Buying an SSD can feel overwhelming with so many options, specs, and form factors to consider—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a new PC, or just need faster boot times and file access, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know when buying an SSD, from interface types and storage capacity to real-world performance and value. We’ve tested and reviewed nine top-performing SSDs across different categories so you can pick the right one with confidence.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 9 What To Know When Buying A Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Amazon Business American Express Card
While not an SSD itself, the Amazon Business American Express Card is a smart financial tool for anyone regularly purchasing SSDs or other tech gear. It offers no annual fee, rewards on Amazon purchases, and expense management features perfect for small businesses or frequent upgraders.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ No annual fee
✓ 5% back on Amazon Business purchases (for Prime members)
✓ Free employee cards with spending controls
✓ Integration with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
Why We Recommend It
If you’re buying SSDs often—whether for personal upgrades or office use—this card helps you save money and track expenses effortlessly. The rewards add up fast, especially when stocking up on storage.
Best For
Small business owners, IT professionals, or anyone who buys tech supplies regularly and wants to maximize savings and simplify bookkeeping.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- Easy expense reporting
- Wide acceptance
Cons:
- Requires good credit for approval
- Rewards limited to Amazon ecosystem
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.”
Customer Review: “It is a great card to have, we purchase almost everything on our card.”
2. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload
This digital reload option lets you add funds directly to your Amazon gift card balance—perfect for budgeting your SSD purchases or gifting tech upgrades. Set up auto-reload to never run low when deals drop.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Instant digital delivery
✓ Auto-Reload feature for low balances
✓ No expiration date
✓ Use toward any Amazon purchase, including SSDs
Why We Recommend It
It’s flexible, secure, and ideal for managing tech spending. Whether you’re saving up for a high-capacity NVMe drive or gifting an SSD upgrade, this reload option gives you control and convenience.
Best For
Budget-conscious shoppers, gift givers, or anyone who wants to prepay for future SSD upgrades without tying up a credit line.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Instant access
- No fees
- Works with all Amazon products
- Great for gifting
Cons:
- Limited to Amazon purchases
- Non-refundable once loaded
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.”
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.”
3. TEAMGROUP T-FORCE VULCAN Z 1TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
This 1TB SATA SSD delivers reliable performance at a wallet-friendly price. Built with 3D NAND and SLC caching, it’s a solid choice for upgrading older laptops or desktops that don’t support NVMe.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB capacity for under $70
✓ Read speeds up to 550MB/s
✓ Shock- and vibration-resistant design
✓ Includes SLC cache for consistent performance
Why We Recommend It
For the price, you get excellent value and durability. It’s not the fastest SSD out there, but it’s perfect for everyday tasks, gaming, or replacing a failing HDD without breaking the bank.
Best For
Budget builders, students, or anyone upgrading an older system with a SATA-only motherboard.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price per GB
- Reliable 3D NAND
- Easy installation
- Solid performance for SATA
Cons:
- Limited to SATA III speeds (not NVMe)
- No included cloning software
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I installed this in my wife’s PC because her motherboard doesn’t support a second NVMe drive. Installation was straightforward, the drive was immediately recognized, and formatting took only a few minutes.”
Customer Review: “Purchased for an old laptop I had that the hard drive was failing in after so many years (7+ years). Used this as a cheap replacement and works well. Faster loading times, has a decent storage capacity for a laptop.”
4. TEAMGROUP AX2 512GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
A compact and affordable SATA SSD ideal for dual-drive setups or budget upgrades. The AX2 offers solid speeds and comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Read/write speeds up to 540/490 MB/s
✓ 3D NAND for longevity
✓ 3-year limited warranty
✓ Compatible with most laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
It’s a no-frills, reliable drive that gets the job done. If you need extra storage without spending much, this is a trustworthy option from a reputable brand.
Best For
Users adding secondary storage or upgrading older systems on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good performance for SATA
- Affordable
- Compact 2.5-inch form factor
- Reliable brand
Cons:
- Only 512GB—may fill up fast
- No NVMe support
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I wanted to wait a while to give this review as prolonged use would be the best way to test it. With that said, it’s been a few months now and so far it has been great! My read and write speeds are fast and about what you would expect from any typical SSD.”
Customer Review: “Great value and works perfectly. Fast performance and easy to install. A solid choice for upgrading a desktop.”