Top 4 SSDs to Buy Now or Wait for 2026 – Expert Picks

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Deciding whether to buy an SSD now or wait can be tricky, especially with new storage technologies emerging and prices fluctuating. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, boosting your laptop’s performance, or expanding your PS5 storage, timing your SSD purchase right can save you money and future-proof your setup. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs available today—covering speed, value, and real-world performance—so you can make a confident decision without second-guessing.

Quick Product Comparison

Product Image Check Price
1. WD_Black SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD – PCIe 5.0×4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Read Speed, up to 11,000MB/…… WD_Black SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD - PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Check Price
2. 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 4 and 7300MB/s Speed for PS5, PC, and Laptop Upgrades… 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 4 and 7300MB/s Speed for PS5, PC, and L Check Price
3. Amazon Business American Express Card… Amazon Business American Express Card Check Price
4. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload… Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload Check Price

Our Top 4 Should I Buy Ssd Now Or Wait Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended

🏆 Best Choice

1. WD_Black SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD – PCIe 5.0×4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Read Speed, up to 11,000MB/s Write

WD_Black SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD

The WD_Black SN8100 is a powerhouse SSD built for gamers and creators who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With PCIe 5.0 support, it delivers nearly double the performance of previous-gen drives, making load times nearly instant.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000MB/s
  • ✓ PCIe Gen 5.0 x4 interface for maximum bandwidth
  • ✓ Over 100% more power-efficient than Gen4 drives
  • ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern desktops and laptops

Why We Recommend It

If you’re building a high-end gaming PC or content creation workstation, this SSD is worth buying now. The performance leap over Gen4 drives is real, and prices have stabilized enough to justify the upgrade.

Best For

Gamers, video editors, and power users who want the fastest storage available today without waiting for future tech that may take years to mature.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Blazing-fast read/write speeds
  • Excellent thermal management
  • High endurance and reliability
  • Easy installation with no driver needed
Cons:
  • Requires a compatible motherboard with PCIe 5.0
  • Pricier than Gen4 alternatives

Customer Reviews

“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 and I had no problem with the benchmark f” — 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, and w” — Customer Review

⭐ Editor’s Choice

2. 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 4 and 7300MB/s Speed for PS5, PC, and Laptop Upgrades

1TB M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 4

This Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers cheetah-like speeds at a fraction of the cost of Gen5 drives. Perfect for PS5 owners and PC users looking for a smooth, responsive experience without breaking the bank.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 7,300MB/s
  • ✓ HMB+ Dynamic SLC caching for sustained performance
  • ✓ Graphene copper cooling for efficient heat dissipation
  • ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops

Why We Recommend It

Unless you absolutely need Gen5 speeds, this SSD offers the best balance of performance, price, and compatibility. It’s ideal if you’re upgrading now and don’t want to wait for Gen5 adoption to become mainstream.

Best For

PS5 gamers, students, and everyday users who want fast boot times and quick game loads without overspending.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio
  • Reliable cooling solution
  • Easy plug-and-play installation
  • Works seamlessly with PS5
Cons:
  • Not future-proof for Gen5 systems
  • Lower endurance compared to premium drives

Customer Reviews

“Insulation was very easy and fast usage and write speed of the m.2 card is very fast let the cheetah run……” — Customer Review

“Easy to install. Works like it should in my ps 5.Read more” — Customer Review

💰 Best Budget

3. Amazon Business American Express Card

Amazon Business American Express Card

While not an SSD, this card helps businesses save on SSD purchases through rewards and financing. It’s a smart financial tool if you’re planning multiple tech upgrades.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ No annual fee for eligible Prime members
  • ✓ 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
  • ✓ Extended warranty and purchase protection
  • ✓ Interest-free financing options

Why We Recommend It

If you’re buying SSDs in bulk or upgrading your entire office, this card can offset costs significantly. Use it to buy SSDs now and pay later—without interest.

Best For

Small business owners, IT managers, and frequent Amazon shoppers looking to maximize savings on tech purchases.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Generous cashback on Amazon purchases
  • No annual fee for Prime members
  • Helps manage cash flow with deferred payments
Cons:
  • Requires good credit for approval
  • Not a storage product—indirect benefit only

Customer Reviews

“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.” — Customer Review

4. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload

Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload

This digital reload option lets you prepay for SSDs and other tech, helping you budget and avoid impulse spending. Set auto-reload to stay ready when deals drop.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Add funds instantly to your Amazon gift card balance
  • ✓ Set Auto-Reload for low balance or scheduled dates
  • ✓ Use balance to control spending during sales
  • ✓ No expiration or fees

Why We Recommend It

If you’re unsure whether to buy an SSD now or wait for Black Friday, reload your balance now and lock in funds. When prices drop, you’re ready to act fast.

Best For

Budget-conscious shoppers who want flexibility and control over their SSD purchase timing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Helps avoid overspending
  • Instant access to funds during flash sales
  • No risk of forgetting to buy later
Cons:
  • Not a physical product
  • Requires discipline to use wisely

Customer Reviews

“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” — Customer Review

Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy SSD Now or Wait

Essential Factors We Consider

When deciding whether to buy an SSD now or wait, we evaluate price trends, technology maturity, your current needs, and upcoming releases. Gen5 SSDs are here, but adoption is still limited. If your system supports it and you need top speed, buy now. Otherwise, Gen4 drives offer excellent value and won’t bottleneck most users.

Budget Planning

Set a budget based on your use case. Gamers can thrive with a 1TB Gen4 SSD ($60–$80), while creators may need 2TB+ Gen5 ($150+). Use tools like Amazon Gift Card Reload or business cards to spread costs and catch deals.

Final Thoughts

Unless you’re waiting for a specific sale or your hardware isn’t ready for Gen5, there’s no need to delay. SSD prices are stable, and performance gains are real. Buying now ensures you enjoy faster load times, better multitasking, and future-ready storage today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I buy an SSD now or wait for Black Friday?

A: If you need speed now—especially for gaming or work—don’t wait. Prices are already competitive, and major SSD deals rarely drop more than 10–15% during sales.

Q: Is PCIe 5.0 SSD worth it over Gen4?

A: Only if your motherboard supports it and you’re doing heavy video editing or 3D rendering. For gaming and general use, Gen4 is plenty fast.

Q: Will SSD prices drop significantly in 2024?

A: Unlikely. NAND flash supply has stabilized, and demand remains steady. Minor fluctuations may occur, but don’t expect major price cuts.

Q: Can I use a Gen5 SSD in a Gen4 slot?

A: Yes, it will work at Gen4 speeds. But you won’t benefit from the higher performance unless your system supports Gen5.

Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?

A: 1TB is ideal for most users. Gamers with large libraries should consider 2TB. Creators and professionals may need 4TB or more.

Ready to upgrade? Don’t let “perfect timing” keep you from enjoying faster boot times, smoother gameplay, and instant file access. Whether you choose blazing Gen5 speed or reliable Gen4 value, now is a great time to buy an SSD. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and make your move today!

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