Best Internal Solid State Drives of 2026
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Internal Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a type of data storage device that use NAND-based flash memory to store and retrieve data. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, which makes them faster, more reliable, and more durable. They are available in a range of capacities and form factors to suit different needs and applications, from desktop computers and laptops to servers and data centres. SSDs are an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their computer's storage or improve its performance.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 7 Internal Solid State Drives
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD for Gaming
The Samsung 990 PRO SSD is a powerful NVMe drive designed for high-performance tasks such as 4K video editing and demanding gaming. With impressive read speeds of up to 7450 MB/s and write speeds reaching 6900 MB/s, you can expect quick load times and smooth performance. Its dynamic thermal guard technology helps prevent overheating, ensuring the drive remains reliable during intensive use. Additionally, the compact M.2 form factor allows for easy installation in high-performance PCs and ultrabooks, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their system's capabilities.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB PCIe 4.0/5.0 NVMe SSD
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a high-speed internal SSD designed to boost your computing experience with a sequential read speed of up to 7,250MB/s, making it 45% faster than its predecessor. This speed ensures quicker file transfers and smoother gaming or work tasks. It is also energy-efficient, offering up to 73% better energy use than previous models, helping you save power without sacrificing performance. The SSD supports both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, making it versatile for various devices and creative projects. Additionally, it features a Heat Spreader Label and advanced thermal controls to keep the drive cool and maintain consistent performance, preventing overheating during extended use.
Crucial BX500 1TB Internal SSD with Dynamic Write Acceleration
The Crucial BX500 SSD offers impressive performance for your laptop or desktop. With dynamic write acceleration technology, it starts your system in seconds and loads files almost instantly, enhancing your productivity. You can comfortably store up to 4TB of data, making it easy to access your photos, music, and videos quickly. Additionally, the SSD comes with free Acronis True Image HD software, allowing for a seamless data migration process, so you can upgrade with confidence and ease.
Crucial BX500 2TB SATA SSD 2.5 Inch
The Crucial BX500 SSD offers a speedy start-up, allowing you to load files almost instantly and run demanding applications smoothly thanks to its dynamic write acceleration technology. With a generous 2TB capacity, you can comfortably store a vast collection of photos, music, and videos, making it easy to access and share your media and creative projects. Installation is straightforward, supported by free Acronis True Image HD software that helps you migrate data effortlessly. The drive is also compatible with Crucial’s Storage Executive tool for simple maintenance, ensuring your system runs efficiently.
Seagate 2 TB Expansion Card for Xbox
The Seagate Xbox Expansion Card enhances your gaming experience with seamless gameplay, allowing you to play Xbox Series XS games directly from the internal SSD or the expansion card. This means you can enjoy faster load times and richer environments without any compromise on performance. With 1 TB of additional storage, you can collect thousands of games across four generations of Xbox, ensuring you never run out of space. Plus, the Quick Resume feature lets you switch between multiple titles in seconds, making your gaming sessions more efficient and enjoyable.
Crucial T500 1TB SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 SSD offers lightning speeds, achieving sequential read speeds of up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,800MB/s. This means you can enjoy quicker load times for your games, enhancing your gaming experience. It's also designed specifically for the PlayStation 5, making installation a breeze. Additionally, you will benefit from faster texture rendering and reduced CPU usage when using Microsoft DirectStorage, allowing for a smoother gaming experience. For those in content creation, it promises up to 42% faster performance in demanding applications.
KingSpec 1TB SATA III SSD with 3D NAND
The KingSpec 1TB SSD offers blazing fast speeds of up to 570MB/s for reading and 540MB/s for writing, ensuring quick boot times and efficient data transfers. With its reliable 3D NAND TLC technology, you can enjoy a longer lifespan and stability compared to traditional hard drives. This internal solid state drive serves as an effective upgrade, providing at least 50% faster performance than mechanical hard drives. It boasts a wide compatibility range, working seamlessly with desktops, laptops, and various operating systems, making it a convenient choice for all users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an internal solid state drive?
An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers. This non-volatile storage media stores persistent data on solid-state flash memory. SSDs replace traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in computers and perform the same basic functions as a hard drive.
2. Are internal hard drives better than SSD?
Comparing SSDs and HDDs HDDs are a legacy storage technology that use spinning disks to read/write data. SSDs are faster and more power efficient than HDDs. HDDs are priced lower, but SSD prices are dropping.
3. Is Solid State Drive internal or external?
SSDs can be used as internal or external drives. And because they don't have moving parts when retrieving data, they are getting smaller and smaller. Currently, the most common small form factor is the 2.5-inch SSD, which is about the size of a deck of cards.
During our internal solid state drive research, we found 306 internal solid state drive products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,842,421 customer reviews through our big data system to write the internal solid state drives list. We found that most customers choose internal solid state drives with an average price of £91.50.
The internal solid state drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of internal solid state drives, including Samsung, Crucial, Seagate, KingSpec.
Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.