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Looking for the best SSD to buy in 2018? Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a new PC, or need fast portable storage for travel and backups, solid-state drives (SSDs) have become essential for speed, reliability, and performance. In this comprehensive roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs of 2018 across different categories—internal, portable, budget-friendly, and high-performance—to help you make the right choice based on your needs and budget.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Ssd To Buy 2018 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD with USB-C and IP65 Rating for Fast, Rugged Storage
The SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventurers and professionals who need fast, durable storage on the go. With blazing read speeds up to 1050MB/s and ruggedized design, it’s perfect for photographers, videographers, and travelers who can’t afford downtime.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ IP65-rated water and dust resistance
- ✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
- ✓ Compact, lightweight design with carabiner loop
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers NVMe-level performance in a portable form factor, making it ideal for transferring large files quickly. Its rugged build ensures it survives rough handling, while the bright blue color makes it easy to spot in a bag.
Best For
Travelers, content creators, and anyone needing fast, reliable external storage that can handle the elements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for a portable SSD
- Rugged and weather-resistant design
- USB-C with backward compatibility
- Compact and easy to carry
Cons:
- Higher price per GB compared to internal drives
- No hardware encryption
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
2. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III Internal SSD for PC and Laptop Performance Upgrade
The Samsung 870 EVO is a top-tier SATA SSD that brings desktop-grade performance to laptops and older systems. With 1TB of storage and speeds up to 560MB/s, it’s perfect for upgrading aging machines or building a reliable system.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance with 5-year warranty
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Advanced error correction and reliability
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s reputation for quality shines through in the 870 EVO. It’s consistently fast, reliable, and compatible with nearly every system. Whether you’re replacing an old HDD or upgrading your current SSD, this drive delivers.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops or desktops, professionals needing reliable storage, and anyone wanting a high-quality SATA SSD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance within SATA limits
- High endurance and long warranty
- Wide compatibility
- Consistent real-world speeds
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Not ideal for cutting-edge gaming rigs
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.I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to “
Customer Review: “its a shame sata III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the formfactor is so much nicer then nvme and it is still more then 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, tryi”
3. WD Blue 1TB SA510 SATA Internal SSD with 560MB/s Speed for Reliable Storage
The WD Blue SA510 offers excellent value for money with solid performance and 1TB of storage. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious users who still want fast boot times and file transfers without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 560MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity for under $100
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation
- ✓ 3-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
For the price, the WD Blue SA510 delivers impressive performance and reliability. It’s perfect for replacing an old hard drive in a laptop or desktop, giving your system a noticeable speed boost.
Best For
Budget builders, students, and anyone upgrading from an HDD without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Reliable for everyday use
- Easy to install
- Decent endurance for the price
Cons:
- Not as fast as premium SATA drives
- Limited features compared to higher-end 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!That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!!I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance.I would still buy WD drives over “
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.The most n”
4. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD with USB-C, 1050MB/s Speed, and Cross-Platform Compatibility
The Crucial X9 is a sleek, high-speed portable SSD designed for users who need fast file transfers across multiple devices. With USB-C support and 1050MB/s speeds, it’s ideal for gamers, students, and professionals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s transfer speeds
- ✓ IP55 water and dust resistance
- ✓ Works with Windows, Mac, Android, PS5, and more
- ✓ Compact and lightweight design
Why We Recommend It
This SSD balances speed, durability, and compatibility. It’s not just fast—it’s built to last and works seamlessly across platforms, making it a versatile choice for modern users.
Best For
Gamers, students, and professionals who need fast, portable storage across devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very fast for a portable drive
- Wide device compatibility
- Durable and travel-friendly
- No software required
Cons:
- No hardware encryption
- Limited capacity options
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love this SSD drive. I use it multiple times daily, and it works so well with my Windows 11 computers. I have used multiple backup drives that were HDD and would have to replace them within a short amount of time because of using them so frequently. I store all my family files on this SSD and use “
Customer Review: “I’ve been using the Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD for a few weeks now, and I’m seriously impressed. For those who want big storage without bulk, this is it.⸻What I love:• Compact & lightweight — It’s so small and thin, it easily fits in a jacket pocket or laptop bag without adding bulk.• Massive capac”
5. Kingston 480GB A400 SATA 3 Internal SSD for Faster PC Performance and HDD Replacement
The Kingston A400 is a budget-friendly SSD that breathes new life into old laptops and desktops. With 480GB of storage and fast boot times, it’s a smart upgrade for anyone replacing an aging hard drive.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fast boot and load times
- ✓ 7mm form factor fits slim laptops
- ✓ More reliable than traditional HDDs
- ✓ Low power consumption
Why We Recommend It
For the price, the Kingston A400 delivers excellent value. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it’s a huge step up from an HDD and perfect for everyday computing.
Best For
Users upgrading old systems, students, and anyone on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable upgrade from HDD
- Improves system responsiveness
- Easy to install
- Reliable for basic tasks
Cons:
- Slower than premium SSDs
- Limited endurance compared to higher-end models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m rebuilding a Dell E6440 and the DVD drive was wearing out. So, I opted for an additional drive, instead. This SSD fits inside of a caddy sold on Amazon. The hardware installation was straightforward. But I’m not a professional so I waited until my Wife got home. She’s a Computer Science Grad. Fo”
Customer Review: “A laptop I was losing my patience with went from being ‘some old something I’ll use in a pinch’ to ‘I can’t stop carrying this around the house with me’ with one upgrade.I’d find some chores to do if I needed to reboot…it took some 3-4 minutes. Now it reboots in less than 30 seconds.Have to insta”
Complete Buying Guide for What Ssd To Buy 2018
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD in 2018, we evaluated speed, durability, compatibility, capacity, and value. Internal SSDs like the Samsung 870 EVO are ideal for system upgrades, while portable drives like the SanDisk Extreme offer speed and ruggedness for on-the-go use. Always check your device’s interface—SATA or NVMe—and physical space before buying.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for budget models like the Kingston A400 to over $150 for high-end portable drives. Determine your needs: a basic upgrade can cost less than $60, while professional-grade portable SSDs may cost more but offer speed and durability worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re speeding up an old laptop or need fast external storage, there’s an SSD for every need and budget in 2018. Our top picks balance performance, reliability, and value—so you can upgrade with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface and max out around 560MB/s, while NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe and can reach speeds over 3,000MB/s. NVMe is faster but requires compatible hardware.
Q: Can I use an SSD in an old laptop?
A: Yes! Most older laptops support 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Just ensure the drive fits physically and your system supports SATA III for best performance.
Q: Are portable SSDs safe for travel?
A: Absolutely. Models like the SanDisk Extreme and Crucial X9 are built with rugged designs, water resistance, and drop protection—perfect for travel.
Q: How much SSD storage do I need?
A: For general use, 500GB is a sweet spot. Gamers and content creators should aim for 1TB or more. Always leave 10–20% free space for optimal performance.
Q: Do SSDs need cooling?
A: Internal NVMe SSDs can get hot under heavy load and may benefit from heatsinks. SATA and portable SSDs typically don’t require additional cooling.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you need speed, durability, or budget-friendly performance, one of these top-rated SSDs from 2018 will deliver. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and give your system the boost it deserves!
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