Choosing the right M.2 SSD can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market—especially when you’re trying to balance speed, capacity, compatibility, and budget. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, building a high-performance workstation, or expanding storage on your laptop or PS5, picking the best M.2 SSD for your needs is crucial. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top M.2 SSDs available today to help you make a confident, informed decision. From blazing-fast Gen5 drives to budget-friendly Gen4 picks, we cover it all.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What M2 Ssd To Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial T710 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptops and Desktops
The Crucial T710 is a next-gen powerhouse that brings PCIe Gen5 speeds to mainstream users. With read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s and write speeds hitting 13,800 MB/s, this SSD drastically reduces game load times, boot sequences, and file transfers. It’s built for Intel 13th/14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms, making it ideal for high-end desktops and compatible laptops.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen5 performance delivering nearly double the speed of Gen4 drives
✓ 1TB capacity perfect for gamers and content creators
✓ Optimized for latest Intel and AMD platforms
✓ Includes optional heatsink version for thermal management
✓ Backed by Micron’s reliable 3D NAND technology
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is a game-changer if you’ve got a compatible Gen5 motherboard. It’s not just fast—it’s consistently fast under load, thanks to excellent thermal design and firmware optimization. Whether you’re editing 8K video or loading massive open-world games, the T710 handles it with ease.
Best For
High-performance desktops, content creators, and early adopters with Gen5-compatible systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightning-fast Gen5 speeds
Reliable brand with strong warranty support
Great for multitasking and heavy workloads
Available with or without heatsink
Cons:
- Requires Gen5 motherboard for full performance
Higher price per GB than Gen4 options
Can run hot without proper cooling
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is an interesting piece of hardware. This particular NVME SSD Gen 5.0 exceeded read and write speeds for me in Crystal Disk, and that was on a working ‘C’ drive. This Gen 5.0 drive cooks, and in more ways than one. Running this in the Gen 5.0 slot on a Gigabyte X670E motherboard.”
Customer Review: “You might think (as I did) that you’re doing better by getting this OEM heatsink version – paying about $30 extra. I learned the lesson in a hard way that; exactly the opposite holds true. Crucial periodically runs deals; selling heatsink version even cheaper than naked drive. Don’t fall for that an”
2. WD_Black SN850X 8TB 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 8TB is a beast of an SSD—offering massive storage and elite Gen4 performance. With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s, it’s built for serious gamers and professionals who need both speed and space. The optional heatsink version helps maintain peak performance during marathon gaming sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 8TB capacity for storing entire game libraries
✓ Top-tier Gen4 speeds with consistent performance
✓ Optional integrated heatsink for thermal control
✓ Built with Western Digital’s reliable TLC 3D NAND
✓ Ideal for PS5 expansion and high-end PCs
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between capacity and performance. It’s one of the few 8TB NVMe drives that doesn’t sacrifice speed for size. Whether you’re backing up 4K footage or installing dozens of AAA titles, the SN850X handles it all without breaking a sweat.
Best For
Gamers with large libraries, video editors, and users needing high-capacity fast storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge 8TB capacity
Excellent sustained read/write speeds
Heatsink option prevents throttling
Great for PS5 and PC gaming
Reliable brand with solid firmware
Cons:
- Premium price due to high capacity
Overkill for casual users
Requires good airflow or heatsink under heavy load
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”
3. WD Black SN7100 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptops and Gaming Devices
The WD Black SN7100 delivers near-top-tier Gen4 performance at a more accessible price point. With read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s, it’s purpose-built for gamers and mobile users who want speed without overspending. The 2TB capacity offers plenty of room for games, apps, and media.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Impressive Gen4 speeds rivaling premium drives
✓ 2TB capacity ideal for most users
✓ Designed for laptops and compact gaming devices
✓ Uses SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND
✓ 35% faster than previous-gen WD Black models
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to pay top dollar for excellent performance. It’s fast, reliable, and compact—perfect for upgrading a laptop or building a mid-range gaming PC. The price-to-performance ratio is outstanding, especially during sales.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers, laptop upgraders, and users seeking reliable Gen4 speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for Gen4 performance
Fast load times in games and apps
Compact M.2 2280 design
Good thermal efficiency
WD reliability and support
Cons:
- No heatsink included (not needed for most laptops)
Not available in larger capacities (yet)
Slightly lower endurance than flagship models
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.PerformanceUsing 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!!”
4. 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and PC Gaming
This Gen4 NVMe SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it a plug-and-play solution for PS5 owners and PC builders. With read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s, it meets Sony’s strict requirements for PS5 expansion and delivers smooth performance in demanding games and applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Includes low-profile heatsink for PS5 compatibility
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface for maximum bandwidth
✓ Up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds
✓ Easy installation with included tools and screws
✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and PS5
Why We Recommend It
If you’re expanding your PS5 storage, this SSD takes the guesswork out of compatibility. The integrated heatsink ensures stable performance, and the included installation kit saves you a trip to the hardware store. It’s also a solid choice for PC gamers on a budget.
Best For
PS5 owners, PC gamers, and users wanting a hassle-free Gen4 upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
PS5-certified performance and fit
Fast Gen4 speeds
Good value for a bundled kit
Easy to install
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity (smaller than some competitors)
Heatsink may not fit all laptop configurations
Brand less established than Samsung or WD
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.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 “
5. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB 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 2TB is a proven performer in the Gen4 space, offering elite speeds and rock-solid reliability. With up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds, it’s a favorite among gamers and professionals alike. The optional heatsink version is highly recommended for sustained workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Top-tier Gen4 performance with consistent speeds
✓ 2TB capacity balances space and cost
✓ Optional heatsink for thermal management
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND
✓ Excellent for PS5 and high-end PCs
Why We Recommend It
This SSD has been a benchmark in the gaming community for years—and for good reason. It’s fast, reliable, and widely compatible. Whether you’re installing it in a PS5 or a custom gaming rig, the SN850X delivers smooth, lag-free performance.
Best For
Gamers, streamers, and power users who want proven performance and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistently high speeds under load
Great thermal performance (especially with heatsink)
Wide compatibility with PCs and PS5
Strong endurance and longevity
Trusted brand with good support
Cons:
- Heatsink version costs extra
Not the cheapest Gen4 option
Overkill for basic office tasks
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”
6. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for High-End Computing
The Samsung 990 PRO is one of the fastest Gen4 SSDs on the market, with read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s. Built for high-end computing, it’s optimized for gaming, content creation, and workstation tasks. Samsung’s reputation for quality and innovation shines through in this flagship drive.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds with low latency
✓ 2TB capacity ideal for pros and enthusiasts
✓ Samsung’s advanced V-NAND and controller tech
✓ Excellent thermal efficiency and durability
✓ Backed by a 5-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
If you want the best of the best in Gen4 performance, the 990 PRO is hard to beat. It’s not just fast—it’s consistently fast, even during long rendering or gaming sessions. Samsung’s software suite also makes monitoring and maintenance easy.
Best For
Professionals, enthusiasts, and users who demand top-tier performance and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Among the fastest Gen4 drives available
Excellent build quality and reliability
Great for PS5 and high-end PCs
Strong random performance
5-year warranty with Samsung support
Cons:
- Premium pricing
No heatsink included (sold separately)
Overkill for everyday browsing
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: “Installed this SSD in my PS5 and it just works exactly as advertised.Physical install took literally 3-4 minutes (unscrew the cover, slot it in, screw it down). No issues at all.PS5 recognized it instantly, formatted in under a minute, and I started moving games over right away. Transfer speeds were”
7. chenyang M.2 NVME PCIE SSD to SFF
This isn’t a traditional SSD—it’s an adapter that allows you to connect M.2 NVMe SSDs to SFF (Small Form Factor) systems or servers via PCIe. It supports various M.2 sizes (2280, 2260, etc.) and is ideal for custom builds, NAS setups, or industrial applications where space is limited.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Converts M.2 NVMe to PCIe x4 interface
✓ Supports multiple M.2 form factors
✓ Compact design for tight spaces
✓ Works with PCIe-based SSDs (not SATA)
✓ Useful for server and embedded systems
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a compact server, upgrading an old workstation, or need flexible storage in a small chassis, this adapter offers a clever solution. Just remember—it’s not a drive itself, but a bridge for using NVMe SSDs in non-standard setups.
Best For
IT professionals, system builders, and users with specialized storage needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enables NVMe use in legacy or compact systems
Supports multiple M.2 sizes
Affordable solution for custom builds
Solid construction
Useful for NAS and server applications
Cons:
- Not a standalone SSD—requires separate drive
Confusing marketing (not a converter)
Limited use case for average consumers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Read this before you buy! This will NOT convert an NVMe drive to SATA (as a lot of the one star reviews seem to be attempting), nor will it convert SATA drives to PCIe. It is *TWO separate* adapters on one board, not a converter. But connecting a NVMe SSD to a PCIe SlimSAS connector? It works exact”
Customer Review: “Read this before you buy! This will NOT convert an NVMe drive to SATA (as a lot of the one star reviews seem to be attempting), nor will it convert SATA drives to PCIe. It is *TWO separate* adapters on one board, not a converter. But connecting a NVMe SSD to a PCIe SlimSAS connector? It works exact”
Complete Buying Guide for What M2 Ssd To Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an M.2 SSD, focus on interface type (Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5), capacity, speed, compatibility, and thermal management. Gen4 drives offer the best balance for most users, while Gen5 is only beneficial if you have a compatible motherboard. Always check your device’s M.2 slot type (B-key, M-key, or B+M) and whether it supports NVMe (not just SATA). Heatsinks are recommended for Gen4/Gen5 drives in desktops or PS5s to prevent throttling.
Budget Planning
Prices vary widely: budget Gen3 drives start around $50 for 1TB, while high-end Gen4 models cost $100–$150 for 2TB. Gen5 drives are premium, often $200+ for 1TB. Consider your actual needs—gamers may prioritize speed, while general users benefit more from capacity. Watch for sales on trusted brands like Samsung, WD, and Crucial for the best value.
Final Thoughts
The best M.2 SSD for you depends on your system, use case, and budget. For most people, a Gen4 drive like the WD Black SN7100 or Samsung 990 PRO offers the sweet spot of speed, reliability, and price. If you’re building a cutting-edge PC, the Crucial T710 Gen5 drive is worth the investment. Always verify compatibility before buying, and don’t forget thermal solutions for high-performance drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a Gen5 M.2 SSD in a Gen4 slot?
A: Yes, Gen5 SSDs are backward compatible with Gen4 and Gen3 slots, but they’ll run at the lower speed of the slot. You won’t get the full performance benefit unless your motherboard supports Gen5.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: It depends. Laptops usually don’t need one, but desktops and PS5s benefit from heatsinks—especially with Gen4 and Gen5 drives under heavy load. Some SSDs include one; others require a separate purchase.
Q: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs?
A: NVMe M.2 SSDs are much faster, using the PCIe interface for speeds up to 7,000+ MB/s. SATA M.2 SSDs are limited to ~600 MB/s. Always check your motherboard specs to ensure NVMe support.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: For gaming, 1TB is the minimum—2TB or more is ideal if you play AAA titles. For general use, 500GB–1TB suffices. Content creators should consider 2TB+ for 4K/8K files.
Q: Are cheaper M.2 SSDs reliable?
A: Some budget drives use lower-grade NAND or controllers, which can affect longevity and performance under load. Stick to reputable brands and read reviews to avoid duds.
Still unsure which M.2 SSD to buy? Our top picks cover every need—from budget upgrades to elite Gen5 performance. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and find the perfect fit for your system. Don’t forget to verify compatibility with your device before ordering!