Looking for the best SSD to buy on Reddit? You’re not alone. Thousands of tech-savvy users on Reddit’s r/buildapc, r/DataHoarder, and r/homelab communities regularly ask, “Which SSD should I buy?” The answer depends on your needs—whether you’re upgrading a laptop, building a NAS, or need fast portable storage. Based on real user feedback, expert testing, and top-rated Amazon picks, we’ve rounded up the best SSDs that consistently earn praise across Reddit threads. These drives balance speed, reliability, endurance, and value—so you can stop scrolling and start upgrading.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which Ssd To Buy Reddit Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 M.2 NAS SSD with 3D NAND and SATA III
The Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 M.2 NAS SSD is a top pick among Reddit users building or upgrading their home or small business NAS systems. Built specifically for 24/7 operation, this SSD delivers reliable performance and endurance for continuous read/write workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Optimized for NAS caching and tiered storage
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for enhanced durability
- ✓ M.2 form factor saves space in compact builds
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 560 MB/s read speeds
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is purpose-built for NAS environments, making it ideal for users who need fast access to frequently used files without taxing their HDD arrays. It’s quiet, energy-efficient, and consistently praised on Reddit for stability under heavy loads.
Best For
Home lab enthusiasts, Plex servers, and small business NAS setups that require reliable, high-speed caching or primary storage in a compact M.2 format.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent endurance for 24/7 use
- Compact M.2 design fits tight builds
- Consistently stable performance
- Trusted brand with strong NAS reputation
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives (SATA-limited)
- Higher cost per GB compared to consumer SSDs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent product. Working great in my HP Desktop Computer. Very easy to install. WD software downloaded from their website did not work for backing up old content, prior to replacing original SSD. I downloaded free 3rd party software to backup my 120GB original SSD so that I could replace it with t”
Customer Review: “The drive keeps up with 4 cameras recording to it. No complaints”
2. Western Digital 1TB WD Red SA500 2.5″ NAS SSD with 3D NAND and SATA III
The 1TB version of the WD Red SA500 offers the same proven NAS-grade reliability in a more compact 2.5″ form factor. It’s a favorite on Reddit for users who need dependable storage without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Designed for 24/7 NAS operation
- ✓ 3D NAND for improved power efficiency and longevity
- ✓ 2.5″ form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 560 MB/s read speeds
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes a great balance between capacity, price, and reliability. It’s frequently recommended in Reddit threads for users upgrading older systems or adding fast storage to a NAS without going full NVMe.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops, adding secondary storage to desktops, or building budget-friendly NAS systems that still demand enterprise-level endurance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High endurance for continuous use
- Fits standard drive bays and laptop trays
- Low power consumption and silent operation
- Consistent performance under load
Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe alternatives
- Limited to SATA III bandwidth
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent product. Working great in my HP Desktop Computer. Very easy to install. WD software downloaded from their website did not work for backing up old content, prior to replacing original SSD. I downloaded free 3rd party software to backup my 120GB original SSD so that I could replace it with t”
Customer Review: “The drive keeps up with 4 cameras recording to it. No complaints”
3. Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 2.5″ NAS SSD with 3D NAND and SATA III
This 2TB version of the WD Red SA500 delivers massive storage at a competitive price, making it a standout budget-friendly option for NAS users who need capacity without sacrificing reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity ideal for media and backups
- ✓ Built for 24/7 NAS workloads
- ✓ 3D NAND enhances data integrity and lifespan
- ✓ 2.5″ form factor for universal compatibility
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance rating
Why We Recommend It
When Reddit users ask for affordable high-capacity SSDs for NAS, this model comes up often. It offers enterprise-grade endurance at a consumer price, perfect for media servers or backup drives.
Best For
Home users running Plex, surveillance systems, or large file backups who need reliable, high-capacity storage without NVMe-level costs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value per gigabyte
- Excellent for long-term storage and caching
- Silent and energy-efficient
- Trusted NAS-specific design
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Not ideal for gaming or OS boot drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent product. Working great in my HP Desktop Computer. Very easy to install. WD software downloaded from their website did not work for backing up old content, prior to replacing original SSD. I downloaded free 3rd party software to backup my 120GB original SSD so that I could replace it with t”
Customer Review: “The drive keeps up with 4 cameras recording to it. No complaints”
4. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5″ SATA III SSD for PC and Laptop Storage Upgrade
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD frequently recommended on Reddit for OS upgrades, gaming, and general computing. It’s known for rock-solid reliability and near-max SATA performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance with 5-year warranty
- ✓ TurboWrite technology boosts burst performance
- ✓ Compatible with nearly all laptops and desktops
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Why We Recommend It
When Reddit users ask for the most reliable SATA SSD, the 870 EVO is often the top answer. It’s perfect for upgrading older systems or adding fast storage without compatibility concerns.
Best For
Users upgrading aging laptops, building budget PCs, or needing a dependable boot drive with excellent longevity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading reliability
- Consistent performance over time
- Wide compatibility with older systems
- Strong encryption and security features
Cons:
- More expensive than budget SATA SSDs
- Slower than NVMe 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: “I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly.As always, Samsu”
5. Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Fast Transfer Speeds
The Samsung T7 is the go-to portable SSD for creators, gamers, and professionals. With blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds and rugged design, it’s a favorite on Reddit for on-the-go storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Compact, pocket-sized design with shock resistance
- ✓ 2TB capacity in a tiny footprint
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with USB-A adapter included
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
Why We Recommend It
Reddit users love the T7 for its speed, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re editing 4K video or backing up your entire photo library, this drive keeps up without breaking a sweat.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and anyone needing fast, reliable external storage for large files like videos, games, or backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast for a portable SSD
- Durable aluminum casing
- Works with PC, Mac, and gaming consoles
- Includes security software
Cons:
- Gets warm under heavy use
- No built-in hardware button for encryption
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
Complete Buying Guide for Which Ssd To Buy Reddit
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD based on Reddit recommendations, we focus on real-world performance, endurance, compatibility, and value. Key factors include form factor (M.2 vs 2.5″), interface (SATA vs NVMe), endurance rating (TBW), and intended use (NAS, gaming, portable). We also prioritize drives with consistent positive feedback across multiple Reddit communities and verified Amazon reviews.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for basic 500GB models to over $200 for high-capacity or portable NVMe drives. For most users, a 1TB SATA SSD offers the best balance of price and performance. If you’re building a NAS or need long-term reliability, investing in a WD Red or Samsung EVO model pays off. Portable SSDs like the T7 are worth the premium for creators and professionals.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a NAS, or need fast external storage, the right SSD can transform your system’s performance. Based on thousands of Reddit discussions and hands-on testing, our top picks deliver the reliability, speed, and value that real users demand. Don’t settle for slow boot times or laggy file transfers—upgrade today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SSD is best for NAS according to Reddit?
A: The Western Digital Red SA500 series is consistently recommended on Reddit for NAS builds due to its 24/7 endurance, reliability, and NAS-specific firmware. Both the M.2 and 2.5″ versions are top choices.
Q: Is NVMe worth it over SATA for everyday use?
A: For most users, SATA SSDs like the Samsung 870 EVO offer plenty of speed. NVMe is better for gaming, video editing, or high-performance builds, but SATA remains a cost-effective and reliable option.
Q: Can I use a portable SSD as my main drive?
A: While possible, it’s not ideal for daily OS use due to potential connection issues. Portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 are best for backups, media storage, or transferring large files.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs last many years under normal use. Most have endurance ratings (TBW) that exceed typical consumer workloads. For example, a 1TB drive with 600 TBW could last over 10 years writing 160GB daily.
Q: Do I need to enable TRIM on my SSD?
A: Yes. TRIM helps maintain SSD performance over time by clearing unused data blocks. It’s usually enabled by default in Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it’s worth checking in your OS settings.
Ready to upgrade your storage? These SSDs are trusted by Reddit users and tech experts alike. Click any “Check Price” button to compare current deals and find the perfect fit for your setup. Don’t wait—faster load times and better reliability are just one drive away.