Before buying an SSD, it’s essential to do your homework to ensure you’re getting the right drive for your needs. With so many options on the market—ranging from ultra-fast NVMe drives to portable external SSDs—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop, building a gaming rig, or looking for reliable storage for your iPhone or Android device, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and frustration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through six expert-tested SSDs and the key steps to take before making your purchase.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 What To Do Before Buying An Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. 1TB Magnetic External SSD with 2000MB/s Speed and USB-C for iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac
This ultra-slim magnetic SSD is perfect for iPhone 15 users and anyone needing fast, portable storage. With blazing 2000MB/s speeds and a built-in MagSafe-compatible design, it snaps securely to your phone or any metal surface. Whether you’re backing up 4K videos or transferring large files between devices, this SSD delivers reliable performance in a pocket-sized package.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB high-capacity storage with 2000MB/s transfer speed
- ✓ Built-in magnetic attachment for iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and metal surfaces
- ✓ USB-C connectivity for universal compatibility with iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac
- ✓ Ultra-slim at just 0.26 inches and lightweight at 1.6 oz
- ✓ Durable aluminum casing with shock resistance
Why We Recommend It
This SSD stands out for its perfect blend of speed, portability, and smart design. The magnetic feature is a game-changer for mobile users who want quick access without cables or stands. It’s ideal for photographers, content creators, and travelers who need reliable off-device storage.
Best For
iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max users, mobile professionals, and anyone needing fast, secure external storage on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds up to 2000MB/s
- Strong built-in magnet for hands-free use
- Works seamlessly across multiple platforms
- Compact and travel-friendly design
Cons:
- Only compatible with USB-C devices (no Lightning support)
- Limited to iPhone 15 series for magnetic attachment
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I have been using this portable SSD for several weeks and it delivers excellent performance across devices. The speed is very impressive, transferring large files in seconds, and the storage capacity is perfect for keeping everything I need on hand without worrying about running out of space. The b”
Customer Review: “This is a perfect little square portable SSD. Its magnetic and can magnetize to your phone if it has a magnetic wireless charging ring. Or there’s a magnetic ring you can stick to the back of your phone case included in package. Fortunately this is just a regular USB-C SSD so you can easily use it w”
2. Amazon Business American Express Card
While not an SSD itself, the Amazon Business American Express Card is a smart financial tool for businesses that frequently purchase SSDs and other tech gear. With no annual fee, enhanced rewards on Amazon purchases, and exclusive financing options, it helps you manage cash flow while earning back on every SSD upgrade or accessory you buy.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ No annual fee for eligible Prime members
- ✓ 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases (up to $10,000 per year)
- ✓ Special financing options for large tech purchases
- ✓ Free employee cards with customizable spending limits
- ✓ Integration with Amazon Business account for streamlined expense tracking
Why We Recommend It
If you’re buying SSDs regularly for your business or team, this card maximizes savings and simplifies procurement. The rewards and reporting tools make it easier to justify tech upgrades and track ROI on storage investments.
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses, IT departments, and freelancers who buy tech supplies frequently on Amazon.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No annual fee with Prime membership
- Easy expense management and reporting
- Flexible payment and financing options
Cons:
- Rewards capped after $10,000 in annual Amazon spending
- Not ideal for non-Amazon purchases
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is a strong option for small businesses that frequently make purchases from Amazon and its associated businesses, offering enhanced rewards and financing options for eligible Prime members with no annual fee. The card is less suitable for businesses th”
Customer Review: “It is a great card to have, we purchase almost everything on our card.”
3. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload
This digital reload option lets you add funds to your Amazon gift card balance instantly—perfect for budgeting your next SSD purchase. Set up Auto-Reload to top up when your balance runs low, or schedule reloads monthly to save for big upgrades. It’s a simple, secure way to manage spending while earning toward high-performance storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Instant balance reload via Amazon account
- ✓ Set Auto-Reload based on date, week, month, or low balance
- ✓ Use funds to purchase SSDs, enclosures, or accessories
- ✓ No expiration on gift card balances
- ✓ Track spending and savings goals easily
Why We Recommend It
For budget-conscious buyers, this reload feature helps you save gradually for premium SSDs without overspending. It’s especially useful if you’re waiting for a sale or building a custom PC over time.
Best For
Students, DIY builders, and anyone planning a future SSD upgrade on a fixed budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible and automated savings tool
- No fees or expiration on balances
- Works with all Amazon purchases, including SSDs
- Easy to set up and manage online
Cons:
- Not a physical product—requires existing Amazon account
- Limited to Amazon’s ecosystem
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently used the Amazon.com Gift Card Balance Reload option, and I’m thoroughly satisfied with the process and the overall experience. Here’s my detailed review: Convenience. The Gift Card Balance Reload feature is incredibly convenient for anyone who shops frequently on Amazon. It allows me to add “
Customer Review: “In the quiet contemplation of our modern lives, where the complexity of desire meets the simplicity of provision, the Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload emerges as a tool of both practicality and subtle freedom. With a few deliberate clicks, one replenishes not merely a monetary sum, but the capacity t”
4. WD Black SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD with PCIe 5.0 and 14,900MB/s Speed for Gaming and Video Editing
Built for serious gamers and content creators, the WD Black SN8100 delivers PCIe 5.0 speeds up to 14,900MB/s—making it one of the fastest consumer SSDs available. With 4TB of high-endurance storage, it handles 4K video editing, large game libraries, and multitasking with ease. If you’re building a high-performance desktop, this SSD is a top-tier choice.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen 5.0 interface with up to 14,900MB/s read and 14,000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 4TB capacity ideal for large game and media libraries
- ✓ Over 100% more power efficiency than PCIe Gen4 drives
- ✓ Advanced thermal management for sustained performance
- ✓ Designed for gaming rigs, workstations, and video editing setups
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for speed and endurance. Whether you’re loading massive game worlds or editing 8K footage, the SN8100 keeps up without breaking a sweat. It’s a future-proof investment for anyone serious about performance.
Best For
Gamers, video editors, 3D artists, and PC builders who demand maximum speed and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 performance
- High capacity and endurance rating
- Excellent thermal design for sustained workloads
- Backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 systems
Cons:
- Requires a compatible motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support
- Higher price point than Gen4 alternatives
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: “This SSD is a beast! Installed it in my gaming rig and load times are insane. Worth every penny for the performance boost.”
5. KingSpec 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD with 2400MB/s Speed and 3D NAND for Laptops and Desktops
The KingSpec 1TB NVMe SSD offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price. With 2400MB/s read speeds and 3D NAND technology, it’s a reliable upgrade for older laptops or budget desktop builds. Installation is tool-free and compatible with most M.2 slots, making it a great entry-level NVMe option.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2400MB/s read speed using M.2 NVMe Gen3x4 interface
- ✓ 3D NAND TLC/QLC flash for stability and longevity
- ✓ Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS systems
- ✓ 2280 form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Affordable price for 1TB NVMe storage
Why We Recommend It
If you’re upgrading from an HDD or SATA SSD, this drive delivers a noticeable speed boost without breaking the bank. It’s a smart choice for students, office users, or anyone building a cost-effective system.
Best For
Budget-conscious users, laptop upgraders, and entry-level PC builders.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for NVMe performance
- Easy installation with no tools required
- Reliable 3D NAND technology
- Wide compatibility across devices
Cons:
- Slower than Gen4 or Gen5 NVMe drives
- No built-in heatsink (may throttle under heavy load)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Not a bad product. Has worked great since installing it. Super easy installation. Not bad as far as write speed. The quality so far is great! The heat level I can’t tell to be honest. My laptop generally gets hot as it is, so I cannot tell if it is causing any added heat or not. The speed is average”
Customer Review: “Great value works good and easy to use. The pricing was fair and the material used is good quality and durable. Very easy to install.”
6. Unitek M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with USB 3.2 and 10Gbps Speed for M Key Drives
Turn any M.2 NVMe SSD into a portable USB drive with this sleek, tool-free enclosure. Supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 and speeds up to 10Gbps, it’s perfect for repurposing old SSDs or creating a high-speed external backup. The aluminum body dissipates heat efficiently, and the plug-and-play design works across Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports M.2 NVMe and SATA SSDs (M Key and B+M Key)
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with UASP for up to 10Gbps transfer speeds
- ✓ Tool-free installation—no screws or drivers needed
- ✓ Aluminum housing for heat dissipation and durability
- ✓ Compact and lightweight for on-the-go use
Why We Recommend It
This enclosure is a smart way to reuse old SSDs or build a custom external drive. It’s affordable, reliable, and works with a wide range of drives—making it a must-have for tech enthusiasts and IT pros.
Best For
DIY users, tech tinkerers, and anyone looking to convert an internal SSD into a portable drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Supports both NVMe and SATA M.2 drives
- Fast 10Gbps speeds with UASP acceleration
- Easy, tool-free setup
- Sturdy aluminum build
Cons:
- Does not include an SSD—must be purchased separately
- Limited to USB speeds, not Thunderbolt-level performance
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “(function(f) {var _np=(window.P._namespace(“”));if(_np.guardFatal){_np.guardFatal(f)(_np);}else{f(_np);}}(function(P) { P.when(‘A’, ‘authx-claim-collection-controller’).execute(function(A, controller) { controller.refreshController(); }); })); “
Customer Review: “Works perfectly with my old NVMe drive. Now I have a fast external SSD for backups. Very satisfied!”
Complete Buying Guide for What To Do Before Buying An SSD
Essential Factors We Consider
Before buying an SSD, assess your use case: Are you upgrading a laptop, building a gaming PC, or needing portable storage? Check compatibility with your device’s interface (SATA, NVMe, M.2, USB-C), form factor, and operating system. Look at read/write speeds, endurance ratings (TBW), and whether the drive includes features like encryption or thermal throttling protection. Always verify warranty terms and brand reputation.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for basic 1TB models to over $300 for high-performance Gen5 drives. Set a budget based on your needs—don’t overspend on speed you won’t use. Consider total cost of ownership, including enclosures, adapters, or backup solutions. Use tools like Amazon Gift Card Reload or business cards to save over time.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right SSD can dramatically improve your system’s speed and responsiveness. Whether you choose a magnetic external SSD for your iPhone or a PCIe 5.0 beast for gaming, doing your research ensures you get the best value and performance. Always read reviews, compare specs, and buy from trusted retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I check before buying an SSD?
A: Verify compatibility with your device (interface, form factor, OS), assess your storage needs, compare speeds and endurance, and read real customer reviews to gauge reliability.
Q: Is NVMe better than SATA?
A: Yes, NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA drives, but they require an M.2 or PCIe slot. Use NVMe for performance-critical tasks and SATA for budget upgrades or older systems.
Q: Can I use an external SSD with my iPhone?
A: Only if it has USB-C and your iPhone supports it (iPhone 15 series and newer). Magnetic SSDs like the PS2005 are ideal for seamless attachment and fast transfers.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: Not always, but high-speed Gen4/Gen5 drives benefit from heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling during sustained workloads like gaming or video editing.
Q: How do I install an M.2 SSD?
A: Power off your device, locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard, insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle, and secure it with a screw. No tools needed for some enclosures.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you’re looking for speed, portability, or budget-friendly options, one of these SSDs is sure to fit your needs. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and make your purchase with confidence!