The best NVMe SSD can help you get incredible speeds and plenty of storage. That's because NVMe SSDs are known as some of the fastest around, oftentimes doubling as some of the best SSDs for gaming as a result. They have high speeds and fairly large capacities, and they're durable as well. It's good news all around if you're looking for more storage or you're into building PCs.
We've made a list of the best NVMe SSDs around so that you can get the most out of your setup without having to worry about finding an SSD yourself. Factors like their speed, performance, price, and user review all come into the equation, ensuring only the top solid-state drives around make the cut. Let's begin...
Best NVMe SSDs
- Samsung 990 Pro - a well-rounded option for most people
- Crucial T700 - a high-end SSD
- WD_BLACK SN850X - best pick for gamers
- SK Hynix Platinum P41 - top midrange choice
- Western Digital Blue SN570 - best budget option
Samsung 990 Pro
Best NVMe SSD overall
* prices accurate at the time of the last check
Why we chose the Samsung 990 Pro
Choosing the best NVMe SSD isn't just about the highest stats; you need to consider the price too, and the Samsung 990 Pro strikes a great balance between both. Priced under $200 in most places, it's not the cheapest option, but it's also not outrageously expensive, especially given its impressive specs.
With 2TB of storage and speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, this SSD offers more than enough power and space for almost any task. Samsung has also optimized its power usage, helping to save on energy costs over time. Plus, with built-in thermal control, Samsung Magician software for customization, and a two-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan membership, the 990 Pro packs in plenty of value for a mid-range price.
Reasons to buy:
- Not bank-breakingly expensive
- Boasts high speeds and a huge capacity
Crucial T700
Best premium NVMe SSD
* prices accurate at the time of the last check
Why we chose the Crucial T700
If you're after the absolute best, regardless of cost, the Crucial T700 is the NVMe SSD to beat—if you can stomach the price tag. Priced closer to $500 for 4TB, it delivers on its promise of power and reliability, boasting blistering speeds of up to 12,400 MB/s, making it the fastest option by far.
It even comes with a built-in heatsink, ensuring your PC stays cool while you push it to its limits, whether for gaming or any other high-performance tasks. Whether you're editing, streaming, or just want top-tier speed for everything you do on your PC, the Crucial T700 is the ultimate choice.
Reasons to buy:
- One of the fastest SSDs you can buy
- Has heatsink to keep those internal components cool
WD_BLACK SN850X
Best gaming NVMe SSD
* prices accurate at the time of the last check
Why we chose the WD_BLACK SN850X
This powerful WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD is an incredible upgrade to most gaming setups. And, while many options are locked to just PC gaming, this bad boy works wonders with the PlayStation 5 as well, making it a great pick regardless of your platform.
It's easy to install no matter what device you end up going with, and it boasts an impressive 2TB of storage, with speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s as well. This means you can download a ton of AAA titles if you desire, and load them up blisteringly quickly.
The model we've linked to also includes a heatsink, which makes the deal that much sweeter as you won't have to worry about it adding to the thermal load of your PC or PS5. In turn, this can improve the longevity of whatever platform you play on, ensuring it remains up to whatever tasks you throw at it for years to come.
Reasons to buy:
- Works with the PS5, making it great for gaming
- Enough storage to download plenty of AAA titles
SK Hynix Platinum P41
Best midrange NVMe SSD
* prices accurate at the time of the last check
Why we chose the SK Hynix Platinum P41
If you're in the market for a budget-friendly NVMe SSD but have a bit more to spend, the SK Hynix Platinum P41 is a solid choice. The 1TB option is typically under $100, offering a great value for a significant storage upgrade.
With speeds up to 7,000 MB/s, it’s more than capable of handling your needs, even if you're a gamer seeking fast load times. Plus, its good power efficiency and a five-year warranty make it a reliable option for your PC upgrade.
Its also worth highlighting that the device is shock resistant. So, even if you drop your device or SSD itself, it should withstand some degree of punishment before you lose all your data. That makes it a fairly reliable option for your storage needs.
Reasons to buy:
- Not too expensive, but not the cheapest option either
- It's very quick for the price
Western Digital Blue SN570
Best budget NVMe SSD
* prices accurate at the time of the last check
Why we chose the Western Digital Blue SN570
The Western Digital Blue SN570 might not have the blazing speeds of its pricier counterparts, but it delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost. With 250GB of storage and speeds up to 3,300 MB/s, it's more than capable for everyday tasks, even if it’s not the best choice for gamers or those with the most demanding workloads.
What really sets this SSD apart is the price—under $50 for the 250GB model in most cases, making it cheaper than many takeaway orders. It's an unbeatable deal for those looking to give their home PC a little extra boost without breaking the bank. Plus, it comes in a cool shade of blue, which, while not essential, is a nice touch. If you need faster speeds or more storage, you can always upgrade to the SN580, but for a budget pick, the SN570 is hard to beat.
Reasons to buy:
- It's incredibly cheap, although there are options that boast more storage if you need
- Fairly quick for the price
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you've got questions, then good news, because we've got answers.
What is an NVMe SSD?
An NVMe SSD is a solid-state drive (SSD) that uses NVMe as its protocol for its data transfer. Basically, the NVMe part is how it does what it does, and the SSD part is what it is.
The advantages of NVMe are that it allows for reduced system load in general, which means they can be faster without causing your PC more stress. That's incredibly handy to have, especially if you're a gamer putting their PC under quite a lot of stress already.
What's the difference between an NVMe and a SATA SSD?
It's a little reductive, but the short answer is that SATA SSDs are slower. That's because the way that NVMe transfers data is simply faster and more efficient.
You can grab a SATA SSD for cheaper a lot of the time, but if you want speed over storage, then you should go for an NVMe option.
- Read More: Best SSD deals
That's it! We hope you found the right NVMe SSD for your needs in this guide. Stay tuned for more articles like this here at Stealth Optional.