Choosing between SLC and MLC SSDs can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance speed, durability, and budget. SLC (Single-Level Cell) stores one bit per cell, offering unmatched endurance and performance—ideal for enterprise workloads. MLC (Multi-Level Cell) stores two bits per cell, delivering a sweet spot between cost and reliability for everyday users. In this guide, we compare real-world SSDs across both technologies to help you answer the big question: Should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy Slc Or Mlc Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial T710 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 1TB SSD
This powerhouse SSD uses advanced 3D TLC NAND with SLC caching to deliver blistering Gen5 speeds—perfect if you’re torn between SLC endurance and MLC affordability. With up to 14,900 MB/s read speeds, it’s built for creators, gamers, and power users who demand top-tier performance without compromise.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe 5.0 interface with 14,900 MB/s read and 13,800 MB/s write speeds
✓ 1TB capacity ideal for large game libraries and 8K video projects
✓ Optimized for Intel 13th/14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms
✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern laptops and desktops
✓ Includes dynamic thermal throttling protection
Why We Recommend It
If you’re asking “should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?” but need real-world speed today, the T710 bridges the gap by using intelligent SLC caching on TLC NAND. You get near-SLC responsiveness during bursts while maintaining high capacity—all at a fraction of pure SLC cost.
Best For
Content creators, hardcore gamers, and professionals running data-heavy apps who want future-proof speed without enterprise-level pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched Gen5 performance
- Excellent thermal management
- Broad compatibility with latest CPUs
- Reliable Micron NAND architecture
Cons:
- Requires motherboard with Gen5 M.2 slot
- Higher price than SATA alternatives
- Can run hot under sustained loads (heatsink recommended)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is an interesting piece of hardware. This particular NVME SSD Gen 5.0 exceeded read and write speeds for me in Crystal Disk, and that was on a working ‘C’ drive. This Gen 5.0 drive cooks, and in more ways than one. Running this in the Gen 5.0 slot on a Gigabyte X670E motherboard.”
Customer Review: “You might think (as I did) that you’re doing better by getting this OEM heatsink version – paying about $30 extra. I learned the lesson in a hard way that; exactly the opposite holds true. Crucial periodically runs deals; selling heatsink version even cheaper than naked drive. Don’t fall for that an”
2. Midisem 2TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with DRAM Cache
Don’t let the modest price fool you—this Midisem drive packs a serious punch with DRAM cache and 3D TLC NAND, delivering consistent 3500/3000 MB/s speeds. It’s a smart choice if you want MLC-like balance without sacrificing everyday reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Integrated DRAM cache for sustained performance
✓ Sequential read/write up to 3500/3000 MB/s
✓ Large 2TB capacity at an affordable price
✓ Built with durable 3D TLC NAND
✓ Low power consumption and quiet operation
Why We Recommend It
When deciding “should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?”, most home users actually benefit more from well-implemented TLC with SLC caching—and this drive nails that formula. The DRAM cache ensures smooth multitasking, making it ideal for gaming, office work, and media storage.
Best For
Budget-conscious builders and upgraders who need high capacity and reliable NVMe speeds without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for 2TB NVMe storage
- DRAM cache prevents speed drops
- Stable performance under typical workloads
- Easy installation in most M.2 slots
Cons:
- Not compatible with PCIe 4.0/5.0 systems (limited to Gen3)
- Brand less established than Samsung or Crucial
- No included heatsink
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “(function(f) {var _np=(window.P._namespace(“”));if(_np.guardFatal){_np.guardFatal(f)(_np);}else{f(_np);}}(function(P) {\n P.when(‘A’, ‘authx-claim-collection-controller’).execute(function(A, controller) {\n controller.refreshController();\n });\n }));”
Customer Review: “{“AUI_72554″:”C”,”AUI_KILLSWITCH_CSA_LOGGER_372963″:”T1″,”AUI_TEMPLATE_WEBLAB_CACHE_333406″:”C”,”BW_AUI_CXC_ALERT_MEASUREMENT_1074111″:”C”,”BW_AUI_STEPPER_ENABLE_STRATEGIES_1_1330429″:”T1″}”
3. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legend in the SSD world—and for good reason. Using refined MLC-equivalent 3D TLC NAND, it delivers rock-solid reliability and near-SATA-limit speeds. If you’re upgrading an older system or need dependable storage, this is your go-to.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Maxes out SATA III at 560/530 MB/s read/write
✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance rating
✓ 5-year limited warranty
✓ Compatible with virtually any PC or laptop
✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring
Why We Recommend It
While not pure SLC, the 870 EVO’s high-grade TLC mimics MLC endurance and outperforms cheaper QLC drives. For users asking “should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?” on a budget, this offers the best compromise: proven reliability without enterprise costs.
Best For
Upgrading aging laptops/desktops, building budget PCs, or anyone needing reliable SATA SSD performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading reliability
- Excellent real-world performance
- Wide compatibility
- Strong warranty support
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe options
- Limited to SATA speeds
- Higher cost per GB than QLC drives
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.”
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”
4. Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
The 500GB version of the iconic 870 EVO offers the same legendary reliability in a smaller, more affordable package. Perfect for OS drives or secondary storage, it uses the same high-quality MLC-style TLC NAND as its bigger sibling.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Same 560/530 MB/s SATA III performance
✓ 300 TBW endurance rating
✓ Compact 2.5-inch form factor
✓ Ideal for OS + essential apps
✓ Backed by Samsung’s 5-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
If you’re choosing between SLC and MLC SSDs for everyday use, this drive proves you don’t need exotic tech—just excellent engineering. It’s fast enough for 99% of users and built to last.
Best For
Primary drive for lightweight laptops, secondary storage in desktops, or budget upgrades where space is limited.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Proven long-term reliability
- Great for OS and applications
- Easy to install in any system
- Consistent performance over time
Cons:
- Smaller capacity may require frequent cleanup
- Still SATA-limited (not NVMe)
- Higher cost per GB than larger models
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.”
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”
5. Crucial BX500 1TB SATA SSD
The BX500 is Crucial’s entry-level SATA SSD, using QLC NAND—but don’t dismiss it. With SLC caching and decent endurance, it’s a solid pick for light users who prioritize capacity over extreme speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 540 MB/s read speeds
✓ 1TB capacity at low cost
✓ 3-year warranty
✓ Energy-efficient design
✓ Easy upgrade from HDD
Why We Recommend It
While not MLC or SLC, modern QLC with SLC cache can handle daily tasks well. If your main concern is replacing a slow HDD affordably, this answers “should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?” with a practical “neither—just get reliable bulk storage.”
Best For
Basic computing, web browsing, document work, and light media storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable per GB
- Significantly faster than HDDs
- Low power consumption
- Simple drop-in replacement
Cons:
- QLC wears faster under heavy writes
- No DRAM cache (relies on HMB)
- Not ideal for constant file transfers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you:- DRAM cache: ❌- Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌- Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features:PerformanceAlthough I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers fo”
6. Timetec 256GB SATA III M.2 SSD with SLC Cache
This Timetec drive explicitly uses SLC caching to boost performance—making it a rare budget option that nods directly to SLC technology. However, buyer beware: real-world reliability has been inconsistent based on user reports.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SLC cache for burst performance
✓ Up to 550/500 MB/s read/write
✓ M.2 2280 form factor (SATA interface)
✓ 1.5M hours MTBF rating
✓ Compatible with Windows and Linux
Why We Recommend It
Technically, this drive leverages SLC caching—a hallmark of higher-end designs—to improve responsiveness. But while it sounds great on paper, user experiences suggest quality control issues. Only consider if you’re experimenting or need ultra-compact SATA storage.
Best For
Small-form-factor builds where 2.5-inch drives don’t fit, or as a temporary/secondary drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- SLC cache improves short-burst speeds
- Compact M.2 size
- Low cost for 256GB
- Decent for OS installation
Cons:
- High failure rate reported by users
- No DRAM cache
- Limited endurance compared to MLC/TLC
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this cheap ssd for my first PC build ever thinking it would be OK to cheap out on atleast one component as everything else on my pc was expensive but GOD WAS THIS A MISTAKE. (I have used this ssd for approximately one year) First issue I had with this my PC was random heat spikes from the c”
Customer Review: “These drives are completely unreliable. I purchased two Timetec SSDs in 2024. One 128 GB drive in March of 2024 and one 256 GB drive in November of 2024. Both are already dead. The 128 GB drive I used as a system drive for about eight months before it stopped working one day. So, foolishly thinking “
7. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
WD’s SA510 uses 3D TLC NAND with a focus on consistency over peak speed. It’s a middle-ground option—more reliable than QLC but more affordable than premium MLC drives—making it a smart pick for general use.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB capacity with 560/530 MB/s speeds
✓ 3D TLC NAND for balanced endurance
✓ 5-year warranty
✓ Low idle power consumption
✓ Compatible with Xbox One/Series X|S
Why We Recommend It
This drive embodies the modern answer to “should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?”—you don’t have to choose! With TLC mimicking MLC reliability at a better price, it’s perfect for consoles, workstations, and everyday PCs.
Best For
Console upgrades (especially Xbox), office computers, and users wanting reliable SATA storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great for gaming consoles
- Stable performance
- Strong warranty
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe
- Limited to SATA interface
- Not the fastest in its class
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD Firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly!That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!!I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance.”
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy Slc Or Mlc Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When comparing SLC vs MLC SSDs, we look beyond marketing terms. True SLC is rare in consumer markets—most “SLC” you see is actually SLC caching on TLC or QLC NAND. We prioritize real-world endurance (measured in TBW), interface speed (SATA vs NVMe), cache strategy, brand reputation, and value. For most users, modern TLC with SLC cache offers the best balance—delivering MLC-like reliability without SLC’s steep price.
Budget Planning
SLC SSDs can cost 2–5x more per GB than MLC/TLC alternatives and are typically only found in industrial or enterprise gear. Unless you’re running 24/7 servers or mission-critical apps, you likely don’t need pure SLC. Instead, invest in a high-quality TLC drive (like the Samsung 870 EVO) or an NVMe with DRAM cache (like the Midisem). Set aside $50–$150 for a 1TB drive that will last 5+ years under normal use.
Final Thoughts
The question “should I buy SLC or MLC SSD?” is becoming outdated. Today’s best consumer SSDs use intelligent NAND management—SLC caching on TLC—to give you the responsiveness of SLC with the affordability of MLC. Unless you’re in a specialized field, skip the jargon and focus on drives with strong warranties, proven track records, and features that match your workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is SLC SSD better than MLC?
A: Yes—but only in specific scenarios. SLC offers superior endurance and speed but is extremely expensive. For 95% of users, modern MLC-style TLC SSDs provide nearly identical real-world performance at a fraction of the cost.
Q: Can I use an MLC SSD for gaming?
A: Absolutely! Most gamers won’t notice a difference between SLC and MLC SSDs. Focus on NVMe speed and capacity instead—drives like the Crucial T710 or Midisem 2TB deliver excellent gaming performance.
Q: Do consumer SSDs use real SLC NAND?
A: Rarely. Most consumer drives use TLC or QLC NAND with SLC caching—a smart buffer that mimics SLC speed during short bursts. Pure SLC is reserved for industrial applications.
Q: How long do MLC SSDs last?
A: A quality MLC-style TLC SSD (like the Samsung 870 EVO) can easily last 5–10 years under normal use, thanks to high TBW ratings and wear-leveling algorithms.
Q: Should I avoid QLC SSDs?
A: Not necessarily. QLC is fine for light use (web, docs, media playback). Avoid it for constant writes (video editing, databases). Opt for TLC if you’re unsure.
Still wondering should I buy SLC or MLC SSD? Our top picks cover every need—from blazing Gen5 speed to budget-friendly reliability. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the perfect match for your system. Don’t let outdated tech myths hold you back—today’s SSDs are smarter, faster, and more durable than ever!