Choosing the right SSD size can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re not sure how much storage you actually need. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a new gaming rig, or just looking to speed up your daily workflow, picking the correct SSD capacity is crucial. Too small, and you’ll constantly run out of space; too large, and you might overspend on storage you’ll never use. In this guide, we break down the best SSDs across different sizes and use cases, so you can confidently answer the question: what size SSD should I buy?
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Size Ssd Should I Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB strikes the perfect balance between capacity, speed, and reliability for most users. If you’re wondering what size SSD should I buy for everyday computing, gaming, or light content creation, this 1TB model offers ample space without breaking the bank.
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 laptops and desktops via standard 2.5” SATA interface
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers consistent performance across boot times, file transfers, and application loading. It’s built on Samsung’s proven V-NAND technology, making it one of the most reliable SATA drives on the market—ideal if you want a hassle-free upgrade that lasts.
Best For
General users, students, and professionals who need a fast, dependable drive for daily tasks, office work, or moderate gaming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance and stability
- High endurance rating ensures long-term durability
- Easy installation in most laptops and desktops
- Trusted brand with strong customer support
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe options (but still vastly faster than HDDs)
- Limited future-proofing as SATA is being phased out in newer systems
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… It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely.”
Customer Review: “Its a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people…”
2. Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need massive storage, the 500GB Samsung 870 EVO is a smart pick. It answers the common question—what size SSD should I buy if I just need essentials like OS, apps, and a few games—with reliable speed and Samsung’s trusted build quality.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Max SATA III performance at 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ 300 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ Includes Samsung Magician for drive health monitoring
- ✓ Low power consumption improves laptop battery life
Why We Recommend It
This drive offers nearly identical performance to its larger sibling but in a more compact capacity. It’s perfect for secondary drives, older system upgrades, or users who primarily stream and cloud-store media.
Best For
Budget-conscious buyers, students, or anyone upgrading from an HDD who doesn’t store large video or game libraries locally.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for entry-level SSD performance
- Energy-efficient design extends laptop battery
- Reliable and durable with Samsung’s 5-year warranty
- Simple drop-in replacement for most 2.5” drives
Cons:
- 500GB may fill up quickly with modern games or 4K videos
- Not ideal for heavy multitaskers or content creators
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… It’s a perfect fit and works great.”
Customer Review: “SATA III drives are still more than fast enough for 99% of people… super durable enterprise-grade drives available.”
3. Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
When you need serious storage without switching to NVMe, the 2TB Samsung 870 EVO delivers. If your dilemma is what size SSD should I buy for storing large photo libraries, video projects, or dozens of games, this high-capacity SATA drive offers excellent bang-for-buck.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity in a standard 2.5” form factor
- ✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance—ideal for heavy write workloads
- ✓ Maintains full SATA III speed (560/530 MB/s)
- ✓ Backed by Samsung’s 5-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
Despite being a SATA drive, its sheer capacity and reliability make it a standout for users who prioritize space over ultra-high speeds. It’s especially useful for archival storage or as a primary drive in workstations.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, gamers with large libraries, or anyone needing a single drive for both OS and bulk storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a compact, universally compatible format
- Exceptional longevity with high TBW rating
- No compatibility issues with older systems
- Consistent performance under load
Cons:
- Bulkier than M.2 drives (requires SATA cable and power)
- Slower than PCIe 4.0 NVMe alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD… It’s made the old device MUCH faster.”
Customer Review: “SATA III is still more than fast enough for 99% of people… super durable enterprise-grade drives available.”
4. SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0
If you’re building a modern PC or upgrading a compatible laptop, the SIX NVMe M.2 SSD leverages PCIe 4.0 for blazing-fast speeds. When asking what size SSD should I buy for gaming or creative work, this 1TB NVMe drive offers top-tier performance at a competitive price.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds via PCIe Gen4 x4 interface
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor—no cables needed
- ✓ Includes optional heatsink for thermal management
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
Why We Recommend It
This drive dramatically reduces load times in games and accelerates large file transfers. The included heatsink and installation kit make setup effortless—even for beginners.
Best For
Gamers, streamers, and power users who want cutting-edge speed and future-proof compatibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast read/write speeds
- Compact M.2 design saves space
- Great value for a PCIe 4.0 drive
- Easy installation with included accessories
Cons:
- Requires PCIe 4.0 support for full speed (older systems limited to PCIe 3.0)
- May run hot under sustained loads without proper cooling
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…”
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…”
5. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 2TB is a no-frills, high-value SATA SSD that answers what size SSD should I buy when you need maximum storage on a budget. It’s slower than NVMe but offers reliable performance for everyday tasks and large-file storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 540 MB/s read speeds (SATA III max)
- ✓ 2TB capacity at an affordable price point
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than HDDs
- ✓ Includes Acronis True Image for easy cloning
Why We Recommend It
This drive is perfect for users who want to replace an old hard drive with a large, fast SSD without spending a fortune. It’s ideal for backups, media storage, or as a secondary drive.
Best For
Budget builders, home users needing bulk storage, or anyone upgrading from an HDD who prioritizes capacity over speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price per gigabyte
- Low power consumption improves battery life
- Reliable for basic computing and file storage
- Easy migration with included cloning software
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Basic design with minimal heatsinking
- Limited performance under heavy multitasking
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness 300% faster than a typical hard drive.”
Customer Review: “Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Size SSD Should I Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When recommending SSDs, we evaluate capacity, interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), endurance (TBW), real-world performance, compatibility, and value. Your ideal SSD size depends on usage: 500GB suits light users, 1TB is the sweet spot for most, and 2TB+ benefits gamers and creators. Always check your device’s interface (M.2, 2.5”, PCIe version) before buying.
Budget Planning
SSD prices have dropped significantly, but larger capacities still cost more. A 500GB SATA SSD starts around $40, while 1TB NVMe drives range from $60–$100. For 2TB, expect $100–$150. Balance your needs: don’t overspend on unused space, but avoid going too small—modern OS updates and games eat storage fast.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what size SSD should I buy, but our top picks cover every scenario. Whether you need speed, space, or savings, choosing a reputable brand like Samsung or Crucial ensures reliability. Upgrade confidently—your system will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size SSD should I buy for gaming?
A: For gaming, we recommend at least 1TB. Modern AAA titles can take 80–150GB each, and your OS plus apps need room too. If you play many games, go for 2TB or use a smaller SSD for the OS and a larger HDD for storage.
Q: Is a 500GB SSD enough for everyday use?
A: Yes—if you mainly browse, stream, and use office apps. But if you install multiple programs, store photos, or play a few games, 500GB fills up quickly. Consider 1TB for future-proofing.
Q: Should I choose SATA or NVMe?
A: NVMe is faster and ideal for new builds or PS5 upgrades. SATA is cheaper, widely compatible, and still much faster than HDDs. Choose based on your system’s support and performance needs.
Q: Can I use an SSD as external storage?
A: Yes! Pair any 2.5” SSD with a USB enclosure for portable, fast external storage. M.2 NVMe drives also work with USB-C enclosures for ultra-speed transfers.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Most consumer SSDs last 5–10 years under normal use. Check the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating—higher is better. Samsung and Crucial drives include health monitoring tools to track longevity.
Ready to upgrade? Don’t let storage confusion hold you back. Pick the SSD that matches your needs, click “Check Price” on your favorite option above, and enjoy faster boots, quicker loads, and smoother performance today!