Choosing the best brand for SSDs can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a gaming PC, or need fast external storage, the right SSD makes a world of difference in speed, reliability, and overall performance. After extensive testing and research, we’ve narrowed down the top SSD brands and models that consistently deliver excellent value, durability, and real-world performance. In this guide, we break down the best SSDs from trusted brands like Samsung, WD_BLACK, and Crucial—so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Brand For Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD for PC and Laptop
The Samsung 870 EVO is a top-tier SATA SSD that delivers reliable performance for everyday computing, gaming, and creative work. As one of the most trusted names in storage, Samsung continues to impress with this model’s balance of speed, durability, and compatibility across PCs and laptops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty for long-term peace of mind
- ✓ Compatible with SATA III 6Gb/s interface—works in older systems
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is ideal if you’re looking for a dependable, high-performance drive from a brand known for quality. It’s perfect for upgrading older laptops or desktops that don’t support NVMe, offering a massive speed boost over traditional hard drives.
Best For
Users upgrading from HDDs, professionals needing reliable storage, and anyone wanting a trusted SSD brand with proven longevity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance and consistency
- High endurance and reliability backed by Samsung’s reputation
- Easy installation and broad compatibility
- Comes with useful management software
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives (but still very fast for SATA)
- No included mounting bracket or cables
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. I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to tech, but even I managed the swap easily.”
Customer Review: “I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly. As always, Samsung delivers.”
2. WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write spe…
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a powerhouse NVMe SSD built for gamers and content creators who demand blazing-fast load times and sustained performance. With speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drives in its class, and the optional heatsink version keeps things cool under pressure.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write up to 6,300 MB/s
- ✓ Available with or without a sleek heatsink for better thermal management
- ✓ Optimized for gaming with reduced latency and faster level loads
- ✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability and efficiency
- ✓ Supports PlayStation 5 storage expansion (heatsink version)
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a high-end gaming rig or need ultra-fast storage for video editing, the SN850X delivers top-tier performance. It’s reliable, fast, and backed by WD’s strong reputation in the storage space.
Best For
Gamers, streamers, and power users who need maximum speed and responsiveness from their SSD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest consumer NVMe SSDs available
- Excellent thermal performance, especially with heatsink
- Great for PS5 expansion and high-end PCs
- Reliable and consistent under heavy workloads
Cons:
- More expensive than SATA or budget NVMe drives
- Heatsink version takes up more space in compact builds
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I upgraded my gaming PC with the SN850X and the difference is night and day. Games load in seconds, and file transfers are insanely fast. The heatsink keeps it cool even during long sessions. Worth every penny.”
Customer Review: “Installed this in my PS5 and it works flawlessly. Recognized immediately, and I’ve noticed shorter load times in games like Elden Ring and Spider-Man. Installation was simple—just make sure you get the heatsink version for PS5.”
3. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s – CT1000BX500SSD1, Solid Stat…
The Crucial BX500 offers incredible value for money, delivering solid SATA-level performance at a budget-friendly price. It’s perfect for reviving older laptops or adding fast storage without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 540 MB/s read speeds—300% faster than traditional HDDs
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than hard drives, improving battery life
- ✓ Available in capacities from 240GB to 4TB
- ✓ Easy installation with no cables or brackets needed
- ✓ Backed by Micron’s decades of memory expertise
Why We Recommend It
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a noticeable performance upgrade, the BX500 is a smart choice. It’s reliable, energy-efficient, and significantly faster than any HDD.
Best For
Students, casual users, and anyone upgrading an older system on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Improves boot and load times dramatically over HDDs
- Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- Simple drop-in replacement for 2.5-inch drives
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (can affect sustained write performance)
- Slower than NVMe or higher-end SATA drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Dropped this into an older HP laptop that was crawling and now it runs like new. Boot times are snappy, apps launch instantly, and overall responsiveness is night-and-day better. Installation was simple, and the system recognized it right away. If you’re trying to squeeze more life out of aging hardware, this is the way to go.”
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: ❌ Bragging rights on speed: ❌ On the other hand, it works, it’s fast enough for daily tasks, and it saved my old laptop.”
4. Samsung T7 2TB Portable External SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Connectivity
The Samsung T7 2TB is a compact, high-speed external SSD perfect for creators, travelers, and professionals who need fast, reliable storage on the go. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, it delivers up to 1,050 MB/s—making file transfers quick and painless.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fast read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2
- ✓ Compact, pocket-sized design with aluminum casing
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- ✓ Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
- ✓ Includes USB-C and USB-A cables for versatility
Why We Recommend It
This SSD combines speed, portability, and security in one sleek package. Whether you’re backing up videos, transferring large files, or expanding your console storage, the T7 handles it all with ease.
Best For
Content creators, photographers, travelers, and anyone needing fast, secure external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast for an external drive
- Durable, compact, and lightweight
- Hardware encryption adds security
- Works across multiple devices and platforms
Cons:
- Can get warm during prolonged use
- No built-in backup software included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C cable and it worked perfectly.”
5. Samsung T7 1TB Portable External SSD with Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 Transfer
The Samsung T7 1TB offers the same blazing-fast performance and sleek design as its 2TB sibling, but in a more affordable capacity. It’s perfect for users who need speed and portability without needing massive storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050 MB/s transfer speeds
- ✓ Shock-resistant and compact aluminum body
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption with password protection
- ✓ Plug-and-play with USB-C and USB-A compatibility
- ✓ Ideal for laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles
Why We Recommend It
If you need a reliable, fast external SSD for work or travel, the T7 1TB is a fantastic choice. It’s durable, secure, and delivers performance that rivals many internal drives.
Best For
Professionals on the go, students, and anyone needing secure, high-speed external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightning-fast file transfers
- Small enough to fit in a pocket
- Hardware encryption keeps data safe
- Works with nearly any modern device
Cons:
- Can heat up during large transfers
- No included carrying case
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C cable and it worked perfectly.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Brand For Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When determining the best brand for SSDs, we evaluate several key factors: performance, reliability, warranty, price-to-value ratio, and real-world user feedback. We also consider whether the SSD is SATA or NVMe, its intended use (gaming, productivity, external storage), and compatibility with various devices. Brands like Samsung, WD_BLACK, and Crucial consistently rank high due to their innovation, customer support, and proven track records.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the Crucial BX500 start under $60 for 1TB, while high-performance NVMe drives like the WD_BLACK SN850X can cost $100–$150. External SSDs such as the Samsung T7 range from $90 to $200 depending on capacity. Set a budget based on your needs—upgrading an old laptop doesn’t require a $200 drive, but a video editor might benefit from the extra speed.
Final Thoughts
The best brand for SSDs ultimately depends on your specific needs. Samsung leads in overall reliability and performance, WD_BLACK excels in gaming and high-speed applications, and Crucial offers unbeatable value. No matter your choice, investing in a quality SSD from a trusted brand will dramatically improve your system’s speed and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most reliable SSD brand?
A: Samsung is widely regarded as the most reliable SSD brand, thanks to its consistent performance, long warranties, and use of high-quality NAND memory. The Samsung 870 EVO and T7 series are excellent examples of their reliability.
Q: Is NVMe faster than SATA SSD?
A: Yes, NVMe SSDs like the WD_BLACK SN850X are significantly faster than SATA SSDs, with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s compared to SATA’s max of around 560 MB/s. However, SATA SSDs are still much faster than HDDs and great for older systems.
Q: Can I use an external SSD as my main drive?
A: While possible, it’s not ideal for daily OS use due to potential latency over USB. However, external SSDs like the Samsung T7 are perfect for backups, media storage, and expanding console storage.
Q: Do SSDs need cooling?
A: High-performance NVMe SSDs can benefit from heatsinks, especially in compact builds or gaming consoles like the PS5. Most SATA and external SSDs don’t require active cooling.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are very durable. Most consumer drives, like the Samsung 870 EVO, are rated for hundreds of terabytes written (TBW) and come with 3–5 year warranties. With normal use, they can last 5–10 years or more.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you’re looking for speed, reliability, or budget-friendly performance, one of these top-rated SSDs from the best brands will deliver. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and transform your computing experience today!