In 2016, solid-state drives (SSDs) were becoming the go-to upgrade for anyone looking to breathe new life into an aging laptop or desktop. With faster boot times, quicker file access, and improved overall system responsiveness, SSDs offered a dramatic performance leap over traditional hard drives. Whether you were a gamer, student, or professional, choosing the right SSD meant balancing speed, capacity, reliability, and budget. This guide highlights the best SSDs available in 2016—curated based on real-world performance, durability, and value—so you can make a confident upgrade decision.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Ssd To Buy 2016 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s – CT1000BX500SSD1, Solid Stat…
The Crucial BX500 1TB SSD delivers reliable performance at an affordable price, making it ideal for everyday computing and system upgrades. With 3D NAND technology and energy-efficient design, it improves boot times, file access, and overall responsiveness by up to 300% compared to traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB storage capacity for ample space
✓ Up to 540MB/s read speeds for fast data access
✓ 45x more energy efficient than HDDs, extending battery life
✓ Durable with no moving parts and shock resistance
✓ Easy installation with included cloning software
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes a perfect balance between price, performance, and reliability. It’s a great entry-level upgrade that delivers noticeable improvements in system speed without breaking the bank.
Best For
Users upgrading from an HDD, budget-conscious buyers, and those needing reliable daily performance for work or school.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Energy efficient and quiet operation
- Easy to install with helpful software
- Consistent performance across tasks
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (affects sustained writes)
- Not the fastest in its class
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features: Performance Although I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers.”
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 good for sustained write performance: ❌ Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌ On the o”
2. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD for PC and Laptop
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB is a powerhouse SSD known for its top-tier performance, reliability, and compatibility. Built with Samsung’s V-NAND technology, it maximizes SATA III limits with sequential speeds up to 560MB/s read and 530MB/s write, making it ideal for demanding applications and multitasking.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Industry-leading 600 TBW endurance rating
✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
✓ Intelligent TurboWrite technology for sustained speed
✓ Broad compatibility with PCs and laptops
✓ Advanced error correction and data integrity
Why We Recommend It
Samsung has a long-standing reputation for quality, and the 870 EVO lives up to it. It’s fast, durable, and backed by excellent support—making it our top pick for performance-focused users.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and professionals who need high-speed storage with long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and consistency
- High endurance and long lifespan
- Trusted brand with strong warranty
- Great for heavy workloads
Cons:
- More expensive than budget options
- Overkill for basic computing 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 (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 formfactor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people, there are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise grade drives…”
3. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD – SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5″/7mm…
The WD Blue SA510 offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price, making it a smart choice for users upgrading from an HDD. With 1TB of storage and SATA III speeds, it delivers fast boot times and smooth multitasking without the premium cost.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB capacity for large file storage
✓ SATA III interface with up to 560MB/s read speeds
✓ Low power consumption for better battery life
✓ Compact 2.5-inch form factor fits most systems
✓ WD Dashboard software for monitoring and updates
Why We Recommend It
Western Digital is a trusted name in storage, and the SA510 brings reliable SSD performance to budget-conscious buyers. It’s a great value for everyday use.
Best For
Students, home users, and anyone upgrading an older system on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price for 1TB capacity
- Reliable brand with good support
- Easy to install and use
- Energy efficient design
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- No advanced caching features
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! That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!! I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance.”
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. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect.”
4. 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen3.0 Internal SSD for MacBook Air and Pro 2013–2017
This NVMe SSD is designed specifically for older MacBook models, offering a high-speed upgrade path with up to 2,100MB/s read and 1,700MB/s write speeds. It’s a great way to revive aging Apple laptops with modern performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ NVMe PCIe Gen3.0 x4 interface for blazing speeds
✓ 1TB storage for large apps and media files
✓ MTBF over 1.5 million hours for reliability
✓ 3D NAND flash for durability and efficiency
✓ Direct fit for MacBook Air/Pro 2013–2017
Why We Recommend It
If you’re holding onto an older MacBook, this SSD brings it into the modern era with dramatic speed improvements and ample storage.
Best For
MacBook users looking to extend the life of their device with a performance boost.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge speed increase over original SSDs
- Easy installation with no adapter needed
- Great for video editing and large files
- Reliable build quality
Cons:
- Limited to specific MacBook models
- Higher price than SATA alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this OSCOO 1TB NVMe SSD because my original drive failed, and my MacBook wouldn’t boot up — it was completely dead in the water. I figured I’d give this replacement a shot and also get an upgrade in storage and speed, and I’m so glad I did. PRO TIP: READ THE USER MANUAL!”
Customer Review: “Installed fine in my 2013 Mac Pro. I formatted it and installed OpenCore Legacy Patcher. I have so much space now.”
5. Fanxiang S101 512GB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD for Laptop and Desktop
The Fanxiang S101 delivers solid SATA III performance with 512GB of storage, making it a reliable choice for upgrading older laptops and desktops. With 3D TLC NAND and SLC caching, it offers consistent speeds and long-term durability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 550MB/s read/write speeds for fast performance
✓ 3D TLC NAND with SLC cache for stability
✓ 50% faster boot times than HDDs
✓ Compact 2.5-inch design fits most systems
✓ Affordable price for mid-tier capacity
Why We Recommend It
Despite being a lesser-known brand, the Fanxiang S101 offers excellent value and performance, especially for budget upgrades.
Best For
Users needing a reliable mid-capacity SSD for general computing without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Fast boot and load times
- Good build quality for the price
- Works well in older systems
Cons:
- Limited warranty compared to major brands
- No advanced management software
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My PC is formatting this drive at a block rate of around 300mbps which is pretty standard. Formatting at this rate will take a little over an hour and I will monitor the drive’s temperature and test transfer rate. I’m going to go ahead and install an OS on the drive because I think it will perform b”
Customer Review: “Even though it’s a random brand, it is so reliable, anyone questioning the bad reviews, it was most likely user error that caused them to put it as one star!”
6. Silicon Power 128GB SSD 3D NAND A55 SLC Cache Performance Boost SATA III 2.5″ 7mm Internal Solid…
The Silicon Power 128GB SSD is a compact, budget-friendly drive ideal for basic computing needs. With 3D NAND and SLC caching, it delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and light gaming.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SLC cache for improved write performance
✓ 3D NAND flash for durability and efficiency
✓ 7mm thickness fits ultra-thin laptops
✓ Low power consumption
✓ Easy plug-and-play installation
Why We Recommend It
For users needing a simple, affordable SSD to replace an old HDD, this drive offers solid performance and reliability at a low cost.
Best For
Secondary drives, older laptops, and users on a tight budget needing basic SSD functionality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Reliable for light use
- Compact and lightweight
- Good for OS and essential apps
Cons:
- Only 128GB capacity
- Not suitable for large files or games
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Works perfectly. This is like my 3rd or 4th drive from them, using both SSD and M.2, all have worked flawlessly. Click buy and be happy with your decision”
Customer Review: “The Silicon Power 128GB SSD is a budget-friendly SATA drive that offers significant speed upgrade for my old PC, it’s easy to install, works very well, no compatibility issues. It’s a great option for running your operating system.”
7. GAMERKING 256GB NVMe SSD for MacBook, PCIe Gen3x4, 3D TLC NAND Flash Replacement SSD for MacBook …
The GAMERKING 256GB NVMe SSD is a compact, high-speed replacement designed for specific MacBook models. With PCIe Gen3x4 support, it delivers up to 2,450MB/s read speeds, making it ideal for users needing a quick and reliable upgrade.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1:1 design fits original MacBook interface
✓ NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 for ultra-fast speeds
✓ 3D TLC NAND for durability
✓ Compatible with MacBook Air/Pro 2013–2017
✓ Pre-installed macOS option available
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers a hassle-free upgrade path for MacBook owners, combining speed, compatibility, and ease of installation.
Best For
MacBook users replacing a failed SSD or upgrading for better performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy drop-in replacement
- High-speed NVMe performance
- Reliable build quality
- Great for gaming and productivity
Cons:
- Limited to 256GB capacity
- Only works with specific MacBook models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The GAMERKING 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD delivers solid performance with stable speeds on PCIe Gen 3.0×4. Build quality feels reliable, and installation was straightforward. This size and form factor make it ideal for upgrading handheld gaming consoles, ultrabooks, or mini PCs that use the 2230 slot.”
Customer Review: “Honest seller and incredibly accurate product. I bought this to replace my SSD in my 2015 MacBook Pro that abruptly died before I could backup. I came across this seller’s product that advertises not only being compatible but the macOS came already installed so I could bypass the restore from disk util.”
Complete Buying Guide for What SSD to Buy 2016
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD in 2016, we evaluated several key factors: speed, capacity, reliability, compatibility, and price. SATA III drives were still dominant, offering up to 560MB/s, while NVMe models began gaining traction for high-performance needs. We prioritized drives with 3D NAND technology, strong endurance ratings, and real-world user feedback to ensure long-term value.
Budget Planning
SSDs in 2016 ranged from under $50 for 128GB models to over $200 for 1TB high-performance drives. For most users, a 500GB–1TB SATA SSD offered the best balance of cost and capacity. If you’re on a tight budget, the Crucial BX500 or WD Blue SA510 provide excellent value. For Mac users or performance enthusiasts, NVMe options like the GAMERKING or MacBook-specific SSDs are worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an SSD in 2016 was one of the most impactful improvements you could make to any computer. Whether you’re reviving an old laptop or boosting a desktop, the right SSD delivers faster boot times, quicker app launches, and a smoother overall experience. Based on performance, reliability, and value, the Crucial BX500 takes our top spot as the best overall choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it worth upgrading to an SSD in 2016?
A: Absolutely. Even in 2016, SSDs offered a massive performance leap over HDDs, with faster boot times, quicker file access, and improved system responsiveness—making them one of the best upgrades for any computer.
Q: Can I install an SSD in an old laptop?
A: Yes, most laptops from 2016 and earlier support 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Just check your drive bay size (usually 7mm or 9.5mm) and ensure your system supports SATA III for best performance.
Q: Do I need to reinstall my operating system?
A: It’s recommended. You can clone your existing drive or perform a fresh OS install for optimal performance. Many SSDs include cloning software to simplify the process.
Q: Are NVMe SSDs better than SATA?
A: NVMe drives are faster, but only if your system supports PCIe lanes. In 2016, most consumer systems still used SATA, so SATA SSDs were the practical choice for most users.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are very durable, with lifespans measured in hundreds of terabytes written (TBW). For typical users, an SSD can last 5–10 years or more.
Ready to supercharge your computer? Don’t wait—upgrading to one of these top-rated SSDs will transform your daily computing experience. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and start enjoying faster performance today!