Deciding whether to buy an SSD or an M.2 drive can be confusing—especially if you’re not familiar with the technical differences. The short answer? M.2 is a form factor, while SSD refers to the type of storage technology. Many M.2 drives are SSDs, but not all SSDs come in M.2 form. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the key differences and recommend the best options based on speed, compatibility, and value. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a gaming PC, or just need faster file access, we’ve got you covered with real-world tested picks.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy An Ssd Or An M.2 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. fanxiang S501Q SSD 512GB PCle 3.0×4 Internal Solid State Drive, NVMe M.2 2280
The fanxiang S501Q is a reliable NVMe M.2 SSD that delivers solid performance for everyday computing and light gaming. With PCIe 3.0 x4 support and intelligent SLC caching, it offers fast boot times and smooth multitasking without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Graphene heat dissipation stickers for improved thermal control
- ✓ Intelligent SLC cache technology boosts read/write speeds up to 3,200MB/s
- ✓ 3D NAND flash memory ensures long-term durability and stability
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
This drive strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. It’s perfect for users upgrading from a traditional HDD or older SATA SSD who want a noticeable speed boost without spending a fortune. The built-in thermal management also helps maintain consistent performance under load.
Best For
Budget-conscious users looking for a dependable NVMe upgrade for office work, web browsing, or casual gaming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price for NVMe performance
- Effective heat dissipation design
- Easy plug-and-play installation
- Stable performance over time
Cons:
- Only PCIe 3.0—not as fast as Gen4 drives
- 512GB may feel limiting for heavy gamers
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: The S501Q 2TB PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe M.2 SSD is impressively fast. Installation was simple — plug and play with instant recognition by my system. Boot times, file transfers, and application loading are all lightning quick compared to my previous drive. The performance is consistent, with no overheating or lag.”
“Customer Review: Good quality. This was for my first PC built. Did not disappoint.”
2. UGREEN SSD Enclosure, Tool-Free USB C External, 10Gbps M.2 NVMe to USB Adapter/Reader
Turn any unused M.2 NVMe SSD into a high-speed external drive with the UGREEN SSD Enclosure. Featuring USB 3.2 Gen2 support and tool-free installation, it’s perfect for backups, file transfers, or expanding storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 10Gbps transfer speeds via USB-C (backward compatible)
- ✓ Tool-free buckle design—no screws or tools needed
- ✓ Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2230/2242/2260/2280 sizes
- ✓ Aluminum alloy shell provides durability and passive cooling
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve upgraded your internal SSD and have a spare M.2 drive lying around, this enclosure gives it new life. It’s incredibly easy to use, well-built, and delivers near-internal SSD speeds over USB. Great for photographers, students, or anyone needing portable high-speed storage.
Best For
Users who want to repurpose old M.2 SSDs or need fast external storage without the hassle of complicated setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightning-fast 10Gbps performance
- Super easy tool-free installation
- Comes with USB-C and USB-A cables
- Sleek, durable aluminum build
Cons:
- Only works with NVMe M.2 drives (not SATA M.2)
- No hardware encryption or security features
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: I bought this enclosure and I’m really impressed. Installing the drive was completely tool-free and straightforward, thanks to the simple sliding design. The aluminum shell is lightweight and not burdensome. Once I plugged it in via USB-C, it was instantly recognized (no drivers required). Solid build!”
“Customer Review: I haven’t had a chance to use it much but the standout use I did have was when it managed to bring a drive online and retrieve data off that drive that other enclosures could not even detect. When pulling the files off it was speedy and consistent. They also include a USB C and USB A cable to make setup easy.”
3. WD Black SN7100 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for Gaming and Laptops
Designed for gamers and power users, the WD Black SN7100 delivers blazing-fast Gen4 speeds at a surprisingly affordable price. With up to 7,250MB/s read speeds and 2TB of storage, it’s ideal for large game libraries and demanding workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 7,250MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 2TB capacity offers ample space for games, apps, and media
- ✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for reliability
- ✓ Optimized for both laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD punches well above its weight class. You get near-top-tier Gen4 performance without paying premium prices. It’s especially great for gamers who want fast load times and don’t want to constantly delete games to free up space.
Best For
Budget-minded gamers and content creators needing high-speed, high-capacity storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional value for Gen4 performance
- Large 2TB capacity
- Reliable brand with strong warranty support
- Works in most modern laptops and desktops
Cons:
- May require a BIOS update on older systems
- No included heatsink (may need one for sustained loads)
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 sustained.”
“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. 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and PC
This Gen4 NVMe SSD comes ready to install in your PS5 or high-performance PC, complete with a pre-attached heatsink. With read speeds up to 7,350MB/s, it’s built for gamers and creators who demand speed and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 7,350MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Includes aluminum heatsink—perfect for PS5 expansion
- ✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and PlayStation 5
- ✓ 1TB capacity balances speed and storage needs
Why We Recommend It
The included heatsink makes this drive a no-brainer for PS5 owners. You won’t need to buy extra cooling or worry about thermal throttling during long gaming sessions. It’s also a great fit for compact PC builds where space and heat are concerns.
Best For
PS5 users and PC builders looking for a hassle-free Gen4 SSD upgrade with built-in cooling.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—saves time and money
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds
- Easy installation in PS5 and PCs
- Reliable performance under heavy loads
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier due to heatsink
- 1TB might be tight for users with large game libraries
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, I did have to use…”
5. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 6,600MB/s
Crucial’s P310 brings Gen4 speeds to mainstream users with impressive read speeds up to 6,600MB/s. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally and Legion Go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 performance with up to 6,600MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Works with laptops, desktops, and select handheld consoles
- ✓ 500GB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and essential games
- ✓ Backed by Micron’s reliable NAND technology
Why We Recommend It
If you’re using a modern handheld or compact laptop and need a fast, reliable SSD, the P310 is a fantastic choice. It delivers near-maximum Gen4 speeds without overheating issues, and Crucial’s reputation for quality gives peace of mind.
Best For
Handheld gamers, ultrabook users, and anyone needing compact, high-speed storage for portable devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance for the price
- Broad compatibility with laptops and handhelds
- Low power consumption
- Reliable brand with good customer support
Cons:
- Only 500GB—may fill up quickly with modern games
- No heatsink included (may need one in tight enclosures)
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 times are super quick.”
“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 improved noticeably.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy An Ssd Or An M.2
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether to buy an SSD or an M.2 drive, remember: M.2 is just a physical shape—it can house either SATA or NVMe SSDs. For most users today, an NVMe M.2 SSD offers the best mix of speed, size, and compatibility. Key factors include interface (PCIe Gen3 vs Gen4), capacity, thermal management, and device compatibility. Always check your motherboard or laptop specs before buying—some older systems only support SATA M.2 drives, while newer ones unlock full Gen4 speeds.
Budget Planning
You can find solid NVMe M.2 SSDs starting around $40 for 500GB, with premium Gen4 models costing $100+ for 2TB. If you’re on a tight budget, PCIe 3.0 drives like the fanxiang S501Q offer great value. For gaming or content creation, investing in a Gen4 drive like the WD Black SN7100 pays off in load times and workflow efficiency. Don’t forget to factor in accessories—like enclosures or heatsinks—if needed.
Final Thoughts
So, should you buy an SSD or an M.2? The answer is: go for an NVMe M.2 SSD if your system supports it. You’ll get faster speeds, smaller size, and better future-proofing than traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop, building a gaming rig, or just want snappier performance, our top picks cover every need and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is M.2 faster than SSD?
A: Not necessarily—M.2 is a form factor, not a speed rating. However, most M.2 drives use NVMe technology, which is much faster than older SATA SSDs. So yes, an NVMe M.2 SSD is typically faster than a standard 2.5-inch SATA SSD.
Q: Can I use an M.2 SSD in any laptop?
A: Only if your laptop has an M.2 slot and supports the drive’s interface (NVMe or SATA). Check your device manual or manufacturer specs before purchasing.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: It depends. For light use, no—but for gaming, video editing, or PS5 use, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling and maintains peak performance.
Q: Are Gen4 SSDs worth it over Gen3?
A: If you have a compatible system, yes—especially for gaming, large file transfers, or professional workloads. But for everyday tasks like web browsing or office work, Gen3 is still excellent and more affordable.
Q: Can I use an external M.2 SSD enclosure with any drive?
A: Only with NVMe M.2 SSDs (not SATA M.2). Also ensure the enclosure supports your drive’s length (e.g., 2280).
Still unsure which drive is right for you? Our top recommendation is the fanxiang S501Q for budget builds or the WD Black SN7100 if you want high-capacity Gen4 performance without overspending. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and make your upgrade today!