Products at a Glance
How do we pick the Best NVMe SSDs
How we picked
For this guide, we have looked at several SSDs from different brands and then shortlisted the ones we thought were the best. While selecting the SSDs, we looked at specs like speed, storage capacity, and more. Plus, we are always looking for new SSDs to add to our lists and keep them updated – so check back here for fresh content.
Product Reviews
- High read/write speeds
- Heatsink
- Samsung Magician
- Expensive
If you want the absolute best NVME SSD, then you should consider getting the Samsung 990 Pro SSD.
To start with, the SSD offers random read/write speeds that are 40% to 55% faster than the previous iteration, that is, 980 Pro. To be specific, the SSD offers sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s, which is almost the maximum PCIe 4.0 can offer. So, if you want to upgrade your SSD or get an ultra-fast one, then this disk might be suitable.
As mentioned earlier, the SSD comes with a heatsink feature, which should help in controlling the temperature of the drive. This also means that the SSD is suitable for gaming on consoles, desktops, and even laptops.
For optimization, you get access to Samsung Magician software that can monitor your drive’s health, safeguard your data, and update your firmware. On top of this, you also get a free two-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography membership, which should be great if you’re a professional looking for an SSD.
- High read/write speeds
- Dedicated gaming features
- Gen4 PCIe technology
- Doesn’t have 256-bit AES encryption
If you want a high-capacity, fast internal NVMe SSD, then you should check out the WD Black drive. With the Gen4 PCIe technology and fast read speeds, it is suitable for an upgrade.
To start with, we have chosen the 4TB variant here, which is the biggest storage available. A 4TB SSD is more suitable for professionals who want to store a large amount of data or heavy media files. Also, it is suitable for gamers who need to store large game files. However, depending on your preferences, you can choose to go for 1TB or 2TB.
Further, the SSD has a read speed of up to 7,300 MB/s, which is nearly seven times faster than SATA SSDs. To maintain optimum performance, the drive comes with a heatsink, which should help keep the drive cool.
If you want an SSD for gaming, then this might be a good choice, as it comes with Game Mode 2.0, which promises to boost responsiveness, reduce lag, and increase power efficiency.
- 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
- IP65 rating
- SanDisk Memory Zone app
- Mediocre speeds
If you want a portable external SSD and don’t need massive storage, then you should check out the SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD.
This portable NVMe SSD has a read/write speed of up to 2000MB/s, which is fast enough for most people out there. Now, the actual speed will vary depending on the usage conditions and the device you use.
The variant that we have chosen here has 1TB of storage, which is suitable for people who want a mobile solution. However, you can also get 2TB and 4TB variants in case you want more storage. Plus, you can download the SanDisk Memory Zone app, which allows you to manage files and space on your drive.
As far as security is concerned, you get 256‐bit AES hardware encryption, which also lets you set passwords for extra protection. On the outside, the drive has IP65 water and dust resistance, which means you can carry it around.
- High read/write speeds
- Good storage capacity
- Heatsink
- Lacks extra features
If you want a high-speed NVMe SSD, then you should check out this Sabrent drive.
To start with, the SSD has high speeds of up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write, so you can expect blistering fast speeds while transferring data. Plus, this also means that you get fewer booting times and launch times.
Further, the variant that we have selected offers up to 2TB of storage, which is sufficient for general use, storing large media files, and even games. However, depending on your requirements, you can also go for 500GB, 1TB, 4TB, and 8TB variants.
To add to this, the SSD comes with a heatsink, which means you can expect the drive not to throttle under pressure. Plus, it also offers a 5-year warranty, which should give you peace of mind for years.
How to pick the best NVMe SSD
Before you add an NVMe SSD to your cart, here’s what you need to consider –
Speed
Now, if you want decent speeds, you are looking at SSDs that offer up to 3,000 MB/s read/write speeds. However, premium options offer around 7,000 MB/s of speed, which is suitable for demanding tasks.
Storage
The right storage capacity depends on how you’re planning to use the drive. For instance, if you want to use an SSD for general purposes, then 500GB to 1TB should be enough for you. If you want performance and you’re looking to store large files, then 1TB to 2TB should suffice. However, for creative professionals and hardcore games, you should look at SSDs that offer more than 2TB of storage space.
Use case
While SSDs come loaded with a lot of features, the “right” features for you would depend on your use case. For example, if you’re a content creator, then you might want to focus on storage capacities, heatsinks, and security.
Other features
In addition to the basics, you can look for features like heatsinks or special game modes to enhance your experience. For instance, some of the best gaming SSDs offer special features for games that give you a more powerful performance.
Should I replace my SATA SSD with NVMe?
If you have a motherboard that is compatible with an NVMe SSD then we recommend that you make the switch over from SATA. This will increase the overall speed and performance of your PC.
Are NVMe SSDs better than SATA SSDs?
Yes, NVMe offers drastically faster read and write times when compared to SATA SSDs. This significantly reduces load times and minimizes lag getting you into the action quicker.
Is it worth buying an NVMe SSD?
If you are looking to squeeze the most performance out of your rig then we recommend investing in an NVMe SSD. However, at its price point compared to SATA SSDs, the marginally improved performance can be a bit off-putting. If budget is an issue then SATA SSDs may be the right choice for you.
Our Verdict
There is a wide variety of SSD drives available on the market. Whether you are looking for an upgrade to your existing system or building a new one, all of the above-mentioned top-of-the-line drives offer unparalleled performance and reliability.
However, in conclusion, the Samsung 990 Pro ranks top of our best NVMe SSDs list. With its high performance, reliability, and affordability, the Samsung 990 Pro proves itself to be the clear winner. On the other hand, for users looking for unmatched speed and performance, the WD Black SN850X is a great option, as well. And, for those who are budget conscious and need a reliable storage upgrade, Crucial P3 Plus also proves to be a phenomenal choice.