Wondering should I buy an SSD now? With storage prices dropping and performance improving every year, there’s never been a better time to upgrade. Whether you’re looking to speed up your laptop, expand your gaming storage, or create a reliable backup solution, SSDs offer faster load times, better durability, and improved efficiency over traditional hard drives. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs currently available—so you can make a confident decision based on real-world performance, value, and reliability.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy An Ssd Now 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 Resi…
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD delivers blazing-fast NVMe performance in a rugged, travel-ready design. With read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s, it’s perfect for photographers, videographers, and professionals who need speed and durability on the go. Its IP65 rating and 3-meter drop protection make it one of the toughest portable SSDs on the market.
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 with USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility
- ✓ Includes carabiner loop for secure attachment
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and portability. Whether you’re backing up 4K footage or transferring large project files, the SanDisk Extreme handles it all with ease. It’s also compact enough to fit in a pocket but tough enough to survive outdoor adventures.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and professionals who need fast, reliable, and rugged external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Rugged build with IP65 rating
- Large 2TB capacity
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than non-rugged SSDs
- No built-in hardware encryption
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. Amazon Business American Express Card
While not an SSD itself, the Amazon Business American Express Card is a smart financial tool for businesses that frequently purchase SSDs and other tech gear. It offers 3% back on Amazon purchases, no annual fee, and expense management features—making it easier to justify upgrading your storage infrastructure.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 3% cash back on all Amazon purchases
- ✓ No annual fee
- ✓ Built-in expense tracking and reporting
- ✓ Fraud protection and purchase alerts
Why We Recommend It
If you’re asking “should I buy an SSD now,” this card helps make the purchase more cost-effective over time. The rewards and financial flexibility it offers are especially valuable for small businesses and freelancers investing in tech upgrades.
Best For
Small business owners, freelancers, and IT professionals who regularly buy tech equipment from Amazon.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous rewards on Amazon purchases
- No annual fee
- Easy integration with business accounting tools
Cons:
- Limited to Amazon and affiliated retailers
- Credit approval required
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is a strong option for small businesses that frequently make purchases from Amazon and its associated businesses, offering enhanced rewards and financing options for eligible Prime members with no annual fee. The card is less suitable for businesses th”
Customer Review: “It is a great card to have, we purchase all most everything on our card.”
3. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload
The Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload isn’t an SSD, but it’s a practical way to fund your next SSD purchase. By reloading your gift card balance, you can manage spending, save up for upgrades, or take advantage of sales. Auto-Reload ensures you never miss a deal when SSD prices drop.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Add funds instantly or set up Auto-Reload
- ✓ Use balance toward any Amazon purchase, including SSDs
- ✓ No expiration date on gift card funds
- ✓ Track spending and set low-balance alerts
Why We Recommend It
If you’re debating “should I buy an SSD now,” this tool helps you prepare financially. It’s especially useful if you want to time your purchase with Prime Day or Black Friday sales.
Best For
Shoppers who want to budget for tech upgrades or take advantage of future SSD sales.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible funding for future purchases
- No fees or expiration
- Easy to set up and manage
Cons:
- Not a physical product
- Limited to Amazon purchases
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently used the Amazon.com Gift Card Balance Reload option, and I’m thoroughly satisfied with the process and the overall experience. Here’s my detailed review:ConvenienceThe Gift Card Balance Reload feature is incredibly convenient for anyone who shops frequently on Amazon. It allows me to add “
Customer Review: “In the quiet contemplation of our modern lives, where the complexity of desire meets the simplicity of provision, the Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload emerges as a tool of both practicality and subtle freedom. With a few deliberate clicks, one replenishes not merely a monetary sum, but the capacity t”
4. 512GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD with Kickstand, Portable Aluminum External SSD with 100W PD Charge, Compa…
This compact 512GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD enclosure is perfect for mobile creators and iPhone users. It supports direct 4K ProRes video recording, includes dual power protection, and even charges your devices with 100W PD pass-through. The built-in kickstand adds stability during use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports direct 4K ProRes video recording
- ✓ 100W Power Delivery pass-through charging
- ✓ Dual hardware and software power outage protection
- ✓ Aluminum casing with integrated kickstand
- ✓ Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and laptops
Why We Recommend It
If you’re using an iPhone for video production, this SSD solves the storage bottleneck. It’s not just fast—it’s purpose-built for mobile workflows. The power delivery feature means you can charge your phone while recording, which is a game-changer on long shoots.
Best For
Mobile videographers, iPhone filmmakers, and content creators who need reliable on-the-go storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Direct 4K ProRes recording support
- Compact and well-designed
- Power delivery and data in one cable
Cons:
- 512GB may be limiting for large projects
- Requires app (Files) for transfers—not fully seamless
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is a great product… Especially when you buy it with the included drive so you don’t have to go shop for an NVME Drive.It works great on my iPhone, using Final Cut video. I can record it straight to the drive.”
Customer Review: “The enclosure is about 900mbites on download and write not as fast as claimed, then I think is misleading since it doesn’t record straight from your phone into the ssd, you have to use the application FILES, on your phone and transfer after recording, you can do this with any ssd it doesn’t have “
5. DATO 1TB External SSD, ARES Amber Shield Portable SSD w/LED, Up to 1600/1500 MB/s, OTG-Supported,…
The DATO 1TB External SSD delivers impressive speeds up to 1600MB/s read and 1500MB/s write, making it one of the fastest portable SSDs in its class. Its graphene-based cooling system keeps performance stable, and the OTG support means it works seamlessly with phones, tablets, and PCs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1600MB/s read and 1500MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Graphene thermal design for heat control
- ✓ OTG support for phones and tablets
- ✓ Rugged design with 4-foot drop resistance
- ✓ LED indicator for activity status
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers near-internal drive speeds in a portable format. It’s ideal for gamers, developers, and power users who need fast access to large files across devices. The build quality and thermal management set it apart from cheaper alternatives.
Best For
Gamers, developers, and multitaskers who need high-speed storage across multiple devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast transfer speeds
- Works with phone, tablet, and PC
- Effective cooling system
Cons:
- Amber LED may be distracting in dark environments
- Slightly bulkier than ultra-compact models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Absolutely great to have this. I use it to hold all of my PC games because they load so fast. Looks great too. It has a lanyard holder on the end of it also, so you can carry it around with you.”
Customer Review: “This is a powerful ssd. And you can run all your games from it plus store files on it. Its small so it will fit anywhere. Also can be used with cell phone or laptop. Its a solid drive well worth the purchase”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy An Ssd Now
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding should I buy an SSD now, we evaluate speed, durability, capacity, compatibility, and value. NVMe drives offer the fastest performance, while SATA SSDs are more budget-friendly. For portability, look for rugged designs with USB-C and drop protection. Always check compatibility with your device—especially for phones and laptops with limited ports.
Budget Planning
SSD prices have dropped significantly, with 1TB models now available under $100. Set a budget based on your needs: $50–$80 for basic upgrades, $100–$150 for high-performance portable SSDs, and $200+ for large-capacity or professional-grade drives. Consider using tools like gift card reloads or business cards to spread out costs.
Final Thoughts
Yes—now is a great time to buy an SSD. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, expanding gaming storage, or building a backup system, the performance gains are immediate and noticeable. With options for every budget and use case, there’s never been a better moment to make the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy an SSD now or wait for prices to drop further?
A: SSD prices are already at historic lows, and major sales like Prime Day offer minimal additional savings. Unless you can wait months, now is a smart time to buy—especially if your current drive is slow or nearly full.
Q: Are portable SSDs worth it compared to internal SSDs?
A: Absolutely. Portable SSDs offer flexibility, speed, and durability. They’re perfect for backups, travel, and expanding storage on devices with limited internal space—like ultrabooks and tablets.
Q: Can I use an external SSD with my phone?
A: Yes, many modern SSDs support OTG (On-The-Go) and work with iPhones (via Lightning or USB-C) and Android devices. Just ensure the SSD is compatible and use the right cable or adapter.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Most consumer SSDs last 5–10 years under normal use, with many exceeding their rated write endurance. Features like wear leveling and over-provisioning help extend lifespan.
Q: Do I need a rugged SSD?
A: If you travel often or work in harsh environments, yes. Rugged SSDs with IP ratings and drop protection are worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
So, should I buy an SSD now? The answer is a resounding yes. With faster load times, improved reliability, and prices at all-time lows, upgrading to an SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your tech setup. Don’t wait—pick one from our top picks above and experience the difference today!