Looking to upgrade your storage without breaking the bank? You’re not alone—many people search for “where can I buy cheap SSD” because solid-state drives offer blazing-fast speeds, better reliability, and longer lifespan compared to traditional hard drives. Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading an old laptop, or need portable storage for travel, there are plenty of affordable SSDs that deliver excellent performance at budget-friendly prices. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the best cheap SSDs available today, focusing on real-world value, speed, durability, and customer feedback. Read on to find the perfect SSD that fits both your needs and your wallet.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Where Can I Buy Cheap Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. 1TB External Hard Drive, Up to 2100MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD
This high-speed portable SSD delivers incredible value for creators and professionals who need fast, reliable storage on the go. With read speeds up to 2100MB/s, it handles 4K video recording, large photo libraries, and rapid file transfers with ease. Its rugged aluminum build and water-resistant design make it perfect for travel or fieldwork.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface with up to 2100MB/s transfer speeds
- ✓ Durable aluminum shell with drop and water resistance
- ✓ Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Mac, and mobile devices
- ✓ Ideal for 4K/5K video recording directly from cameras or phones
Why We Recommend It
We picked this as our top choice because it combines premium performance with affordability—rare in the portable SSD market. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or just need fast backup storage, this drive handles heavy workloads without slowing down.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and professionals who need high-capacity, high-speed portable storage that won’t fail under pressure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for large file transfers
- Rugged, travel-ready design
- No external power required—powered via USB-C
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Cons:
- Limited color options (only black available)
- No included carrying case
Customer Reviews
“I use this for filming 4K videos on my drone, and it records flawlessly—no lag or dropped frames. Worth every penny!” – Alex R.
“Super fast and sturdy. Survived a drop in the rain during a hiking trip. My go-to SSD now.” – Jamie L.
2. Midisem 2TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Up to 3500/3000MB/s Read/Write
If you’re building or upgrading a desktop or gaming rig, this Midisem NVMe SSD offers desktop-grade performance at a surprisingly low price. With DRAM cache and 3D TLC NAND, it delivers consistent speeds up to 3500MB/s read and 3000MB/s write—perfect for gaming, video editing, or multitasking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe interface with DRAM cache for sustained performance
- ✓ 2TB high-capacity storage for games, apps, and media
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND ensures long-term reliability and endurance
- ✓ Low power consumption and efficient heat dissipation
Why We Recommend It
We chose this as our Editor’s Pick because it delivers near-flagship performance without the premium price tag. The inclusion of DRAM cache—often missing in budget NVMe drives—makes a huge difference in real-world responsiveness.
Best For
Gamers, PC builders, and power users who want high-speed internal storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent speed and consistency thanks to DRAM cache
- Large 2TB capacity ideal for modern games and apps
- Reliable 3D TLC NAND flash memory
- Great value compared to big-name brands
Cons:
- No heatsink included (may need one for sustained workloads)
- Limited warranty information from manufacturer
Customer Reviews
“Installed this in my gaming PC and boot times dropped from 45 seconds to under 10. Games load way faster too!” – Marcus T.
“Great SSD for the price. No issues after 6 months of heavy use. Highly recommend for budget builds.” – Dana K.
3. fanxiang S101 128GB SSD SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5″ Internal Solid State Drive
This no-frills SATA SSD is perfect for reviving an old laptop or desktop. While 128GB isn’t huge by today’s standards, it’s ideal for operating systems, essential apps, and daily tasks. With 550MB/s read speeds and 3D TLC NAND, it’s a reliable, energy-efficient upgrade over traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface with up to 550MB/s read speed
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND for better endurance than QLC drives
- ✓ Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- ✓ Compact 2.5″ form factor fits most laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
We named this the Best Budget SSD because it offers the biggest performance jump from an HDD at the lowest cost. It’s not for heavy storage needs, but for basic computing, it’s unbeatable value.
Best For
Students, seniors, or anyone upgrading an older computer on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable upgrade from HDD
- Fast boot and load times compared to mechanical drives
- Reliable 3D TLC memory
- Easy installation—no tools or cables needed in most cases
Cons:
- Only 128GB—may fill up quickly with modern apps
- No DRAM cache (common at this price point)
Customer Reviews
“My 8-year-old laptop now boots in 12 seconds instead of 2 minutes. Total game-changer!” – Robert M.
“Even though it’s a random brand, it is so reliable. Anyone questioning the bad reviews—it was most likely user error!” – Linda P.
4. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
SanDisk’s Extreme Portable SSD is a trusted name in portable storage, and this model lives up to the reputation. With speeds up to 1050MB/s, IP65 water and dust resistance, and a carabiner loop, it’s built for adventurers and professionals alike. The compact design fits in your pocket but holds a full terabyte of data.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with USB-C for fast, reversible connections
- ✓ IP65 rating protects against water and dust
- ✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- ✓ Carabiner loop for easy attachment to bags or belts
Why We Recommend It
We love this SSD for its balance of speed, durability, and brand reliability. SanDisk has a proven track record, and this drive is perfect for photographers, travelers, and remote workers who need dependable storage on the go.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts, journalists, and creatives who need rugged, high-speed portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality and weather resistance
- Fast transfer speeds for large files
- Compact and lightweight
- Trusted brand with solid customer support
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than lesser-known brands
- No hardware encryption
Customer Reviews
“I picked this up to transfer photos from my camera while traveling. It’s fast, small, and survived a rainy hike!” – Sophie W.
“Well-made SSD. The bright blue color helps me spot it in my dark backpack. Speeds are solid for USB 3.2.” – James L.
5. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s
Crucial’s BX500 is a workhorse SATA SSD that delivers reliable performance at a budget price. With 1TB of storage and 540MB/s speeds, it’s perfect for everyday computing, office work, or as a secondary drive. It’s 45x more energy-efficient than HDDs, helping extend laptop battery life.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved reliability and efficiency
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s read speed—300% faster than HDDs
- ✓ Low power consumption boosts battery life
- ✓ Easy upgrade for desktops and laptops
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the BX500 for users who want a trusted brand, solid performance, and large capacity without overspending. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it’s dependable and great for general use.
Best For
Home users, students, and office workers upgrading from an HDD to SSD for the first time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for 1TB capacity
- Energy-efficient design
- Reliable performance for daily tasks
- Simple installation process
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (affects sustained write performance)
- Slower than NVMe drives
Customer Reviews
“This SSD made my old desktop feel brand new. Boot time went from 2 minutes to 15 seconds!” – Greg T.
“Great budget SSD. I bought the 4TB version and it’s been running smoothly for months.” – Maria S.
Complete Buying Guide for Where Can I Buy Cheap Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for where can I buy cheap SSD, it’s important to look beyond just price. We evaluate speed (measured in MB/s), storage type (SATA vs. NVMe), build quality, brand reputation, warranty, and real user feedback. A truly cheap SSD should offer good performance per dollar, not just the lowest sticker price. We also consider whether the drive includes features like DRAM cache, ruggedness, or encryption—especially important for portable or high-use scenarios.
Budget Planning
Set a realistic budget based on your needs. For under $20, you can find basic 128GB SATA SSDs ideal for OS upgrades. At $30–$50, 500GB–1TB SATA drives offer great value. If you’re spending $60+, consider NVMe or portable SSDs for faster performance. Always check for sales on Amazon, Best Buy, or Newegg—many SSDs drop in price during holiday seasons or flash deals.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality SSD. The options we’ve reviewed prove that cheap doesn’t mean low quality—just smart shopping. Whether you need internal storage for your PC or a portable drive for travel, there’s an affordable SSD that fits your lifestyle and workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I buy cheap SSD that’s still reliable?
A: Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy often have the best prices on SSDs, especially during sales events. Look for highly rated models from brands like Crucial, SanDisk, or fanxiang—even lesser-known brands can be reliable if they use TLC NAND and have strong customer reviews.
Q: Is a cheaper SSD less durable?
A: Not necessarily. Durability depends more on the type of memory (TLC is better than QLC) and build quality than price. Many budget SSDs use 3D TLC NAND, which offers excellent longevity for everyday use.
Q: Can I use a cheap SSD in an old laptop?
A: Absolutely! SATA SSDs like the Crucial BX500 or fanxiang S101 are perfect for upgrading older laptops. They’re drop-in replacements for 2.5″ hard drives and dramatically improve performance.
Q: Do I need NVMe or is SATA enough?
A: If your device supports NVMe (most modern PCs do), it’s faster. But for basic tasks, web browsing, or office work, a SATA SSD is more than sufficient—and often cheaper.
Q: Are portable SSDs worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you need speed and durability on the go. Portable SSDs like the SanDisk Extreme or our top pick offer much faster transfers and better protection than traditional external hard drives.
Ready to upgrade your storage without overspending? Any of the SSDs in our list offer fantastic value and performance. Click the “Check Price” buttons above to compare current deals and find the best cheap SSD for your needs today!