Deciding whether to buy an SSD or M.2 drive can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to boost your PC’s speed, expand storage for games, or future-proof your setup. The truth is, M.2 SSDs are actually a type of SSD, but they use the faster NVMe protocol and connect directly to your motherboard, offering significantly quicker load times than traditional SATA SSDs. In this guide, we break down the top 5 M.2 NVMe SSDs on the market today, helping you answer the real question: which one should I buy? Whether you’re building a gaming rig, upgrading a laptop, or expanding your PS5 storage, our expert-tested picks balance speed, reliability, and value.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy Ssd Or M.2 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Gen4 PCIe and 7,250 MB/s Read Speed
The WD Black SN7100 is a powerhouse M.2 SSD built for gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With blazing read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds hitting 6,900 MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe drive delivers up to 35% faster performance than previous generations—making it one of the fastest options in its class.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 interface for maximum bandwidth
✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB—perfect for large game libraries
✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for durability
✓ Optimized for gaming laptops and desktops
✓ Low power consumption with high thermal efficiency
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between raw speed, capacity, and real-world reliability. Whether you’re loading massive open-world games or transferring large video files, the SN7100 handles it all without breaking a sweat. It’s also surprisingly easy to install—just slot it into your M.2 connector and you’re ready to go.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and anyone upgrading from an older SATA SSD or Gen3 NVMe drive who wants noticeable performance gains.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Reliable build quality from a trusted brand
- Great for both laptops and desktops
- No overheating issues under load
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may need aftermarket cooling on compact builds)
- Higher price per GB compared to budget drives
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. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink for PS5, Gaming, and PC Storage Expansion
Designed specifically for gamers and PS5 owners, this 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink—making it plug-and-play compatible with Sony’s console. With PCIe Gen4x4 support and read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s, it eliminates storage bottlenecks while keeping temperatures in check during long gaming sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Includes high-quality aluminum heatsink for thermal management
✓ PS5-certified dimensions (25mm width, fits perfectly)
✓ Up to 7,350 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write speeds
✓ Works with laptops, desktops, and gaming handhelds
✓ Comes with screw, screwdriver, and standoff for easy installation
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve been waiting to expand your PS5 storage without voiding the warranty or dealing with compatibility headaches, this drive is a no-brainer. The included heatsink ensures stable performance even during marathon gaming sessions, and the packaging includes everything you need—no extra trips to the hardware store.
Best For
PS5 owners, Steam Deck users, and PC gamers looking for a hassle-free M.2 SSD upgrade with built-in cooling.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- PS5-ready out of the box
- Excellent value for a Gen4 drive
- Fast and consistent performance
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity (may fill up quickly with modern games)
- Brand (SIX) is less established than Samsung or WD
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…”
3. Crucial P310 500GB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptop, Desktop, and Gaming Consoles
The Crucial P310 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get Gen4 speeds. This 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD delivers up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds—enough to slash boot times and game loading screens—while remaining highly affordable. It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices, including the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe 4.0 performance at a budget-friendly price
✓ Optimized for laptops, desktops, and select gaming handhelds
✓ Dynamic Write Acceleration technology for sustained speeds
✓ Low-profile design fits tight spaces
✓ Backed by Micron’s 3D NAND reliability
Why We Recommend It
For students, casual gamers, or anyone on a tight budget, the P310 offers near-flagship speeds without the premium price tag. It’s not the fastest drive here, but it’s incredibly efficient and reliable for everyday tasks, light gaming, and general productivity.
Best For
Budget-conscious users, laptop upgraders, and owners of compact gaming devices who want Gen4 performance without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Broad compatibility with modern systems
- Energy-efficient design
- Reliable brand with strong warranty support
Cons:
- Only 500GB—may require frequent file management
- No heatsink included (not needed for most laptops)
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 ti…”
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…”
4. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with High Performance for Gaming
The WD Black SN850X is a legendary SSD among enthusiasts, and for good reason. With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and optional heatsink versions, it’s engineered for extreme gaming workloads and heavy multitasking. Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND, it offers both speed and long-term durability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Insane 7,300 MB/s read speeds (1TB–4TB models)
✓ Optional integrated heatsink for thermal throttling protection
✓ Up to 8TB capacity for massive game libraries
✓ Optimized firmware for low latency and high IOPS
✓ Compatible with PCIe 4.0 and backward-compatible with 3.0
Why We Recommend It
This drive is built for those who refuse to compromise. Whether you’re running AAA titles, editing 4K video, or running virtual machines, the SN850X delivers consistent, top-tier performance. The heatsink version is especially valuable in compact builds where airflow is limited.
Best For
High-end gaming PCs, workstations, and users who want a future-proof SSD that won’t slow down over time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest consumer SSDs available
- Excellent thermal performance with heatsink
- Rock-solid reliability and brand reputation
- Great for both gaming and professional use
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Heatsink adds slight bulk (may not fit all laptops)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat…”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are…”
5. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for Gaming and High-End Workstations
Samsung’s 990 PRO is often called the “gold standard” of consumer SSDs—and for good reason. With read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest Gen4 drives on the market. It also features advanced thermal control and is built for sustained performance under heavy workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Industry-leading 7,450 MB/s read speed
✓ Over 55% improvement in random performance vs. previous gen
✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for burst performance
✓ Nickel coating and heat spreader for cooling
✓ Backed by Samsung’s 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
If you want the absolute best performance money can buy—and don’t mind paying a premium—the 990 PRO is unmatched. It’s ideal for professionals, streamers, and hardcore gamers who need every millisecond of speed advantage. Plus, Samsung’s reputation for quality gives peace of mind.
Best For
High-end workstations, content creators, competitive gamers, and anyone who demands peak SSD performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest consumer SSD in its class
- Excellent thermal management
- Trusted brand with global support
- Consistent performance under load
Cons:
- Most expensive option on this list
- Overkill for basic computing tasks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. I have two 12TB HDD drives, two slower SSDs, and two of these great Samsung 1TB NVMe drives. While the majority of my backups are on the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these…”
Customer Review: “This SSD is an absolute beast. The Samsung 990 PRO delivers insane read and write speeds — my system boots in seconds and large sessions in Logic load almost instantly. It runs cool, installs easily, and performs flawlessly under heavy workloads. Perfect for music production, gaming, or any creative…”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy Ssd Or M.2
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing between an SSD and M.2 drive, remember: all M.2 NVMe drives are SSDs, but not all SSDs are M.2. The key difference is interface and speed. SATA SSDs max out around 550 MB/s, while M.2 NVMe drives (like the ones reviewed here) use PCIe lanes and can exceed 7,000 MB/s. We prioritize speed, compatibility, capacity, thermal performance, and value. Always check your motherboard or device specs to ensure M.2 support and PCIe Gen3/Gen4 compatibility.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to break the bank to get a great M.2 SSD. Budget options like the Crucial P310 offer excellent Gen4 performance under $60 for 500GB. Mid-range picks like the WD Black SN7100 provide flagship speeds around $120–$150 for 2TB. Premium drives like the Samsung 990 PRO or WD SN850X cost more but deliver unmatched performance for demanding users. Consider your usage: casual gamers can thrive with budget Gen4 drives, while pros should invest in high-end models.
Final Thoughts
The answer to “should I buy SSD or M.2?” is clear: go M.2 NVMe if your system supports it. The speed difference is night and day, especially for gaming, boot times, and file transfers. Among our picks, the WD Black SN7100 offers the best overall balance, while the Crucial P310 wins on value. No matter your choice, upgrading to an M.2 SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to any modern PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is M.2 faster than SSD?
A: Yes—but only when referring to M.2 NVMe SSDs. Traditional SATA SSDs are limited to ~550 MB/s, while M.2 NVMe drives use PCIe lanes and can reach over 7,000 MB/s. So if speed is your goal, M.2 NVMe is the clear winner.
Q: Can I use an M.2 SSD in any laptop or PC?
A: Not always. Check your device’s manual or specs to confirm it has an M.2 slot and supports NVMe (not just SATA). Most modern laptops and desktops from 2017 onward support M.2 NVMe, but older systems may not.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: It depends. In well-ventilated desktop cases, many drives run fine without one. But in compact builds, laptops, or PS5 expansions, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling and maintains peak speeds during long sessions.
Q: Will upgrading to an M.2 SSD make my old PC feel new?
A: Absolutely! Even on older systems that support M.2 NVMe, the jump in boot times, app loading, and overall responsiveness is dramatic—often more noticeable than upgrading your CPU or RAM.
Q: Are cheaper M.2 SSDs reliable?
A: Many budget M.2 SSDs (like the Crucial P310) use quality components and offer excellent reliability for everyday use. Just avoid no-name brands with no reviews or warranties. Stick to trusted manufacturers for peace of mind.
Ready to supercharge your system? Whether you’re gaming, working, or just tired of slow load times, one of these top-rated M.2 SSDs will deliver the speed boost you’ve been waiting for. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and find the perfect fit for your setup!