Choosing the right M.2 SSD can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, speeding up a laptop, or expanding storage for creative projects, the answer to “which M.2 SSD should I buy?” depends on your needs, budget, and device compatibility. In this expert roundup, we’ve tested and compared five top-performing M.2 SSDs—from blazing-fast NVMe Gen4 drives to reliable SATA options—so you can make a confident, informed decision without the tech jargon overload.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which M 2 Ssd Should I Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Blue SN5100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD – PCIe Gen4, 7,100MB/s Read Speed for PC and Laptop
The WD Blue SN5100 is a powerhouse NVMe SSD that delivers near-top-tier Gen4 speeds at a surprisingly reasonable price. With 7,100MB/s read speeds and 2TB of reliable storage, it’s perfect for users who want high performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re editing videos, running AI workloads, or just want faster boot times, this drive handles it all with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,600MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 2TB capacity using SanDisk 3D CBA NAND for long-term reliability
- ✓ nCache 4.0 technology accelerates large file transfers and project loads
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern laptops and desktops
- ✓ Backed by a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an ideal balance between speed, capacity, and value. It’s 30% faster than previous-gen drives and handles heavy workloads like video rendering or game libraries without breaking a sweat. Plus, WD’s reputation for durability makes it a smart long-term investment.
Best For
Content creators, power users, and anyone upgrading from an older SSD who wants serious speed gains without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance for the price
- Large 2TB capacity ideal for media and games
- Reliable brand with strong warranty support
- Easy installation and broad compatibility
Cons:
- Slightly slower write speeds compared to premium rivals
- No bundled cloning software (requires third-party tools)
Customer Reviews
“No issues and easy installation. Quality product for storage size and price.”
“Not too much I can say other than it arrived overnight and was installed in 5 minutes. It works fine. The read/write speed is what I needed and I have used WD products in the past. They are reliable. Also WD has a 5 year warranty on the NVME and that IS a plus. Well worth it!”
2. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD – PCIe Gen4, 7,100MB/s, for Steam Deck and Ultrabooks
The Crucial P310 is a compact yet mighty SSD designed specifically for space-constrained devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and ultrabooks. Despite its tiny 2230 form factor, it packs full PCIe Gen4 speeds—up to 7,100MB/s read—making it ideal for gamers and mobile professionals who need both speed and portability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-compact M.2 2230 size fits Steam Deck, Surface, and select Dell laptops
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 performance: 7,100MB/s read, 6,000MB/s write
- ✓ 2TB capacity gives ample room for AAA games and apps
- ✓ Micron 3D NAND ensures endurance and stability
- ✓ Low power consumption helps preserve battery life
Why We Recommend It
If you’re upgrading a handheld gaming device or slim laptop, the P310 is one of the few 2230 SSDs that doesn’t sacrifice speed for size. It’s plug-and-play compatible with popular compact systems and delivers desktop-class performance in a pocket-sized package.
Best For
Steam Deck owners, ultrabook users, and anyone needing high-speed storage in a tiny footprint.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds in a mini form factor
- Perfect fit for Steam Deck and similar devices
- Reliable Crucial build quality
- Instant recognition by most systems
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with standard 2280-only motherboards
- Higher cost per GB than full-size SSDs
Customer Reviews
“AMAZING m.2, I used it to upgrade my Legion Go storage, from 512 OEM one to 2tb, with a 2230 to 2242 converter, working fine without any inconvenience. I cloned original m.2 by installing these at my desktop motherboard, all information was cloned super fast. AAA games load and run incredibly fast, I”
“Great product — very small in size, easy to install, and instantly recognized by my computer. I got the 1TB version and set it up right away with no issues. The performance is excellent, and it delivers the fast speeds Crucial is known for. I’ve trusted this brand for years and have always had great”
3. WD_BLACK SN770 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD – PCIe Gen4, 5,150MB/s Read Speed for Gaming
The WD_BLACK SN770 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for great gaming performance. With 5,150MB/s read speeds and a focus on smooth gameplay, it minimizes stutter and slashes load times—all while costing significantly less than flagship drives. It’s a smart pick for budget-conscious gamers who still want Gen4 benefits.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with 5,150MB/s read and 4,900MB/s write
- ✓ Optimized for gaming: reduces in-game lag and streaming hiccups
- ✓ 2TB capacity holds dozens of modern titles
- ✓ No heatsink needed—runs cool under typical loads
- ✓ WD_BLACK Dashboard software for monitoring and updates
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers 90% of the performance of premium Gen4 drives at a much friendlier price. It’s perfect if you’re building or upgrading a gaming PC and want smooth, responsive gameplay without overspending on storage.
Best For
Budget gamers, PC builders, and anyone wanting reliable Gen4 speeds without the premium price tag.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for a Gen4 NVMe SSD
- Great for gaming and general productivity
- Low heat output—no extra cooling required
- Includes useful monitoring software
Cons:
- Not as fast as top-tier Gen4 drives (e.g., Samsung 990 Pro)
- Lacks hardware encryption features found in enterprise models
Customer Reviews
“I swapped in the WD_BLACK SN770 2TB NVMe drive to upgrade my gaming PC and I’ve been really pleased. It’s noticeably faster when booting, loading large games, and moving big files—the difference between waiting and not waiting is real. The drive feels solid (no weird heat or noise issues), and with “
“I purchased the WD_BLACK 1TB SN770 NVMe SSD to upgrade the storage in my HP Victus, and it has exceeded expectations. Installation was simple, and the drive was immediately recognized with no compatibility issues. I was able to restore my system to it quickly and painlessly. The size is great for th”
4. Timetec 2TB M.2 SATA SSD – 6Gb/s, 550MB/s Read, 3D NAND, for Laptop and Desktop
The Timetec 2TB M.2 SATA SSD offers basic but functional storage for older systems or budget builds. With 550MB/s read speeds, it’s significantly faster than traditional hard drives and works well in laptops or desktops that only support SATA-based M.2 slots. However, reliability concerns have been reported by some long-term users.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface with up to 550MB/s read and 500MB/s write
- ✓ 3D QLC NAND with SLC caching for burst performance
- ✓ 1.5 million hours MTBF rating
- ✓ Compatible with Windows and Linux systems
- ✓ Affordable entry-level pricing
Why We Recommend It
Only consider this drive if you’re upgrading an older machine with a SATA-only M.2 slot and need cheap, large-capacity storage. It’s not ideal for primary system drives or heavy workloads due to reported longevity issues.
Best For
Legacy system upgrades, secondary storage, or non-critical backup drives where cost is the top priority.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very low price per GB
- Decent speed for SATA-based systems
- Easy drop-in replacement for older SSDs or HDDs
Cons:
- Multiple reports of early failure after ~1 year
- QLC NAND wears out faster under heavy write loads
- No official warranty or customer support responsiveness
Customer Reviews
“I bought this cheap ssd for my first PC build ever thinking it would be OK to cheap out on atleast one component as everything else on my pc was expensive but GOD WAS THIS A MISTAKE. (I have used this ssd for approximately one year) First issue I had with this my PC was random heat spikes from the c”
“These drives are completely unreliable. I purchased two Timetec SSDs in 2024. One 128 GB drive in March of 2024 and one 256 GB drive in November of 2024. Both are already dead. The 128 GB drive I used as a system drive for about eight months before it stopped working one day. So, foolishly thinking “
5. KingSpec NT 2TB M.2 2242 SATA SSD – 6Gb/s, for Ultrabook, Laptop, and Desktop
The KingSpec NT is a niche SSD designed for ultra-compact devices like the NucBox-G3 or older ultrabooks that use the rare M.2 2242 form factor. While it offers decent SATA speeds and advanced NAND management features, multiple users report sudden failures and poor OS recognition—making it a risky choice despite its low cost.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M.2 2242 size fits select ultrabooks and mini PCs
- ✓ SATA III 6Gb/s with up to 570MB/s read speed
- ✓ Supports TRIM, wear-leveling, and bad block management
- ✓ Lightweight and energy-efficient
Why We Recommend It
We don’t—unless you absolutely must replace a failed 2242 drive and can’t find a better alternative. Even then, proceed with caution due to widespread reliability complaints.
Best For
Emergency replacements in rare 2242-only devices where no other options exist.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the few 2242 SATA SSDs available
- Theoretical compatibility with niche hardware
- Low power draw
Cons:
- Frequent reports of sudden failure and BIOS non-detection
- Poor Linux and Windows compatibility in practice
- No customer support or warranty assistance
Customer Reviews
“This actually worked well and ran cool for about a year in my GMK NucBox-G3 but became glitchy with me getting strange and always different error messages in Linux. I could not figure out the problem reading the logs until It finally was no longer recognized in Bios. 1 Star because it should last “
“Drive is not recognized by windows or linux operating systems. The drive is defective. I do not recommend it.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which M 2 Ssd Should I Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When answering “which M.2 SSD should I buy,” we evaluate four key areas: performance (NVMe vs. SATA, Gen3 vs. Gen4), form factor (2280, 2242, or 2230), reliability (brand reputation, NAND type, warranty), and use case (gaming, content creation, general use). Always check your device’s manual—some laptops only support SATA-based M.2 slots, while others require specific lengths like 2230 for handhelds.
Budget Planning
You can get a reliable 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD for $120–$180 (like the WD Blue SN5100 or WD_BLACK SN770). Premium drives with heatsinks or encryption run $200+. SATA SSDs are cheaper ($80–$120) but much slower. Avoid no-name brands with no warranty—they may save you $20 now but cost you data later.
Final Thoughts
For most users, the WD Blue SN5100 offers the best blend of speed, capacity, and value. Gamers on a budget should grab the WD_BLACK SN770, while Steam Deck owners will love the Crucial P310. Steer clear of Timetec and KingSpec unless you’re desperate—their failure rates are too high for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which M.2 SSD is fastest for gaming?
A: The Crucial P310 and WD Blue SN5100 both deliver 7,100MB/s read speeds—ideal for reducing game load times. However, the WD_BLACK SN770 offers 90% of that performance at a lower price and is our top pick for budget gamers.
Q: Can I use an NVMe SSD in a SATA M.2 slot?
A: No. NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs use different protocols. Check your motherboard or laptop specs to see which type your slot supports. Physical fit doesn’t guarantee compatibility!
Q: Is a 2TB SSD worth it over 1TB?
A: Absolutely—if you play modern games, edit videos, or store large files. AAA titles often exceed 100GB each, and 2TB gives you room to grow without constant file management.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: Most consumer SSDs like the SN770 run cool without one. Only high-end drives under heavy sustained loads (e.g., video rendering) benefit from extra cooling.
Q: How do I clone my old drive to a new M.2 SSD?
A: Use free tools like Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla. Connect both drives to a desktop, clone the OS and data, then swap them. Always back up first!
Still wondering which M.2 SSD to buy? Our top recommendation is the WD Blue SN5100 for its unbeatable mix of speed, reliability, and value. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and upgrade your system today!