Choosing the best SSD for a laptop can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you’re upgrading an older machine, building a new setup, or just need faster boot times and smoother performance, the right solid-state drive makes all the difference. From budget-friendly SATA drives to blazing-fast NVMe Gen4 models, we’ve tested and compared the top SSDs to help you find the perfect fit for your needs, speed requirements, and budget.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Is The Best Ssd For A Laptop Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a reliable, no-frills SATA SSD that delivers solid performance for everyday laptop use. It’s perfect for upgrading older laptops still using mechanical hard drives, offering up to 540MB/s read speeds and noticeable improvements in boot time, app launches, and file transfers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB storage capacity for ample space
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved durability
- ✓ Energy efficient—45x more than traditional HDDs
- ✓ Easy installation with 2.5-inch form factor
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. It’s not the fastest on the market, but it’s incredibly dependable and ideal for users looking to breathe new life into aging laptops without breaking the bank.
Best For
Budget-conscious users upgrading from HDDs or needing a reliable internal drive for basic computing tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Simple drop-in replacement for most laptops
- Improves system responsiveness significantly
- Low power consumption extends battery life
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (affects sustained write performance)
- Slower than NVMe alternatives
Customer Reviews
“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.”
“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: ❌”
2. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB
The Samsung 870 EVO is widely regarded as one of the best SATA SSDs ever made. With near-saturation of the SATA III interface limit (up to 560/530 MB/s), it offers professional-grade performance, rock-solid reliability, and compatibility with nearly every laptop that supports 2.5-inch drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading 600 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite technology boosts burst performance
- ✓ Broad compatibility across laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
If you want a SATA SSD that won’t let you down—even under heavy workloads—the 870 EVO is the gold standard. It’s slightly pricier than budget options, but the longevity and consistency justify the cost.
Best For
Users who need a high-reliability internal SSD for workstations, content creation, or long-term daily use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and reliability
- Consistently fast speeds even during large file transfers
- Excellent for OS, apps, and media storage
- Trusted brand with strong support
Cons:
- More expensive than entry-level SATA SSDs
- Still limited by SATA III bandwidth (not NVMe speed)
Customer Reviews
“I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop. It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster.”
“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. Load times are much faster.”
3. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 is a compact, lightweight portable SSD that doesn’t sacrifice speed or durability. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, it delivers up to 1,050MB/s read speeds—perfect for backing up projects, transferring large media files, or expanding your laptop’s storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Shock-resistant and drop-tested up to 3 meters
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- ✓ Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
- ✓ Sleek, pocket-sized design
Why We Recommend It
For travelers, students, or creatives who need fast, secure external storage, the T7 is unbeatable. It’s plug-and-play with most operating systems and handles 4K video editing and large backups with ease.
Best For
Professionals and students needing fast, portable storage for backups, media, or project files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast transfer speeds
- Compact and durable aluminum body
- Great value for a premium portable SSD
- Works with PC, Mac, and gaming consoles
Cons:
- No built-in cooling (can get warm under heavy use)
- Limited to USB interface speeds (not internal NVMe performance)
Customer Reviews
“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.”
“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… reformatting to NTFS with GPT was easy and now it works perfectly.”
4. Crucial P310 500GB SSD – PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Crucial P310 brings next-gen PCIe Gen4 speeds to mainstream laptops and compact devices. With read speeds up to 6,600MB/s, it’s ideal for gamers, creators, and power users who demand rapid load times and responsive multitasking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface
- ✓ Up to 6,600MB/s read, 5,000MB/s write
- ✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and handhelds (ROG Ally, Legion Go)
- ✓ Low-profile M.2 2280 form factor
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers exceptional value in the Gen4 space. It’s not the absolute fastest, but it delivers near-top-tier performance at a more accessible price point—perfect for upgrading modern ultrabooks or handheld gaming devices.
Best For
Gamers and content creators using newer laptops with Gen4 M.2 slots who want high-speed storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance for the price
- Broad compatibility with modern systems
- Great for OS, games, and creative apps
- Reliable Crucial build quality
Cons:
- 500GB may feel small for heavy users
- No included heatsink (some laptops may need one)
Customer Reviews
“I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been fantastic. Plenty of space and fast speeds—boot times are superfast, game loading is smooth.”
“Using this in my small form factor PC build for 4 months—no issues. Installation was simple, performance outstanding for both gaming and daily use.”
5. Crucial P310 2TB SSD – PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Step up to 2TB of ultra-fast Gen4 storage with the Crucial P310. Delivering up to 7,100MB/s read speeds, this drive is built for heavy workloads—whether you’re editing 8K video, running virtual machines, or storing massive game libraries.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity
- ✓ Peak Gen4 performance (7,100MB/s read)
- ✓ Ideal for high-end laptops and handheld consoles
- ✓ Energy-efficient design
Why We Recommend It
If you need both speed and space, this is one of the best Gen4 SSDs available. It outperforms many pricier competitors and works seamlessly in thin laptops thanks to its low-profile design.
Best For
Power users, video editors, and gamers who need large-capacity, high-speed internal storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds
- Huge 2TB capacity for apps, games, and media
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Cons:
- May require a heatsink in tightly packed laptops
- Overkill for basic web browsing or office work
Customer Reviews
“I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been a fantastic addition. Plenty of space and fast speeds—perfect for my gaming and productivity needs.”
“Using this in my small form factor PC for 4 months—no issues. Boot times are superfast, game loading speeds have improved dramatically.”
6. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe Gen4 with Heatsink
This Gen4 NVMe SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it ideal for laptops with tight thermal constraints or PS5 expansion. With read speeds up to 7,350MB/s, it’s built for high-performance computing and immersive gaming.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes aluminum heatsink for thermal management
- ✓ Up to 7,350MB/s read speeds
- ✓ PS5 and laptop compatible
- ✓ 1TB capacity for games and apps
Why We Recommend It
The included heatsink is a major advantage—many Gen4 SSDs throttle under load without proper cooling. This drive stays fast and stable, even during extended gaming or rendering sessions.
Best For
Gamers using PS5 or high-performance laptops who need fast, thermally protected storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent sustained performance thanks to heatsink
- Very fast Gen4 speeds
- Plug-and-play with PS5 and most modern laptops
- Good value for a heatsink-equipped SSD
Cons:
- Heatsink adds slight bulk (may not fit all ultra-thin laptops)
- Brand may be less recognized than Samsung or Crucial
Customer Reviews
“Installed this in my PS5 and noticed immediate improvements in game load times. The heatsink keeps it cool even after hours of gameplay.”
“Fits perfectly in my gaming laptop. No thermal throttling, and file transfers are lightning fast. Great upgrade from my old SATA SSD.”
7. Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD
Double the capacity of the popular T7, this 2TB version is perfect for professionals who need massive portable storage without sacrificing speed or durability. It maintains the same compact design and USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance (up to 1,050MB/s).
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB of portable storage
- ✓ Rugged, shock-resistant design
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
- ✓ Works across Windows, macOS, and Android
Why We Recommend It
When you need to carry terabytes of data securely and quickly, the T7 2TB is one of the most trusted options. It’s used by photographers, videographers, and remote workers worldwide.
Best For
Creative professionals and travelers who need large-capacity, high-speed external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity in a tiny package
- Fast and reliable transfers
- Excellent security features
- No external power required
Cons:
- Higher cost per GB than internal SSDs
- USB interface limits peak speeds compared to internal NVMe
Customer Reviews
“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.”
“Using this as a backup drive for my Win 11 Pro desktop. Reformatted to NTFS with GPT—now it’s perfect for large file backups and media storage.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Ssd For A Laptop
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best SSD for a laptop, we look at speed, capacity, form factor, compatibility, and value. SATA SSDs (like the Crucial BX500 or Samsung 870 EVO) are great for older laptops, while NVMe Gen4 drives (like the Crucial P310) offer cutting-edge performance for newer systems. Always check your laptop’s manual to see if it supports M.2 slots and which generation (Gen3 or Gen4).
Budget Planning
You can get a reliable 1TB SATA SSD for under $80, while high-end Gen4 NVMe drives range from $100–$200 depending on capacity. Portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 offer convenience at a slight premium. Set a budget based on your needs: basic upgrades can be affordable, but creative or gaming workloads justify investing in speed and capacity.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD for your laptop depends on your specific use case. For most users, the Crucial BX500 offers unbeatable value, while power users should consider the Crucial P310 or Samsung 870 EVO. If portability matters, the Samsung T7 series is hard to beat. Whichever you choose, upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install an SSD in any laptop?
A: Most laptops support either 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or M.2 NVMe drives—but not always both. Check your laptop model’s specifications or user manual to confirm compatibility before buying.
Q: Is NVMe faster than SATA?
A: Yes! NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface and can be 5–7x faster than SATA SSDs. However, you need an M.2 NVMe slot in your laptop to take advantage of those speeds.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: Not always—but if your laptop has poor airflow or you’re using a Gen4 drive under heavy load, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling and maintains peak performance.
Q: Can I use a portable SSD as my main drive?
A: Technically yes, but it’s not recommended for daily OS use due to potential latency and wear. Portable SSDs are best for backups, media storage, or project files.
Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?
A: For basic use (web, office apps), 500GB is enough. Gamers and creators should aim for 1TB or more. If you work with large video files, consider 2TB or use a combination of internal and external drives.
Ready to supercharge your laptop? Whether you’re looking for speed, space, or portability, one of these top-rated SSDs will deliver a noticeable upgrade. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and start enjoying faster boots, quicker apps, and smoother performance today!