“`html
Choosing the right SSD size can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re balancing performance, storage needs, and budget. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a new gaming rig, or expanding your PS5 storage, knowing what size SSD you should buy is crucial. In this expert-reviewed roundup, we break down the best SSDs across various capacities and use cases to help you make a smart, informed decision without the tech jargon.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 What Size Ssd Should I Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD for PC and Laptop Storage Upgrade
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB is a rock-solid choice for anyone asking what size SSD should I buy for everyday computing. It delivers near-saturation of the SATA III interface with 560/530 MB/s read/write speeds and boasts up to 600 TBW endurance—perfect for years of reliable use.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Maximizes SATA III performance with 560 MB/s read speeds
✓ Industry-leading reliability with up to 600 TBW and 5-year warranty
✓ Compatible with nearly all laptops and desktops via 2.5″ form factor
✓ Built on Samsung’s proven V-NAND technology for consistent performance
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, capacity, and durability. Whether you’re upgrading an older system or adding fast storage to a new build, the 1TB capacity gives you ample space for your OS, apps, and media without breaking the bank.
Best For
General users, students, and professionals who need dependable, high-performance storage in a widely compatible format.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional real-world performance
- Long lifespan with high TBW rating
- Trusted brand with excellent support
- Easy installation in most systems
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than budget drives
- Limited to SATA speeds (not 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.”
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 Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
If you’re serious about storage and want future-proof capacity, the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB answers the question what size SSD should I buy with confidence. With double the space of the 1TB model and the same legendary reliability, it’s ideal for content creators and power users.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 2TB capacity for large files, games, and backups
✓ Same top-tier 560/530 MB/s SATA III performance as smaller models
✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance—built for heavy workloads
✓ 5-year limited warranty and Samsung Magician software support
Why We Recommend It
When you need more room without sacrificing speed or quality, this is the SSD to get. It handles 4K video editing, large game libraries, and multitasking with ease—all while maintaining Samsung’s reputation for stability.
Best For
Content creators, gamers with large libraries, and anyone who refuses to constantly manage storage space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a compact 2.5″ drive
- Consistent performance under load
- Excellent long-term value per gigabyte
- Reliable brand with strong warranty
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- Overkill for basic web browsing or office tasks
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.”
3. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD
The WD Blue SA510 1TB offers fantastic value for those wondering what size SSD should I buy on a budget. It delivers solid SATA III performance at a lower price point, making it a smart pick for everyday upgrades.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Reliable 1TB capacity for OS, apps, and personal files
✓ SATA III interface with up to 560 MB/s read speeds
✓ Low power consumption improves laptop battery life
✓ Includes Acronis True Image backup software
Why We Recommend It
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get fast, dependable storage. This drive is perfect for replacing an aging HDD in a laptop or adding secondary storage to a desktop—without compromising too much on quality.
Best For
Budget-conscious users, students, and anyone upgrading from an HDD for the first time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- WD reliability and customer support
- Energy efficient design
- Easy cloning with included software
Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe drives
- Lower TBW rating than premium models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly! I would still buy WD drives over others.”
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal.”
4. 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink for Gaming and PS5 Expansion
For gamers and PS5 owners asking what size SSD should I buy for maximum speed, this NVMe drive is a game-changer. With blazing 7,350 MB/s read speeds and a built-in heatsink, it’s ready for high-performance workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface delivers up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds
✓ Includes heatsink for sustained performance during long gaming sessions
✓ PS5-compatible—officially supports Sony’s expansion requirements
✓ 1TB capacity fits dozens of modern games
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a high-end PC or expanding your PS5, this SSD offers the speed and capacity you need without overpaying for premium brands. The included heatsink ensures thermal throttling won’t slow you down.
Best For
Gamers, streamers, and PS5 users who demand ultra-fast load times and seamless performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast PCIe 4.0 performance
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- PS5-certified compatibility
- Great value for Gen4 speeds
Cons:
-
Categories Buying Guide