The very best SSDs in 2025

[ad_1] A quick, dependable SSD could make an enormous distinction to how your laptop feels daily. From faster boot instances to near-instant file transfers, solid-state drives outpace conventional laborious drives in virtually each method. They’re additionally extra sturdy, run silently and use much less energy, making them a wise improve for laptops, desktops and even gaming consoles.

The difficult half is selecting the best one. Between SATA drives, blazing-fast NVMe fashions and newer PCIe Gen 5 choices, there’s so much to weigh up when it comes to pace, capability and worth. To make issues simpler, we’ve picked one of the best SSDs throughout a variety of wants and budgets so you'll be able to improve with confidence.

Desk of contents Finest SSDs in 2025 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/7xFPm4FM6ukxcehs.XVkzQ--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-05/3b355db0-e9bc-11ed-bffe-a1491545eb30" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Essential

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB | Connection: SATA | Learn pace: 560 MB/s | Write pace: 510 MB/s

You don’t should look far to seek out one of the best SATA SSD: it is the Essential MX500. With sequential learn speeds of 560MB/s and a $100 MSRP for the 1TB mannequin, this inside SSD affords a hard-to-beat mixture of wonderful efficiency and worth. It additionally comes with a five-year guarantee for added peace of thoughts. However, better of all, it incessantly goes on sale for as little as $45. I’ve been utilizing a 1TB MX500 drive to retailer my music, images and video games for years, and it has but to present me any issues.

Execs AffordableSATA compatibilityFive-year guarantee $93 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/yvP1XVI2qEztiejF3gM5.g--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/522a73d0-60ac-11ef-bfaf-6eb2b53550ee" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Essential

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Connection: M.2 | Learn pace: 11,700MB/s | Write pace: 9,500MB/s

I don’t advocate shopping for a Gen5 NVMe, even when you've got the {hardware} wanted to run one. The learn speeds would possibly look spectacular on paper, however the actuality is that few video games and apps can benefit from these capabilities proper now.

Nonetheless, for those who’re set on outfitting your laptop with the quickest doable storage, I feel the Essential T700 affords a compelling mixture of worth and efficiency. The T700 is without doubt one of the quickest NVMe drives available on the market proper now, and after launching at $180, it’s doable to seek out it on sale for about $143. Word that in case your motherboard didn’t include a heatsink on your NVMe drives, you will have to purchase the T700 mannequin that features one, which additional will increase the fee.

Execs Very fastSupports DirectStorageFive-year guarantee $140 at Adorama <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/5dtXmd6uo_EeNeprbsKv2g--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/92eb72c0-60ac-11ef-b6f7-198f37a1079e" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> WD_BLACK

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | Connection: M.2 | Learn pace: 7,300MB/s | Write pace: 6,300MB/s

Offered you personal the required {hardware}, Gen4 NVMe drives provide fairly good worth proper now. After testing a couple of completely different fashions, I ended up shopping for the Western Digital WD_Black SN850X for my very own system. It’s very quick, delivering learn speeds of as much as 7,300MB/s, and I used to be capable of pay lower than $100 for the 1TB mannequin throughout a sale.

For those who’re set on shopping for a Gen4 mannequin, however need to avoid wasting cash, Western Digital affords the extra inexpensive SN770. It’s not as quick because the SN850X, but when your system has one Gen4 NVMe slot, it’s nice for storing Home windows and your most essential apps.

Execs FastDirectStorage supportFive-year guarantee $90 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/X.jpEcBwFBZiiuBG7A2nng--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/ef88b510-60ac-11ef-ab1a-a272e2ecaeff" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Essential

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Connection: M.2 | Learn pace: 3,500MB/s | Write speeds: 3,000MB/s

A earlier model of this information really helpful the Essential P2 as an amazing funds Gen 3 NVMe decide, however as Gen4 and now Gen5 NVMe drives have entered the market, producers like Micron have discontinued a few of their entry-level Gen4 fashions. The excellent news is that their previous high-end Gen3 drives at the moment are extra inexpensive than ever. Take the Essential P3, as an example. Micron initially priced the 1TB mannequin at $90, however in latest months, it’s been on sale for as little as $40. That’s nice worth for a drive that provides 3,500MB/s learn speeds.

Execs Inexpensive and incessantly on saleFive-year guarantee Cons May very well be fasterEndurance stats are usually not one of the best $60 at Adorama <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/cpGZdAaKkRNQyWpl31zDwQ--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/70ad3430-60ae-11ef-afcb-f1ead24dce18" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> SABRENT

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Connection: M.2 | Learn pace: 5,000MB/s | Write pace: 4,300MB/s

For those who’re assured sufficient to open your Steam Deck to put in a brand new, larger capability NVMe, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 is a superb small-sized NVME. It can slot into the Steam Deck’s M.2 slot with out difficulty, and also you don’t want to fret about it overheating. With latest reductions on this mannequin, it’s dropped sufficient in worth the place you possibly can lower your expenses by shopping for the 512GB Steam Deck OLED mannequin and putting in extra storage later.

Cons Costly relative to full-sized NVMe drives $100 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/9LzWy6u9teWFPKe0t0o4gA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/b8140330-60ae-11ef-afff-597aa84fda01" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Corsair

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | Connection: M.2 | Learn pace: 7,100 MB/s | Write pace: 6,800MB/sec

Engadget has a separate information devoted to one of the best PlayStation 5 SSDs, however for those who got here to this web page searching for a suggestion on what NVMe to purchase on your PS5, look no additional than the Corsair MP600 Professional LPX. It meets all of Sony’s compatibility necessities and comes with a pre-installed heatsink, which means all it's essential to do is set up it into your PS5 and also you’re good to go.

Execs Good PS5 compatibilityPre-installed heatsinkEasy to put in Cons Cheaper so as to add your personal heatsink $160 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/INn3aFwlffZsJ7G2nFsYRA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-06/4c69efa0-24e0-11ef-ad76-ae8fa44fd602" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Essential

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Connection: USB-C | Learn pace: 1,050MB/s | Write pace: 975MB/s

For carrying recordsdata on the go, the Essential X9 Professional is a conveyable SSD with the right combination of efficiency, options and price. There are technically sooner choices on the market, however its 10 Gbps speeds must be fast sufficient for the backups and file transfers most individuals do with an exterior drive, and it outpaced most different fashions inside its efficiency class in our benchmark checks. It’s tremendous tiny and sufficiently rugged on prime of that, with an IP55-rated case constructed from aluminum and rubber. A five-year guarantee helps as effectively. Simply be aware that the included USB-C cable is pretty brief, and there’s no adapter for USB-A ports within the field. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter, Shopping for Recommendation

Execs IP55-certified water and mud protectionFive-year guarantee Cons No USB-A cable includedNot the quickest $85 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/ea7Kq9jC8ivDz5Yf31e.NQ--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-05/d0abd900-e9bc-11ed-97cf-8136ae6bb82e" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> SAMSUNG

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Capability: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Connection: USB 3.1 | Learn pace: As much as 400MB/s relying on the mannequin | Write pace: As much as 400MB/s

The Samsung Match Plus has about all of the options you possibly can need on a USB drive. It connects to your laptop over USB 3.1 and helps file switch speeds of as much as 300MB/s. The Match Plus can be compact and has a helpful slot for attaching it to your keychain. The one draw back of Samsung’s USB drive is that it’s on the dear facet.

Execs USB 3.1Sleek designFive-year guarantee Cons May be too smallNo indicator gentle $23 at Amazon How we take a look at SSDs I’ve both examined or personally use each day each storage drive really helpful on this listing. Out of our prime picks, I purchased 4 with my very own cash after doing a couple of dozen hours of analysis. Individually, Engadget Senior Reporter Jeff Dunn has additionally examined a handful of our suggestions, together with the Essential X9 Professional listed above.

What to search for in a PC SSD Probably the most inexpensive method so as to add quick cupboard space to a pc is with a 2.5-inch SATA drive. It’s additionally one of many best for those who don’t need to fear about compatibility since virtually each laptop made within the final twenty years will embrace a motherboard with Serial ATA connections. For that cause, one of the best SATA SSDs are a wonderful alternative if you wish to prolong the lifetime of an older PC construct. Set up is easy, too. When you’ve secured the interior SSD in a drive cage, all it's essential to do is to attach it to your motherboard and energy provide.

The one draw back of SATA drives is that, when it comes to responsiveness, they’re slower than their high-performance NVMe counterparts, with SATA III limiting information transfers to 600MB/s. However even the slowest SSD might be considerably sooner than one of the best mechanical drives. And with high-capacity, 1TB SATA SSDs costing about $100, they’re a superb bulk-storage possibility.

In case your PC is newer, there’s a superb probability it contains house for a number of M.2 SSDs. The shape issue represents your ticket to the quickest SSDs available on the market, however the difficult half is navigating all of the completely different requirements and specs concerned.

M.2 drives can function both a SATA or PCIe connection. SSDs with the latter are often known as Non-Unstable Reminiscence or NVMe drives and are considerably sooner than their SATA counterparts, with Gen3 fashions providing sequential write speeds of as much as 3,000MB/s. These drives depend on NVMe NAND know-how for his or her superior efficiency and sturdiness. You may get twice the efficiency with a Gen4 SSD, however you’ll want a motherboard and processor that helps the usual.

For those who’re operating an AMD system, which means a minimum of a Ryzen 3000 or 5000 CPU and an X570 or B550 motherboard. With Intel, in the meantime, you’ll want a minimum of an eleventh or twelfth Gen processor and a Z490, Z590 or Z690 motherboard. Remember that Gen4 SSDs usually price greater than their Gen3 counterparts as effectively.

Dearer nonetheless are the newest Gen5 fashions, which supply sequential learn speeds of as much as 16,000MB/s. Nonetheless, even when your laptop helps the usual, you’re higher off shopping for a extra inexpensive Gen4 or Gen3 drive. In the intervening time, only a few video games and functions can benefit from Gen3 NVMe speeds, not to mention Gen4 and Gen5 speeds. What’s extra, Gen5 NVMe drives can run scorching, which may result in efficiency and longevity points. Your cash is best spent on different parts, like upgrading your GPU, for now.

As for why you'll purchase an M.2 SATA drive over a equally specced 2.5-inch drive, it comes all the way down to ease of set up. You add M.2 storage to your laptop by putting in the SSD straight onto the motherboard. Which will sound intimidating, however in follow the method entails a single screw that you just first take away to attach the drive to your laptop after which retighten to safe the SSD in place. As an added bonus, there aren’t any wires concerned, making cable administration simpler.

Word which you can set up a SATA M.2 SSD into an M.2 slot with a PCIe connection, however you'll be able to’t insert an NVMe M.2 SSD right into a M.2 slot with a SATA connection. Until you need to proceed utilizing an previous M.2 drive, there’s little cause to benefit from that function. Talking of backward compatibility, it’s additionally doable to make use of a Gen4 drive via a PCIe 3 connection, however you gained’t get any of the pace advantages of the sooner NVMe.

One very last thing to think about is that M.2 drives come in several bodily sizes. From shortest to longest, the widespread choices are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110. (The primary two numbers characterize width in millimeters and the latter denote the size.) For essentially the most half, you don’t have to fret about that since 2280 is the default for a lot of motherboards and producers. Some boards can accommodate multiple measurement of NVMe SSD because of a number of standoffs. That mentioned, test your laptop’s documentation or firmware earlier than shopping for a drive to make sure you’re selecting up a suitable measurement.

For those who’re shopping for a substitute SSD for the Steam Deck or Steam Deck OLED, issues are simpler. For Valve’s handheld, you will have a 2230 measurement NVMe. Easy. For those who don’t need to open your Steam Deck, it’s additionally doable to increase its storage by putting in a microSD card. Engadget has a separate information devoted to SD card storage, so test that out for added shopping for recommendation.

I alluded to this earlier, however one of the best shopping for recommendation I can provide is don’t get too caught up about being on the bleeding fringe of storage tech. The sequential learn and write speeds you see producers listing on their drives are theoretical and real-world efficiency benchmark checks fluctuate lower than you assume.

In case your funds forces you to decide on between a 1TB Gen3 NVMe and a 512GB Gen4 mannequin, go for the higher-capacity one. From a sensible standpoint, the worst factor you are able to do is purchase a sort of SSD that’s too small for wants. Drives can gradual dramatically as they method capability, and you'll most likely find yourself buying one with a better gigabyte capability sooner or later.

What to search for in transportable and USB flash drives Moveable SSDs are a considerably completely different beast to their inside siblings. Whereas learn and write speeds are essential, they're virtually secondary to how an exterior drive connects to your PC. You gained’t get essentially the most out of a mannequin just like the SanDisk Excessive Professional V2 with out a USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2 connection. Even amongst newer PCs, that’s one thing of a premium function. For that cause, most individuals are finest off shopping for a conveyable drive with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt connection. The previous affords switch speeds of as much as 10Gbps. The very best exterior laborious drives additionally help you switch information out of your Home windows PC to a Mac, or different system, if suitable. Remember to take into account this beforehand for those who plan to make use of your transportable drive throughout a number of gadgets.

Moreover, for those who plan to take your drive on journeys and commutes, it’s worthwhile to purchase a mannequin with IP-certified water and mud proofing. Some firms like Samsung provide rugged variations of their hottest drives, together with the Samsung SSD T7 Protect, with a excessive endurance score. For extra peace of thoughts, 256-bit AES {hardware} encryption will assist forestall somebody from accessing your information for those who ever lose or misplace your exterior SSD.

Among the identical options contribute to an amazing thumbstick drive. Our favourite picks for finest funds exterior SSD fashions function USB 3.0 connections and a few type of {hardware} encryption.

A be aware on console storage If PC gaming isn’t your factor and also you personal an Xbox Sequence X|S or PS5, outfitting your fancy new console with the quickest doable storage is way extra simple than doing the identical on PC. With a Sequence X or Sequence S, your choices are restricted to choices from Seagate and Western Digital. The previous affords 512GB, 1TB and 2TB fashions, with essentially the most inexpensive beginning at a not-so-trivial $90. Western Digital’s Enlargement Playing cards are inexpensive, with pricing beginning at $80 for the 512GB mannequin. The excellent news is that each choices are incessantly on sale. Your finest wager is to set an alert for the mannequin you need by utilizing a worth tracker like CamelCamelCamel.

With Sony’s PlayStation 5, upgrading the console’s inside storage is barely extra concerned. As a substitute of using a proprietary answer, the PS5 makes use of NVMe storage. Fortunately, there aren’t as many potential configurations as you'll discover on a PC. Engadget maintains a complete information to one of the best SSDs for PS5; briefly, your finest wager is a high-capacity Gen4 drive with a built-in heatsink. Take a look at that information for a full listing of gaming SSD suggestions, however for a fast go-to, take into account the Corsair MP600 Professional LPX I like to recommend above. It meets all of the reminiscence specs for Sony’s newest console and also you gained’t run into any clearance points with the heatsink. Corsair affords 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 8TB variations of the drive. Anticipate to pay about $110 for the 1TB variant and about $200 for 2TB.

For these nonetheless enjoying on a earlier era console, you may get barely sooner sport load instances from a PlayStation 4 by swapping the included laborious drive to a 2.5-inch SSD, however going out of your method to take action most likely isn’t price it at this level and also you’re higher off saving your cash for one of many new consoles and updating your working system as a substitute.

SSD FAQs What measurement SSD is finest? There isn't any one measurement suits all rule for SSDs, however we typically advocate getting a minimum of a 1TB SSD for those who’re trying to improve PC or sport console storage, or wanting so as to add an exterior drive to your toolkit. A 1TB drive might be loads for most individuals who want additional cupboard space for images, paperwork and packages. For those who’re a hardcore gamer, chances are you'll need to spend money on much more storage contemplating many high-profile titles at the moment can take up a ton of house.

Is a 256GB SSD higher than a 1TB laborious drive? The brief reply is that it is dependent upon what you want your drive for. Normally, SSDs are sooner and extra environment friendly than HDDs, however HDDs are normally cheaper. We advocate springing for an SSD for many use instances at the moment — upgrading a PC, saving essential images and paperwork, storing video games long run, and so on. However for those who’re targeted on getting essentially the most quantity of additional house doable (and sticking to a funds), an HDD could possibly be a superb possibility for you.

Does greater SSD imply sooner? Getting a much bigger SSD doesn’t at all times translate right into a sooner drive general. An even bigger SSD will present a better storage capability, which suggests extra space for storing digital recordsdata and packages. To know how briskly an SSD might be, you’ll need to have a look at its learn/write speeds: learn speeds measure how briskly a drive can entry info, whereas write speeds measure how briskly the drive can save info. Most SSDs listing their approximate learn/write speeds of their specs, so make sure you take a look at these numbers earlier than you make a purchase order.