SSDs (solid state drives) have revolutionized computer storage with their blazing fast speeds, durability, low power consumption, and continuously falling prices. But with so many options on the market, from leading brands like Samsung, Seagate, and Western Digital, how do you decide which SSD is right for you?
In this expert guide, I analyze the top SSDs across different categories to fit a range of budgets and needs. Whether you want the best overall performer, the optimal PS5 expansion drive, maximum speed for PC gaming, or extreme portability, you’ll find a tailored recommendation here.
Let’s dive in to the rankings!
How I Chose the Best SSDs
As a tech specialist, I evaluate SSDs based on read/write speeds, form factors, specs, unique features, pros/cons, and price per GB. Rather than just provide a generic “top list,” my goal is to match people with the ideal SSD for their use case.
For example, PS5 gamers need an expansion drive to perfectly fit their console and replicate the internal SSD‘s velocity architecture. Desktop PC enthusiasts prioritize maximum throughput for gaming and creative work. Road warriors require durable and compact portable storage.
By studying reviews from experts and users, analyzing benchmark performance data, and drawing upon my own testing experience, I choose SSDs optimized for real-world conditions.
6 Best SSDs Ranked
Quick Picks:
- Best Overall SSD: Samsung 980 PRO
- Best for PS5: Seagate FireCuda 530
- Best for Xbox: WD_BLACK SN850X
- Best for Desktop PC: Addlink S92
- Best SATA SSD for Laptop PC: Crucial MX500
- Best Portable SSD: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2
Now let’s get into the details on each choice!
#1 Best Overall SSD: Samsung 980 PRO
The Samsung 980 PRO strikes the ideal balance of speed, endurance, smart software, and reasonable affordability that most users should want from a flagship Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD.
Key Specs:
- Sequential Read Speed: 7000 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 5000 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 2280
- Interface: PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe
- Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- 5 year warranty
- Integrated heatsink
Samsung has optimized the 980 PRO for PCIe 4.0—it can reach up to 2x faster sequential write compared to their previous-gen 970 EVO Plus. The nickel-coated controller and heat spreader let it sustain peak performance without thermal throttling.
You also get Samsung’s user-friendly Magician software suite for drive monitoring, benchmarking, optimization, and data migration. Reliability reaches up to 1.5 million hours MTBF (mean time between failures).
Priced around $0.13 per GB, the 980 PRO delivers leading Gen4 throughput for heavy workloads while keeping cost relatively affordable. It’s an exceptional blend of speed, features, and value.
Pros
- Blazing fast 7000/5000 MB/s read/write
- Broad compatibility and rugged reliability
- Excellent SSD toolbox software included
- Reasonable price tag for performance
Cons
- Still costly compared to SATA and Gen3 drives
- No anti-vibration guard or SSD cloning tool
For an exceptional do-it-all PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD backed by trusted Samsung engineering, the 980 PRO currently reigns supreme.
#2 Best SSD for PS5: Seagate FireCuda 530
Sony only allows M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSDs in their PS5 console, and the Seagate FireCuda 530 represents the new gold standard. Purpose-built for hardcore gamers, its uncompromising performance helps eliminate load time bottlenecks.
Key Specs:
- Sequential Read Speed: 7000 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 6850 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 2280
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe
- Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- 5 year warranty
- Integrated heatsink
I could write a whole article just on this drive’s gaming credentials. Seagate optimized its proprietary NAND flash architecture and made critical tweak to maximize I/O operations per second (IOPS). This translates to incredibly smooth, stutter-free graphics and almost non-existent load sequences.
It also ships with an interchangeable, low-profile heatsink that helps it maintain warp speed without throttling. The matching Seagate Dashboard software lets you monitor drive health, download firmware updates, benchmark performance, or backup files. At under $0.14 per GB, no other SSD yet equals the FireCuda 530’s uncompromising focus for PlayStation gaming.
Pros
- Incredible 7000/6850 MB/s read/write speed
- Purpose-built for buttery-smooth PS5 gameplay
- Aggressively priced for bleeding-edge performance
- Advanced drive health monitoring software
Cons
- Overkill unless you have specific need for speed
- Lacks hardware encryption support
For PS5 expandable storage, I strongly recommend the Seagate FireCuda 530 over any competing SSD currently available. It’s the clear frontrunner specially engineered for Sony‘s console.
#3 Best SSD for Xbox Series X|S: WD_BLACK SN850X
Microsoft allows compatibility with a wider range of M.2 form factor SSDs, but Western Digital’s WD_BLACK SN850X has refined architecture that extracts hidden performance from the Xbox Velocity design. It’s purposefully geared toward immersive, stutter-free gaming.
Key Specs:
- Sequential Read Speed: 7200 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 6800 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 2280
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- 5 year warranty
- Optional heatsink
The SN850X uses advanced predictive loading algorithms to prepare game assets and data before they’re needed. This precludes laggy texture pop-in or abrupt framerate hitches. An adaptive thermal throttling system maintains max read/write speeds during marathon sessions.
For easier installation, WD designed a detachable EKWB heatsink that keeps the drive cool. Optional RGB lighting and an aluminum alloy chassis deliver gamer appeal. Despite the premium performance and features, cost stays reasonably affordable at $0.14 per GB.
Pros
- Blazing fast sequential and 4K random read/write
- Predictive features for super smooth Xbox gameplay
- Optional heatsink, RGB lighting, gaming software
- Comparatively affordable price point
Cons
- Require PC for firmware updates
- No hardware encryption
If you want an SSD tailored to push Xbox Series X|S gameplay to the limits, the WD_BLACK SN850X is specially engineered for the job. No other model currently matches its smart predictive capabilities.
#4 Best SSD for Desktop PC: Addlink S92
For desktop PC and workstation users seeking maximum Gen4 PCIe/NVMe M.2 throughput without breaking budget, the QLC-powered Addlink S92 1TB crams impressive performance into a super compact single-sided form factor.
Key Specs:
- Sequential Read Speed: 5000 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 4400 MB/s
- Form Factor: M.2 2280 single-sided
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.4
- Capacities: 512GB, 1TB
- 3 year warranty
- No heatsink
Hardware benchmarks show the S92 punching far above its weight class and price bracket for Gen4 workloads. Clever static and dynamic wear leveling, combined with LDPC error correcting code (ECC) and end-to-end data path protection, ensure excellent reliability from the QLC NAND.
The compact physical footprint lets it fit into practically any motherboard, and the drive runs cool and quiet without need for external heatsink. Cost lands at an astonishingly low $0.09 per GB—making the Addlink S92 the undisputed value pick among leading Gen4 SSDs today.
Pros
- Lightning PCIe 4.0 speed for under $100
- Tiny single-sided M.2 2280 design
- Efficient quad-core controller and QLC NAND
- Exceptionally budget-friendly $0.09 per GB
Cons
- Lacks DRAM cache
- Shorter endurance ratings than MLC drives
- No SSD management software
If you want no-compromise Gen4 velocity on a tight budget, the Addlink S92 offers incredible MB/s per dollar. It outruns pricier rivals while keeping cool and quiet.
#5 Best SATA SSD for Laptop PC: Crucial MX500
The Crucial MX500 remains one of the most popular and proven SATA SSDs for revitalizing aging laptops or building new budget desktop PCs. Now over 5 years since its launch, it still delivers excellent all-around value.
Key Specs:
- Sequential Read Speed: 560 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 510 MB/s
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch 7mm
- Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s
- Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- 5 year warranty
This 2.5-inch SATA SSD leverages 3D TLC NAND flash paired with a Silicon Motion SM2258 controller to hit fast speeds up to 560/510 MB/s read/write. Sustained performance remains snappy thanks Crucial’s adaptive thermal protection and active garbage collection to prevent throttling.
While obviously no match for NVMe Gen4, the MX500 still runs circles around any hard disk drive. And at around $0.08 per GB, it provides a simple plug-and-play storage upgrade path for aging laptops and prebuilt desktops still limited to 6 Gb/s SATA connectivity.
Pros
- Proven and reliable SATA III speed
- Durable 1.8 million hours MTBF
- Fits any 2.5-inch drive bay
- Very affordable at $0.08 per GB
- Leading software suite for cloning, monitoring, tuning
Cons
- Sequential speeds capped by SATA interface
- Lower endurance ratings than MLC NAND options
If you need dependable SATA solid state storage on a tight budget, Crucial’s MX500 remains a terrific value over 5 years since launch—which speaks to its staying power.
#6 Best Portable SSD: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 sets the new standard for compact on-the-go storage with best-in-class transfer rates, ruggedized design, handy carabiner loop, and suite of security features at prices rivaling SATA models.
Key Specs
- Sequential Read Speed: 1050 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 1000 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- IP55 rating for dust/water resistance
- Up to 2 meter drop protection
- 5 year warranty
This second-gen refresh of the SanDisk Extreme now utilizes cutting-edge USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connectivity pushing speeds over 1000 MB/s portable. Tough, silicone shell construction allows it survives accidental drops up to 6.5 feet.
The fast hardware combines with a robust stack of security features, including 256‐bit AES encryption, strong password protection, and anti-virus scanning services. Yet even with all the premium touches, cost remains affordable at $0.08 per GB.
Pros
- Blazing fast 1050/1000 MB/s read/write
- Compact and travel-ready rugged design
- Suite of advanced security safeguards
- Great value at $0.08 per GB
- Handy carabiner and USB-C to C/A cables
Cons
- Bulkier than some portable rivals
- Doesn’t match Thunderbolt 4 options
For portable solid state storage with no compromises on speed, endurance, or security, the latest SanDisk Extreme V2 raises the bar. Despite the premium features, affordable per GB pricing undercuts more barebones options.
How to Choose the Right SSD for Your Needs
Beyond just blindly buying the highest ranked SSD, take time to consider a few key factors that determine whether a drive best fits your specific needs and budget:
Interface & Connectivity – Make sure to match modern PCIe 4.0/NVMe M.2 drives with compatible motherboard slots and operating systems. Check if your older system still relies on SATA III connectivity before purchasing.
Capacity & Endurance – Balance your budget against needed storage space and warranty rating. QLC NAND offers high capacities for less cost but lower write cycle endurance compared to pricier MLC NAND options.
Form Factor & Compatibility – M.2 form factors come in different lengths (e.g. 2280) and keyings (M vs. B). Measure your motherboard slot or console SSD expansion bay before buying.
Features & Software – Compare bundled software tools for cloning, securely erasing, or monitoring SSD health stats. See if drives carry valuable hardware encryption acceleration, vibration damping, or heatsinks tailored to their expected environment.
Workload & Usage – NVMe and PCIe 4.0 offer overkill for light office PC use but provide future-proofing for heavy content creation. analyze your typical file copy/save loads before overspending.
Start Enjoying a Lightning Fast SSD!
I hope this guide to the top-tier SSDs available in 2023 gives you confidence to pick the perfect model for your computing needs and budget! Let me know if you have any other questions.
SSD technology continues advancing at a rapid pace. Sequential read/write speeds that felt blisteringly fast just a couple years ago already risk feeling sluggish compared to today’s bleeding edge drives leveraging PCIe 5.0 and the latest 3D NAND architectures.
But for most average users, now marks an excellent time to jump from old-school hard drives to modern solid state. Prices keep falling while capacities have soared into the multi-terabyte range even for portable form factors. I‘m eager to see what the next generation of storage innovation holds!
