“`html
Choosing the right M.2 SSD can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market—especially when you’re trying to balance speed, capacity, compatibility, and budget. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, boosting your laptop’s storage, or building a high-performance workstation, picking the best SSD M.2 for your needs is crucial. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 7 SSDs that deliver real-world performance, reliability, and value. From blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 drives to compact 2230 upgrades for handheld consoles, we’ve got you covered with expert insights and honest recommendations.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Which Ssd M 2 To Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 M.2 2280 for Laptops and Gaming Devices
The WD Black SN7100 is built for gamers who demand speed and reliability without compromise. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers near-instant load times and smooth multitasking across demanding titles and applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Up to 35% faster than previous-gen drives
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB
- ✓ Optimized for laptops and gaming devices
- ✓ Low power consumption and excellent thermal management
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between peak performance and real-world usability. It’s not just fast—it’s consistent under load, making it ideal for both gaming and content creation workflows.
Best For
Gamers, laptop users, and anyone upgrading from an older Gen3 drive who wants a noticeable performance jump without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing sequential read/write speeds
- Reliable Sandisk controller and NAND
- Great thermal performance even under sustained loads
- Easy plug-and-play installation
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may require aftermarket cooling in tight builds)
- Higher-tier models (4TB+) not yet available
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 files.”
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 SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 for Gaming and Video Editing
The WD Black SN8100 is a beast—this PCIe 5.0 SSD pushes the limits with read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000MB/s. Designed for enthusiasts and professionals, it’s perfect for 4K/8K video editing, large game libraries, and AI workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 x4 interface for next-gen performance
- ✓ Over 100% more power efficient than Gen4 drives
- ✓ Sequential read/write up to 14,900/14,000 MB/s
- ✓ Advanced thermal management for sustained workloads
- ✓ Backward compatible with Gen4 motherboards
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve got a Gen5-compatible motherboard, this drive unlocks unprecedented speed. It’s not just about benchmarks—it translates to faster renders, quicker boots, and seamless multitasking.
Best For
Content creators, video editors, and hardcore gamers with high-end desktops who want the absolute fastest storage available today.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- World-class Gen5 performance
- Excellent power efficiency for its class
- Robust build quality and firmware optimization
- Ideal for large file transfers and professional apps
Cons:
- Requires active cooling or a quality motherboard heatsink
- Premium price point compared to Gen4 alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Coming from SN850x, those m.2 were already so fast but this one is almost double the speed, loading window only takes 3s (after initial mobo check). Heat management is not an issue at all unlike Samsung 9100 Pro that runs much hotter and very easy to install and I had no problem with the benchmark f”
Customer Review: “Expanding the storage on my children’s PlayStation 5 was a worthwhile investment. The chosen solution offers excellent value, rapid performance, and ample capacity for future game downloads, eliminating the need to delete existing titles. The installation and setup process was straightforward, and w”
3. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 High Performance Gaming Drive
The WD Black SN850X remains a top-tier Gen4 SSD that delivers near-Gen5 speeds at a fraction of the cost. With up to 7,300MB/s read speeds and optional heatsink versions, it’s a proven performer for gaming and productivity.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface
- ✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,600MB/s write
- ✓ Optional integrated heatsink model available
- ✓ Capacities up to 8TB with Sandisk TLC NAND
- ✓ Optimized firmware for gaming workloads
Why We Recommend It
Even though newer drives exist, the SN850X still offers incredible value. It’s reliable, fast, and widely compatible—making it a smart pick if you’re not ready to invest in Gen5 hardware.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers and builders who want high-end Gen4 performance without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistently high performance across workloads
- Excellent endurance and 5-year warranty
- Heatsink version helps maintain speeds under load
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Cons:
- Slightly slower than newer Gen4 competitors like SN7100
- Non-heatsink models may throttle in poorly ventilated cases
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The performance is outstanding — super-fast load times, seamless game launches, and blazing data transfer speeds. Whether you’re gaming or handling large files, this drive handles it all with ease.”
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”
4. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD PCIe Gen4 for Steam Deck and Mini PCs
The Crucial P310 is a compact powerhouse designed specifically for small-form-factor devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and mini PCs. Despite its tiny 2230 size, it delivers full Gen4 speeds up to 7,100MB/s.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-compact M.2 2230 form factor
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe support
- ✓ Up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write
- ✓ Broad compatibility with handhelds and ultrabooks
- ✓ 2TB capacity in a space-saving design
Why We Recommend It
Finding a high-speed 2230 SSD is tough—but the P310 nails it. It’s perfect for expanding storage on devices where every millimeter counts.
Best For
Steam Deck owners, handheld gaming enthusiasts, and users of compact laptops or mini PCs needing fast, reliable storage upgrades.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True Gen4 speeds in a tiny package
- Easy installation with no driver needed
- Reliable Crucial firmware and NAND
- Great for AAA game libraries on portable devices
Cons:
- Limited to devices with 2230 slots (not standard 2280)
- Higher cost per GB compared to full-size SSDs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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”
Customer Review: “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”
5. WD Blue SN5100 2TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 Gen4 for PC and Laptop Storage
The WD Blue SN5100 brings solid Gen4 performance to everyday users and professionals. With speeds up to 7,100MB/s and Sandisk’s nCache 4.0 technology, it’s ideal for accelerating AI workflows, video projects, and general computing.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface
- ✓ Up to 7,100MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Sandisk nCache 4.0 for burst performance
- ✓ 2TB capacity with 3D CBA NAND
- ✓ Optimized for laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
It’s not flashy, but the SN5100 delivers reliable, fast storage at a reasonable price. Perfect for users who need performance without the premium branding.
Best For
Students, office workers, and casual creators looking for a dependable Gen4 SSD upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistent performance across tasks
- Low power draw—great for laptops
- 5-year warranty and trusted brand
- Easy installation and compatibility
Cons:
- Not optimized for heavy gaming or pro workloads
- No heatsink included
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!”
6. Aiibe X16Plus 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 for Gaming and Video Editing
The Aiibe X16Plus offers impressive Gen4 speeds at an affordable price point. With up to 7,450MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write, it competes with premium brands while staying budget-friendly.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface
- ✓ Up to 7,450MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write
- ✓ 1TB capacity with TLC NAND
- ✓ Wide compatibility with desktops, laptops, and consoles
- ✓ Plug-and-play installation
Why We Recommend It
For users seeking high-speed storage without the brand markup, the X16Plus delivers exceptional value. It’s especially great for secondary drives or budget builds.
Best For
Budget gamers, students, and anyone building a cost-effective PC with Gen4 support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Hits advertised speeds consistently
- Compact and easy to install
- Good for gaming and media storage
Cons:
- Limited warranty compared to major brands
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this 1TB SSD for my son and he is beyond impressed with it! Installation was quick and effortless, and the performance is absolutely stunning. His system now boots in seconds, and large video files transfer almost instantly. The read speed truly hits those high numbers — perfect for gaming, 4K”
Customer Review: “This internal solid state drive is fantastic! ⚡️ It made my computer run so much faster everything loads in seconds now. 💻 Installation was super easy, and it worked perfectly right away. 🙌 Totally worth every penny for the performance boost!”
7. M.2 to 2.5 Inch SATA Enclosure for 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 SSDs
This versatile enclosure lets you repurpose unused M.2 SATA SSDs as portable external drives. Supporting all common sizes (2230 to 2280), it’s a handy tool for backups, data migration, or expanding storage flexibility.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Converts M.2 SATA SSDs to 2.5″ SATA drives
- ✓ Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors
- ✓ Plug-and-play—no drivers required
- ✓ USB 3.0 compatible via SATA bridge
- ✓ Lightweight and portable design
Why We Recommend It
It’s not a primary SSD, but this enclosure adds serious utility. Turn old drives into external storage or use it for cloning and diagnostics.
Best For
DIYers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to reuse old M.2 drives or create portable storage solutions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Universal compatibility with most M.2 SATA SSDs
- Simple, tool-free installation
- Affordable way to repurpose drives
- Durable aluminum casing
Cons:
- Only works with SATA-based M.2 SSDs (not NVMe)
- Limited to SATA III speeds (up to 6Gbps)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Alright quality but works pretty good. Honestly pretty good value for 10 bucks, got it 5 days ago and just popped it right in and it’s been working fine. I will say it is slower than a direct connection to the motherboard but that was to be expected. With a direct connection on my old mobo I would g”
Customer Review: “Works great. Only for M.2 NVme SSDs.Does not support strictly NVme.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which Ssd M 2 To Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an M.2 SSD, focus on interface type (Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5), form factor (2280 is standard; 2230 is for compact devices), capacity needs, and intended use. Gamers and creators should prioritize speed and endurance, while general users benefit from reliability and value. Always check your motherboard or device specs to ensure compatibility.
Budget Planning
Prices vary widely: budget Gen3 drives start around $50 for 1TB, while high-end Gen5 SSDs can exceed $200. For most users, a Gen4 2TB drive offers the sweet spot of performance and cost. Don’t forget to factor in cooling—some fast drives need heatsinks to maintain peak speeds.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD M.2 for you depends on your system, workload, and budget. Our top picks cover every scenario—from ultra-fast Gen5 beasts to compact 2230 upgrades. Invest wisely, and you’ll enjoy faster boots, quicker loads, and smoother multitasking for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 SSDs?
A: Each generation roughly doubles bandwidth. Gen3 offers ~3,500MB/s, Gen4 reaches ~7,000MB/s, and Gen5 hits ~14,000MB/s. Your motherboard must support the generation to unlock those speeds.
Q: Can I use a Gen4 SSD in a Gen3 slot?
A: Yes—Gen4 SSDs are backward compatible but will run at Gen3 speeds. It’s a good way to future-proof your build.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: Only if you’re using a high-performance Gen4 or Gen5 drive in a cramped case. Many motherboards include heatsinks, but aftermarket options help with sustained workloads.
Q: Is NVMe better than SATA for M.2?
A: Absolutely. NVMe uses the PCIe bus and is significantly faster than SATA-based M.2 drives. Always choose NVMe unless your device only supports SATA.
Q: How do I install an M.2 SSD?
A: Power off your PC, locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard, insert the SSD at a slight angle, and secure it with a screw. Most systems detect it automatically in BIOS.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Pick one of our top-rated SSDs above and experience the speed difference firsthand. Whether you’re gaming, editing, or just want a snappier system, the right M.2 SSD makes all the difference. Click any “Check Price” button to find the best deal today!
“`