Quick Answer+
Samsung dominates the SSD market with in-house NAND, controllers, and firmware — delivering industry-leading reliability across NVMe, SATA, and portable drives. The 990 Pro remains the benchmark for PCIe 4.0, while the new 9100 Pro leads Gen5 performance.
**Key Takeaways:**
– Best overall: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB ($160) — flagship Gen4 at 7,450 MB/s
– Best PCIe 5.0: Samsung 9100 Pro ($200-550) — fastest consumer SSD at 14,800 MB/s
– Best SATA: Samsung 870 EVO ($90/1TB) — unmatched for older systems & NAS
– Best portable: Samsung T9 ($140-440) — 2,000 MB/s external speeds
– Best value: Samsung 990 EVO Plus ($140/2TB) — near-flagship performance, lower price
Why Choose Samsung SSDs?
Samsung is the world’s #1 flash memory manufacturer and has dominated the SSD market since 2003. Unlike most competitors who assemble drives from third-party components, Samsung designs and manufactures everything in-house — the V-NAND flash memory, the controllers, the DRAM cache, and the firmware. This vertical integration delivers three key advantages:
- Reliability: Samsung SSDs consistently rank among the most reliable in Backblaze and enterprise studies
- Performance: Optimized components work together for maximum speed and efficiency
- Software: Samsung Magician provides excellent drive management, firmware updates, and optimization tools
This guide covers every Samsung SSD currently available — from the flagship 9100 Pro PCIe 5.0 drive to budget-friendly QVO options and portable T-series drives.
Samsung SSD Lineup: Complete Overview
Samsung organizes their SSDs into distinct product lines. Understanding the naming system helps you choose the right drive:
Samsung SSD Naming Guide
| Name Component | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Number (9xx, 8xx) | Generation — higher = newer | 990 is newer than 980 |
| PRO | Flagship performance, TLC NAND, full DRAM | 990 Pro, 9100 Pro |
| EVO | Mainstream performance, TLC NAND, excellent value | 990 EVO, 870 EVO |
| EVO Plus | Enhanced EVO with improved performance | 990 EVO Plus |
| QVO | Budget option with QLC NAND, lower endurance | 870 QVO |
**Want the best?** → 9100 Pro (PCIe 5.0) or 990 Pro (PCIe 4.0)
**Want great value?** → 990 EVO Plus or 980 Pro (often discounted)
**Need SATA?** → 870 EVO (TLC) or 870 QVO (budget)
**Need portable?** → T9 (fastest) or T7 Shield (rugged)
Samsung NVMe SSDs (Internal M.2 Drives)
Samsung’s NVMe lineup spans from the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 9100 Pro to the budget-friendly 980. All feature Samsung’s renowned V-NAND technology and in-house controllers.
Samsung 9100 Pro — Flagship PCIe 5.0 (NEW 2025)
Samsung 9100 Pro 2TB
14,700 MB/s Read | 13,400 MB/s Write | PCIe 5.0 x4 | V-NAND TLC | 1,200 TBW
Samsung’s first consumer PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers twice the speed of the 990 Pro. Built for AI workloads, 4K/8K video editing, and enthusiasts who demand the absolute fastest storage available.
The Samsung 9100 Pro represents Samsung’s long-awaited entry into the PCIe 5.0 consumer market. After letting competitors like Crucial release Gen5 drives first, Samsung has arrived with a statement: the 9100 Pro is the fastest consumer SSD ever made.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: Up to 14,800/13,400 MB/s read/write (4TB model)
- Random IOPS: Up to 2,200K/2,600K read/write
- Capacities: 1TB ($200), 2TB ($300), 4TB ($550), 8TB (coming late 2025)
- Controller: Samsung’s in-house 5nm controller
- NAND: Samsung V-NAND TLC (V8 generation)
- DRAM: Yes — LPDDR4X (1GB per 1TB)
- Power Efficiency: 49% more efficient than 990 Pro
- Heatsink Version: Available (+$20)
Who Should Buy: Content creators working with 4K/8K video, AI/ML professionals, enthusiasts with PCIe 5.0 motherboards who want maximum performance, and anyone who needs the 8TB capacity option (coming soon).
Who Should Skip: Most gamers (minimal real-world benefit over Gen4), anyone without a PCIe 5.0 system, budget-conscious buyers.
| Capacity | MSRP | With Heatsink | $/TB | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $199.99 | $219.99 | $200/TB | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | $299.99 | $319.99 | $150/TB | 1,200 TBW |
| 4TB | $549.99 | $569.99 | $137/TB | 2,400 TBW |
| 8TB | TBA (H2 2025) | TBA | TBA | 4,800 TBW |
Samsung 990 Pro — Best PCIe 4.0 SSD
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
7,450 MB/s Read | 6,900 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | V-NAND TLC | 1,200 TBW
The benchmark against which all PCIe 4.0 drives are measured. Class-leading performance, Samsung reliability, and now available up to 4TB in a single-sided form factor.
The Samsung 990 Pro has been the undisputed king of PCIe 4.0 SSDs since its 2022 launch, and it remains the best choice for most users in 2026. It delivers the fastest Gen4 speeds available while maintaining the reliability Samsung is known for.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 7,450/6,900 MB/s read/write
- Random IOPS: 1,400K/1,550K read/write
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Controller: Samsung Pascal controller
- NAND: Samsung 236-layer V-NAND TLC
- DRAM: Yes — LPDDR4 (1GB per 1TB, 2GB for 2TB, 4GB for 4TB)
- Form Factor: Single-sided (even at 4TB!)
- PS5 Compatible: Yes (heatsink version recommended)
Why It’s the Best: The 990 Pro excels in every metric that matters — sustained performance, random I/O, power efficiency, and thermal management. The 4TB model’s single-sided design is particularly impressive, making it compatible with laptops and compact builds where double-sided drives won’t fit.
Early 990 Pro units had a firmware issue affecting drive health reporting. This was fully resolved with firmware update 1B2QJXD7 (September 2025). All drives now ship with corrected firmware, and existing owners can update via Samsung Magician.
| Capacity | Typical Price | With Heatsink | $/TB | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $99-120 | $109-130 | $99-120/TB | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | $150-180 | $160-190 | $75-90/TB | 1,200 TBW |
| 4TB | $280-350 | $300-370 | $70-87/TB | 2,400 TBW |
Samsung 990 EVO Plus — Best Value NVMe
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB
7,250 MB/s Read | 6,300 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0/5.0 Hybrid | V-NAND TLC | 1,200 TBW
Samsung’s value champion with hybrid PCIe 4.0/5.0 compatibility. Near-flagship performance at a mainstream price point.
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus fills the gap between the budget 990 EVO and flagship 990 Pro. It offers excellent performance at a more accessible price point, with the added benefit of PCIe 5.0 compatibility (at x2 speeds) for future-proofing.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 7,250/6,300 MB/s (PCIe 4.0 x4) or 7,250/6,300 MB/s (PCIe 5.0 x2)
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- NAND: Samsung V-NAND TLC
- DRAM: Yes
- Hybrid Interface: Works in both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 slots
Who Should Buy: Users who want near-Pro performance at a lower price, those upgrading from older systems who may eventually move to PCIe 5.0, and anyone who finds the 990 Pro’s premium hard to justify.
Samsung 990 EVO — Budget PCIe 4.0/5.0 Hybrid
Samsung 990 EVO 2TB
5,000 MB/s Read | 4,200 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 | V-NAND TLC | 1,200 TBW
Samsung’s entry-level NVMe with hybrid Gen4/Gen5 compatibility. A cost-effective way to get Samsung quality without flagship pricing.
The Samsung 990 EVO is Samsung’s first consumer-grade PCIe 5.0-compatible drive, though it’s designed more as a bridge product than a performance leader. It uses PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes (or PCIe 4.0 x4), delivering speeds competitive with mid-range Gen4 drives.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 5,000/4,200 MB/s read/write
- Random IOPS: 700K/800K read/write
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB
- NAND: Samsung V-NAND TLC
- DRAM: DRAM-less (uses HMB)
The 990 EVO is DRAM-less, which means sustained random performance is lower than DRAM-equipped drives like the 990 Pro. For most consumer workloads this isn’t noticeable, but power users should consider the 990 Pro or 990 EVO Plus.
Who Should Buy: Budget-conscious users who want Samsung reliability, laptop upgraders, and anyone who prioritizes brand trust over maximum performance.
Samsung 980 Pro — Previous Gen Flagship (Great Value)
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
7,000 MB/s Read | 5,100 MB/s Write | PCIe 4.0 x4 | V-NAND TLC | 1,200 TBW
The previous flagship at clearance prices. Still excellent performance and Samsung reliability — now at a significant discount.
The Samsung 980 Pro dominated the PCIe 4.0 market from 2020-2022 and remains an excellent drive. With the 990 Pro now available, the 980 Pro has dropped to attractive price points while still delivering flagship-class performance.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 7,000/5,100 MB/s read/write
- Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- NAND: Samsung 128-layer V-NAND TLC
- DRAM: Yes — LPDDR4
- PS5 Compatible: Yes
Why Consider It: If you find the 980 Pro at a significant discount ($100 or less for 2TB), it’s an outstanding value. Performance is within 5-10% of the 990 Pro for most workloads.
Samsung 980 — Entry-Level NVMe
Samsung 980 1TB
3,500 MB/s Read | 3,000 MB/s Write | PCIe 3.0 x4 | V-NAND TLC | 600 TBW
Samsung’s most affordable NVMe drive. PCIe 3.0 speeds are plenty fast for most users, especially those upgrading from SATA or HDD.
The Samsung 980 (non-Pro) is Samsung’s budget NVMe option, using PCIe 3.0 instead of 4.0. While slower than the Pro models, it’s still dramatically faster than any SATA SSD and offers Samsung’s reliability at entry-level pricing.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 3,500/3,000 MB/s read/write
- Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB
- Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4
- DRAM: DRAM-less (uses HMB)
Who Should Buy: Users with older systems (PCIe 3.0), those on tight budgets who want Samsung quality, and anyone upgrading from SATA or HDD where any NVMe will be transformative.
Samsung NVMe SSD Comparison Chart
| Model | Interface | Read Speed | Write Speed | DRAM | Max Capacity | 2TB Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9100 Pro | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 14,800 MB/s | 13,400 MB/s | Yes | 8TB | $300 | Professionals, AI, 8K video |
| 990 Pro | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 7,450 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s | Yes | 4TB | $160 | Most users, gaming, PS5 |
| 990 EVO Plus | PCIe 4.0/5.0 | 7,250 MB/s | 6,300 MB/s | Yes | 4TB | $140 | Value seekers |
| 990 EVO | PCIe 4.0/5.0 | 5,000 MB/s | 4,200 MB/s | No (HMB) | 2TB | $120 | Budget builds |
| 980 Pro | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 7,000 MB/s | 5,100 MB/s | Yes | 2TB | $130 | Discounted flagship |
| 980 | PCIe 3.0 x4 | 3,500 MB/s | 3,000 MB/s | No (HMB) | 1TB | N/A | Older systems, budget |
Samsung SATA SSDs (2.5″ Internal Drives)
While NVMe has become the standard for new builds, SATA SSDs remain relevant for older systems, secondary storage, NAS devices, and budget builds. Samsung’s 870 series represents the pinnacle of SATA SSD technology.
Samsung 870 EVO — Best SATA SSD
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB
560 MB/s Read | 530 MB/s Write | SATA III | V-NAND TLC | 600 TBW
The ultimate SATA SSD. Maximum interface speeds, TLC endurance, and legendary Samsung reliability. The go-to choice for SATA upgrades.
The Samsung 870 EVO is simply the best SATA SSD money can buy. It maxes out the SATA III interface at 560/530 MB/s, offers excellent endurance with TLC NAND, and includes Samsung’s comprehensive 5-year warranty.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 560/530 MB/s read/write (SATA maximum)
- Random IOPS: 98K/88K read/write
- Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- NAND: Samsung V-NAND TLC
- DRAM: Yes
- Form Factor: 2.5″ 7mm
- Warranty: 5 years
Use Cases: Upgrading older laptops/desktops without M.2 slots, secondary storage drives, NAS devices (especially Synology/QNAP which have tested compatibility), and anyone who values proven reliability.
| Capacity | Typical Price | $/TB | Endurance (TBW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250GB | $40-50 | $160-200/TB | 150 TBW |
| 500GB | $55-70 | $110-140/TB | 300 TBW |
| 1TB | $85-100 | $85-100/TB | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | $160-190 | $80-95/TB | 1,200 TBW |
| 4TB | $320-380 | $80-95/TB | 2,400 TBW |
Samsung 870 QVO — Budget SATA with Massive Capacity
Samsung 870 QVO 4TB
560 MB/s Read | 530 MB/s Write | SATA III | V-NAND QLC | 1,440 TBW
QLC NAND enables massive capacities at budget prices. Up to 8TB available — perfect for media storage, game libraries, and backup drives.
The Samsung 870 QVO uses QLC (quad-level cell) NAND to offer massive capacities at lower prices than TLC drives. While endurance is lower, it’s still more than sufficient for typical consumer use.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 560/530 MB/s read/write
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
- NAND: Samsung V-NAND QLC
- DRAM: Yes
- Warranty: 3 years (vs 5 years for 870 EVO)
**QLC (870 QVO):** Lower price per TB, lower endurance (360-2,880 TBW), sustained writes slow after cache fills. Best for: media storage, game libraries, backups.
**TLC (870 EVO):** Higher price per TB, higher endurance (150-2,400 TBW), consistent sustained performance. Best for: boot drives, primary storage, write-heavy workloads.
| Capacity | Typical Price | $/TB | Endurance (TBW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $80-95 | $80-95/TB | 360 TBW |
| 2TB | $140-170 | $70-85/TB | 720 TBW |
| 4TB | $240-290 | $60-72/TB | 1,440 TBW |
| 8TB | $480-580 | $60-72/TB | 2,880 TBW |
Samsung SATA SSD Comparison
| Model | NAND Type | Max Capacity | Endurance | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 870 EVO | TLC | 4TB | 150-2,400 TBW | 5 years | Boot drives, primary storage, NAS |
| 870 QVO | QLC | 8TB | 360-2,880 TBW | 3 years | Media storage, games, backups |
Samsung Portable SSDs (External Drives)
Samsung’s T-series portable SSDs are among the most popular external drives on the market, known for their speed, reliability, and compact design. The lineup ranges from the ultra-fast T9 to the budget-friendly T5 EVO.
Samsung T9 — Fastest Portable SSD
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB
2,000 MB/s Read/Write | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | 3m Drop Resistant | 5-Year Warranty
The fastest portable SSD Samsung has ever made. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 delivers nearly 2 GB/s transfers — ideal for video professionals and content creators.
The Samsung T9 doubles the speed of the T7 series with its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, delivering up to 2,000 MB/s transfer speeds. It’s designed for professional workflows involving large video files, high-resolution images, and rapid data transfers.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: Up to 2,000/2,000 MB/s read/write
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (USB-C)
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Durability: 3-meter drop resistance
- Security: AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, PS5, Xbox, 12K cameras
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 122g (4.3 oz)
To achieve full 2,000 MB/s speeds, your computer must support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Most computers only support Gen 2 (10 Gbps), limiting the T9 to ~1,000 MB/s — still fast, but the same as the cheaper T7. Check your device specs before buying for speed reasons.
| Capacity | Typical Price | $/TB |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $120-150 | $120-150/TB |
| 2TB | $170-220 | $85-110/TB |
| 4TB | $300-400 | $75-100/TB |
Samsung T7 Shield — Best All-Around Portable SSD
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB
1,050 MB/s Read | 1,000 MB/s Write | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | IP65 Rating | 3-Year Warranty
The perfect balance of speed, durability, and price. IP65 water/dust resistance makes it ideal for field work, travel, and outdoor use.
The Samsung T7 Shield adds rugged protection to the already-excellent T7 formula. With IP65 water and dust resistance plus enhanced drop protection, it’s built for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs reliable portable storage in challenging environments.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 1,050/1,000 MB/s read/write
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Durability: IP65 rated, 3-meter drop resistance
- Security: AES 256-bit hardware encryption, password protection
- Colors: Black, Blue, Beige
- Warranty: 3 years
Who Should Buy: Photographers needing field backup, travelers, anyone who needs water/dust protection, and users who want the best balance of speed, durability, and price.
Samsung T7 — Compact & Fast
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
1,050 MB/s Read | 1,000 MB/s Write | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Credit Card Size | 3-Year Warranty
Ultra-compact and lightweight portable storage. The sleek aluminum body fits in any pocket while delivering excellent USB 3.2 speeds.
The standard Samsung T7 offers the same speed as the T7 Shield in a slimmer, lighter aluminum body. It lacks the rugged protection but is more compact and comes in more color options.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: 1,050/1,000 MB/s read/write
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Durability: 2-meter drop resistance (not IP rated)
- Colors: Blue, Gray, Red, Titan Gray
- Weight: 58g (2 oz) — incredibly light
- Dimensions: 85 x 57 x 8mm (credit card size)
Also Available: The T7 Touch variant adds a fingerprint sensor for biometric security, ideal for users who need quick, secure access to sensitive data.
Samsung T5 EVO — Budget Portable with Huge Capacity
Samsung T5 EVO 8TB
460 MB/s Read/Write | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Up to 8TB | 3-Year Warranty
Massive capacity at an affordable price. While slower than the T7/T9, the T5 EVO offers unbeatable $/TB for large storage needs.
The Samsung T5 EVO prioritizes capacity over speed, using USB 3.2 Gen 1 to deliver up to 8TB of portable storage at the lowest cost per terabyte in Samsung’s lineup.
Key Specifications:
- Sequential Speed: ~460 MB/s read/write
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Capacities: 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
- Durability: 2-meter drop resistance
Who Should Buy: Users who need to store large media libraries, backup drives, archival storage — anyone who prioritizes capacity over maximum speed.
Samsung Portable SSD Comparison
| Model | Interface | Speed | Max Capacity | Durability | 2TB Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T9 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 2,000 MB/s | 4TB | 3m drop, IP65 | $180-220 | Professionals, 4K/8K video |
| T7 Shield | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 1,050 MB/s | 4TB | 3m drop, IP65 | $150-180 | Field work, travel, outdoors |
| T7 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 1,050 MB/s | 4TB | 2m drop | $130-160 | Everyday portable storage |
| T7 Touch | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 1,050 MB/s | 2TB | 2m drop | $150-180 | Secure biometric access |
| T5 EVO | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 460 MB/s | 8TB | 2m drop | $130-160 | Maximum capacity, backups |
Samsung SSD Buying Guide: Which One Should You Choose?
By Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Samsung SSD | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming PC | 990 Pro 2TB | Flagship speed, PS5 compatible, great value |
| PS5 Storage | 990 Pro 2TB w/ Heatsink | Exceeds PS5 requirements, easy install |
| Content Creation | 9100 Pro 4TB | Maximum speed for 4K/8K editing |
| AI/ML Workloads | 9100 Pro 4TB/8TB | Fastest read/write for model loading |
| Laptop Upgrade | 990 Pro 2TB or 990 EVO Plus | Single-sided fits any laptop |
| Budget PC Build | 990 EVO 2TB | Samsung reliability at budget price |
| Older PC (SATA) | 870 EVO 1TB | Best SATA SSD available |
| Media Storage | 870 QVO 4TB | Massive capacity, low $/TB |
| Portable Backup | T7 Shield 2TB | Fast, rugged, affordable |
| Video Production | T9 4TB | Fastest external for large files |
| NAS Secondary | 870 EVO 4TB | Proven NAS compatibility |
By Budget
| Budget (2TB) | Best Samsung Option | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | 870 EVO 1TB ($90) | 980 500GB ($60) |
| $100-150 | 990 EVO 2TB ($120) | 980 Pro 2TB ($130) |
| $150-200 | 990 Pro 2TB ($160) | 990 EVO Plus 2TB ($140) |
| $200-300 | 9100 Pro 1TB ($200) | 990 Pro 4TB ($280) |
| $300+ | 9100 Pro 2TB ($300) | 9100 Pro 4TB ($550) |
Samsung SSD Software: Samsung Magician
One of Samsung’s key advantages is Samsung Magician, their free drive management software. It’s significantly more capable than most competitor utilities.
Key Features:
- Drive Health Monitoring: Real-time health status, temperature, and remaining lifespan
- Performance Benchmarking: Built-in speed tests to verify drive performance
- Firmware Updates: Easy one-click updates to keep your drive optimized
- Performance Optimization: Enable rapid mode, over-provisioning settings
- Data Migration: Clone your existing drive to a new Samsung SSD
- Secure Erase: Completely wipe drive data for disposal/resale
- Encrypted Drive Management: For drives with hardware encryption
Samsung Magician is available for Windows, macOS, and Android. Download it free from Samsung’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB is the best Samsung SSD for most users. It offers flagship PCIe 4.0 performance (7,450 MB/s), excellent reliability, single-sided design, and Samsung’s 5-year warranty at a reasonable $160 price point. For PCIe 5.0 systems, the Samsung 9100 Pro delivers maximum performance at 14,800 MB/s.
Samsung and WD (Western Digital) are both excellent brands with competitive products. Samsung tends to lead in benchmark performance and software (Samsung Magician), while WD often offers better value pricing. The Samsung 990 Pro and WD Black SN850X are essentially equivalent for gaming. Choose based on current pricing and your feature priorities.
Yes, Samsung SSDs are among the most reliable on the market. Samsung manufactures all components in-house (NAND, controller, DRAM, firmware), ensuring tight quality control. Backblaze enterprise data and user reports consistently show Samsung with lower-than-average failure rates. The 5-year warranty on Pro/EVO models reflects Samsung’s confidence in reliability.
The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB is the best Samsung SSD for gaming. It offers flagship speeds for fast load times, is PS5 compatible (with heatsink), and provides excellent value. For most games, you won’t notice a difference between the 990 Pro and 9100 Pro — gaming performance is nearly identical, so save the money unless you need Gen5 for professional work.
PRO models are Samsung’s flagship drives with maximum performance, full DRAM cache, and premium components. EVO models are mainstream drives offering excellent performance at lower prices, sometimes with reduced features (like DRAM-less designs in budget EVOs). Both use TLC NAND. QVO models use QLC NAND for maximum capacity at lowest cost, with reduced endurance.
Yes, the Samsung 990 Pro is excellent for PS5. It exceeds Sony’s minimum requirements (5,500 MB/s) by a wide margin at 7,450 MB/s. Get the heatsink version for easy installation — it fits perfectly in the PS5 expansion slot. The 2TB capacity triples your usable PS5 storage. Games load as fast (sometimes faster) than the internal SSD.
Choose 870 EVO for: boot drives, primary storage, write-heavy workloads, and maximum reliability (5-year warranty, TLC NAND). Choose 870 QVO for: secondary storage, large media libraries, backups, and when budget is priority (3-year warranty, QLC NAND). The EVO offers better sustained performance and endurance; the QVO offers lower $/TB at high capacities.
The Samsung 9100 Pro is worth it if you have a PCIe 5.0 system and need maximum performance for 4K/8K video editing, AI/ML workloads, or professional applications. For gaming and general use, the 990 Pro offers nearly identical real-world performance at half the price. Gen5 will become more relevant as DirectStorage games mature, but in 2026, most users should stick with Gen4.
The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB is the best portable SSD for most users — it offers fast 1,050 MB/s speeds, IP65 water/dust resistance, and excellent pricing. For professionals needing maximum speed (and have USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support), the T9 delivers 2,000 MB/s. For maximum capacity on a budget, the T5 EVO offers up to 8TB at the lowest $/TB.
Samsung SSDs are rated for 150-4,800 TBW (terabytes written) depending on model and capacity. For typical consumer use (20-50 TB written per year), this translates to 10-20+ years of lifespan. Most SSDs will become obsolete before they wear out. Samsung’s 5-year warranty on Pro/EVO models provides additional peace of mind.
Both brands are excellent. Samsung leads in raw performance, software (Samsung Magician), and brand prestige. Crucial (Micron) often offers better value and was first to market with consumer PCIe 5.0 drives. The Samsung 990 Pro and Crucial T500 are closely matched for most users. Choose based on current pricing and specific features you need.
Yes, Samsung SSDs work in Macs, but with caveats. Internal NVMe SSDs (990 Pro, etc.) can be used in Macs with user-replaceable storage (older MacBook Pro/Air, Mac Pro, Mac Mini). Modern Macs with Apple Silicon have soldered storage that cannot be replaced. Samsung portable SSDs (T7, T9) work with all Macs via USB-C. Samsung Magician software is available for macOS.
Related Samsung SSD Pages
- Samsung 990 Pro Review — In-depth flagship analysis
- Samsung 870 EVO Review — Best SATA SSD detailed
- Samsung T7 Review — Portable SSD guide
- Best SSD for Gaming — Gaming SSD recommendations
- Best SSD for PS5 — PlayStation 5 expansion guide
- Samsung vs WD SSDs — Brand comparison
- All NVMe SSDs — Browse NVMe prices
- All SATA SSDs — Browse SATA prices
Last Updated: February 2026 | Prices verified and specifications updated