Upgrading your laptop with the best SSD can transform sluggish boot times into lightning-fast startups, turn laggy file transfers into near-instant operations, and breathe new life into older machines. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or casual user, choosing the right solid-state drive means balancing speed, capacity, reliability, and budget. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs for laptops in 2024 to help you find the perfect match for your needs—whether you’re replacing an old hard drive or expanding storage on a modern ultrabook.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Ssd For 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. With 1TB of storage and read speeds up to 540MB/s, it’s ideal for users looking to upgrade from an old hard drive without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity perfect for documents, media, and light gaming
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved durability and efficiency
- ✓ Energy-efficient design extends laptop battery life
- ✓ Simple installation with included Acronis True Image cloning software
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers exceptional value for budget-conscious users. It’s not the fastest on the market, but it provides a massive leap in responsiveness over traditional HDDs—making it our top pick for general laptop upgrades.
Best For
Students, office workers, and anyone reviving an older laptop with a mechanical hard drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price per gigabyte
- Easy to install and clone existing drives
- Low power consumption improves battery life
- Reliable performance for daily tasks
Cons:
- No DRAM cache limits sustained write performance
- Slower than NVMe options
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 a no-brainer.”
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 perfectly for basic computing needs.”
2. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB
The Samsung 870 EVO is a premium SATA SSD that pushes the limits of the aging SATA interface, offering near-maximum speeds and legendary reliability. It’s the go-to choice for users who want top-tier performance without switching to NVMe.
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 with Samsung Magician software support
- ✓ Compatible with nearly all laptops and desktops using 2.5″ bays
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s EVO line has long been the gold standard for SATA SSDs, and the 870 EVO continues that tradition. It’s slightly more expensive than budget drives but offers better longevity, consistency, and real-world performance.
Best For
Professionals, content creators, and power users who need dependable storage for large files and multitasking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading reliability and build quality
- Excellent sustained write performance thanks to intelligent TurboWrite
- Wide compatibility across devices and operating systems
- Long warranty and strong customer support
Cons:
- More expensive than entry-level SATA SSDs
- Still limited by SATA III bandwidth (not as fast as NVMe)
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 handled the swap!”
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.”
3. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 is a compact, high-speed external SSD that plugs into any laptop via USB-C. With read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it’s perfect for backing up projects, editing videos on the go, or expanding storage without opening your machine.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 support with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility
- ✓ Shock-resistant and pocket-sized design (3.6 oz)
- ✓ Hardware encryption with optional password protection
- ✓ Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
Why We Recommend It
If you need portable, fast storage that doesn’t require internal installation, the T7 is unmatched in its class. It’s affordable, durable, and delivers NVMe-like speeds over USB—making it ideal for mobile professionals.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, travelers, and anyone needing secure, high-capacity external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast for a portable drive
- Compact and lightweight—fits in a pocket
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables
- Reliable Samsung build quality
Cons:
- Requires external power (via USB)
- Not as fast as internal NVMe drives
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—worked flawlessly.”
4. Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2
The Samsung 9100 PRO is a cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD built for extreme performance. With sequential read speeds up to 14,700MB/s, it’s designed for AI workloads, 8K video editing, and high-end gaming laptops that support the latest interface.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 x4 interface
- ✓ Up to 14,700MB/s read and 13,400MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Advanced thermal management for sustained performance
- ✓ Ideal for AI, content creation, and next-gen gaming
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is overkill for average users—but if you’re running a high-end laptop with PCIe 5.0 support, the 9100 PRO unlocks unprecedented speed. It’s future-proof and built for professionals who demand zero lag.
Best For
AI developers, 4K/8K video editors, and enthusiasts with PCIe 5.0-compatible laptops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest consumer SSD available in 2024
- Excellent for large file transfers and rendering
- Robust heatsink design prevents throttling
- 2TB capacity handles massive projects
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other options
- Requires PCIe 5.0 support to reach full speed
- May run hot under heavy load without proper cooling
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been building PCs for years, and Samsung has always been my go-to brand for storage. The Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0×4 fits right in with the quality I’ve come to expect. From build quality to speed, it doesn’t disappoint. Build Quality: Strong and Durable. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was how solid it felt.”
Customer Review: “If you want a serious performance boost, the Samsung 9100 PRO is a beast. I dropped the 4TB version into my laptop, and load times basically disappeared—projects that used to take minutes now open in seconds. The PCIe 5.0 speed is no joke; it easily hits the advertised 14,000+ MB/s read speeds. Runs cool too!”
5. Crucial P310 500GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P310 is a high-performance Gen4 NVMe SSD that brings premium speeds to mainstream laptops. With up to 6,600MB/s read speeds, it’s perfect for gamers, creators, and users who want fast boot times and rapid file access without paying flagship prices.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface for ultra-fast data transfer
- ✓ Read speeds up to 6,600MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000MB/s
- ✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and handheld gaming devices
- ✓ Includes Crucial Storage Executive tool for monitoring health
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. It’s significantly faster than SATA drives and more affordable than PCIe 5.0 models, making it ideal for users with Gen4-capable laptops.
Best For
Gamers, students with modern laptops, and anyone upgrading from SATA to NVMe storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance at a reasonable price
- Low-profile M.2 2280 form factor fits most laptops
- Reliable Micron NAND and controller technology
- Great for gaming and multitasking
Cons:
- Only 500GB capacity may be limiting for some users
- No included heatsink (may throttle in tightly packed 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 times are noticeably quicker than my old SATA drive.”
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 improved dramatically.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Ssd For Laptop
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for your laptop, we evaluate several key factors: interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), form factor (2.5-inch vs. M.2), storage capacity, read/write speeds, endurance (TBW rating), compatibility with your laptop model, and price per gigabyte. We also consider real-world usage—like boot times, app loading, and file transfers—to ensure our recommendations deliver tangible improvements.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the Crucial BX500 start around $0.08/GB, while high-end PCIe 5.0 drives like the Samsung 9100 PRO can exceed $0.30/GB. For most users, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD offers the best balance of speed, capacity, and value. If you’re on a tight budget, a reliable SATA SSD still provides a massive upgrade over an HDD.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re breathing new life into an aging laptop or maximizing the potential of a cutting-edge ultrabook, the right SSD makes all the difference. Our top picks cover every use case—from affordable SATA upgrades to blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 beasts. Prioritize compatibility with your system, then choose based on your performance needs and budget.
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 SSDs—but not always both. Check your laptop’s manual or use tools like Crucial’s Scanner to confirm compatibility before buying.
Q: Is NVMe faster than SATA?
A: Yes. NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface and are typically 3–6x faster than SATA SSDs. However, you’ll only see this benefit if your laptop supports NVMe.
Q: Do I need to clone my old drive or reinstall Windows?
A: You can do either. Cloning preserves your OS and files, while a fresh install often yields better performance. Tools like Acronis True Image (included with some SSDs) make cloning easy.
Q: Will an SSD improve gaming performance?
A: Absolutely. While it won’t boost FPS, an SSD drastically reduces game load times, texture pop-in, and level transitions—especially in open-world titles.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are extremely durable. Most consumer drives are rated for 150–600 TBW (Terabytes Written), meaning they can last decades under normal use.
Ready to supercharge your laptop? Don’t wait—upgrading to one of these top-rated SSDs is one of the easiest and most impactful improvements you can make. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and find the perfect SSD for your setup today!