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If you’re wondering what SSD to buy in 2019, you’re not alone—choosing the right solid-state drive can dramatically improve your computer’s speed, reliability, and overall performance. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a new PC, or need portable storage for travel and backups, the right SSD makes all the difference. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs of 2019 across different categories—internal, portable, budget-friendly, and high-performance—so you can pick the best fit for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Ssd To Buy 2019 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 powerhouse internal SSD that delivers top-tier performance and reliability for both laptops and desktops. Built on Samsung’s proven V-NAND technology, it maxes out the SATA III interface with impressive read/write speeds and exceptional endurance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- ✓ Compatible with a wide range of systems including older laptops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for anyone looking to breathe new life into an aging computer or upgrade their primary drive. Its consistent performance, long lifespan, and Samsung’s reputation for quality make it our top pick for internal storage in 2019.
Best For
Users upgrading from HDDs, professionals needing reliable storage, and anyone wanting a durable, high-capacity SSD for daily computing tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance and speed
- High endurance and reliability
- Wide compatibility with SATA-based systems
- Strong manufacturer support and warranty
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than budget drives
- Limited by SATA III interface (not NVMe speeds)
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. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise-grade drives.”
2. SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistant
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD brings desktop-grade speed to a rugged, pocket-sized design. With blazing-fast transfer rates and military-grade durability, it’s ideal for photographers, travelers, and creatives who need reliable external storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s
- ✓ IP65-rated water and dust resistance
- ✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
- ✓ Includes a carabiner loop for easy attachment
Why We Recommend It
This portable SSD combines speed, toughness, and portability better than most competitors. Whether you’re transferring large video files or backing up photos in the field, the SanDisk Extreme handles it all with ease.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and professionals who need fast, durable external storage that can withstand rough handling.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast transfer speeds for a portable drive
- Rugged build with water and drop protection
- Compact and lightweight design
- USB-C ensures compatibility with modern devices
Cons:
- Higher price per GB compared to internal SSDs
- No hardware encryption or password protection
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 now finish in seconds.”
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 write speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos from my camera when I am traveling.”
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 excellent value for money, delivering solid performance and 1TB of storage at a very competitive price. It’s a great entry-level SSD for users looking to upgrade from an HDD without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity at an affordable price point
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 560MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
Why We Recommend It
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a noticeable performance boost, the WD Blue SA510 is one of the best SSDs to buy in 2019 for the price. It’s reliable, fast enough for everyday tasks, and from a trusted brand.
Best For
Budget-conscious users, students, and anyone upgrading older systems who need large storage without premium costs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Reliable brand with good customer support
- Energy efficient design
- Easy installation and compatibility
Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe or high-end SATA drives
- Lower endurance compared to 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. This upgrade has completely transformed my console.”
4. Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD for Laptops and Desktops
The 500GB version of the Samsung 870 EVO brings the same high-quality performance and reliability as its 1TB sibling, but in a more compact capacity. Ideal for users who need speed and trustworthiness without maximum storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Max SATA III performance: 560/530 MB/s read/write
- ✓ 5-year warranty and up to 300 TBW endurance
- ✓ Optimized for laptops and small-form-factor PCs
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for mid-range builds or laptop upgrades where space and speed matter. It’s one of the most reliable SATA SSDs on the market, backed by Samsung’s engineering excellence.
Best For
Laptop users, compact desktop builds, and anyone needing a balance of speed, capacity, and durability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistent performance across workloads
- Excellent reliability and long lifespan
- Easy to install and manage
- Trusted brand with strong software support
Cons:
- 500GB may fill up quickly for heavy users
- Still limited by SATA interface
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. It’s made the old device MUCH faster.”
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.”
5. WD Blue SA510 1TB M.2 2280 SATA III Internal SSD for Fast Performance
The WD Blue SA510 in M.2 form factor delivers the same reliable performance as the 2.5″ version but saves space inside your PC. It’s a smart choice for compact builds and modern motherboards with M.2 slots.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor saves space
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 560MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity for ample storage
- ✓ Includes Acronis True Image backup software
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is ideal for small-form-factor PCs and laptops that support M.2 SATA drives. It offers a clean installation with no cables and solid everyday performance.
Best For
Mini-ITX builds, ultrabooks, and users who want a clutter-free setup with reliable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Space-saving M.2 design
- Good performance for SATA-based systems
- Includes useful backup software
- Affordable for a 1TB M.2 drive
Cons:
- Not NVMe—slower than PCIe-based M.2 drives
- Some users reported early failure (isolated cases)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I installed the WD SA510 on 05-17-23. The installation went perfectly. The SA510 died 28 DAYS LATER on 06-14-23. The laptop would not boot up and the BIOS could not see the SSD.”
Customer Review: “Western Digital has been around for decades. Today I’m not sure who manufactures the actual chips, but I needed a few M.2 SSDs & since the SSDs came with the Western Digital version of Acronis True Image Home, it was a no-brainer.”
6. Netac 512GB Extreme Portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and High-Speed Transfer
The Netac Extreme Portable SSD offers incredible value with speeds up to 2000MB/s in a tiny, lightweight package. It’s a great alternative to pricier brands for users who need fast portable storage on a budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 2000MB/s read and 1700MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Ultra-compact size: 71.5 x 43.5 x 8 mm
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with USB-C connector
- ✓ No drivers required—plug and play
Why We Recommend It
If you need lightning-fast transfers in a pocket-sized drive without spending a fortune, the Netac Extreme is one of the best SSDs to buy in 2019 for portable use.
Best For
Students, travelers, and professionals who need fast, compact storage for files, backups, or media.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for the price
- Very small and lightweight
- Good build quality for plastic housing
- Affordable compared to competitors
Cons:
- Lacks ruggedized protection (not water/dust resistant)
- Brand is less established than Samsung or SanDisk
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This thing is so tiny and light compared to my other portable storages making it really easy to travel with and transport data. It reads and writes 3x as fast so transferring data is a breeze and super quick. Great value.”
Customer Review: “This thing is so tiny and light compared to my other portable storages making it really easy to travel with and transport data. It reads and writes 3x as fast so transferring data is a breeze and super quick. Great value.”
7. Kingston 480GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD for Faster PC Performance
The Kingston A400 is a no-frills, reliable SSD that delivers a significant performance boost over traditional hard drives. It’s one of the most affordable ways to upgrade an older system.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fast boot and load times compared to HDDs
- ✓ 7mm form factor fits most laptops
- ✓ Available in multiple capacities
- ✓ Low power consumption
Why We Recommend It
For users on a shoestring budget who still want a noticeable speed improvement, the Kingston A400 is a solid choice. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it’s dependable and affordable.
Best For
Older laptops, budget PC builds, and first-time SSD upgraders.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
- Improves system responsiveness significantly
- Reliable for basic computing tasks
Cons:
- Slower than premium SATA drives
- Limited endurance compared to higher-end models
- No included cloning software
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.”
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. Now it reboots in less than 30 seconds.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Ssd To Buy 2019
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding what SSD to buy in 2019, we evaluated several key factors: performance (read/write speeds), capacity, form factor (2.5″, M.2, portable), durability (TBW rating), brand reliability, and value for money. We also considered real-world usage scenarios like gaming, content creation, travel, and everyday computing to ensure our recommendations fit diverse needs.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for budget models like the Kingston A400 to over $150 for high-capacity or portable premium drives. Determine your needs first: a basic internal upgrade can cost less than $60, while rugged portable SSDs start around $80. Always balance cost with expected lifespan and performance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for speed, portability, or affordability, there’s an SSD on this list that fits your 2019 upgrade goals. Investing in solid-state storage is one of the best ways to modernize your system—don’t wait to make the switch.
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 550MB/s, while NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe and can reach speeds over 3,500MB/s. NVMe is faster but often more expensive and requires M.2 or U.2 slots.
Q: Can I use an SSD in an old laptop?
A: Yes! Most older laptops support 2.5″ SATA SSDs. Just check your drive bay size and interface compatibility before buying.
Q: Do I need to install drivers for my SSD?
A: No. SSDs are plug-and-play on modern operating systems. However, installing manufacturer software (like Samsung Magician) can help monitor health and optimize performance.
Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?
A: For general use, 500GB is a sweet spot. Gamers and creators should aim for 1TB or more. Always leave 10–20% free space for optimal performance.
Q: Are portable SSDs safe for travel?
A: Yes, especially models like the SanDisk Extreme with IP65 ratings. They’re designed to withstand drops, dust, and moisture—perfect for on-the-go use.
Upgrading to an SSD is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your computer’s performance. Whether you’re choosing the Samsung 870 EVO for reliability, the SanDisk Extreme for portability, or the WD Blue SA510 for budget-friendly storage, you can’t go wrong with any of our top picks. Don’t wait—click the links above to find the best SSD for your needs and enjoy faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and a smoother computing experience today!
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