Choosing the right SSD for your laptop can dramatically improve boot times, file access speeds, and overall system responsiveness. Whether you’re upgrading from an old hard drive or replacing a worn-out SSD, the market offers a wide range of options—from budget-friendly SATA drives to blazing-fast NVMe Gen4 models. With so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve tested and compared the top-performing SSDs available today, focusing on speed, compatibility, durability, and value. In this guide, you’ll find expert recommendations tailored to different needs and budgets, helping you pick the perfect SSD upgrade with confidence.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Ssd To Buy For Laptop Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. LinkMore XG550 1TB 2.5” SATA III Internal SSD
The LinkMore XG550 is a reliable and affordable SATA SSD that delivers solid performance for everyday laptop use. With read speeds up to 550MB/s, it’s a great choice for users looking to upgrade from an older HDD without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface ensures broad compatibility
✓ Read/write speeds up to 550MB/s and 500MB/s
✓ 7mm thickness works in slim laptop bays
✓ Durable design with no moving parts
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and reliability. It’s perfect for general productivity, web browsing, and light multitasking. We’ve tested it across multiple older laptop models, and installation was seamless every time.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops or those needing a dependable, no-frills SSD for daily tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Easy installation and wide compatibility
- Consistent performance under normal workloads
- Energy-efficient design helps extend battery life
Cons:
- Limited to SATA III speeds (not NVMe fast)
- No included cloning software
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I have had no problem with these SATA 3 SSD’s drives. I originally bought LinkMore SSD for my backup computer as an HDD replacement. The speed and boot time increased dramatically. The price was good and they fit right. They have been working just fine.”
Customer Review: “The first one I bought worked well replacing the old hard drive. Boot times went from over a minute to under 15 seconds!”
2. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
Western Digital is a trusted name in storage, and the WD Blue SA510 lives up to the brand’s reputation. This 1TB SATA SSD offers dependable performance, excellent build quality, and broad compatibility—making it ideal for both laptops and desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB capacity provides ample space for OS, apps, and files
✓ SATA III interface with 6Gb/s bandwidth
✓ Low power consumption improves battery life
✓ 2.5-inch form factor with 7mm height
✓ Backed by WD’s 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
After extensive testing, the SA510 consistently delivered smooth performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. Its firmware stability—especially after updates—makes it a standout in the mid-tier SSD market.
Best For
Users who want a reliable, brand-name SSD from a manufacturer known for quality and long-term support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent reliability and brand trust
- Good thermal management during sustained use
- Works well in consoles like Xbox One X
- Easy firmware updates via WD Dashboard
Cons:
- Initial firmware issues reported by some users
- Slightly higher price than generic brands
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 HDD in my Xbox One X with this SSD, and the results have been phenomenal. Load times are cut in half, and the system feels instantly responsive.”
3. Crucial P310 2TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD
The Crucial P310 is a game-changer for budget-conscious users who want high-speed NVMe performance without paying premium prices. With up to 7,100MB/s read speeds and a spacious 2TB capacity, it’s perfect for gamers, creators, and power users.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface for ultra-fast data transfer
✓ Sequential read speeds up to 7,100MB/s
✓ 2TB capacity ideal for large game libraries and media
✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern laptops
✓ Compatible with handheld devices like ROG Ally X
Why We Recommend It
This SSD punches well above its weight class. In our benchmarks, it matched more expensive Gen4 drives in real-world usage while costing significantly less. It’s one of the best value-for-money SSDs currently available.
Best For
Gamers, students, and professionals needing high-speed storage at an affordable price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for the price
- Large 2TB capacity reduces need for external storage
- Works in laptops, desktops, and handheld consoles
- Reliable Crucial brand with good customer support
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may throttle under heavy load in small devices)
- Limited availability in some regions
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been fantastic. Plenty of space, fast speeds, and boot times are super quick. Great for gaming and everyday use.”
Customer Review: “Used this in my small form factor PC build—installation was simple and performance is outstanding. Game loading speeds have improved dramatically.”
4. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD
Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus combines cutting-edge technology with impressive real-world performance. Supporting both PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 (in compatible systems), it delivers read speeds up to 7,150MB/s and features advanced thermal management for sustained workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Hybrid PCIe Gen4/Gen5 support for future-proofing
✓ Sequential read/write up to 7,150/6,300MB/s
✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large-file performance
✓ Nickel-coated controller improves heat dissipation
✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for users who demand top-tier performance and reliability. Whether you’re editing 4K video, compiling code, or running virtual machines, the 990 EVO Plus handles it all with ease.
Best For
Power users, content creators, and PC builders who want a high-performance, future-ready SSD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds and low latency
- Excellent thermal control prevents throttling
- Robust software suite for drive management
- Strong endurance rating (600TBW)
Cons:
- Higher price point than budget options
- Overkill for basic office tasks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a PC builder and heavy gamer, upgrading to this SSD transformed my system. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a complete performance leap.”
Customer Review: “Installation was quick and easy. Boot times are instant, and programs load instantly. HMB and Intelligent TurboWrite make a noticeable difference.”
5. Crucial BX500 1TB SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly SSD that delivers reliable performance for everyday computing. While it lacks DRAM cache, it still offers a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB capacity at an ultra-low price
✓ SATA III interface with up to 540MB/s read speeds
✓ 45x more energy efficient than HDDs
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops
✓ Includes Acronis True Image cloning software
Why We Recommend It
For users on a tight budget, the BX500 provides excellent value. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it’s a solid choice for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback.
Best For
Students, home users, and anyone needing a simple, affordable SSD upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable price per GB
- Includes free cloning software
- Improves boot and load times significantly vs HDD
- Low power consumption extends battery life
Cons:
- No DRAM cache affects sustained write performance
- Plastic casing offers less heat dissipation
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is a budget drive that uses decent NAND. It won’t win speed awards, but it’s reliable and fast enough for daily use.”
Customer Review: “Upgraded my old laptop with this SSD and it feels like a new machine. Boot time dropped from 2 minutes to 20 seconds!”
Complete Buying Guide for What Ssd To Buy For Laptop
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD for your laptop, compatibility is key. First, check whether your laptop supports SATA or NVMe (M.2) drives—older models typically use 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, while newer ones often feature M.2 slots for faster NVMe drives. Next, consider capacity: 1TB is ideal for most users, but 2TB offers more room for games and media. Speed matters too—NVMe Gen4 drives like the Crucial P310 deliver over 7,000MB/s, while SATA drives cap around 550MB/s. Finally, look at endurance (measured in TBW), warranty length, and whether the drive includes useful software tools.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the Crucial BX500 start under $60 for 1TB, making them perfect for basic upgrades. Mid-range SATA drives such as the WD Blue SA510 offer better reliability for around $80–$100. If you want high-speed NVMe performance, expect to pay $100–$150 for a quality 1TB–2TB Gen4 drive like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus or Crucial P310. Remember: spending a little more often means better longevity and support.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your laptop’s SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. Whether you choose a fast NVMe drive for gaming or a reliable SATA SSD for everyday use, any modern SSD will feel like a night-and-day difference compared to an old hard drive. Based on our testing, the LinkMore XG550 is our top pick for most users due to its balance of price, performance, and compatibility. But if you need maximum speed, go with the Crucial P310 or Samsung 990 EVO Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install an SSD in any laptop?
A: Not all laptops support SSD upgrades. Check your laptop’s manual or manufacturer specs to confirm whether it has a 2.5-inch bay (for SATA SSDs) or an M.2 slot (for NVMe SSDs). Some ultrabooks have soldered storage and cannot be upgraded.
Q: Is NVMe faster than SATA?
A: Yes—NVMe drives use the PCIe interface and can reach speeds over 7,000MB/s, while SATA SSDs are limited to about 550MB/s. However, for everyday tasks like browsing and office work, the difference may not be noticeable.
Q: Do I need to clone my old drive?
A: Cloning lets you transfer your operating system, apps, and files to the new SSD without reinstalling everything. Many SSDs (like the Crucial BX500) include free cloning software, or you can use third-party tools like Macrium Reflect.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are very durable. Most consumer drives are rated for 150–600TBW (terabytes written). For typical use, an SSD should last 5–10 years or more.
Q: Should I get a 1TB or 2TB SSD?
A: If you store large files, games, or videos, go for 2TB. For general use (OS, apps, documents), 1TB is usually sufficient and more cost-effective.
Ready to supercharge your laptop? Pick one of our top-rated SSDs today and experience faster boots, quicker app launches, and smoother multitasking. Don’t wait—upgrade now and feel the difference!