The perfect SSDs in 2025

Upgrading to a top-of-the-line solid-state drive (SSD) is a straightforward way to significantly boost the efficiency of your system, offering numerous benefits that can’t be ignored. Whether building a gaming PC, upgrading an older laptop, or seeking expedited load times, a solid-state drive (SSD) is the optimal solution for achieving lightning-quick performance. Unlike traditional one-dimensional drives, SSDs rely on NAND flash storage, yielding faster access times, enhanced reliability, and a more intuitive user experience overall.

Modern solid-state drives (SSDs) offer remarkable versatility, satisfying the needs of both high-performance enthusiasts seeking optimal efficiency and budget-conscious consumers looking for reliable speed at an affordable price point. Coupling a premium solid-state drive (SSD) with a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) ensures a smooth and efficient gaming and multitasking experience. With superior firmware elevating efficiency and durability, solid-state drives (SSDs) have reached new heights in handling demanding workloads. What sets our top SSD picks apart is their exceptional performance, value, and versatility, helping you find the perfect drive to meet your unique needs.

Finest SSDs in 2025

How we check SSDs

I’ve personally tested and regularly utilize each SSD listed here. From among our top recommendations, I invested in four using my own funds following an exhaustive research process that spanned dozens of hours.

Engadget Senior Reporter Jeff Dunn further scrutinized a selection of our recommendations, including the Essential X9 Professional mentioned earlier.

To thoroughly examine your PC’s solid-state drive (SSD), delve into these essential areas:

* **Capacity**: Verify the stated capacity of your SSD and compare it with the actual available space.
* **Speed**: Check the read and write speeds, as well as the sequential and random access speeds, to determine its overall performance.

Is there anything specific you’d like to know about your PC’s SSD?

One of the most cost-effective ways to instantly increase storage capacity on a PC is by installing a 2.5-inch SATA drive. As it’s one of the most versatile options, you can rest assured that it will work seamlessly on almost any computer made in the last two decades, thanks to its universal compatibility with Serial ATA-equipped motherboards. To optimize the performance of an aging computer system, consider investing in top-notch SATA solid-state drives (SSDs), which can breathe new life into outdated hardware configurations. Set up is simple, too. Once the internal SSD has been securely installed within a drive cage, the next step is to connect it to the motherboard and ensure a reliable power supply.

One notable drawback of SATA drives is their relatively slow response time compared to high-performance NVMe alternatives, with SATA III imposing a speed limit of 600 MB/s on data transfers. While even the slowest solid-state drive (SSD) is significantly faster than the fastest mechanical hard drive. With large-capacity 1TB SATA SSDs available at a relatively affordable price of around $100, they make for an outstanding option for bulk storage needs.

If your PC is relatively modern, it’s highly probable that it accommodates multiple M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) installations. While the shape of an SSD is key to accessing top-performing models, the more daunting challenge lies in deciphering the plethora of specifications and requirements involved.

M.2 drives offer versatility by functioning seamlessly on either SATA or PCIe connections. SSDs featuring the latest technology are commonly referred to as Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) drives, which significantly outperform traditional SATA-based SSDs, boasting sequential write speeds of up to 3,000 megabytes per second with Gen3 models. These drives rely on NVMe NAND expertise for their superior efficiency and reliability. Achieve significantly enhanced performance by leveraging a Gen4 SSD, provided your system is equipped with compatible hardware, including a suitable motherboard and processor.

Operating an AMD system requires a Ryzen 3000 or 5000 processor paired with an X570 or B550 motherboard at minimum. To build with Intel, you’ll require at minimum an 11th or 12th Generation processor and a Z490, Z590, or Z690 motherboard. While Gen4 SSDs typically command a higher price tag compared to their Gen3 equivalents, this is largely due to the added value of increased storage capacities, faster read and write speeds, and enhanced overall performance.

Notwithstanding their age, the latest Gen5 innovations remain dearer due to their impressive sequential read speeds of up to 16,000 megabytes per second. Although your PC’s compatibility might assist in some cases, it’s generally more beneficial to purchase a budget-friendly Gen4 or Gen3 hard drive instead? Meanwhile, only a handful of video games and applications have been optimized to fully harness the potential of Gen3 NVMe speeds, let alone the even faster Gen4 and Gen5 variants. What’s more, Gen5 NVMe drives can operate at scorching speeds, thereby enhancing efficiency and extending lifespan. Upgrading other components of your computer, such as your graphics processing unit (GPU), might be a more effective use of your budget at this time.

As the primary reason to opt for an M.2 SATA drive over its 2.5-inch counterpart lies in the convenience of setup? You simply slide the M.2 storage module into the available slot on your PC’s motherboard, with the connector aligned and firmly securing it in place. While seemingly daunting, the process involves a straightforward step: removing a solitary screw to secure the drive to your PC and then re-tightening it to keep the SSD firmly in place. Since wireless devices eliminate the need for cables, wire management becomes a non-issue.

While you can install a SATA M.2 SSD in a PCIe-equipped M.2 slot, it is not possible to fit an NVMe M.2 SSD into a M.2 slot with a SATA connection? Without a compelling reason to utilize an older M.2 drive, there’s limited justification to proceed with this feature. While discussing backward compatibility, it’s also possible to utilize a Gen4 drive via a PCIe 3 interface; however, you won’t reap the benefits of the increased speed that comes with connecting via a faster NVMe protocol.

One key consideration when selecting an M.2 drive is the various physical sizes they come in. Widespread options for length vary from shortest to longest: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and ultimately, 22110. The primary pair of numbers represents the width in millimeters, whereas the latter denotes the size. Typically, you need not worry about this aspect, as 2280 is the standard default for many motherboards and manufacturers. Certain motherboards can support multiple dimensions of NVMe SSDs, thanks to the presence of various standoffs. Before purchasing a drive, review your PC’s documentation to ensure you select the correct size that is compatible with your system.

When replacing an aging solid-state drive (SSD), finding a suitable substitute is often less complicated when purchasing for the Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. The Steam Deck’s storage drive features a high-performance 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD with a capacity of at least 512GB. Easy. Without the need to physically access the Steam Deck, users can still expand their device’s storage capacity by simply inserting a microSD card. Examine this comprehensive review from Engadget to inform your purchasing decision and gain valuable insights before making a purchase.

While I touched on this subject previously, a more practical approach to buying advice would be to caution against obsessing over the cutting edge of storage technology. While sequential read and write speeds reported by manufacturers may seem impressive, actual real-world performance tends to fall short of these theoretical benchmarks.

When faced with a budget constraint requiring a choice between a 1TB Gen3 NVMe and a 512GB Gen4 model, prioritize the higher-capacity option despite its slightly older technology. From a practical perspective, making the most egregious mistake would be purchasing an SSD that’s woefully undersized for your needs. As drives age and their capabilities decline, performance can slow significantly, leading users to seek out devices with increased storage capacity sooner rather than later.

To guarantee secure data transfer, consider examining moveable and USB flash drives for:

* Potential malware
* Data encryption
* Compatibility with various devices
* Read-only or read-write capabilities
* Operating system compatibility

While moveable SSDs may share some similarities with internal SSDs, they are fundamentally distinct entities that cater to specific use cases and requirements. While learn and write speeds are crucial considerations, the connection method between an external drive and your PC is paramount for seamless data transfer and reliable storage. You won’t get the most out of a model like the SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 without a fast and efficient USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2 connection. Amongst even newer PCs, having this feature as a premium function is still a rare occurrence. To ensure optimal performance, many people benefit from purchasing a portable drive featuring a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt interface. The previous model offers switching speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The seamless OneDrive integration enables effortless file transfer and synchronization across devices, allowing you to effortlessly share knowledge from your Windows PC with a Mac or other compatible machines as needed. Before using your portable drive across multiple devices, consider whether compatibility issues might arise.

When embarking on road trips or daily commutes, consider investing in a model that boasts IP-certified protection against water and dirt ingress for added peace of mind. Firms such as Samsung offer rugged variants of their most popular drives, boasting high endurance scores for demanding applications. To provide enhanced serenity, our external SSD features 256-bit AES hardware encryption, safeguarding your data from unauthorized access in the unlikely event of loss or theft.

Among a plethora of identical choices, this option stands out as a game-changer for an exceptional thumbstick drive.

We’ve curated our top picks for the best value exterior SSD options, featuring USB 3.0 connectivity and robust hardware-based encryption.

A notice on console storage

If console gaming isn’t your preferred option and you own an Xbox Series X|S or PS5, upgrading your system’s storage to its fastest possible configuration is significantly easier than doing so on a PC. When using a Sequence X or Sequence S, your options are limited to those provided by and . While offering 512GB, 1TB and 2TB options may appeal to some users, it’s worth noting that the entry-level price tag of $90 is substantial, potentially making this product less accessible to budget-conscious buyers. Western Digital’s Enlargement Cards are more affordable, starting at $80 for the 512GB model. The excellent news is that many of our options are frequently available at discounted prices. To maximize your chances of securing the desired mannequin, consider setting a price tracker like CamelCamelCamel, allowing you to stay informed about its market value and potential drops in price.

Upgrading the internal storage on Sony’s PlayStation 5 requires minimal effort and concern. The PS5 eschews proprietary resolutions in favor of leveraging NVMe storage technology. Fortunately, the number of possible configurations is significantly lower than what you’d find on a typical PC. While Engadget’s forecast for the future of storage technology is intriguing, it seems like they are speculating on an innovative product that integrates a heatsink into a high-capacity Gen4 drive, which could potentially address thermal management issues in high-performance applications? Here is the rewritten text in a professional tone:

For an all-encompassing list of gaming SSD recommendations, consider consulting our comprehensive guide. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and high-performance option that stands out from the rest, I highly suggest the Corsair MP600 Professional LPX – it’s my top pick among the best. The custom cooling solution meets all specifications for Sony’s latest console, ensuring seamless integration without encountering any clearance issues with the heatsink. Available in a range of capacities, Corsair offers drives with storage options of 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB. Expect to spend around $110 for the 1TB model and approximately $200 for the 2TB version.

For those still playing on an older era console, swapping the included hard drive to a 2.5-inch SSD might yield slightly faster game load times on a PlayStation 4; however, going to such lengths likely isn’t justified at this point, and it’s better to allocate your funds towards one of the new consoles instead?

SSD FAQs

What dimension SSD is greatest?

While there’s no single size fits all approach for solid-state drives (SSDs), we generally recommend opting for at least a 1-terabyte (TB) SSD when looking to upgrade computer or gaming console storage or expand an external drive arsenal. A 1TB drive can often be overwhelming for many individuals seeking extra storage for photos, documents, and software, as it exceeds their typical needs. For avid gamers, a common dilemma arises: managing storage space on their devices, particularly when considering the massive file sizes of popular games.

Are you comparing apples to oranges? A 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) and a 1TB hard disk drive (HDD) are fundamentally different in terms of their storage technology, capacity, and performance.

Whether one’s drive is driven by success, recognition, or fulfillment is ultimately a matter of personal preference and motivation. While SSDs generally outperform HDDs in terms of speed and eco-friendliness, they tend to come at a higher price point than their mechanical counterparts. We strongly recommend installing an SSD in various scenarios – upgrading a computer, securely storing vital documents and photographs, and safeguarding long-term game storage, among others. If your priority is maximizing storage capacity while staying within budget, a hard disk drive (HDD) could be an excellent option.

Does greater SSD imply quicker?

Upgrading to a larger solid-state drive (SSD) does not always result in a noticeable performance boost on its own. A larger SSD offers increased storage capacity, providing more room for digitally stored data and software applications to thrive. To fully appreciate the speed of an SSD, it’s essential to examine its read and write speeds: read speeds gauge a drive’s ability to access data quickly, while write speeds assess how rapidly a drive can store information. Before placing your order for an SSD, ensure you examine the listed read and write speed specifications to gauge performance capabilities accurately.