Choosing the right SSD for your laptop can dramatically improve performance, boot times, and overall responsiveness. With so many types of SSDs on the market—from portable external drives to internal SATA and NVMe upgrades—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or gamer, this guide breaks down the best SSDs for laptops based on speed, durability, compatibility, and value. We’ve tested and compared top models to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Which Type Of Ssd Is Best For Laptop Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Fast Laptop Storage
The Samsung T7 is a top-tier portable SSD built for speed and durability. With blazing-fast read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it’s perfect for transferring large files, backing up projects, or expanding your laptop’s storage without sacrificing performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe NVMe technology for ultra-fast data access
✓ Compact, pocket-sized design with shock-resistant metal casing
✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption for secure storage
✓ Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
✓ Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, portability, and reliability. Whether you’re a content creator or just need extra space for your laptop, the T7 delivers consistent performance and peace of mind with its rugged build.
Best For
Professionals, students, and creatives who need fast, secure, and portable storage on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Sleek, durable design
- Strong security features
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than budget options
- No built-in cable (USB-C to C and C to A included)
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”
2. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a budget-friendly internal SSD that breathes new life into older laptops. With up to 540MB/s read speeds and 45x better energy efficiency than HDDs, it’s an easy upgrade for faster boot times and app loading.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 3D NAND technology for improved reliability
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Low power consumption extends battery life
✓ Includes Acronis True Image for easy cloning
✓ Available from 240GB to 2TB
Why We Recommend It
If you’re upgrading from a traditional hard drive, the BX500 delivers a massive performance boost at an unbeatable price. It’s simple to install and instantly transforms sluggish systems.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops or building budget PCs who want reliable SATA SSD performance without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation and cloning software included
- Reliable for everyday tasks
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (slower under heavy workloads)
- Limited speed compared to NVMe drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Dropped this into an older HP laptop that was crawling and now it runs like new. Boot times are snappy, apps launch instantly, and overall responsiveness is night-and-day better. Installation was simple, and the system recognized it right away. If you’re trying to squeeze more life out of aging hard”
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”
3. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X10 offers incredible value with speeds up to 2,100MB/s—unheard of in its price range. Rugged, waterproof, and compatible with nearly every device, it’s a steal for anyone needing high-speed portable storage on a budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2
✓ IP65-rated for dust and water resistance
✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
✓ Works with PC, Mac, iPad, Android, PS5, and Xbox
✓ Sleek, compact design with USB-C connectivity
Why We Recommend It
For the price, the X10 outperforms many premium SSDs. It’s fast, tough, and versatile—making it ideal for students, travelers, and creatives who need performance without the premium price tag.
Best For
Budget-conscious users who want high-speed, durable external storage for laptops and gaming consoles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding speed for the price
- Rugged and travel-friendly
- Broad compatibility
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Only USB-C port (no USB-A included)
- No hardware encryption
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a graphic designer working on both a Mac Mini M4 and MacBook Air M1, I’m constantly juggling large project files, from brand assets and RAW images to video renders. After a week of using the Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD, I can confidently say it’s an excellent performer.The speed is the first th”
Customer Review: “Great design. Small, easy to work with, good capacity, fast enough. Price was good (when it was on sale ….) . One small thing: has only USB-C connector. Would not work with USB-C to USB adapter.”
4. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers professional-grade performance with up to 1,050MB/s speeds and rugged protection. Its IP65 rating and carabiner loop make it perfect for outdoor use and travel.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ NVMe performance with 1,050MB/s read speeds
✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
✓ Built-in carabiner loop for easy attachment
✓ USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
Why We Recommend It
SanDisk’s reputation for reliability shines through in this SSD. It’s fast, tough, and designed for real-world use—whether you’re hiking, flying, or working in the field.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, and travelers who need durable, high-speed storage that can handle the elements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Fast transfer speeds
- Great for outdoor and travel use
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Higher cost per GB than internal SSDs
- No included USB-C to USB-A cable
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
5. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary internal SSD known for its reliability and consistent performance. With up to 560MB/s read speeds and 600 TBW endurance, it’s a top pick for upgrading laptops and desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Maximizes SATA III interface limits (560/530 MB/s)
✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
✓ 5-year limited warranty
✓ Advanced V-NAND technology
✓ Ideal for OS, games, and large applications
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s EVO series has long been a benchmark for quality. The 870 EVO delivers dependable speed and longevity, making it a safe choice for critical upgrades.
Best For
Users upgrading their laptop’s internal storage for better performance, especially for OS and application drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Proven reliability and performance
- High endurance rating
- Excellent for OS and software
- Wide compatibility
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Requires internal installation
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”
6. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme offers double the capacity of its 1TB sibling, making it ideal for storing large media libraries, backups, or game collections. With the same rugged design and fast speeds, it’s built for heavy-duty use.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2TB capacity in a portable form
✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read speeds
✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
✓ 3-meter drop protection
✓ Carabiner loop for secure attachment
Why We Recommend It
If you need massive portable storage that’s still fast and durable, this is one of the best options available. It’s perfect for professionals who carry large files regularly.
Best For
Content creators, gamers, and professionals who need high-capacity, rugged external storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a small package
- Fast and reliable
- Rugged and travel-ready
- Great for backups and media
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No USB-A adapter included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
7. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal SSD
The WD Blue SA510 is a solid internal SSD offering reliable performance for everyday computing. With SATA III speeds and a sleek design, it’s a great choice for upgrading older laptops or adding storage to a desktop.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface
✓ 2.5-inch form factor, 7mm height
✓ Low power consumption
✓ Compatible with most laptops and desktops
✓ WD Dashboard software for monitoring
Why We Recommend It
While not the fastest on this list, the WD Blue SA510 delivers consistent performance and reliability at a fair price. It’s a dependable workhorse for general use.
Best For
Users looking for a reliable, no-frills internal SSD upgrade for laptops or desktops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable brand with good support
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install
- Affordable for basic upgrades
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe options
- Firmware issues reported by some users
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 Type Of Ssd Is Best For Laptop
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for your laptop, we evaluate several key factors: speed (read/write performance), form factor (2.5-inch, M.2, portable), compatibility (SATA vs. NVMe, USB-C support), durability (shock, water, and drop resistance), and value (price per GB). We also consider real-world use cases—like gaming, video editing, or travel—to match the right SSD to your lifestyle.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the Crucial BX500 start around $50 for 1TB, while high-performance portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 can cost $100–$150. Determine whether you need internal or external storage, and prioritize speed and capacity based on your needs. For most users, a 1TB drive offers the best balance of space and cost.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD for your laptop depends on your specific needs. If you want speed and portability, go for the Samsung T7. Need to revive an old laptop? The Crucial BX500 is unbeatable for the price. For rugged, high-capacity storage, the SanDisk Extreme series shines. No matter your choice, upgrading to an SSD is one of the best improvements you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of SSD is best for a laptop?
A: For most laptops, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD (like the Samsung 870 EVO) is ideal for internal upgrades. If your laptop supports M.2 NVMe, those offer even faster speeds. For external use, portable USB-C SSDs like the Samsung T7 are excellent.
Q: Can I use an external SSD as my main laptop drive?
A: Yes, but performance may vary. While portable SSDs are fast, running your OS from one can lead to slower boot times compared to an internal drive. They’re better suited for storage, backups, or secondary drives.
Q: How do I install an internal SSD in my laptop?
A: Most laptops have a removable panel for storage. Power off, remove the old drive, insert the SSD, and secure it. Use cloning software (like Acronis or Samsung Data Migration) to copy your OS and files.
Q: Are portable SSDs safe for travel?
A: Yes—especially models with IP65 ratings (like the SanDisk Extreme or Crucial X10). They resist dust, water, and drops, making them perfect for on-the-go use.
Q: Do I need NVMe or is SATA enough?
A: SATA SSDs are sufficient for everyday tasks and older laptops. NVMe is faster and better for gaming, video editing, or large file transfers—but only if your laptop supports it.
Upgrading your laptop with the right SSD can transform its performance, speed, and reliability. Whether you choose our Best Choice Samsung T7, the budget-friendly Crucial X10, or a reliable internal drive like the Samsung 870 EVO, you’re making a smart investment. Don’t wait—click any “Check Price” button above to find the perfect SSD for your laptop today!