Choosing the right NVMe SSD can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a gaming rig, expanding your PS5 storage, or just need fast external access to your drives, picking the best NVMe SSD depends on your specific needs—speed, capacity, compatibility, and budget all play a role. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top NVMe SSDs and enclosures available today to help you make a confident decision. From high-speed internal drives to versatile external adapters, these picks deliver real-world performance, reliability, and value.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Nvme Ssd To Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. BENFEI M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with USB-C and Tool-Free Design for 2230 to 2280 SSDs
If you’re looking for a reliable way to turn an unused NVMe SSD into a high-speed external drive, the BENFEI M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure is a standout pick. With its tool-free installation and USB-C connectivity, it’s perfect for gamers, students, or professionals who need fast, portable storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 10Gbps transfer speeds via USB 3.2 Gen2
- ✓ Tool-free buckle design—no screws or drivers needed
- ✓ Built-in 10-second power loss protection with supercapacitor
- ✓ Supports all M.2 NVMe SSDs from 2230 to 2280 sizes
- ✓ Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux
Why We Recommend It
This enclosure combines speed, ease of use, and smart safety features like hardware-based power loss protection—something rare in budget-friendly adapters. It’s ideal for backing up large game libraries or transferring media files quickly without worrying about data corruption during sudden disconnects.
Best For
Users who want a fast, secure, and hassle-free way to reuse old NVMe SSDs as external drives—especially MacBook owners or gamers needing extra portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Tool-free installation saves time and frustration
- Solid build quality with aluminum casing for heat dissipation
- Includes PLP (Power Loss Protection) for data safety
- Compact and lightweight for travel
Cons:
- Doesn’t support SATA M.2 SSDs—NVMe only
- Speeds may vary slightly depending on host device USB controller
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Pretty cool little enclosure. I needed somewhere to store my games on my Macbook Air M4. Helldivers 2 is huge and my SSD in my Mac was full. I tried to use a Sandisk Extreme 1TB and it just kept on slowing down on the install and took a while to delete the files. I was getting pretty frustrated.”
Customer Review: “It’s very good! Although not a performance beast—I get 600MBps of sequential writes, but a very high latency of 100–500ms and up to 40MBps when backing up my iPhone from my computer directly to the SSD in this adapter (writing thousands of small files). Not sure if it’s my computer (Intel 11th gen).”
2. M.2 NVMe and SATA SSD Reader Adapter with USB-A and USB-C Support for 2230 to 2280 Drives
Versatile, affordable, and built for both NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs, this dual-protocol adapter is a must-have for tech tinkerers and IT professionals. Whether you’re recovering data from an old laptop drive or cloning a new SSD, this reader handles it all with USB-A and USB-C flexibility.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports both NVMe (PCIe) and SATA (NGFF) M.2 SSDs
- ✓ Works with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors
- ✓ Dual interface: USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) via USB-C and USB-A
- ✓ Broad OS support: Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android
- ✓ Compact, bus-powered design—no external power needed
Why We Recommend It
Unlike most enclosures that only work with one type of SSD, this adapter handles both NVMe and SATA drives—making it incredibly useful for troubleshooting, migrations, or backups. It’s plug-and-play, reliable, and surprisingly fast for everyday tasks.
Best For
Tech-savvy users, system builders, or anyone who frequently works with multiple SSD types and needs a universal reader for data recovery or drive cloning.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual compatibility (NVMe + SATA) saves money and space
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for maximum connectivity
- No drivers required—works instantly on most systems
- Lightweight and durable plastic housing
Cons:
- No heatsink or thermal management for sustained workloads
- Not ideal for continuous high-speed transfers over long periods
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Had to reset my new computer. This allowed me to retrieve my files before reinstalling the operating system. It worked well. Now I will have it for next time. I didn’t notice any heat problems. I would recommend this product.”
Customer Review: “Worked good to clone SSD drives when changing out SSD drives in my laptop.”
3. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen4 and 6,600MB/s Speeds for Laptops and Desktops
The Crucial P310 delivers Gen4 performance at a surprisingly affordable price, making it one of the best NVMe SSDs for budget-conscious upgraders. With read speeds up to 6,600MB/s and broad compatibility, it’s a smart choice for laptops, desktops, and even handheld gaming devices.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 6,600MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 500GB capacity—great for OS, apps, and moderate game libraries
- ✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and more
- ✓ Low power consumption ideal for portable devices
- ✓ Backed by Micron’s reliable NAND and 5-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
For under $50, the P310 offers near-top-tier Gen4 speeds without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for users upgrading from slower SATA or Gen3 drives who want a noticeable boost in boot times and application loading without overspending.
Best For
Budget gamers, students, and professionals looking for a fast, reliable internal NVMe SSD upgrade for their laptop or desktop.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Low heat output—no heatsink needed in most laptops
- Easy installation with standard M.2 2280 form factor
- Trusted brand with strong reliability track record
Cons:
- Only 500GB—may fill up quickly for heavy gamers
- Write speeds (5,000MB/s) slightly lower than premium competitors
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 super smooth.”
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 noticeably.”
4. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen4 and 7,250MB/s Read Speed for Gaming Devices
Built for serious gamers, the WD Black SN7100 combines blazing-fast speeds with generous 2TB capacity, delivering smooth gameplay and quick load times. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it’s one of the fastest NVMe SSDs in its class—and it’s designed to handle marathon gaming sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 2TB capacity for large game libraries and media
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with SanDisk’s advanced TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Optimized for gaming laptops, desktops, and consoles
- ✓ Sleek black design with optional heatsink models available
Why We Recommend It
The SN7100 isn’t just fast—it’s consistent. Even under heavy loads, it maintains high performance without throttling. If you play AAA titles or stream while gaming, this drive ensures your system keeps up without lag or stutter.
Best For
Hardcore gamers, content creators, and power users who demand top-tier speed and ample storage for large files and games.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen4 SSDs available
- Large 2TB capacity reduces need for secondary drives
- Reliable performance with minimal heat buildup
- WD Black brand trusted by gamers worldwide
Cons:
- Pricier than budget Gen4 options like the Crucial P310
- No included heatsink on base model (sold separately)
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. Performance: 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 write on smaller tests.”
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!!”
5. 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0, 7,350MB/s Speeds, and Heatsink for PS5 and PC Gaming
Designed specifically for PS5 expansion and high-performance PC builds, this 1TB NVMe SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink and hits impressive 7,350MB/s read speeds. It’s plug-and-play ready for Sony’s console and delivers desktop-grade performance in a compact package.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 7,350MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Includes aluminum heatsink for thermal management
- ✓ PS5-certified dimensions—fits perfectly in the expansion slot
- ✓ Also compatible with laptops and desktops (with or without heatsink)
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for storing multiple AAA games
Why We Recommend It
This drive removes the guesswork from PS5 upgrades. The included heatsink ensures stable performance during long gaming sessions, and the speed meets Sony’s strict requirements. It’s also a great value compared to first-party branded options.
Best For
PS5 owners looking to expand storage without sacrificing speed, and PC gamers who want a high-performance NVMe SSD with built-in cooling.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- PS5-ready out of the box
- Consistently high speeds under load
- Affordable for a Gen4 drive with heatsink
Cons:
- Only 1TB—may require frequent game management
- Heatsink adds slight height; check clearance in small-form-factor PCs
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…”
Complete Buying Guide for What Nvme Ssd To Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best NVMe SSD, we evaluate speed (measured in MB/s), capacity, compatibility (M.2 2280 is most common), interface (PCIe Gen3 vs Gen4), endurance (TBW rating), and real-world reliability. For external use, we also consider build quality, portability, and special features like power loss protection or tool-free installation. Always match your SSD to your device’s supported generation—Gen4 drives work in Gen3 slots but at reduced speeds.
Budget Planning
NVMe SSDs range from under $50 for 500GB budget drives to over $200 for high-capacity, high-speed models. For most users, a 1TB Gen4 SSD offers the best balance of price and performance. If you’re on a tight budget, the Crucial P310 delivers excellent value. Gamers and creators should invest in faster drives like the WD Black SN7100 or PS5-ready options with heatsinks. Remember: spending a little more often means better longevity and fewer headaches down the road.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re upgrading your system, expanding your PS5, or building a portable storage solution, there’s an NVMe SSD on this list that fits your needs. Prioritize speed if you game or edit videos, choose compatibility if you’re recovering data, and don’t overlook features like heatsinks or power protection. With the right drive, you’ll notice faster boots, quicker loads, and smoother multitasking—every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a Gen4 NVMe SSD in a Gen3 slot?
A: Yes, but it will run at Gen3 speeds (around 3,500MB/s max). Always check your motherboard or laptop specs to see which PCIe generation it supports before buying.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: Not always—but highly recommended for Gen4 drives, especially in confined spaces like laptops or PS5. Heatsinks prevent thermal throttling during sustained workloads.
Q: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs?
A: NVMe uses the faster PCIe interface (ideal for speed), while SATA M.2 drives use the older SATA protocol (slower, but cheaper). They are not interchangeable—check your device’s supported type.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: For most users, 1TB is the sweet spot. Gamers with large libraries should consider 2TB. If you only need OS and light apps, 500GB may suffice—but it fills up fast.
Q: Are external NVMe enclosures safe for long-term use?
A: Yes, especially models with power loss protection (like the BENFEI) and good heat dissipation. Avoid cheap, unbranded enclosures that may corrupt data during transfers.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Click any “Check Price” button above to grab the best NVMe SSD for your setup today—and enjoy faster performance, more space, and peace of mind knowing you chose a trusted, expert-recommended drive.