Deciding whether to buy an SSD and HDD combo comes down to balancing speed, storage capacity, and budget. Solid State Drives (SSDs) deliver lightning-fast boot times and quick file access, while Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) offer massive storage at a fraction of the cost per gigabyte. A hybrid setup—using an SSD for your operating system and frequently used apps, and an HDD for bulk storage like photos, videos, and games—gives you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading an old laptop, or expanding your storage, this combo strategy is ideal for performance-conscious users who also need ample space without breaking the bank.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy A Ssd And Hdd Combo Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
This rugged, high-speed portable SSD is perfect for creators, travelers, and professionals who need fast, reliable storage on the go. With 2TB of capacity and blazing read/write speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s ideal for backing up large photo libraries, editing 4K video, or expanding your laptop’s storage without sacrificing performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with USB-C for ultra-fast transfers
- ✓ IP65-rated water and dust resistance
- ✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
- ✓ Compact, lightweight design with carabiner loop
- ✓ Compatible with PC, Mac, and Android devices
Why We Recommend It
When you need speed and durability in one package, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers. It’s not just fast—it’s built to survive real-world conditions, making it our top pick for anyone using an SSD and HDD combo where portability matters.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, and remote workers who need fast, secure, and durable external storage that keeps up with their lifestyle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional transfer speeds for large files
- Rugged build with military-grade durability
- Large 2TB capacity in a pocket-sized drive
- Easy plug-and-play setup with no software needed
Cons:
- Higher price per GB compared to HDDs
- No hardware encryption (relies on software)
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”
2. HP EX900 Plus 1TB SSD Hard Drive
The HP EX900 Plus is a high-performance NVMe SSD that brings desktop-grade speed to laptops and compact builds. With 1TB of storage and support for PCIe Gen3 x4, it’s a smart choice for upgrading older systems or building a balanced SSD and HDD combo where speed and value meet.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ NVMe M.2 2280 form factor for slim devices
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s
- ✓ Low power consumption and silent operation
- ✓ Ideal for gaming, multitasking, and OS installation
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find an NVMe SSD at this price point with such consistent performance. Whether you’re using it as your primary drive in a dual-drive setup or upgrading an older laptop, the HP EX900 Plus offers excellent bang for your buck.
Best For
Gamers, students, and professionals looking to boost their system’s responsiveness without overspending on storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast NVMe performance at a budget-friendly price
- Compact M.2 design fits most modern laptops and desktops
- Reliable for daily use and moderate workloads
- Easy installation with no cables required
Cons:
- May require a heatsink under heavy sustained loads
- No bundled cloning software
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: “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”
3. Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD
The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB HDD is a reliable, high-capacity workhorse perfect for storing large media libraries, game collections, and backups. When paired with an SSD in a combo setup, it provides affordable bulk storage without slowing down your system’s core functions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity for massive file storage
- ✓ 7200 RPM speed for faster access than standard HDDs
- ✓ 3.5-inch form factor fits most desktops and enclosures
- ✓ Includes free Seagate DiscWizard cloning software
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a balanced SSD and HDD combo, this drive is the ideal companion to a fast SSD. It’s quiet, energy-efficient, and proven reliable over years of use—making it our top budget pick for secondary storage.
Best For
Home users, students, and content creators who need lots of affordable storage for videos, photos, and games.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value per gigabyte
- High capacity in a single drive
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Easy migration with included cloning tool
Cons:
- Slower than SSDs for boot and load times
- Mechanical parts make it more fragile than SSDs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Seagate BarraCuda for over 3 years, and it’s still the drive with the highest storage capacity in my computer. I’ve installed heavy games like Call of Duty, FC 25, MK, and many others, and they all run very well. I haven’t had any technical issues with it, and it has definitely “
Customer Review: “Great internal hard drive—plenty of space and very reliable. I use it for all my photos and videos without any issues. Highly recommend for large storage needs.”
4. OWC 1.0TB 3G SSD and HDD DIY Complete Bundle Upgrade Kit for Late 2009
This all-in-one upgrade kit from OWC is designed specifically for late 2009 iMac models, offering both a 1TB SSD and a matching HDD caddy for a seamless dual-drive setup. It’s the perfect solution for reviving older machines with modern SSD speed and expanded storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes 1TB SSD + HDD caddy for dual-drive configuration
- ✓ Designed for late 2009–2010 iMac compatibility
- ✓ Step-by-step installation guide included
- ✓ Improves boot time, app loading, and overall responsiveness
Why We Recommend It
For users with older iMacs, this kit makes upgrading to an SSD and HDD combo simple and effective. Instead of replacing your entire machine, you can breathe new life into it with faster performance and more storage.
Best For
Mac users with aging iMacs who want to extend their device’s lifespan with a cost-effective performance boost.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Complete bundle with everything needed for installation
- Significantly improves older iMac performance
- SSD for speed, HDD caddy for extra storage
- High-quality components from a trusted brand
Cons:
- Limited to specific iMac models
- Installation requires some technical confidence
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I suspected the un-bootable condition of my mid-2010 iMac was caused by a dying hard drive. I followed several boot up instructions to boot into recovery mode but it only made things worse. It got to the point where all I had was WSOD (white screen of death) which means it never made it to the App”
Customer Review: “I suspected the un-bootable condition of my mid-2010 iMac was caused by a dying hard drive. I followed several boot up instructions to boot into recovery mode but it only made things worse. It got to the point where all I had was WSOD (white screen of death) which means it never made it to the App”
5. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive, Upgrade PC or Laptop Memory and Storage
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD known for its reliability, consistent performance, and compatibility. With 1TB of storage and speeds up to 560MB/s, it’s a top-tier choice for upgrading older laptops or building a dependable SSD and HDD combo in desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading reliability with up to 600 TBW endurance
- ✓ SATA III interface with max speeds of 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty and Samsung Magician software
Why We Recommend It
Even as NVMe drives grow in popularity, the 870 EVO remains one of the best SATA SSDs ever made. It’s perfect for users who want proven performance, long-term reliability, and seamless integration into any SSD and HDD combo setup.
Best For
Upgrading older systems, building reliable desktops, or anyone who values consistency and durability over cutting-edge speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and longevity
- Consistent performance under heavy workloads
- Wide compatibility with older and newer systems
- Comprehensive software suite for monitoring and optimization
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Higher cost than budget SATA SSDs
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”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy A Ssd And Hdd Combo
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD and HDD combo, we prioritize performance balance, storage needs, compatibility, and value. The SSD should handle your operating system, applications, and frequently used files for maximum speed, while the HDD provides affordable bulk storage. Always check your device’s drive bays, interface types (SATA vs. NVMe), and physical space before buying.
Budget Planning
A typical combo setup might include a 500GB–1TB SSD (around $50–$100) and a 1TB–4TB HDD (around $40–$80). This gives you fast boot times and plenty of room for media, games, and backups—all under $200. If you’re on a tight budget, start with a smaller SSD and add an HDD later.
Final Thoughts
An SSD and HDD combo is still one of the smartest upgrades you can make in 2024. It delivers near-SSD responsiveness for daily tasks while keeping large files stored economically. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just organizing your digital life, this dual-drive approach offers the perfect balance of speed, capacity, and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it worth buying both an SSD and HDD?
A: Yes—if you need both speed and storage. Use the SSD for your OS and apps, and the HDD for files, backups, and media. This combo maximizes performance without overspending.
Q: Can I install both SSD and HDD in a laptop?
A: It depends. Many modern laptops support only one drive, but some have dual bays or allow replacing the optical drive. Check your model’s specifications first.
Q: How do I set up an SSD and HDD combo?
A: Install the OS and programs on the SSD, then configure the HDD as secondary storage. Most systems automatically detect both drives during setup.
Q: Will an SSD and HDD slow each other down?
A: No. Each drive operates independently. The SSD handles fast tasks while the HDD manages large files—no performance interference.
Q: What size SSD should I get in a combo setup?
A: A 500GB–1TB SSD is ideal for most users. It provides enough space for the OS, apps, and games while leaving room for future updates.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you’re building a new PC or breathing life into an old one, an SSD and HDD combo is a smart, future-proof investment. Pick one of our top-rated options above and enjoy the best of both worlds—speed and space. Don’t wait—check prices now and make the switch today!