Looking for the best place to buy an M.2 SSD? You’re in the right spot. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, speeding up your laptop, or expanding storage for your PS5, finding a reliable M.2 SSD from a trusted retailer is key. With so many options online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—but we’ve done the legwork for you. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to buy M.2 SSD drives that deliver top performance, durability, and value, all backed by real user feedback and expert testing.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Where To Buy M.2 Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptops and Gaming Handhelds
The WD Black SN7100 is built for gamers and power users who demand speed and reliability on the go. With blazing read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, this PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers up to 35% faster performance than its predecessor—making it one of the best places to buy M.2 SSD for portable gaming and high-performance laptops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write speeds
- PCIe Gen4 interface with Sandisk TLC 3D NAND
- Available in capacities up to 2TB
- Optimized for laptops and gaming handhelds
- Excellent thermal management and durability
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, portability, and reliability. Whether you’re loading games on a Steam Deck or upgrading your ultrabook, the SN7100 handles heavy workloads without breaking a sweat. It’s also surprisingly easy to install—just slot it in and go.
Best For
Gamers using handheld devices, laptop users needing fast storage, and anyone looking for a high-performance M.2 SSD without the premium price tag.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for Gen4 performance
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- Great for portable gaming systems
- Reliable Sandisk NAND technology
Cons:
- No included heatsink (sold separately)
- Limited to 2TB max capacity
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB to replace my smaller WD SN570 Gen3 boot drive. Installation was straightforward i.e just slide it into the M.2 slot, and done. Performance? Using CrystalDiskMark V9.5.0, I consistently saw around 7000 MB/s read and 6200 MB/s write on the 4 GB test, and about 6800 MB/s…”
Customer Review: “Great SSD for the price. Installation was simple and the drive delivers fast load times in games and everyday use. The performance is definitely noticeable. Overall, a solid upgrade for any gaming PC!!”
2. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read Speeds
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a powerhouse SSD designed for serious gamers and content creators. With read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300MB/s, it transforms your PC with near-instant load times and smooth multitasking. Available in capacities up to 8TB, it’s one of the best places to buy M.2 SSD if you want top-tier performance and future-proof storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
- Available with optional heatsink for thermal control
- Capacities from 1TB to 8TB
- Built with Sandisk TLC 3D NAND
- Ideal for gaming PCs and workstations
Why We Recommend It
This SSD consistently delivers on its promises—speed, stability, and style. The optional heatsink version keeps temperatures down during long gaming sessions, and the drive’s reliability makes it a favorite among PC builders. It’s a worthy investment if you’re serious about performance.
Best For
High-end gaming rigs, video editors, and users who want maximum speed and storage without compromise.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- Heatsink option available
- Large capacity options (up to 8TB)
- Excellent for PS5 and PC upgrades
Cons:
- Higher price point than budget drives
- Heatsink adds slight bulk
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat…”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are”
3. SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0
The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 offers incredible value for money. With read speeds up to 7,350MB/s, it competes with premium drives but at a fraction of the cost. It comes with a heatsink, screw, and standoff—everything you need for a hassle-free install. If you’re searching for where to buy M.2 SSD on a budget without sacrificing speed, this is a smart pick.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Up to 7,350MB/s read speeds via PCIe Gen4x4
- Includes heatsink, screw, and screwdriver
- Compatible with laptops, desktops, and PS5
- Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for high-speed storage. It’s perfect for first-time upgraders or anyone building a budget gaming PC. The included accessories save you time and money, and performance is consistently strong across real-world tasks.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers, students, and anyone upgrading from an older SSD or HDD without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for Gen4 speeds
- Comes with full installation kit
- Works with PS5 and most laptops
- Reliable performance for daily use
Cons:
- Brand less established than Samsung or WD
- Limited long-term reliability data
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded. The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed — an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff — which honestly saved me a trip to the store since I had lost my factory set screw…”
Customer Review: “I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised so far. Installation was also pretty easy, I did have to use…”
4. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4
The Samsung 990 PRO is a flagship SSD trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike. With read speeds up to 7,450MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drives on the market. Built with Samsung’s advanced V-NAND technology, it delivers unmatched reliability and efficiency—making it a top choice when deciding where to buy M.2 SSD for high-performance systems.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Up to 7,450MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write speeds
- Samsung V-NAND and in-house controller
- Excellent thermal management
- 5-year limited warranty
- Optimized for PS5, gaming, and creative work
Why We Recommend It
Samsung has a reputation for building some of the most reliable SSDs in the world, and the 990 PRO lives up to that legacy. Whether you’re editing 4K video or loading massive game worlds, this drive handles it all with ease. It’s a premium product—but worth every penny.
Best For
Professionals, content creators, and gamers who want the absolute best performance and long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest speeds in its class
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Great for PS5 and high-end PCs
- Strong warranty and support
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors
- No included heatsink (on most models)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. I have two 12TB HDD drives, two slower SSDs, and two of these great Samsung 1TB NVMe drives. While the majority of my backups are on the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these…”
Customer Review: “Installed this SSD in my PS5 and it just works exactly as advertised. Physical install took literally 3-4 minutes (unscrew the cover, slot it in, screw it down). No issues at all. PS5 recognized it instantly, formatted in under a minute, and I started moving games over right away. Transfer speeds were”
5. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink combines raw speed with smart thermal design. With the same 7,300MB/s read speeds as the standard model, this version includes an integrated heatsink that keeps temperatures in check during intense gaming or rendering sessions. It’s ideal for compact builds where airflow is limited—and one of the best places to buy M.2 SSD if you want plug-and-play cooling.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal performance
- Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
- Perfect fit for PS5 and small-form-factor PCs
- Sandisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
- Sleek, aggressive design
Why We Recommend It
If you’re installing your SSD in a tight space—like a PS5 or mini-ITX build—the built-in heatsink is a game-changer. It prevents throttling and maintains peak performance longer than non-heatsink models. This is the SSD you want if cooling is a concern.
Best For
PS5 owners, SFF PC builders, and anyone who wants high-speed storage with built-in thermal protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink prevents thermal throttling
- Easy installation in PS5 and laptops
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- Stylish, gamer-friendly design
Cons:
- Slightly thicker—may not fit all laptops
- Higher cost than non-heatsink version
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat…”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are”
Complete Buying Guide for M.2 Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating where to buy M.2 SSD, we look at several key factors: speed (measured in MB/s for read/write), capacity (from 500GB to 8TB), form factor (most are 2280), interface (PCIe Gen3 vs Gen4), and thermal performance. We also consider real-world reliability, warranty length, and whether the drive includes extras like a heatsink or installation kit. Price-to-performance ratio is crucial—especially for budget buyers.
Budget Planning
M.2 SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the SIX NVMe start around $80 for 1TB, while premium drives like the Samsung 990 PRO can cost $150–$200 for the same capacity. For most users, a 1TB or 2TB Gen4 SSD offers the best balance of speed and value. If you’re upgrading a PS5 or gaming laptop, prioritize drives with heatsinks or strong thermal performance. Always check for seasonal sales—Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy often run discounts.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to buy M.2 SSD doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Stick with trusted retailers like Amazon for fast shipping, easy returns, and verified customer reviews. Whether you’re after raw speed, budget value, or plug-and-play convenience, there’s an M.2 SSD on this list that fits your needs. Don’t forget to check compatibility with your device before purchasing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 M.2 SSDs?
A: PCIe Gen4 SSDs are significantly faster—up to 7,000+ MB/s compared to Gen3’s max of around 3,500 MB/s. However, you’ll only see the benefit if your motherboard or device supports Gen4. For most users, Gen4 is worth it for future-proofing.
Q: Can I use any M.2 SSD in my laptop or PS5?
A: Not all M.2 SSDs are compatible. Check your device’s manual for supported lengths (usually 2280) and interface (Gen3 or Gen4). The PS5 requires a Gen4 SSD with a heatsink for optimal performance.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: It depends. If you’re using a high-speed Gen4 drive in a confined space (like a PS5 or small laptop), a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. For desktops with good airflow, it’s less critical.
Q: How do I install an M.2 SSD?
A: Installation is simple: power off your device, locate the M.2 slot, insert the SSD at a slight angle, and secure it with a screw. Most drives come with instructions—and some include tools.
Q: Are cheaper M.2 SSDs reliable?
A: Some budget drives offer great value, but avoid no-name brands with no reviews. Stick to reputable manufacturers or well-reviewed alternatives like the SIX NVMe for safe, reliable performance.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you’re building a new PC, expanding your PS5, or just speeding up an old laptop, choosing the right M.2 SSD makes all the difference. We’ve tested and reviewed the top options so you can buy with confidence. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on your new SSD today!