaming sessions, which is a common issue with smaller drives. It’s also plug-and-play compatible with most 2230-supported devices.
Best For
Gamers using Steam Deck, handheld PCs, or ultrabooks with limited internal space who need a reliable, high-speed storage upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent speed for a 2230-sized drive
- Thermal pad helps maintain performance under load
- Great value for 1TB Gen4 storage
- Easy installation in compatible devices
Cons:
- Not compatible with standard 2280 M.2 slots
- Limited availability in some regions
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Replaced it in my surface, worked as a champ from the start. Well priced, no complaints with the performance either, which is better than the OM. Time will tell, but so far is a good start.”
Customer Review: “I upgraded my surface pro 8 with WD ssd 2 years ago. It quit working and causing the SF 8 to restart unexpectedly. The WD ssd does not have a thermal pad. I bought this one because of the thermal pad. Just installed the windows, works well and the bench mark test shows good R/W speed. I am happy.”
2. AGI AI828 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and High-Performance Gaming
The AGI AI828 is built for gamers who demand top-tier performance, especially for PS5 expansion. With read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest Gen4 drives in its class. The included heatsink ensures stable performance even during marathon gaming sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-fast read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s
- ✓ Includes a pre-attached aluminum heatsink for thermal control
- ✓ Optimized for PS5, gaming PCs, and high-performance workstations
- ✓ Uses advanced 3D NAND and NANDXtend ECC for data integrity
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for large game libraries
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers near-flagship performance at a competitive price. The heatsink is well-designed and fits perfectly in the PS5’s expansion slot. While random read speeds could be better, real-world gaming performance is excellent, with noticeably faster load times in titles like Spider-Man and Call of Duty.
Best For
PS5 owners and PC gamers looking for a high-speed, heatsink-equipped SSD that maximizes console or desktop performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional sequential read/write speeds
- Heatsink included and PS5-compatible
- Reliable data protection with ECC technology
- Great for large game installations
Cons:
- Random read performance lags behind competitors
- No installation guide included
- Heatsink removal may damage warranty label
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “まだPCに取り付けたばかりですが、CrystalDiscで確認してみました。ほぼ公称値、それ以上の数値を出してましたが、ランダムリードの数値の低さが気になりました。様子見しながら使っていこうと思いました。あと、取説もなく、間違えてヒートシンク取り付けてしまい無理矢理外したらラベルが剥がれてしまいました。多分もう保証は無くなりました。こうしたイージーミスもありえるので、取説はちゃんと付けて下さい。”
Customer Review: “まだPCに取り付けたばかりですが、CrystalDiscで確認してみました。ほぼ公称値、それ以上の数値を出してましたが、ランダムリードの数値の低さが気になりました。様子見しながら使っていこうと思いました。あと、取説もなく、間違えてヒートシンク取り付けてしまい無理矢理外したらラベルが剥がれてしまいました。多分もう保証は無くなりました。こうしたイージーミスもありえるので、取説はちゃんと付けて下さい。Read more”
3. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptops and Handheld Gaming Devices
The WD Black SN7100 offers incredible value with 2TB of high-speed Gen4 storage at a budget-friendly price. With read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s, it outperforms many pricier drives and is perfect for gamers who need both space and speed without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-speed PCIe Gen4 performance: up to 7,250 MB/s read
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity for games, apps, and media
- ✓ Designed for laptops and handheld gaming devices
- ✓ Uses SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for reliability
- ✓ Up to 35% faster than previous-gen WD Black drives
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for top-tier performance. It’s reliable, fast, and offers double the storage of most 1TB drives at a similar price point. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop or building a budget gaming rig, the SN7100 delivers excellent bang for your buck.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers and students who need high-capacity, high-speed storage for laptops, handhelds, or mid-range desktops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
- Huge 2TB capacity ideal for large game libraries
- Consistently high benchmark scores
- Easy installation in most M.2 slots
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may require third-party solution for sustained loads)
- Write speeds slightly lower than premium competitors
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. Performance: 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”
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!!”
4. SIX 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and Gaming PCs
The SIX 1TB NVMe SSD combines speed, compatibility, and convenience with a bundled heatsink and installation kit. With PCIe Gen4 support and read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s, it’s a solid choice for PS5 expansion or high-performance PC builds.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Includes heatsink, screw, screwdriver, and standoff
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
- ✓ 1TB capacity for games and applications
- ✓ Plug-and-play installation with no extra tools needed
Why We Recommend It
What sets this SSD apart is the complete installation package—most competitors don’t include a screwdriver or spare screws. It’s user-friendly, fast, and ready to go right out of the box. The heatsink is well-ventilated and fits snugly in the PS5.
Best For
First-time upgraders and PS5 owners who want a hassle-free, all-in-one SSD upgrade with everything included.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent out-of-box experience with full installation kit
- High sequential speeds for gaming and multitasking
- Heatsink improves thermal performance
- Broad compatibility across devices
Cons:
- Brand is less established than Samsung or WD
- Write endurance not clearly specified
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded. The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed — an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff — which honestly saved me a trip to the store since I had lost my factory set screw”
Customer Review: “I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised so far. Installation was also pretty easy, I did have to use”
5. Crucial P310 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD for Laptops, Desktops, and Gaming Consoles
The Crucial P310 is a compact, high-performance Gen4 SSD designed for modern laptops and handheld gaming devices. With read speeds up to 6,600 MB/s, it’s perfect for users who need speed and reliability in a small package—especially for devices like the ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 4.0 performance: up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write
- ✓ 500GB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and key games
- ✓ Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and select handhelds
- ✓ Low power consumption for better battery life
- ✓ Trusted brand with strong reliability track record
Why We Recommend It
Crucial is known for consistent quality, and the P310 lives up to that reputation. It’s not the fastest drive here, but it’s extremely reliable and well-optimized for portable devices. The balance of speed, size, and efficiency makes it a great daily driver for gamers on the go.
Best For
Handheld gaming device owners and laptop users who need a dependable, high-speed SSD upgrade with broad compatibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent compatibility with handheld consoles
- Strong real-world performance for gaming and multitasking
- Low power draw helps extend battery life
- From a reputable brand with good support
Cons:
- Only 500GB capacity may feel limiting for some users
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD (CT2000P310SSD801) and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Here’s a quick breakdown: What I like: 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 ti”
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”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy A M.2 Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding should I buy a M.2 SSD, consider these key factors: form factor (2230 vs. 2280), interface (PCIe Gen3 vs. Gen4), capacity, thermal management, and compatibility with your device. For compact devices like the Steam Deck, a 2230 drive is essential. For PS5 or desktops, a 2280 with a heatsink is ideal. Always check your device’s manual to confirm M.2 slot type and supported lengths.
Budget Planning
M.2 SSDs range from under $50 for 500GB Gen3 drives to over $150 for 2TB Gen4 models. Set a budget based on your needs: casual users can opt for 500GB–1TB, while gamers and creators should aim for 1TB–2TB. The WD Black SN7100 offers the best value for high capacity, while the Fanxiang 2230 is perfect for tight budgets and small devices.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an M.2 SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to any modern system. Whether you’re asking should I buy a M.2 SSD for gaming, work, or general use, the performance gains are undeniable. Our top picks cover every use case—from handhelds to high-end desktops—so you can find the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy a M.2 SSD for my laptop?
A: Yes, if your laptop has an available M.2 slot. M.2 SSDs are faster, more compact, and more power-efficient than traditional 2.5-inch drives, making them ideal for laptops.
Q: Can I use any M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A: No. The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD with a heatsink and a size of 2280. It must also meet minimum speed requirements (5,500 MB/s read). Always check Sony’s compatibility list before buying.
Q: Is a 500GB M.2 SSD enough for gaming?
A: It depends. 500GB works for light gaming, but modern AAA titles can take 100GB+ each. For a growing library, 1TB or 2TB is recommended.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: Not always, but highly recommended for Gen4 drives or sustained workloads (like gaming or video editing). Heatsinks prevent thermal throttling and maintain peak performance.
Q: Are M.2 SSDs compatible with older computers?
A: Only if your motherboard has an M.2 slot and supports NVMe. Some older systems only support SATA-based M.2 drives. Check your motherboard specs before purchasing.
Still wondering, should I buy a M.2 SSD? The answer is clear: if you value speed, responsiveness, and future-proofing, the upgrade is worth it. Don’t wait—boost your system today with one of our expert-recommended drives and feel the difference from the first boot.