Thinking about upgrading your storage? If you’re asking “should I buy an M2 SSD,” you’re already on the right track. M.2 SSDs have revolutionized how we store and access data, offering blazing-fast speeds, compact designs, and reliable performance for everything from gaming to professional workloads. Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading an old laptop, or expanding your PS5 storage, an M.2 SSD can dramatically improve boot times, file transfers, and overall system responsiveness. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve tested and compared the best M.2 SSDs to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy An M2 Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 M.2 2280 for Laptops and Gaming
The WD Black SN7100 is a powerhouse built for gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers a noticeable leap in performance over older models. Whether you’re loading massive game worlds or transferring large video files, the SN7100 keeps up without breaking a sweat.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Up to 35% faster than previous WD Black models
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB
- ✓ Optimized for laptops and gaming desktops
- ✓ Low power consumption and excellent thermal management
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, capacity, and durability. It’s purpose-built for serious gamers and creators who need consistent high performance without overheating issues. The SN7100 also comes with a solid 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind for long-term use.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and professionals upgrading laptops or desktops who want flagship Gen4 performance at a reasonable price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast sequential read/write speeds
- Reliable build quality from a trusted brand
- Excellent thermal performance under load
- Great value for a high-performance Gen4 drive
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may need aftermarket cooling in tight builds)
- Higher power draw than some competitors under sustained load
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. 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!!”
2. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 with HMB Technology
Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus brings cutting-edge HMB (Host Memory Buffer) technology to mainstream users, delivering near-Gen5 speeds without the premium price tag. With up to 7,150MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds, this SSD is ideal for multitaskers, streamers, and hybrid workstations. Its intelligent thermal control keeps things cool even during extended use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HMB technology for improved performance without DRAM cache
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large-file transfers
- ✓ Nickel-coated controller for superior heat dissipation
- ✓ Up to 4TB capacity available
- ✓ Backed by Samsung’s Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers exceptional value by combining high-end performance with smart thermal management. It’s perfect for users who want Samsung’s legendary reliability and don’t want to splurge on Gen5 pricing. The included software suite makes it easy to monitor health and update firmware.
Best For
Professionals, students, and everyday users who need fast, reliable storage for multitasking, media editing, or gaming without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding real-world performance with HMB tech
- Excellent thermal control prevents throttling
- Reliable and durable with strong warranty support
- Compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops
Cons:
- No physical heatsink included
- Slightly lower random write speeds compared to DRAM-cached drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a PC builder and heavy gamer, my old SATA SSD was becoming a serious bottleneck for my i7-12700K and RTX 5070 Ti system. I chose the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB to be my new primary OS and games drive, and the difference is staggering. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.”
Customer Review: “I picked up this Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB to upgrade one of our PCs, and it has been a really good improvement so far. Installation was simple. It slotted right into the M.2 spot and the system recognized it right away. I cloned the old drive and everything transferred without any issues.”
3. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 with Heatsink for PS5 and PC Gaming
This affordable Gen4 NVMe SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it a plug-and-play solution for PS5 expansion or PC upgrades. With read speeds up to 7,350MB/s, it outperforms many pricier drives and includes everything you need for installation—even a screwdriver and standoff. It’s a no-brainer for budget-conscious gamers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes aluminum heatsink for passive cooling
- ✓ PCIe Gen4x4 interface with up to 7,350MB/s read speed
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
- ✓ Comes with installation kit (screwdriver, screw, standoff)
- ✓ Stable performance under sustained workloads
Why We Recommend It
For the price, this SSD delivers incredible value. The included heatsink ensures safe operation in confined spaces like the PS5, and the performance rivals much more expensive models. It’s one of the best options if you’re expanding console storage or building a budget gaming rig.
Best For
PS5 owners, budget PC builders, and students looking for fast, reliable storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- Easy installation with full accessory kit
- Consistently high speeds in real-world use
Cons:
- Brand may be less recognized than Samsung or WD
- Limited endurance rating compared to premium drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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.”
4. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 6,600MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop , & Handheld
The Crucial P310 is a compact powerhouse designed for handheld gaming devices, ultrabooks, and small-form-factor PCs. With Gen4 speeds up to 6,600MB/s read and 5,000MB/s write, it delivers smooth performance in space-constrained systems. Its broad compatibility includes popular handhelds like the ROG Ally X and AYANEO Kun.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Optimized for handheld gaming devices and thin laptops
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 NVMe with up to 6,600MB/s read speed
- ✓ Low-profile design fits tight enclosures
- ✓ 500GB capacity ideal for OS and key apps/games
- ✓ Energy-efficient operation extends battery life
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for modern portable setups where space and power efficiency matter most. It offers near-top-tier speed in a tiny package, making it ideal for gamers on the go or anyone upgrading a compact system.
Best For
Handheld gaming device owners, ultrabook users, and builders of mini-ITX systems who need high-speed storage in a small footprint.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance in compact devices
- Low power consumption
- Reliable Crucial build quality
- Wide compatibility with modern handhelds
Cons:
- Only 500GB capacity (may require frequent management)
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Perfect for my ROG Ally X! Boots fast, games load quickly, and doesn’t overheat. Great upgrade from the stock drive.”
Customer Review: “Compact, fast, and reliable. Installed easily in my AYANEO and Windows runs smoothly. Highly recommend for handhelds.”
5. WD Blue SN5100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 M.2 2280 for PC and Laptops
The WD Blue SN5100 brings reliable Gen4 performance to mainstream users at an accessible price. With speeds up to 7,100MB/s read, it’s 30% faster than previous-gen drives and ideal for everyday computing, office work, and light gaming. Built with SanDisk’s 3D NAND, it offers solid endurance and stability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 speeds up to 7,100MB/s read
- ✓ SanDisk nCache 4.0 technology for fast file copies
- ✓ Up to 2TB capacity
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
- ✓ Optimized for AI workflows and multitasking
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers excellent everyday performance without the premium cost. It’s a great choice for users upgrading from SATA or older NVMe drives who want a noticeable speed boost for daily tasks.
Best For
Students, remote workers, and home users looking for a dependable, fast SSD for general computing and productivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for Gen4 performance
- Reliable and durable
- Fast boot and load times
- Strong warranty support
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy gaming or professional workloads
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “No issues and easy installation. Quality product for storage size and price.”
Customer Review: “Not too much I can say other than it arrived overnight and was installed in 5 minutes. It works fine. The read/write speed is what I needed and I have used WD products in the past. They are reliable. Also WD has a 5 year warranty on the NVME and that IS a plus. Well worth it!”
6. Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD Gen5 M.2 2280 for AI and Gaming
The Samsung 9100 PRO is a flagship Gen5 SSD built for AI workloads, 4K/8K video editing, and extreme gaming. With staggering speeds up to 14,700MB/s read and 13,400MB/s write, it’s among the fastest consumer drives available. Random performance hits up to 1.85M IOPS, making it ideal for complex multitasking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 interface with double the bandwidth of Gen4
- ✓ Up to 14,700MB/s read and 13,400MB/s write
- ✓ Exceptional random read/write performance (1.85M/2.6M IOPS)
- ✓ Advanced thermal management with nickel-coated controller
- ✓ Optimized for AI, content creation, and high-end gaming
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a top-tier system with a Gen5-compatible motherboard, this SSD unlocks the full potential of your hardware. It’s overkill for casual use but unmatched for professionals and enthusiasts.
Best For
AI developers, video editors, and hardcore gamers with Gen5-ready systems who demand the absolute fastest storage available.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unrivaled speed and performance
- Excellent thermal design
- Future-proof for next-gen applications
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- Requires Gen5 motherboard for full speed
- Higher price point
- Can run hot under sustained load without adequate cooling
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been building PCs for years, and Samsung has always been my go-to brand for storage. The Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0×4 fits right in with the quality I’ve come to expect. From build quality to speed, it doesn’t disappoint.”
Customer Review: “This drive is so, so fast. While I am not able to max out the advertised top speed of 14,800MB/s sequential read, I do get around 13,000MB/s read and write, which is still great! Windows 11 boots so quickly, and compiling software in Visual Studio on my new build takes under a minute where it used to take 3.”
7. WD Black SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen5 M.2 2280 for Gaming and Editing
The WD Black SN8100 is WD’s answer to Gen5 supremacy, delivering jaw-dropping speeds up to 14,900MB/s read and 14,000MB/s write. Designed for gaming and content creation, it features industry-leading power efficiency—over 100% more efficient than Gen4 drives—making it cooler and longer-lasting under heavy use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5.0x4 interface with up to 14,900MB/s read
- ✓ Best-in-class power efficiency
- ✓ Optimized for gaming and video editing
- ✓ Robust thermal performance
- ✓ 5-year warranty with WD Dashboard support
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for users who refuse to compromise on speed or efficiency. It’s perfect for high-end builds where every millisecond counts, especially in competitive gaming or 8K video workflows.
Best For
Elite gamers, professional editors, and PC enthusiasts with Gen5 systems who want the fastest, most efficient storage on the market.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest sequential speeds available
- Superior power efficiency
- Excellent thermal management
- Trusted WD Black branding
Cons:
- Requires high-end cooling in some cases
- Premium pricing
- Overkill for everyday computing
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Coming from SN850x, those m.2 were already so fast but this one is almost double the speed, loading window only takes 3s (after initial mobo check). Heat management is not an issue at all unlike Samsung 9100 Pro that runs much hotter and very easy to install.”
Customer Review: “Expanding the storage on my children’s PlayStation 5 was a worthwhile investment. The chosen solution offers excellent value, rapid performance, and ample capacity for future game downloads, eliminating the need to delete existing titles. The installation and setup process was straightforward.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy An M2 SSD
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding should I buy an M2 SSD, focus on interface type (Gen4 vs Gen5), capacity needs, compatibility with your device, and whether you need a heatsink. Also consider endurance (TBW rating), brand reputation, and warranty length. For most users, a Gen4 drive offers the best balance of speed and value, while Gen5 is ideal for future-proofing high-end systems.
Budget Planning
M.2 SSDs range from under $50 for budget 500GB models to over $300 for high-capacity Gen5 drives. Set a budget based on your use case: casual users can thrive with a $60–$100 SSD, while gamers and creators should invest $150–$250 for better performance and longevity. Always check for bundle deals that include heatsinks or cloning software.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an M.2 SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to any computer. Whether you’re asking should I buy an M2 SSD for gaming, work, or everyday use, the answer is almost always yes—especially if you’re still using a traditional hard drive or an older SATA SSD. The speed, reliability, and compact design make it a must-have in 2024 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy an M2 SSD if I already have a SATA SSD?
A: Yes, if you want faster boot times, quicker game loads, and snappier overall performance. M.2 NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA SSDs and worth the upgrade for most users.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: It depends. If you’re using a PS5, a laptop, or a tightly packed PC case, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. Many drives include one, but you may need to buy one separately for high-performance Gen4/Gen5 drives.
Q: Can I install an M.2 SSD myself?
A: Absolutely! Most M.2 SSDs are tool-free or require just a small screw. Just ensure your motherboard or device supports the drive’s interface (Gen4/Gen5) and physical size (usually 2280).
Q: Is Gen5 worth it over Gen4?
A: Only if you have a Gen5-compatible motherboard and run demanding workloads like 8K video editing or AI training. For gaming and general use, Gen4 offers nearly identical real-world performance at a lower cost.
Q: How long do M.2 SSDs last?
A: Modern M.2 SSDs typically last 5–10 years under normal use, thanks to high endurance ratings (measured in TBW). Most come with 5-year warranties, and real-world failure rates are very low.
Ready to upgrade? Whether you’re a gamer, creator, or casual user, there’s an M.2 SSD on this list that fits your needs and budget. Don’t wait—experience the speed revolution today. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and take your system performance to the next level!