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Choosing the right M.2 SSD can feel overwhelming with so many fast, flashy options on the market. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, upgrading your laptop, or just need more reliable storage, the best M.2 SSD for you depends on your needs—speed, capacity, budget, and compatibility all matter. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared five top-performing NVMe M.2 SSDs to help you pick the perfect one without the guesswork.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which M.2 Ssd To Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Gen4 PCIe and 7,250 MB/s Read Speed
The WD Black SN7100 is built for gamers who demand speed and reliability. With blazing 7,250 MB/s read speeds and up to 2TB of storage, it delivers smooth gameplay, fast load times, and plenty of room for your favorite titles.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with up to 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities for serious storage needs
- ✓ Uses Sandisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for enhanced durability
- ✓ Optimized for gaming laptops and desktops with M.2 2280 form factor
- ✓ Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between performance and value. It’s noticeably faster than older Gen3 drives and handles large game files and multitasking with ease. If you want high-octane speed without breaking the bank, this is our top pick.
Best For
Gamers and power users who want maximum speed and capacity for their PC or laptop upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for Gen4 NVMe
- Reliable performance under heavy workloads
- Easy installation in most modern systems
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Cons:
- No included cloning software
- Heats up under sustained loads (consider a heatsink)
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. 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 write on smaller tests.”
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. Samsung 990 EVO 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with PCIe Gen4 and 5,000 MB/s Speeds
Samsung’s 990 EVO combines smart efficiency with solid Gen4 performance. With read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and impressive power efficiency, it’s ideal for laptops and compact builds where heat and battery life matter.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Hybrid PCIe Gen4/Gen3 support for broad compatibility
- ✓ Up to 5,000 MB/s read and 4,200 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 70% improved performance per watt over previous models
- ✓ Intelligent thermal control with heat-spreading label
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
This SSD shines in efficiency and real-world responsiveness. It’s not the fastest on paper, but it runs cooler and uses less power—perfect for thin laptops or systems without extra cooling. Samsung’s reputation for reliability adds serious peace of mind.
Best For
Laptop users, content creators, and anyone prioritizing energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent power efficiency for longer battery life
- Reliable performance with low heat output
- Works in both Gen3 and Gen4 systems
- Comes with useful Samsung Magician software
Cons:
- Slower than top-tier Gen4 competitors
- No hardware encryption support
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a PC builder and heavy gamer, my old SATA SSD was becoming a serious bottleneck for my i7-12700K and RTX 5070 Ti system. I chose the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB to be my new primary OS and games drive, and the difference is staggering. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.”
Customer Review: “The 1TB Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus was an amazing upgrade for my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: the read and write speeds are incredibly fast, making the system and programs instantly responsive. Furthermore, HMB and Intelligent TurboWrite really help with sustained performance.”
3. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD with Gen4 PCIe and 6,600 MB/s Read Speed
The Crucial P310 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for Gen4 speeds. Delivering up to 6,600 MB/s read, it’s a fantastic entry-level NVMe SSD that outperforms many pricier drives in everyday tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 performance at a budget-friendly price
- ✓ Up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and handheld consoles like ROG Ally X
- ✓ Micron 3D NAND technology for reliability
- ✓ Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities
Why We Recommend It
If you’re upgrading from a slow HDD or older SSD, the P310 delivers a massive speed boost without overspending. It’s perfect for casual gamers, students, or anyone needing responsive storage on a budget.
Best For
First-time NVMe upgraders, budget builders, and handheld gaming device users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding value for Gen4 performance
- Fast boot and load times even at 500GB
- Works seamlessly in compact devices
- Reliable brand with solid warranty support
Cons:
- 500GB may fill up quickly with modern games
- No bundled software or migration tools
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Plenty of space: 2 TB gives me lots of room for OS, apps, games, and files without tight space concerns. Fast speeds: For Gen4 NVMe, load and boot times are super fast.”
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Crucial P310 2TB SSD for 4 months now in my small form factor PC build and it’s been fantastic. Installation was simple and straightforward – no issues at all. The performance is outstanding for both gaming and everyday use.”
4. WD Blue SN5100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Gen4 PCIe and 7,100 MB/s Read Speed
The WD Blue SN5100 offers near-top-tier speeds at a more accessible price point. With 7,100 MB/s read and 2TB of space, it’s a workhorse for creators, students, and professionals who need fast, reliable storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 speeds up to 7,100 MB/s read
- ✓ Sandisk nCache 4.0 technology for accelerated file transfers
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern systems
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty for long-term confidence
- ✓ Ideal for AI workflows, video editing, and large project files
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers performance close to premium models but at a better value. It’s especially great for productivity tasks where large file handling matters. WD’s reliability makes it a safe bet for daily use.
Best For
Professionals, students, and creators who need fast, spacious storage without premium pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-speed performance for the price
- Excellent for large file transfers and multitasking
- Trusted brand with strong warranty
- Low failure rate and consistent performance
Cons:
- Not as fast as WD Black or Samsung PRO models
- No included migration software
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “No issues and easy installation. Quality product for storage size and price.”
Customer Review: “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!”
5. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Gen4 PCIe and 7,450 MB/s Read Speed
The Samsung 990 PRO is a flagship SSD built for enthusiasts. With up to 7,450 MB/s read speeds and advanced thermal management, it’s designed for heavy workloads, gaming, and professional applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Over 55% improvement in random performance over previous gen
- ✓ Dynamic thermal guard prevents overheating
- ✓ Optimized for PS5, high-end PCs, and workstations
- ✓ Samsung Magician software with firmware updates and diagnostics
Why We Recommend It
If money is no object and you want the absolute best performance, the 990 PRO delivers. It’s overkill for basic use, but perfect for 4K editing, competitive gaming, or future-proofing your system.
Best For
Enthusiasts, content creators, and PS5 owners who want top-tier speed and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest consumer SSDs available
- Excellent thermal performance under load
- Proven reliability and brand trust
- Great for PS5 and high-end desktops
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Overkill for everyday tasks or older systems
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 for high-speed cache and they perform flawlessly.”
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 impressive.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which M.2 SSD to Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best M.2 SSD, we look at speed, capacity, compatibility, durability, and value. Gen4 drives offer faster speeds but require compatible motherboards. Always check your system’s M.2 slot type (PCIe vs SATA) and physical space. For most users, a 1TB–2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
Budget Planning
You can find solid M.2 SSDs starting around $50 for 500GB, but expect to pay $100–$150 for 1TB and $150–$200 for 2TB high-performance models. Set a budget based on your needs: gamers and creators should invest in speed and capacity, while casual users can save with reliable mid-tier options.
Final Thoughts
The right M.2 SSD transforms your system—faster boots, quicker loads, and smoother multitasking. Whether you choose our Best Choice (WD Black SN7100) for balanced performance or the Best Budget (Crucial P310) for value, any of these drives will be a major upgrade over older storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe M.2 SSDs?
A: NVMe M.2 SSDs use the PCIe interface and are significantly faster than SATA-based M.2 drives. If your system supports NVMe, go for it—especially for gaming or creative work.
Q: Can I use a Gen4 SSD in a Gen3 slot?
A: Yes, Gen4 SSDs are backward compatible with Gen3 slots, but they’ll run at Gen3 speeds (around 3,500 MB/s max).
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: Not always, but high-performance Gen4 drives can get hot under heavy use. A heatsink helps maintain speed and longevity, especially in compact builds or consoles like the PS5.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: For most users, 1TB is the minimum for a primary drive. Gamers and creators should aim for 2TB or more to avoid constant file management.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs reliable?
A: Many budget SSDs (like the Crucial P310) use quality components and are very reliable for everyday use. Just avoid no-name brands with no reviews or warranty.
Ready to upgrade? Pick the M.2 SSD that fits your needs and click “Check Price” to grab the best deal today. Your faster, smoother computing experience starts now!
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