Best SSD for Laptop 2026: Top Picks for Speed, Battery & Value
Quick Answer+
Best SSD for Laptop Overall: The WD Black SN7100 2TB ($140) is the best laptop SSD in 2026 — industry-leading power efficiency extends battery life, single-sided design fits any laptop, and flagship-class Gen4 performance at 7,250 MB/s. For Samsung fans, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus ($140) offers similar performance with better software. For older laptops requiring SATA, the Samsung 870 EVO ($90/1TB) remains unmatched.
What Makes a Great Laptop SSD?
Choosing the best SSD for a laptop is different from choosing one for a desktop. Three factors matter most:
- Power Efficiency: Lower power draw means longer battery life and cooler operation — critical for laptops
- Single-Sided Design: Many laptops only have clearance for single-sided M.2 drives; double-sided drives won’t fit
- Form Factor Compatibility: M.2 2280, M.2 2242, 2.5″ SATA, or proprietary — you must match your laptop
This guide covers every type of laptop SSD upgrade — from modern NVMe M.2 drives to SATA SSDs for older systems. We’ll help you identify what your laptop needs and recommend the best option for each scenario.
Best SSDs for Laptops: Quick Picks
| Category | Best Pick | Price (2TB) | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | WD Black SN7100 | $140 | Best power efficiency + flagship speed |
| Best Value | Samsung 990 EVO Plus | $140 | Great performance + Samsung software |
| Best Budget NVMe | Lexar NM790 | $100 | Excellent speed at lowest price |
| Best for Gaming Laptops | Samsung 990 Pro | $160 | Maximum DRAM-backed performance |
| Best SATA (Older Laptops) | Samsung 870 EVO | $160 | Best SATA SSD made |
| Best PCIe 5.0 | Crucial P510 | $180 | Gen5 speed at reasonable power |
| Best 2242 Form Factor | WD Black SN7100 2242 | $85 (1TB) | Compact form, same efficiency |
Before You Buy: Laptop SSD Compatibility Guide
Before purchasing a laptop SSD, you need to verify three things:
1. Interface Type: NVMe vs SATA
| Interface | Speed | Connector | Typical Laptops |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVMe (PCIe 4.0) | Up to 7,500 MB/s | M.2 M-key | Most laptops 2020+ |
| NVMe (PCIe 3.0) | Up to 3,500 MB/s | M.2 M-key | Most laptops 2016-2020 |
| SATA M.2 | Up to 560 MB/s | M.2 B+M key | Some ultrabooks, budget laptops |
| SATA 2.5″ | Up to 560 MB/s | SATA connector | Laptops 2015 and older |
Windows: Device Manager → Disk drives → Google your current drive model
macOS: Apple Menu → About This Mac → System Report → NVMExpress or SATA
Physical: Remove bottom panel and look at the slot (M-key = NVMe, B+M key = SATA)
Or: Check your laptop’s manual or search “[laptop model] SSD upgrade”
2. Form Factor: M.2 Size
M.2 SSDs come in different lengths. The number tells you the dimensions:
| Form Factor | Dimensions | Common In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.2 2280 | 22mm × 80mm | Most laptops, desktops | Standard size, most options |
| M.2 2242 | 22mm × 42mm | Ultrabooks, compact laptops | Fewer options, often lower capacity |
| M.2 2230 | 22mm × 30mm | Surface devices, Steam Deck, thin ultrabooks | Limited options, often expensive |
| 2.5″ SATA | 69mm × 100mm × 7mm | Older laptops with HDD bay | Easy upgrade for HDD replacement |
Many laptops only accept single-sided M.2 SSDs. Double-sided drives (with chips on both sides) are thicker and may not fit, or may damage your laptop’s motherboard.
Single-sided drives: WD Black SN7100, Samsung 990 Pro (all capacities including 4TB), Samsung 990 EVO Plus, Crucial T500, most 1TB drives
Double-sided drives: Some 2TB+ drives from older generations, many 4TB drives
Always verify your laptop’s clearance before buying, especially for 2TB+ capacities.
3. PCIe Generation
Your laptop’s PCIe generation determines maximum SSD speed — but buying a faster drive than your laptop supports won’t cause problems (the drive will just run at your laptop’s maximum speed).
| Laptop Age | Likely PCIe Support | Max Speed | Recommended SSD Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023+ | PCIe 4.0 (some 5.0) | 7,500+ MB/s | PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 |
| 2020-2022 | PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 | 3,500-7,500 MB/s | PCIe 4.0 |
| 2016-2019 | PCIe 3.0 | 3,500 MB/s | PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 |
| Pre-2016 | SATA only | 560 MB/s | SATA SSD |
Best NVMe SSDs for Laptops (M.2 2280)
WD Black SN7100 — Best Overall Laptop SSD
WD Black SN7100 2TB
7,250 MB/s Read | 6,900 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | Single-Sided | 729 MB/s per Watt
The most power-efficient high-performance SSD ever made. Industry-leading efficiency extends laptop battery life while delivering flagship Gen4 speeds. Single-sided design fits any laptop.
The WD Black SN7100 is purpose-built for laptops. It achieves an unprecedented 729 MB/s per watt — substantially higher than competitors like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus (524 MB/s per watt). This translates to longer battery life and cooler operation.
Why It’s the Best Laptop SSD:
- Power Efficiency: 969mW idle (10.8% lower than Samsung 990 EVO Plus), lowest active power in its class
- Thermal Performance: 59-64°C under load vs 65-70°C for competitors — cooler operation, no throttling
- Single-Sided Design: All capacities (500GB-2TB) are single-sided — universal laptop compatibility
- Performance: Fastest PCIe 4.0 HMB drive tested, exceptional random read performance
- Reliability: Kioxia BiCS8 218-layer TLC NAND, 5-year warranty, 600 TBW per TB
Potential Drawbacks:
- DRAM-less design (uses HMB) — slightly lower sustained random performance than DRAM drives
- No hardware encryption support
- WD Dashboard software less polished than Samsung Magician
- No 4TB option yet (coming soon)
| Capacity | Price | $/TB | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500GB | $55 | $110/TB | 300 TBW |
| 1TB | $85 | $85/TB | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | $140 | $70/TB | 1,200 TBW |
Samsung 990 EVO Plus — Best Value with Great Software
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB
7,250 MB/s Read | 6,300 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0/5.0 Hybrid | Single-Sided | Hardware Encryption
Samsung’s optimized laptop SSD with hybrid PCIe 4.0/5.0 compatibility. Excellent performance, Samsung Magician software, and hardware encryption support.
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is the SN7100’s primary competitor. While slightly less power-efficient, it offers advantages that matter to many users:
Key Advantages:
- Samsung Magician Software: Industry-leading drive management, easy migration, health monitoring
- Hardware Encryption: AES 256-bit encryption, TCG Opal support — essential for business laptops
- 4TB Option: Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities
- PCIe 5.0 Compatibility: Hybrid design works at Gen5 x2 or Gen4 x4 speeds
- Nickel-Coated Controller: Better heat dissipation than typical designs
| Capacity | Price | $/TB | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $75 | $75/TB | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | $140 | $70/TB | 1,200 TBW |
| 4TB | $300 | $75/TB | 2,400 TBW |
Choose WD Black SN7100 if: Battery life is priority, you want lowest temps, don’t need encryption
Choose Samsung 990 EVO Plus if: You need encryption, want better software, need 4TB capacity
Lexar NM790 — Best Budget NVMe for Laptops
Lexar NM790 2TB
7,400 MB/s Read | 6,500 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | DRAM-less | 40% Lower Power Than DRAM Drives
Flagship-class speeds at budget pricing. DRAM-less design reduces power consumption by up to 40% compared to DRAM-equipped alternatives.
The Lexar NM790 delivers remarkable value — nearly flagship speeds at entry-level prices. Using YMTC 232-layer TLC NAND and HMB technology, it achieves excellent efficiency while keeping costs low.
Why It’s the Best Budget Option:
- Price: Often 20-30% cheaper than Samsung/WD equivalents
- Performance: 7,400/6,500 MB/s — competitive with premium drives
- Power Efficiency: DRAM-less design consumes up to 40% less power than DRAM drives
- Capacities: 512GB to 4TB available
Samsung 990 Pro — Best for Gaming Laptops
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
7,450 MB/s Read | 6,900 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | DRAM Cache | Single-Sided 4TB
The flagship PCIe 4.0 SSD with full DRAM cache for maximum sustained performance. Single-sided even at 4TB — rare for high-capacity drives.
For gaming laptops where sustained performance matters more than absolute battery life, the Samsung 990 Pro remains the benchmark. Its DRAM cache provides consistent performance that DRAM-less drives can’t match under heavy loads.
Why Gamers Should Consider It:
- DRAM Cache: Consistent performance during extended gaming sessions and large installs
- DirectStorage Optimized: Best performance with Windows DirectStorage games
- Single-Sided 4TB: Massive storage that fits any laptop — extremely rare
- 50% More Efficient Than 980 Pro: Still laptop-friendly despite premium performance
See our full review:Samsung 990 Pro Review
Crucial T500 — Reliable All-Rounder
Crucial T500 2TB
7,400 MB/s Read | 7,000 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | DRAM Cache | Data Loss Protection
Micron’s flagship Gen4 drive with excellent all-around performance. Includes power-loss data protection and Acronis True Image backup software.
The Crucial T500 offers excellent performance with strong value and reliability features:
- Power-Loss Protection: Protects data during unexpected shutdowns
- Bundled Software: Includes Acronis True Image for easy backup/migration
- Consistent Performance: DRAM cache for sustained workloads
- Competitive Pricing: Often cheaper than Samsung equivalents
The T500 draws slightly more power at idle than some competitors. For maximum battery life, the WD Black SN7100 is a better choice.
SK Hynix Platinum P41 — Premium Alternative
SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB
7,000 MB/s Read | 6,500 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | DRAM Cache | Single-Sided
SK Hynix’s flagship consumer SSD with excellent sustained performance and competitive pricing. A strong Samsung 990 Pro alternative.
The SK Hynix Platinum P41 is often overlooked but offers excellent performance. SK Hynix manufactures their own NAND and controller, similar to Samsung’s vertical integration advantage.
Best PCIe 5.0 SSDs for Laptops
Most laptops don’t yet support PCIe 5.0, but if yours does (typically 2024+ gaming laptops with latest Intel/AMD platforms), these drives offer maximum performance:
Crucial P510 — Best Budget Gen5
Crucial P510 2TB
10,000 MB/s Read | 9,500 MB/s Write | PCIe 5.0 x4 | Good Power Efficiency | No Massive Heatsink Needed
The most accessible PCIe 5.0 SSD with excellent power efficiency for a Gen5 drive. Doesn’t run as hot as early Gen5 drives.
The Crucial P510 makes Gen5 practical for laptops by addressing the two biggest Gen5 problems: heat and power consumption. It runs cool enough to work without massive heatsinks while still delivering substantial speed improvements over Gen4.
WD Black SN8100 — Fastest Overall
WD Black SN8100 2TB
14,900 MB/s Read | 14,000 MB/s Write | PCIe 5.0 x4 | Excellent Efficiency for Gen5 | Up to 4TB
The fastest consumer SSD ever made. Unlike other Gen5 drives, it doesn’t generate excessive heat thanks to an efficient controller and BiCS8 flash.
If you need maximum performance and have a Gen5-capable laptop, the WD Black SN8100 delivers unprecedented speeds without the thermal problems that plagued earlier Gen5 drives.
Best SATA SSDs for Older Laptops
If your laptop doesn’t have an M.2 slot, or only has an M.2 SATA slot, you’ll need a SATA SSD. These are also perfect for replacing a traditional hard drive in older laptops.
Samsung 870 EVO — Best SATA SSD
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB
560 MB/s Read | 530 MB/s Write | SATA III | TLC NAND | 5-Year Warranty
The gold standard for SATA SSDs. Maximum SATA interface speeds, excellent reliability, and Samsung’s comprehensive software suite.
The Samsung 870 EVO remains the best SATA SSD available. It maxes out the SATA III interface, offers industry-leading reliability, and includes Samsung Magician software for easy migration and management.
Perfect for:
- Replacing a laptop HDD with an SSD
- Laptops with only 2.5″ drive bays
- M.2 SATA slots (B+M keyed)
- Secondary storage in laptops with dual drive bays
See our full review:Samsung 870 EVO Review
| Capacity | Price | $/TB | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250GB | $45 | $180/TB | 150 TBW |
| 500GB | $60 | $120/TB | 300 TBW |
| 1TB | $90 | $90/TB | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | $170 | $85/TB | 1,200 TBW |
| 4TB | $350 | $87/TB | 2,400 TBW |
Crucial MX500 — Budget SATA Alternative
Crucial MX500 1TB
560 MB/s Read | 510 MB/s Write | SATA III | TLC NAND | Power-Loss Protection
Excellent SATA SSD at a lower price than the 870 EVO. Includes power-loss data protection that Samsung doesn’t offer.
The Crucial MX500 is a strong 870 EVO alternative at a lower price. It includes power-loss data protection and Acronis backup software.
Laptop SSD Comparison Chart
| Model | Interface | Read Speed | DRAM | Single-Sided | 2TB Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Black SN7100 | PCIe 4.0 | 7,250 MB/s | No (HMB) | ✓ All | $140 | Battery life, efficiency |
| Samsung 990 EVO Plus | PCIe 4.0/5.0 | 7,250 MB/s | No (HMB) | ✓ All | $140 | Encryption, software |
| Lexar NM790 | PCIe 4.0 | 7,400 MB/s | No (HMB) | ✓ Most | $100 | Budget builds |
| Samsung 990 Pro | PCIe 4.0 | 7,450 MB/s | Yes | ✓ All (4TB!) | $160 | Gaming, sustained loads |
| Crucial T500 | PCIe 4.0 | 7,400 MB/s | Yes | ✓ Most | $135 | Reliability, value |
| SK Hynix P41 | PCIe 4.0 | 7,000 MB/s | Yes | ✓ All | $150 | Premium alternative |
| Crucial P510 | PCIe 5.0 | 10,000 MB/s | No (HMB) | ✓ | $180 | Affordable Gen5 |
| WD Black SN8100 | PCIe 5.0 | 14,900 MB/s | Yes | ✓ | $250 | Maximum performance |
| Samsung 870 EVO | SATA III | 560 MB/s | Yes | N/A (2.5″) | $170 | Older laptops, HDD upgrade |
Laptop SSD by Use Case
For Ultrabooks & Thin Laptops
Priority: Power efficiency, single-sided, low heat
Best Choice: WD Black SN7100
Thin laptops have limited cooling and battery capacity. The SN7100’s industry-leading efficiency makes it the ideal choice.
For Gaming Laptops
Priority: Sustained performance, large capacity, DirectStorage support
Best Choice: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB/4TB
Gaming laptops usually have better cooling and stay plugged in during gaming. The 990 Pro’s DRAM cache ensures consistent performance during long sessions.
For Business Laptops
Priority: Hardware encryption, reliability, software support
Best Choice: Samsung 990 EVO Plus
Business users often need hardware encryption (TCG Opal) for compliance. Samsung Magician makes migration and management easy.
For Budget Laptop Upgrades
Priority: Lowest cost, significant performance improvement
Best Choice: Lexar NM790 (NVMe) or Crucial MX500 (SATA)
Any modern SSD will feel transformative compared to an HDD. Budget options deliver 90% of the experience at 60% of the price.
For Older Laptops (Pre-2016)
Priority: SATA compatibility, easy installation
Best Choice: Samsung 870 EVO
Older laptops without M.2 slots need 2.5″ SATA SSDs. The 870 EVO is the best SATA drive available and includes migration software.
How to Install a Laptop SSD
Before Installation
- Back up your data — Use Windows Backup, Time Machine, or a third-party tool
- Download clone software — Samsung Magician (Samsung drives), Acronis True Image (Crucial), or free options like Macrium Reflect
- Get the right tools — Usually a small Phillips screwdriver; some laptops need Torx
- Ground yourself — Touch a grounded metal object to discharge static
M.2 NVMe Installation (Most Modern Laptops)
- Power off laptop, unplug charger, remove battery if possible
- Remove bottom panel screws and carefully lift panel
- Locate M.2 slot (usually near center or edge of motherboard)
- Remove the small screw at the end of the M.2 slot
- Insert new SSD at ~30° angle into slot
- Press down gently and secure with screw
- Reassemble laptop and boot
2.5″ SATA Installation (Older Laptops)
- Power off laptop and remove battery
- Locate HDD bay (often has a dedicated access panel)
- Remove screws and slide out existing drive
- Transfer any mounting bracket/caddy to new SSD
- Slide new SSD into bay and secure
- Reassemble and boot
**Cloning** copies everything from your old drive — easiest option, no reinstallation needed. Use Samsung Magician or Acronis.
**Fresh Install** gives you a clean Windows/macOS installation — best performance, but requires reinstalling apps. Download Windows from Microsoft or use macOS Recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The WD Black SN7100 is the best SSD for most laptops in 2026. It offers industry-leading power efficiency (extends battery life), single-sided design (fits any laptop), and flagship Gen4 speeds at 7,250 MB/s. For users who need hardware encryption or prefer Samsung software, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is an excellent alternative at the same price.
Check your laptop’s specifications or use these methods: Windows: Right-click Start → Device Manager → Disk drives → search your drive model online. Physical inspection: M-key slots (notch on right) support NVMe; B+M key slots (notches on both sides) typically support only SATA. Age: Most laptops from 2016+ support NVMe; older laptops usually only support SATA.
It depends on the SSD. Power-efficient SSDs like the WD Black SN7100 (969mW idle) can actually improve battery life compared to less efficient drives. However, high-performance Gen5 SSDs typically consume more power. For best battery life, choose drives marketed for efficiency (SN7100, 990 EVO Plus) rather than maximum performance (990 Pro, Gen5 drives).
Single-sided SSDs have memory chips on only one side of the board; double-sided SSDs have chips on both sides. Double-sided drives are thicker and may not fit in laptops with limited M.2 slot clearance. Most laptops require single-sided drives. Always verify your laptop’s clearance before buying, especially for 2TB+ capacities. The Samsung 990 Pro is notably single-sided even at 4TB.
Absolutely — an SSD is the single best upgrade for most laptops. If your laptop has an HDD, upgrading to any SSD will dramatically improve boot times, application loading, and overall responsiveness. If you already have an SSD, upgrading to a newer/larger one provides moderate speed improvements and more storage. A $100-150 SSD upgrade often provides more noticeable improvement than much more expensive RAM upgrades.
1TB is the sweet spot for most users — enough for Windows, applications, and moderate file storage. 2TB is recommended for gamers (modern games can be 100GB+) and content creators. 500GB is acceptable for basic use with cloud storage. Avoid 256GB or smaller unless budget is extremely tight — Windows and applications alone can consume 100GB+.
Yes, if the form factor matches. M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs work in both desktops and laptops — there’s no difference. However, verify: (1) Your laptop supports M.2 2280 (not 2242 or 2230), (2) The drive is single-sided if your laptop requires it, (3) PCIe generation compatibility (Gen5 drives work in Gen4 slots at reduced speed). 2.5″ SATA SSDs also work in any compatible laptop.
Get NVMe if your laptop supports it — it’s 5-10x faster than SATA. Only choose SATA if: (1) Your laptop doesn’t have an M.2 slot, (2) Your M.2 slot only supports SATA (B+M keyed, older laptops), (3) You’re replacing a 2.5″ HDD. Check your laptop’s specs or physically inspect the slot before buying.
Not necessarily. Modern DRAM-less SSDs using HMB (Host Memory Buffer) perform excellently for consumer workloads. DRAM drives (Samsung 990 Pro, Crucial T500) offer better sustained random performance under heavy loads, but the difference is minimal for typical laptop use. DRAM-less drives (WD SN7100, 990 EVO Plus) often have better power efficiency, which is more valuable for laptops.
Cloning is the easiest method: (1) Connect new SSD externally via USB enclosure, (2) Use Samsung Magician (Samsung drives), Acronis True Image (Crucial), or free Macrium Reflect to clone, (3) Swap drives and boot. Alternatively, fresh install: Create Windows/macOS installation media, install on new SSD, restore files from backup. Fresh install is cleaner but requires reinstalling applications.
Related Resources
- Samsung SSD Hub — Complete Samsung SSD guide
- Samsung 990 Pro Review — Flagship Gen4 detailed
- Samsung 870 EVO Review — Best SATA SSD
- Best SSD for Gaming — Desktop gaming guide
- Best SSD for PS5 — Console storage expansion
- All NVMe SSDs — Browse all NVMe prices
- All SATA SSDs — Browse all SATA prices
Last Updated: February 2026 | Prices verified and specifications updated
