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Choosing the best kind of SSD to buy can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market—from internal drives that breathe new life into old laptops to portable SSDs perfect for creators on the go. Whether you’re upgrading your desktop, replacing a failing hard drive, or need fast external storage, the right SSD delivers faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and better overall system responsiveness. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared five top-performing SSDs across different use cases and budgets to help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What The Best Kind Of Ssd To Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is a powerhouse internal SSD that delivers professional-grade performance for everyday users and power users alike. With read speeds up to 560 MB/s, it maximizes the SATA III interface limit while offering exceptional reliability backed by Samsung’s proven V-NAND technology.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- ✓ Compatible with desktops, laptops, and even some NAS systems
- ✓ Advanced error correction and thermal monitoring
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and value. It’s ideal for upgrading older systems or building a reliable workstation without breaking the bank. Samsung’s reputation for quality shines through in every aspect.
Best For
Users seeking a high-reliability internal SSD for daily computing, gaming, or light content creation who want long-term performance without upgrading to NVMe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance close to SATA limits
- Outstanding build quality and brand trust
- Great endurance rating for the price
- Easy installation with included mounting screws
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than budget SATA SSDs
- Not as fast as NVMe drives (but still very capable)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I upgraded my 5-year-old laptop with this SSD and it feels brand new again. Boot time dropped from over a minute to under 15 seconds!” – Alex T.
Customer Review: “Used this in my home server build. Rock solid after 8 months of constant use. Samsung never disappoints.” – Maria L.
2. Kingston 480GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD
The Kingston A400 is a no-frills, high-value SSD that excels as an entry-level upgrade from traditional hard drives. Its 7mm form factor fits most laptops, and it delivers noticeably faster boot and load times compared to HDDs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fast startup and file transfers vs. HDDs
- ✓ 7mm slim design fits ultrabooks and small-form-factor PCs
- ✓ Available in multiple capacities (120GB–960GB)
- ✓ Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- ✓ Shock-resistant with no moving parts
Why We Recommend It
If you’re replacing an old hard drive on a budget, the A400 offers one of the best cost-to-performance ratios. It’s reliable, easy to install, and dramatically improves system responsiveness.
Best For
Budget-conscious users upgrading aging laptops or desktops who need reliable storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte
- Significant performance boost over HDDs
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple plug-and-play installation
Cons:
- Slower than premium SATA SSDs like the Samsung EVO
- Limited endurance compared to higher-end models
- No encryption or advanced security features
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.” – John D.
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.” – Sarah K.
3. SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 500GB
The Samsung T5 is a sleek, pocket-sized external SSD that delivers desktop-class speed in a portable package. With USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, it reaches up to 540 MB/s—making it perfect for photographers, videographers, and mobile professionals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-fast transfer speeds up to 540 MB/s
- ✓ Compact, shock-resistant metal casing
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption with optional password protection
- ✓ Works with PC, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
- ✓ Includes USB-C and USB-A cables for universal compatibility
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find a portable SSD that combines speed, security, and durability this well. The T5 feels premium, performs reliably under pressure, and fits easily in a jacket pocket.
Best For
Creative professionals, students, and travelers who need fast, secure, and durable external storage for large files like 4K video or game libraries.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional portability and build quality
- Consistently high speeds across devices
- Strong security features included
- No external power required—bus-powered via USB
Cons:
- More expensive than basic external HDDs
- Limited capacity options compared to internal SSDs
- Can get warm during prolonged heavy use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this to put my Destiny 2 installation on for my Xbox. I wanted to get some decent raid times and apparently a USB SSD works just as well as an internal SSD.” – Mike R.
Customer Review: “After experiencing my 1st-ever SSD-type hard drive failure using an inexpensive drive, I switched to the T5. So far, so good—fast, quiet, and trustworthy.” – Linda P.
4. SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND 500GB Internal SSD
The SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND SSD brings reliable performance and energy efficiency to mainstream users. With read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 510 MB/s, it’s a solid choice for everyday computing tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write up to 560/510 MB/s
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved endurance and lower power use
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor with 7mm height
- ✓ Compatible with most desktops and laptops
- ✓ Silent operation with no moving parts
Why We Recommend It
SanDisk’s reputation for reliability shines here. This SSD offers consistent performance, easy installation, and great value—especially if you find it on sale.
Best For
General users looking for a dependable, mid-tier internal SSD for office work, web browsing, and light multimedia use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Low power consumption ideal for laptops
- Reliable brand with good customer support
- Easy to clone existing drives using free software
Cons:
- Not the fastest SATA SSD available
- No hardware encryption or security suite
- Basic packaging—no extra accessories
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Have used these SSD drives in my laptop and desktop and they work great. Have purchased 500GB and now the 1TB. Have used them for my backup drives.” – Robert M.
Customer Review: “I upgraded my PC with this SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND SSD and it’s been fantastic. Installation was easy, it’s super fast, and the extra storage is great for all my files.” – Emily T.
5. SAMSUNG 870 QVO SATA III SSD 1TB
The Samsung 870 QVO offers massive storage at an affordable price point, using QLC NAND technology to deliver up to 8TB in a single drive. It’s perfect for users who need lots of space without sacrificing SATA-level speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-capacity options from 1TB to 8TB
- ✓ SATA III speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Improved random access and sustained write performance
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
- ✓ Backward compatible with older SATA systems
Why We Recommend It
If you need terabytes of fast storage for media, games, or backups, the 870 QVO gives you capacity without the NVMe premium. It’s a smart choice for bulk storage needs.
Best For
Users who prioritize storage capacity over absolute speed—ideal for media libraries, game collections, or archival purposes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value per gigabyte
- Reliable Samsung firmware and support
- Great for large file storage and streaming
- Easy integration into existing systems
Cons:
- QLC NAND has lower endurance than TLC
- Write speeds can slow under sustained loads
- Not ideal for heavy write workloads like video editing
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this when GPU prices were crazy. They had it on sale, and figured that it’s better to have more space than not enough. It’s quick, performs great.” – Daniel H.
Customer Review: “Works really well. I use it with Parallels on my Mac for Windows VMs. Much faster than my old Fusion Drive!” – Jessica W.
Complete Buying Guide for What The Best Kind Of Ssd To Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best kind of SSD to buy, we evaluate interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), form factor (2.5”, M.2, portable), capacity needs, endurance ratings, real-world speed, brand reliability, and price per gigabyte. For most users, SATA SSDs like the Samsung 870 EVO offer the best balance of performance and compatibility, while NVMe drives are better for high-end builds. Portable SSDs like the T5 are ideal for on-the-go professionals.
Budget Planning
SSD prices have dropped significantly, but costs vary by type. Budget SATA SSDs start around $0.10/GB, while premium models like the 870 EVO sit closer to $0.15–$0.20/GB. Portable SSDs command a premium due to portability and build quality. Allocate your budget based on use case: invest in endurance for workstations, capacity for media storage, or portability for travel.
Final Thoughts
The best kind of SSD to buy depends entirely on your needs—not just raw speed, but how you use your device. Whether you’re reviving an old laptop, expanding your desktop, or carrying files across continents, there’s an SSD here that fits. Our top picks cover every scenario, so pick the one that aligns with your workflow and enjoy the instant upgrade in responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I get SATA or NVMe SSD?
A: If your system supports NVMe (most modern PCs do), it’s faster—but SATA SSDs like the Samsung 870 EVO are still excellent and more compatible with older machines. For general use, SATA is plenty fast.
Q: Can I use an external SSD as my main drive?
A: Yes, especially with USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt. The Samsung T5 works great as a primary drive for laptops or consoles, though internal SSDs offer slightly better performance.
Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?
A: 500GB is the sweet spot for most users. Gamers and creators should consider 1TB+. Always leave 10–20% free space for optimal performance.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs safe to use?
A: Stick with reputable brands like Samsung, SanDisk, or Kingston. Avoid no-name drives—they often use lower-quality NAND and lack proper firmware support.
Q: Will an SSD improve my gaming experience?
A: Absolutely! Games load faster, levels stream smoother, and system responsiveness improves dramatically—even on consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
Ready to upgrade? Click any “Check Price” button above to grab your ideal SSD today and feel the difference speed makes in your daily computing!
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