Looking for the best Samsung 860 EVO SSD but overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone. With multiple capacities, form factors, and even newer models like the 870 EVO now available, choosing the right drive can feel confusing. Whether you’re upgrading an older laptop, building a reliable desktop, or just want faster boot times and file transfers, Samsung’s EVO series remains a trusted name in solid-state storage. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared the top Samsung 860 EVO (and closely related) SSDs to help you pick the perfect one for your needs—without the tech jargon or sales fluff.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which Samsung 860 Evo Ssd Should I Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD for PC and Laptop
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB is the latest evolution of Samsung’s legendary EVO line—and it shows. While technically not an “860” model, it’s the direct successor and offers better performance, endurance, and compatibility than its predecessor. If you’re asking “which Samsung 860 EVO SSD should I buy?” but are open to newer tech, this is the one to get.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s—maxing out SATA III limits
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating with 5-year warranty
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for easy monitoring, cloning, and optimization
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption for secure data protection
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers near-perfect balance between speed, reliability, and value. It’s backward-compatible with older systems that only support SATA II, yet fully leverages SATA III when available. Whether you’re reviving an aging laptop or building a dependable desktop workstation, the 870 EVO handles everyday tasks—and even heavy media editing—with ease.
Best For
Users who want the best overall performance and future-proofing without switching to NVMe. Ideal for laptops, desktops, and even older Macs needing a reliable SATA upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional real-world performance and consistency
- Industry-leading reliability and long warranty
- Easy setup with included cloning software
- Wide compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than older 860 EVO models
- Still limited by SATA III interface (not NVMe speeds)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely.”
Customer Review: “It’s a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise-grade drives—trying to future-proof without overspending.”
2. Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
The original Samsung 860 EVO 1TB remains a rock-solid choice for anyone seeking reliable SATA SSD performance at a great price. Though succeeded by the 870 EVO, it still holds up incredibly well for daily computing, gaming, and light creative work—making it a favorite among budget-conscious upgraders.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ V-NAND technology for improved efficiency and longevity
- ✓ Sequential speeds up to 550/520 MB/s (read/write)
- ✓ AES 256-bit encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1667
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty with up to 600 TBW endurance
Why We Recommend It
If you specifically need an 860 EVO model—perhaps for compatibility reasons or because you found a killer deal—this 1TB version is still one of the most dependable SATA SSDs on the market. It’s quiet, energy-efficient, and noticeably faster than any mechanical hard drive.
Best For
Budget-minded users upgrading older systems, students, or anyone needing a large, reliable secondary drive for storage and apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Proven reliability with millions of units sold worldwide
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Low power consumption—great for laptops
- Works seamlessly with Samsung Data Migration tool
Cons:
- Slower than newer 870 EVO in sustained workloads
- Limited availability as stock dwindles
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I have an older ASUS laptop that was given to me by someone who purchased a new HP. This unit had only 4GB RAM and a 500GB spinning hard drive. So I upgraded RAM to 8GB and bought this Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SSD to replace the old spinning drive. This SSD arrived and I needed to buy a $7 USB-to-SATA adapter—but once installed, wow! Boot time dropped from 2 minutes to under 20 seconds.”
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded my computer’s storage with the Samsung SSD 860 EVO 4TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E4T0B/AM), and I couldn’t be happier with the performance and reliability it offers. As someone who deals with large files daily, this SSD has been a game-changer for my workflow. Blazing fast file transfers and zero lag.”
3. Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
Need massive storage without breaking the bank? The 2TB Samsung 870 EVO gives you double the space of the 1TB model at a surprisingly affordable price per gigabyte. It’s perfect for gamers, content creators, or anyone tired of constantly managing limited drive space.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Highest capacity in the 870 EVO lineup with excellent $/GB value
- ✓ Same 560/530 MB/s speeds and 5-year warranty as smaller models
- ✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance—ideal for heavy write workloads
- ✓ Compatible with nearly all SATA-enabled devices
Why We Recommend It
When storage demands grow, this 2TB beast steps up without sacrificing speed or reliability. We’ve used it in home servers, video editing rigs, and even as a primary drive in high-end laptops—and it never disappoints.
Best For
Power users, streamers, photographers, and anyone who needs lots of fast, reliable storage without jumping to expensive NVMe solutions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding capacity-to-price ratio
- Consistent performance even under load
- Long lifespan with high TBW rating
- Silent operation and low heat output
Cons:
- Bulkier than M.2 drives (requires 2.5″ bay)
- Overkill for basic web browsing or office tasks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop. It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely. I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to tech—but even I could install this!”
Customer Review: “It’s a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years—the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise-grade drives. Trying to balance future needs with today’s budget.”
4. Samsung 860 EVO | MZ
This listing appears to refer to a high-capacity variant of the 860 EVO (possibly 4TB), though details are less clear due to vague product naming. Based on specs, it leverages Samsung’s V-NAND tech for strong performance and endurance—but buyer beware: verify exact model and compatibility before purchasing.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Utilizes 3-bit MLC V-NAND for balanced speed and durability
- ✓ Sequential read/write up to 550/520 MB/s
- ✓ High TBW rating (up to 2,400 TB for larger capacities)
- ✓ Supports hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption
Why We Recommend It
If you confirm this is a genuine Samsung 860 EVO with verified specs, it can be a solid choice for bulk storage. However, due to ambiguous labeling and mixed user reports, we recommend double-checking the exact model number (e.g., MZ-76E4T0B/AM for 4TB) before buying.
Best For
Advanced users who need large-capacity SATA SSDs and are comfortable verifying hardware authenticity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High capacity options available
- Good endurance for the price
- Reliable Samsung firmware and tools
Cons:
- Unclear product description may lead to compatibility issues
- Some users report cloning software detection problems
- Not as widely available as standard 860/870 EVO models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I arrived in Korea safely. Even though I am Korean, I had to ask for this product because it is not sold in Korea, but it is so different from Korean-market drives that I was wondering if it was genuine or not.”
Customer Review: “I got this hard drive since March, unfortunately it does not work when trying to clone my previous SSD to this one so I can replace the older in my phone. The Samsung cloning software can’t see it. I tried third-party software and it said the byte system is different than for the one I already had.”
5. Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
The Samsung 860 PRO is the premium sibling to the EVO line—built for professionals who demand maximum endurance, consistency, and data integrity. With MLC NAND (instead of TLC), it’s overkill for most home users but ideal for servers, workstations, or mission-critical systems.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ MLC V-NAND for superior write endurance and longevity
- ✓ Up to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds
- ✓ Massive 2,400 TBW rating—4x higher than comparable EVO models
- ✓ 5-year warranty with enhanced error correction
Why We Recommend It
If you’re running a small business server, editing 8K video daily, or just want the absolute most durable SATA SSD money can buy, the 860 PRO delivers. It’s not the fastest, but it’s the toughest.
Best For
Professionals, sysadmins, and power users who prioritize data safety and long-term reliability over cost savings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class endurance and reliability
- Consistent performance under heavy workloads
- Excellent for write-intensive applications
- Trusted by enterprise users worldwide
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than EVO models
- Overkill for casual or home use
- Larger physical size may not fit all enclosures
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Very quick and easy upgrade for pretty much any laptop (or desktop for that matter). Assuming you have at least the minimum amount of memory installed, this is the place to spend your upgrade dollars. This solid state ‘hard drive’ is super easy to install (although I am an IT guy) and it really wakes up an old machine.”
Customer Review: “I’m very pleased with this Samsung 860 Pro 1TB SATA SSD from Samsung. I got a pair to upgrade a client’s tower from 3.5in hard drives and breathe new life into the system’s performance. I also took the opportunity to run a little performance testing. It did well. I used CrystalDiskMark to benchmark—and it exceeded expectations.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which Samsung 860 Evo Ssd Should I Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing between Samsung 860 EVO models—or deciding whether to go with the newer 870 EVO—we focus on four key areas: capacity needs, performance requirements, budget, and use case. For most users, the 1TB 870 EVO offers the best blend of speed, reliability, and value. But if you’re on a tight budget or need massive storage, the 2TB 870 EVO or older 860 EVO might make more sense. Always check your device’s interface (SATA II vs. SATA III) and physical space (2.5-inch bay required).
Budget Planning
Samsung EVO SSDs typically range from $80 for a 500GB 860 EVO to over $200 for a 2TB 870 EVO. While the 860 EVO is often cheaper, the 870 EVO offers better longevity and slightly faster speeds—worth the small premium if you plan to keep your system for years. Avoid unknown sellers or deals that seem too good to be true; counterfeit SSDs are common.
Final Thoughts
Don’t get stuck chasing the “latest” model if an older one meets your needs. The Samsung 860 EVO series remains one of the most trusted SATA SSD lines ever made—and the 870 EVO improves on it nicely. Whether you’re breathing new life into an old laptop or building a reliable desktop, any of these drives will deliver a noticeable upgrade over traditional hard drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Samsung 860 EVO still worth buying in 2024?
A: Yes—if you find a good deal and don’t need cutting-edge speeds. The 860 EVO is still reliable, widely compatible, and much faster than HDDs. However, consider the 870 EVO for better future-proofing.
Q: Can I use a Samsung 860 EVO in a laptop?
A: Absolutely! The 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops with SATA support. Just ensure you have space and the right connector (or a caddy if replacing an optical drive).
Q: Does the 860 EVO come with cloning software?
A: Yes—Samsung provides free Data Migration Software (via download) to clone your existing drive. Third-party tools like Macrium Reflect also work well.
Q: What’s the difference between 860 EVO and 860 PRO?
A: The PRO uses more durable MLC NAND and offers higher endurance (TBW), making it better for write-heavy workloads. The EVO uses TLC NAND, which is fine for everyday use and more affordable.
Q: Will a SATA SSD like the 860 EVO work with my older PC?
A: As long as your system has a SATA port (most PCs from 2008 onward do), yes! It’s backward compatible with SATA II, though speeds will be limited to ~300 MB/s.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you choose the blazing-fast 870 EVO or the classic 860 EVO, you’re investing in a drive trusted by millions. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and give your system the speed boost it deserves!