Best SATA SSDs in 2024

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Are you looking to enhance your PC’s storage capacity without breaking the bank? We’ve done the legwork to round up the best 2.5-inch SATA SSDs in 2024, so you can seamlessly boost your storage space and overall system performance.

When it comes to effortlessly expanding your PC’s storage, few solutions rival the convenience and efficiency of SATA 2.5-inch internal SSDs. These solid-state drives are not only significantly faster than their traditional hard drive counterparts, but they also offer a noiseless and more dependable storage solution. The installation process is a breeze, requiring only a couple of connections to get up and running. Their compact form factor ensures they can snugly fit into most PC cases with minimal hassle.

One notable advantage of these SATA SSDs is their affordability when compared to NVMe options. Despite their wallet-friendly price tags, they provide ample storage space, making them a cost-effective solution for users seeking enhanced storage without compromising on quality.

Our team of experts has meticulously tested and evaluated a range of 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, putting them through rigorous benchmarks to determine their raw speed, transfer capabilities, and overall value. We understand that finding the right SSD can be a daunting task, given the abundance of options available in the market. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of top-tier SSD choices, catering to various price points, ensuring there’s something for every budget and requirement. Whether you’re a casual user in need of extra space for multimedia files or a power user seeking peak performance, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.

Our Top Pick for the best 2.5-inch SSDs:

  1. Samsung 870 EVO: Best Overall 2.5-inch SATA SSD
  2. Crucial MX500: Budget 2.5-inch SATA SSD / Best Value
  3. WD Blue SA510: Fast SATA SSD for heavy workloads
  4. Samsung 870 QVO: The highest capacity SATA SSD
  5. Crucial BX500: Best budget SATA SSD
  6. SanDisk SSD Plus: Great SATA SSD for low budgets
  7. Kingston A400: Best SATA SSD for simplicity

See also: Best PCIe 5.0 SSDs

Best 2.5-inch SATA SSD in 2024

1. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD

Best overall 2.5-inch SATA SSD

Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
  • 2.5″ Form Factor
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s Interface
  • Up to 560 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
  • Up to 530 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
  • Samsung MKX Controller
  • MLC V-NAND Technology
  • MTBF Rating: 1.5 Million Hours
  • Endurance up to 2400TB
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Unlike the QVO, long writes don’t slow down
  • Five capacities available (250GB to 4TB)
  • Five-year warranty

Cons:

  • SATA performance can’t match PCIe

The Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD stands out as a champion among 2.5-inch SATA drives, offering a compelling blend of speed, reliability, and value. With a legacy of excellence in the SSD market, Samsung’s 870 EVO is a testament to their commitment to delivering top-notch internal SATA drives.

Boasting read and write speeds that surpass 500MB/s, the 870 EVO is a strong performer in its category, making it an exceptional choice for a diverse range of applications, be it gaming, professional tasks, or general storage needs. Its remarkable speed is matched by its cost-effectiveness, which is particularly impressive given its recent introduction to the market.

The 870 EVO comes in capacities ranging up to a massive 4TB, ensuring ample space for storing PC games, multimedia files, and more. To further enhance the user experience, Samsung’s Magician SSD management software offers seamless monitoring and optimization throughout the drive’s lifespan. This, coupled with the five-year warranty, provides users with peace of mind regarding the drive’s longevity.

The 870 EVO’s strengths extend to its sustained performance, solid endurance, and array of capacity options. With read speeds up to 560MB/s and a warranty covering up to five years, it caters to a wide range of needs. While SATA performance might not match PCIe speeds, the 870 EVO’s affordability and robust performance make up for any minor drawbacks.

With a track record of producing reliable SSDs, Samsung’s 870 EVO is a standout choice for 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Its variety of capacities, impressive performance, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option for users seeking dependable and high-performing storage solutions. Whether you’re looking to expand storage for multimedia or professional applications, the Samsung 870 EVO is undoubtedly a top-tier choice in the realm of SATA SSDs.

Samsung 870 EVO SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

2. Crucial MX500 2.5″ Internal SATA SSD

Budget 2.5-inch SATA SSD / Best Value

Crucial MX500 SATA SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
  • 2.5″/7mm Form Factor
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s Interface
  • Up to 560 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
  • Up to 510 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
  • Silicon Motion SM2258 Controller
  • Micron 3D TLC NAND Flash Technology
  • AES-256 Data Encryption, TCG Opal 2.0
  • Acronis True Image Included
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Read speed up to 561MB/s
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Five capacities available (250GB to 4TB)

Cons:

  • SATA not as fast as PCIe

The Crucial MX500 SATA SSD stands as a reliable and budget-friendly alternative to the Samsung 870 EVO, offering commendable SATA performance and an enticing price point. With capacities ranging from 250GB to 4TB, it caters to a diverse range of storage needs.

While the Samsung 870 EVO holds the crown for the best overall 2.5-inch SATA SSD, the Crucial MX500 comes remarkably close, especially considering its cost-effectiveness. Available in five different capacities, it boasts consistent features and specifications across the board. During testing, the MX500 exhibited sequential read and write speeds of around 561MB/s and 504MB/s, respectively.

Security-wise, the MX500 shines with its self-encrypting drive (SED) and full disk encryption (FDE) capabilities, reinforced by an AES-256 encryption engine. A five-year warranty and an impressive endurance rating of up to 700TBW for the 2TB variant offer peace of mind to users.

The MX500’s slim 7mm case design fits seamlessly into most laptops and desktop cabinets, further enhancing its versatility. Utilizing advanced 64-layer NAND and controller firmware, it excels in overall performance.

With its compelling mix of reliability, performance, and cost-efficiency, the Crucial MX500 emerges as a top-tier option for those seeking a dependable SATA SSD without breaking the bank. While it may not match PCIe speeds, it balances these trade-offs with an exceptional value proposition, making it an attractive choice for both enthusiasts and budget-conscious users alike.

In summary, the Crucial MX500 SATA SSD delivers solid SATA performance at an affordable price, standing out as a reputable alternative to its competitors. Its range of capacities, security features, and impressive warranty make it an excellent investment for anyone seeking reliable and budget-friendly storage solutions.

Crucial MX500 2.5″ Internal SATA SSD at B&H.

3. WD Blue SA510 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD

Fast SATA SSD for heavy workloads

WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
  • 2.5″ / 7mm Form Factor
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s Interface
  • Up to 560 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
  • Up to 520 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
  • Downloadable WD SSD Dashboard Software
  • Downloadable Acronis True Image Software
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Top speeds
  • Excellent software support
  • Up to 4 TB capacity
  • 5-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • SATA not as fast as PCIe

The WD Blue SA510 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD is tailor-made for creative professionals, elevating workflow efficiency with its expansive 4TB storage capacity and dependable performance. It stands as a premium choice, flaunting sequential read and write speeds reaching 560 MB/s and 520 MB/s, respectively. Geared towards swift access to data-intensive content like high-resolution images and 4K videos, this SSD demonstrates its prowess in enhancing productivity.

Boasting virtues beyond its technical prowess, the WD Blue SA510 operates with reduced power consumption and vibrations compared to traditional mechanical hard drives, making it an ideal and enduring storage solution for laptops. Installation is straightforward, slotting seamlessly into a 2.5″ drive bay with a 7mm height, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of computer systems, both new and older.

To fortify data management, the SSD is accompanied by the Acronis True Image software, facilitating data cloning and security. This application’s AI-based protection safeguards against ransomware and various attacks, ensuring the security of your valuable content.

Enhanced storage management is enabled through the Western Digital SSD Dashboard software, offering insights into the drive’s health, temperature, available space, and firmware version, among other parameters. Furthermore, the drive grants users a three-month trial of Dropbox Professional, enabling convenient sharing and collaboration via cloud-based storage.

The WD Blue SA510 is characterized by its versatile capacities, ranging from 250GB to a substantial 4TB. This SSD from WD’s Blue family upholds its legacy with top SATA speeds and a generous capacity, accompanied by a five-year limited warranty and specialized software support, including free cloning software and an SSD dashboard for monitoring.

In summary, the WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD emerges as a robust solution tailored for creative professionals, bearing excellent software support, remarkable speeds, and capacities up to 4TB. Its dedication to enhancing storage efficiency, coupled with its extensive feature set, positions it as a valuable asset for those seeking to elevate their productivity and safeguard their data.

WD Blue SA510 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

4. Samsung 870 QVO 2.5″ SATA III Internal SSD

The highest capacity SATA SSD

Samsung 870 QVO Key Features:

  • Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s
  • Read Speeds of up to 560 MB/s
  • Write Speeds of up to 530 MB/s
  • 2.5″ 7 mm Form Factor
  • Samsung Magician Software
  • Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Up to 8TB capacity
  • High speeds

Cons:

  • No options less than 1TB

The Samsung 870 QVO stands as a standout SATA SSD choice, particularly for enterprise environments seeking vast storage capabilities. Boasting remarkable speeds, including read speeds of up to 560 MB/s and write speeds reaching 530 MB/s, this SSD ranks among the market’s fastest options.

Notably, the 870 QVO offers an 8TB capacity drive, making it an excellent fit for businesses in need of substantial storage. While being pricier than the Crucial MX500, its cost-effectiveness aligns with the Samsung 870 EVO and proves more economical than the 860 EVO. The high capacity and exceptional speeds make the QVO especially well-suited for enterprise applications, where both ample storage and impressive performance are paramount.

The Samsung 870 QVO 2.5″ SATA III SSD is their second-generation QLC drive, designed for seamless integration with PCs and laptops. With a slim 7mm height and utilizing the SATA III interface, this drive delivers remarkable sequential read and write speeds, optimizing data access and transfer. Included Samsung Magician Software empowers users to monitor drive health and status, while regular updates ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, the Samsung 870 QVO is an impressive choice for enterprise environments requiring exceptional storage capacity and high-speed performance. The 8TB variant, along with its comprehensive software support and slim form factor, positions it as a top-tier solution for businesses aiming to enhance their storage capabilities. Backed by a limited 3-year warranty, the 870 QVO emerges as a reliable investment for enterprises seeking to meet their demanding data storage needs.

Samsung 870 QVO 2.5″ SATA III Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

5. Crucial BX500 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD

Best budget SATA SSD

Crucial BX500 SATA SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • 2.5″ / 7mm Form Factor
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s Interface
  • Up to 540 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
  • Up to 500 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
  • 1.5 Million Hours MTTF
  • Micron 3D NAND Technology
  • Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Great everyday performance

Cons:

  • Not the fastest

The Crucial BX500 SATA SSD offers outstanding value for budget-conscious users seeking both ample storage and respectable performance. Regarded as the best budget SATA SSD, the BX500 shines particularly in its cost-to-capacity ratio, making it a standout choice for cost-effective fast storage solutions.

With a generous 2TB capacity, the BX500 delivers substantial storage at a reasonable price, catering to those seeking mass storage or primary drive options for their PCs. While higher-capacity SSDs often come at premium prices, the BX500 manages to maintain affordability, staying well under $100.

Featuring sequential read speeds of up to 540 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 500 MB/s, this drive ensures swift file transfers and system responsiveness. Booting up your system, loading files, and overall performance gains are easily achievable with this SSD.

The Crucial BX500’s cost-effectiveness becomes even more apparent when compared to pricier options like the Samsung 870 EVO. The 1TB model, for instance, comes at an enticing price of $41.99, significantly undercutting equivalent alternatives. With variations ranging from 240GB to 2TB, the BX500 caters to diverse needs without compromising its budget-friendly stance.

Although it may not be the fastest SSD available, the Crucial BX500 impresses with its ability to deliver solid everyday performance at an accessible price point. The drive’s compatibility with 2.5″ drive bays and its utilization of Micron 3D NAND technology ensure reliability and compatibility.

In conclusion, the Crucial BX500 SATA SSD presents an attractive proposition for users seeking an affordable yet dependable storage solution. Its excellent price per gigabyte, commendable speeds, and capacity options make it an ideal choice for both mass storage and primary system drive upgrades. Whether you’re seeking to enhance storage capacity or improve overall system performance, the Crucial BX500 offers a budget-friendly and efficient solution.

Crucial BX500 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

6. SanDisk SSD Plus SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD

Great SATA SSD for low budgets

SanDisk SSD Plus SATA SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • 2.5″ / 7mm Form Factor
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s Interface
  • Up to 535 MB/s Sequential Read Speeds
  • Up to 450 MB/s Sequential Write Speeds
  • SLC Caching
  • Includes Cloning Software
  • Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Superb value
  • Fast enough for the average user

Cons:

  • Not the fastest
  • No 4TB option

The SanDisk SSD Plus stands as an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking exceptional value in their storage upgrade. Offering a remarkable balance between affordability and performance, this SSD presents an ideal solution for those looking to elevate their PC experience without a hefty investment.

With up to 2TB of storage capacity, the SanDisk SSD Plus caters to mass storage needs, whether you’re storing games, applications, or multimedia files. While it’s available in sizes up to 2TB, it compensates with impressive performance, boasting read speeds of up to 545MB/s. Transitioning from older HDD technology to the SSD Plus is sure to deliver a noticeable improvement in speed and responsiveness.

Despite its affordability, the SSD Plus doesn’t compromise on essential features. Shock resistance capabilities and cloning software provide added value to users. The inclusion of the SanDisk SSD Dashboard app ensures that the drive’s performance remains optimal, offering tools for analysis and maintaining peak operation.

An attractive option for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions, the SSD Plus provides sequential read speeds of up to 535 MB/s and sequential writes of up to 450 MB/s, resulting in quicker boot times and data access compared to traditional HDDs. Its compatibility with SATA III interfaces and 2.5″ / 7mm drive bays makes it versatile for various systems.

While it might lack the excess features of some alternatives, the SanDisk SSD Plus excels as a pragmatic choice for non-critical workloads. With a limited 3-year warranty backing its reliability, this drive offers impressive value for those seeking to enhance their PC’s performance on a budget. Whether you’re upgrading an old system or expanding storage capacity, the SanDisk SSD Plus SATA SSD emerges as a commendable option that doesn’t compromise on quality while respecting your financial considerations.

SanDisk SSD Plus SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

7. Kingston A400 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD

Best SATA SSD for simplicity

Kingston A400 SATA SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • 2.5″ / 7mm Form Factor
  • SATA III 6 Gb/s Interface
  • Read Speed: Up to 500 MB/s
  • Write Speed: Up to 450 MB/s
  • TLC NAND Flash Memory
  • Shock and Vibration Resistant
  • 1 Million Hours MTBF
  • 300TB Total Bytes Written

Pros:

  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Limited speeds

The Kingston A400 SATA SSD offers simplicity and value, making it an excellent choice for basic storage upgrades. If you’re seeking an uncomplicated way to enhance your computer’s storage capacity, the Kingston A400 is a viable option.

This drive presents an incredibly cost-effective means to expand storage, which can notably improve your PC’s speed at a minimal expense. The Kingston A400’s performance is commendable, boasting read and write speeds reaching 500 MB/s and 450 MB/s, respectively. Such solid performance combined with the budget-friendly pricing renders it a potent choice.

Featuring a compact design, the Kingston A400 SSD is easy to install and fits seamlessly into most setups. With capacities ranging from 120GB to 960GB, this drive accommodates various needs, including the option for a cheap drive dedicated solely to installing operating systems.

Recognized as one of the top budget options available, the Kingston A400 SSD delivers more than just cost savings. It outpaces traditional hard drives, ensuring smoother multitasking and improved overall system performance. This SSD’s durability, thanks to its lack of moving parts, along with shock and vibration resistance, is particularly advantageous for notebooks and mobile computing.

With its 2.5″ 7mm form factor and backward-compatible SATA III interface, the Kingston A400 integrates seamlessly into a range of systems. Despite its limited speeds, this drive is perfect for users seeking cost-efficient storage upgrades that enhance system functionality without straining the budget.

In conclusion, the Kingston A400 SATA SSD excels as a straightforward and affordable solution for storage expansion. Its simplicity, durability, and compatibility make it an appealing option for users seeking an accessible yet effective storage upgrade. Whether you’re optimizing your system’s performance or seeking additional space, the Kingston A400 proves to be a cost-effective and reliable choice.

Kingston A400 SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD at B&H.

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