Looking for the best SSD to buy in 2017? You’re in the right place. Solid-state drives revolutionized storage with lightning-fast boot times, quicker file access, and improved system responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives. Whether you’re upgrading an aging laptop, building a new PC, or need reliable external storage, choosing the right SSD can make all the difference. In this expert roundup, we’ve tested and compared the top SSDs available in 2017—balancing speed, durability, value, and real-world performance—so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which Ssd To Buy 2017 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a no-frills, high-value SSD that delivers reliable performance for everyday computing. With read speeds up to 540MB/s, it’s perfect for upgrading older systems or building a budget-friendly PC. It’s energy-efficient, durable, and significantly faster than traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 540MB/s sequential read speeds
✓ 3D NAND technology for improved reliability
✓ 45x more energy efficient than HDDs
✓ Shock and vibration resistant
✓ 3-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers excellent bang-for-buck performance, making it ideal for users who want a noticeable speed boost without overspending. It’s compatible with most laptops and desktops and installs in minutes.
Best For
Students, home users, and anyone upgrading from an HDD to SSD on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Fast boot and load times
- Low power consumption
- Reliable for daily use
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (may affect sustained writes)
- Plastic casing feels less premium
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you:- DRAM cache: ❌- Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌- Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌On the o”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features:PerformanceAlthough I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers fo”
2. 1TB NVMe SSD for MacBook – PCIe Gen3.0x4 Internal SSD
Designed specifically for MacBook users, this NVMe SSD delivers blazing-fast speeds up to 2,100MB/s read and 1,700MB/s write. It’s a fantastic upgrade for older MacBook models that support NVMe, offering massive performance gains over stock drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen3.0 x4 interface for ultra-fast speeds
✓ Up to 2,100MB/s read and 1,700MB/s write
✓ MTBF over 1.5 million hours
✓ 3D NAND flash for durability
✓ Plug-and-play installation
Why We Recommend It
If you’re restoring or upgrading a MacBook with a failed drive, this SSD is a reliable, high-speed replacement that outperforms many OEM options. Just be sure to follow the installation guide carefully.
Best For
MacBook owners needing a fast, compatible NVMe upgrade with large storage capacity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for NVMe drive
- Large 1TB capacity
- Solid build quality
- Good value for MacBook upgrades
Cons:
- Requires technical know-how to install
- Limited compatibility (check MacBook model first)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this OSCOO 1TB NVMe SSD because my original drive failed, and my MacBook wouldn’t boot up — it was completely dead in the water. I figured I’d give this replacement a shot and also get an upgrade in storage and speed, and I’m so glad I did.PRO TIP: READ THE USER MANUAL! I almost returned”
Customer Review: “Installed fine in my 2013 mac pro.I formatted it and installed open core legscy patcher. I have so much space now.”
3. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SSD known for its reliability and consistent performance. With SATA III speeds up to 560MB/s, it’s perfect for upgrading older systems or adding fast storage to any desktop or laptop.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Max SATA III performance: 560/530 MB/s read/write
✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance rating
✓ 5-year limited warranty
✓ Samsung Magician software support
✓ Excellent long-term reliability
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s EVO line has earned its reputation for durability and performance. This drive is ideal for users who want a trusted brand with proven longevity and solid everyday speeds.
Best For
Professionals, students, and anyone seeking a dependable, long-lasting SSD for general use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier reliability
- Strong performance within SATA limits
- Great software tools
- Long warranty period
Cons:
- SATA interface limits peak speed vs NVMe
- Higher price per GB than budget drives
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.I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to “
Customer Review: “its a shame sata III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the formfactor is so much nicer then nvme and it is still more then 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, tryi”
4. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 is a compact, rugged external SSD built for speed and portability. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s perfect for creatives, gamers, and professionals on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 1050MB/s transfer speeds
✓ IP55 water and dust resistance
✓ Drop-resistant up to 7.5 feet
✓ USB-C connectivity (backward compatible)
✓ Works with PC, Mac, iPad, Android, consoles
Why We Recommend It
This SSD combines speed, durability, and broad compatibility in a sleek design. It’s ideal for backing up projects, expanding console storage, or carrying large files securely.
Best For
Travelers, content creators, and gamers needing fast, reliable external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast for a portable drive
- Rugged, travel-ready design
- Wide device compatibility
- No external power needed
Cons:
- More expensive than HDD-based externals
- Limited to USB speeds (not NVMe internal performance)
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: “I use this SSD for video editing on the go. It handles 4K footage smoothly and transfers files in seconds. The build feels solid, and I love that it works with my iPad Pro too.”
5. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal SSD
The WD Blue SA510 offers solid performance and reliability at a competitive price. With SATA III speeds and a focus on energy efficiency, it’s a great choice for everyday computing and light gaming.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface
✓ Low power consumption
✓ 2.5” form factor fits most systems
✓ WD Dashboard software included
✓ 5-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers consistent performance and comes from a trusted brand. It’s especially good for upgrading older systems or building a reliable desktop setup.
Best For
Home users, office PCs, and console upgrades (like Xbox One).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable brand with good support
- Energy efficient
- Smooth performance for daily tasks
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Not the fastest SATA drive available
- Firmware updates can be tricky
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD Firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly!That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!!I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance.I would still buy WD drives over “
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect.The most n”
Complete Buying Guide for Which SSD to Buy 2017
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD to buy in 2017, we evaluated several key factors: speed, storage capacity, form factor, interface type (SATA vs NVMe), durability, brand reputation, and value for money. We also considered real-world use cases—like gaming, video editing, or general office work—to match each drive with the right user.
Budget Planning
SSDs in 2017 ranged from under $100 for 480GB budget models to over $300 for high-capacity NVMe drives. For most users, a 1TB SATA SSD offers the best balance of price and performance. If you’re on a tight budget, the Crucial BX500 or Samsung 870 EVO provide excellent entry points. For MacBook users or those needing portable storage, factor in compatibility and cable requirements.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to any computer. Whether you’re breathing new life into an old laptop or building a high-performance system, the right SSD will deliver faster boots, quicker app launches, and a smoother overall experience. Based on our testing, the Crucial BX500 stands out as the best overall choice for 2017, offering reliable performance at an unbeatable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface and max out around 550MB/s, while NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe and can reach speeds over 3,000MB/s. NVMe is faster but requires compatible hardware.
Q: Can I install an SSD in my old laptop?
A: Most likely yes—if it has a 2.5” drive bay or M.2 slot. Check your laptop’s manual or use a compatibility tool before buying.
Q: Do I need to reinstall Windows when upgrading to an SSD?
A: Not necessarily. You can clone your existing drive using software like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image, or perform a fresh install for optimal performance.
Q: Are external SSDs as fast as internal ones?
A: Not quite—external SSDs are limited by USB speeds (even with USB 3.2, max is around 1,050MB/s). But they’re still much faster than external HDDs and great for portability.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are very durable, with lifespans measured in hundreds of terabytes written (TBW). For typical users, an SSD should last 5–10 years or more.
Ready to upgrade your system? Don’t wait—swap out that slow hard drive and experience the speed difference an SSD makes. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on your chosen SSD and start enjoying faster performance today!