Best Heatsinks of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026

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Heatsinks are essential components in electronic devices that help dissipate heat generated by the components. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different electronic devices, from small computer chips to large power transistors. Heatsinks are made of materials that are good conductors of heat, such as aluminum or copper, and they work by transferring heat away from the device and into the surrounding air. Without heatsinks, electronic devices would overheat and fail, causing damage to the components and reducing their lifespan. Heatsinks are a crucial part of any electronic device that generates heat, ensuring that they operate efficiently and reliably.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SABRENT M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe Adapter with Heatsink Cover #TOP 1
SABRENT M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe Adapter with Heatsink
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Raspberry Pi 5 Aluminum Active Cooler Cover #TOP 2
Raspberry Pi 5 Aluminum Active Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.7
be quiet! BZ003 MC1 Pro M.2 SSD Cooler Cover #TOP 3
be quiet! BZ003 MC1 Pro M.2 SSD Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Heatsinks

SABRENT M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe Adapter with Heatsink

EC-PCIE
Black
SABRENT M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe Adapter with Heatsink Cover
SABRENT M.2 NVMe SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Adapter Card with Aluminum Heatsink, Easy Install, Supports 2230/2242/2260/2280, Not Compatible with SATA or PCIe x1 (EC-PCIE)

The SABRENT NVMe PCIe Adapter is a versatile tool that lets you upgrade your desktop storage easily. It supports various M.2 NVMe SSD sizes, so you can use different drives without hassle. The adapter plugs into PCIe x16, x8, or x4 slots, providing fast data transfer speeds, which means you get quicker access to your files and better overall performance. It also comes with a sturdy aluminum heatsink and thermal pad to keep your SSD cool, helping your system run smoothly for longer. Plus, the simple, tool-free installation makes it easy to set up, so you can get started quickly without any fuss.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Wide SSD compatibility
Effective heat dissipation
Compact and space-saving design
Affordable price point
What We Don't Like
Minor fit issue with 2230 drives
Instructions lack thermal pad details
#TOP 2

Raspberry Pi 5 Aluminum Active Cooler

SC1148
Raspberry Pi 5 Aluminum Active Cooler Cover
Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler - Aluminum Heatsink - SC1148

The Raspberry Pi Active Cooler offers efficient cooling with its one-piece anodized aluminum heatsink, which helps keep your Raspberry Pi 5 running smoothly by dissipating heat effectively. It includes a fan mounted directly on the heatsink that adjusts its speed based on the temperature, so you get quiet and smart cooling only when needed. The cooler attaches easily to your board using spring-loaded push pins, making installation quick and secure. Plus, pre-applied thermal pads ensure excellent heat transfer without extra effort, so you don’t have to worry about applying thermal paste yourself.

What We Like
Excellent cooling performance
Very quiet operation
Easy installation
Solid build quality
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Delicate Raspberry Pi pins
#TOP 3

be quiet! BZ003 MC1 Pro M.2 SSD Cooler

BZ003
be quiet! BZ003 MC1 Pro M.2 SSD Cooler Cover
be quiet! MC1 Pro M.2 SSD Cooler, Heatpipe Heatsink for 2280 NVMe, Dual-Sided Compatible, Black Aluminum for Maximum Cooling Performance, BZ003

The be quiet! M.2 SSD Cooler is an essential accessory for your M.2 SSD. It features an integrated heat pipe, which enhances cooling performance and helps to lower temperatures. This ensures that your M.2 SSD operates at optimal levels, allowing for maximum read/write speeds and an extended lifespan. The cooler is designed to fit both single and double sided M.2 2280 modules, providing compatibility with a wide range of SSDs. With its all-black finish, the be quiet! M.2 SSD Cooler not only offers excellent functionality but also adds an elegant touch to your system.

What We Like
Significant temperature reduction
Easy installation process
High quality build
Fits single and double-sided SSDs
Attractive minimalist design
What We Don't Like
Potential compatibility issues in tight spaces
Single-use thermal pads
#TOP 4

SABRENT PS5 SSD Heatsink (SB-PSHS)

SB-PSHS
PS5 HEATSINK
SABRENT PS5 SSD Heatsink (SB-PSHS) Cover
SABRENT M.2 NVMe PS5 heatsink (SB-PSHS)

If you want to upgrade your PS5 console and prevent it from overheating, the SABRENT PS5 SSD Heatsink is a great option. Made from high-quality CNC'd aluminum, this heatsink is designed to fit perfectly and easily into the PS5 console's SSD expansion slot for a quick and easy install. The revolutionary "Sandwich Design" ensures even pressure throughout the SSD for efficient and consistent heat transfer. Plus, it replaces the native PS5 consoles cover, allowing for better cooling using the native fan as well as being a larger heatsink. It comes with an installation guide as well as screws and thermal tape for easy convenient installation.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Effective temperature reduction
Solid aluminum build
Compatible with PS5 and PCs
Improved SSD performance
What We Don't Like
No M.2 screw included
Instructions could be clearer
#TOP 5

Noctua NH-D9DX i4 3U CPU Cooler

FBA_4716123315599
Noctua NH-D9DX i4 3U CPU Cooler Cover
Noctua NH-D9DX i4 3U, Premium CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon LGA20xx (92mm, Brown)

The Noctua NH-D9DX Cooler offers a compact dual-tower design that delivers strong cooling power while fitting easily into your case without blocking your RAM or PCIe slots. Its low 110mm height makes it perfect for small builds like HTPCs, ITX systems, or 3U servers where space is tight. The included 92mm NF-A9 fan adjusts its speed automatically with PWM support, keeping noise levels low so your system stays quiet. Plus, the SecuFirm2 mounting system ensures a secure fit on various Intel Xeon sockets, making installation straightforward and reliable for your CPU cooling needs.

What We Like
Excellent cooling performance
Very quiet operation
High build quality
Easy installation tools
Fits 3U and narrow ILM sockets
What We Don't Like
Relatively expensive
Challenging install on some systems
#TOP 6

ELUTENG M.2 SSD Heatsink 4PCS

ELT_M2_SSD_HEATSINK_BK_4PCS
ELUTENG M.2 SSD Heatsink 4PCS Cover
ELUTENG M.2 SSD Heatsink 4PCS 2280 SSD Heat Sink with NVMe SSD Thermal Pad NVMe Heat Sink with 8 Black Rubber Straps for PC/PS5 M.2 PCIE NVMe SSD or M.2 SATA SSD

The ELUTENG M.2 Heatsink is designed to enhance the cooling of your M.2 SSD, ensuring it operates at safe temperatures. With its double-sided quick cooling technology, you can expect a significant drop in temperature, improving your computer's performance. The durable aluminum construction offers excellent resistance to wear and heat, extending the lifespan of your heatsink. Additionally, the unique installation solution combines metal clips and rubber bands, eliminating concerns about wear over time. To top it off, a thermal pad is included to efficiently transfer heat from the SSD to the heatsink, ensuring optimal performance.

What We Like
Effective heat dissipation
Easy installation
Fits most devices
Good value for price
Low profile design
What We Don't Like
Rubber bands durability concerns
Minor cosmetic damage possible
#TOP 7

SGTKJSJS M.2 SSD Heatsink

Black
Black, red, silver
SGTKJSJS M.2 SSD Heatsink Cover
M.2 Heatsink Cooler 2280 SSD Double-Sided Heat Sink with Thermal Silicone pad for PS5/PC PCIE NVME M2 SSD(Black))

The SGTKJSJS SSD Cooler is designed to enhance the performance of your M.2 2280 SSD, making it compatible with popular models like the Samsung 860 EVO and PS5. Its aluminum alloy construction not only provides durability but also features a surface treatment that reduces static electricity. The included thermal pads ensure efficient heat transfer without causing damage to your SSD. With a cooling effect of 10°C to 20°C, this cooler helps prevent overheating and throttling, ultimately improving your device's performance. Plus, its double-sided clip design makes installation easy and secure, providing excellent heat dissipation.

What We Like
Significant temperature reduction
Easy installation process
Affordable price point
Compatible with PS5 and motherboards
Improved SSD performance
What We Don't Like
Slight assembly effort needed
#TOP 8

Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 Type A B 2280 heatsink for SSD Cooling

TR-M.2 2280 TYPE A B
Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 Type A B 2280 heatsink for SSD Cooling Cover
Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 Type A B 2280 heatsink for SSD Cooling M.2 2280 heatsink Cooler, Aluminum, with 2 Thermal Conductivity, Desktop High Performance SSD Cooler, Black

The Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 Type A B 2280 heatsink for SSD Cooling is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the performance of their M.2 2280 SSDs. With a double-sided heat sink and high-performance heat sink silicone film, it provides optimum cooling performance, reducing temperatures by 10°C-30°C. The aluminum alloy material with anodized surface treatment significantly increases the heat dissipation area, making it perfect for heavy-duty usage. It is easy to install with double-sided clips and comes with 4 screws for a tighter fit to the SSD. Furthermore, it is compatible with most M.2 SSDs, including Samsung 990 Pro, 980 PRO, 850 EVO, 860 EVO, 960 EVO, 970 EVO, 950 PRO, 960 PRO, and 970 PRO series.

What We Like
Excellent cooling performance
Easy installation
Great value for price
Solid build quality
Low-profile design
What We Don't Like
May be a bit wide
Limited benefit for very hot SSDs
#TOP 9

SGTKJSJS M.2 Heatsink SSD Cooler

cnc-srp
black
SGTKJSJS M.2 Heatsink SSD Cooler Cover
M.2 Heatsink SSD Cooler for PS5 PCIE NVME or SATA m2 2280 SSD Cooling(Black 2 Pieces)

The SGTKJSJS M.2 Heatsink SSD Cooler is a 2-pack device that is specially designed for desktop computers. With the aluminum alloy-groove design and Nano Thermal Pad, it increases the heat dissipation area and provides a 10°C - 30°C cooling effect. The CNC fine workmanship with silver plating and anodic oxidation surface treatment ensures durability. It is easy to install with fixed screws on two sides, compatible with various M.2 SSDs, and does not damage the SSD warranty label.

What We Like
Complete installation kit
Effective heat dissipation
Fits most SSDs
Repositionable thermal pads
Sturdy, low-profile design
What We Don't Like
Instructions could be clearer
Tight fit for some SSDs
#TOP 10

ARCTIC M2 Pro Heatsink Cooler for M.2 SSD

ACOTH00002A
Silver
M2 Pro (silver)
ARCTIC M2 Pro Heatsink Cooler for M.2 SSD Cover
ARCTIC M2 Pro - Heatsink Cooler for M.2 2280 SSD, with ARCTIC TP-3 Thermal Pads, Compatible with PC & Gaming Consoles, for Dual and Single-Sided SSDs - Silver

The ARCTIC M2 Pro Cooler is designed to keep your M.2 SSD running cool by efficiently spreading heat away from the drive. This helps prevent overheating and maintains your SSD’s speed during heavy use, so you don’t experience slowdowns. Installing the cooler is simple and tool-free, using a click mechanism that holds both single- and double-sided SSDs securely without screws or bands. Plus, it comes with special thermal pads that perfectly fit the different parts of your SSD, improving heat transfer and protecting your device. This makes the ARCTIC M2 Pro Cooler a convenient and reliable choice for keeping your PC or gaming console running smoothly.

What We Like
Significant temperature reduction
Easy installation process
High-quality thermal pads
Affordable price
Sleek, low-profile design
What We Don't Like
Minor installation difficulty
Buying Guide Image

The Ultimate Heatsinks Buying Guide

Introduction

Heatsinks are a crucial component of many electronic devices. They help dissipate heat generated by the device's components, ensuring that they operate at optimal temperatures and prolonging their lifespan. Choosing the right heatsink can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider and a wide range of options available. In this article, we will discuss some key considerations to help you choose the best heatsink for your needs.

Factors to consider

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a heatsink, including its size, material, and design.

Size

The size of the heatsink is an important factor to consider, as it determines how much heat it can dissipate. A larger heatsink will have more surface area, allowing it to dissipate more heat. However, it may also be heavier and take up more space, so you need to strike a balance between size and performance.

Material

Heatsinks are typically made from materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. These materials are effective at conducting heat away from the device's components and dissipating it into the air. Copper heatsinks are generally more effective at dissipating heat than aluminum ones, but they are also more expensive.

Design

The design of the heatsink can also affect its performance. Heatsinks with a finned design, where the surface area is increased with the addition of thin, protruding fins, are generally more effective at dissipating heat than ones with a flat design. Additionally, the placement and orientation of the fins can also impact the heatsink's performance.

Choosing the right heatsink

Once you have considered the size, material, and design of the heatsink, you can begin to narrow down your options. Here are some steps to help you choose the right heatsink:

  1. Determine the amount of heat that your device generates. This will help you determine the size and capacity of the heatsink you need.

  2. Consider the space constraints of your device. If space is limited, you may need to choose a smaller heatsink or one with a more compact design.

  3. Evaluate the performance and cost trade-off. Copper heatsinks are generally more effective at dissipating heat, but they are also more expensive. Decide whether the added performance is worth the extra cost.

  4. Research and compare different heatsink options. Read reviews and compare the features and specifications of different heatsinks to find the best one for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right heatsink is essential for ensuring that your electronic device operates at optimal temperatures and lasts for a long time. By considering the size, material, and design of the heatsink, and evaluating the trade-offs between performance and cost, you can find the best option for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do heatsinks do?

Heatsinks are used for cooling parts and components that generate heat during use. They transfer heat energy away from a heat source, such as electronics, to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance.

2. What is a heatsink on a PC?

A heatsink on a PC is a metal piece that sits on top of a computer chip, like a CPU, to draw away heat. It does this by allowing heat to rise through a series of fins, providing passive cooling without any moving parts.

3. Is heatsink necessary for SSD?

While SSDs do not produce as much heat as other components, such as CPUs or graphics cards, some SSDs, like NVMe or M.2 SSDs, can benefit from a heatsink. A heatsink helps regulate the temperature of the device by dissipating heat generated during operation.

4. What is the difference between a cooler and a heatsink?

A cooling fan creates airflow, while a heatsink is a metal block with fins or pipes that transfers heat from the source to the fan. Both work together to cool a PC, with the cooling fan providing airflow and the heatsink dissipating heat.

5. Does my PC need a heatsink?

Yes, all modern CPUs and GPUs require a heatsink to prevent overheating. Many also require a fan for additional cooling to protect internal components and maintain optimal performance.

6. Is it OK to install SSD on PS5 without heatsink?

It is recommended to have a heatsink or cooling structure when installing an internal SSD on a PS5. This helps prevent rising temperatures that could potentially affect the console's performance.

7. What happens if you install SSD without heatsink?

SSDs typically do not produce as much heat as other components and do not require a heatsink for cooling. The built-in cooling system of a computer is usually sufficient to keep the SSD at a safe operating temperature.

8. Do you really need a heatsink?

Whether you need a heatsink depends on the workload and usage of the drive. Drives subjected to intensive workloads for extended periods may benefit from a heatsink to maintain optimal performance and reduce thermal throttling.

9. Do I need a heatsink for my CPU?

Yes, a CPU cooler, including a heatsink, is necessary for a CPU. It helps prevent thermal shutdown and ensures that the CPU stays within safe temperature limits, even during demanding tasks or overclocking.

Editor's Notes

During our heatsink research, we found 24 heatsink products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 101,042 customer reviews through our big data system to write the heatsinks list. We found that most customers choose heatsinks with an average price of $12.00.

The heatsinks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of heatsinks, including SABRENT, Raspberry Pi, be quiet!, Noctua, ELUTENG. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,782 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Heatsinks Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand SABRENT Raspberry Pi be quiet! SABRENT Noctua ELUTENG SGTKJSJS Thermalright SGTKJSJS ARCTIC
Cooler Heatsink Material - - Aluminum Aluminum - Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Cooler Heatsink Compatibility - - M.2 2280 PS5 console SSD slot - M.2 SSD Desktop PCs, PS5, and specific M.2 NVME SSDs M.2 2280 SSDs and desktops with M.2 interfaces Samsung 850 EVO, 860 EVO, 960 EVO, 970 EVO, 950 PRO, 960 PRO, 970 PRO, etc. M.2 2280 SSDs
Item Weight - - 1 Grams 0.08 Kilograms - 70 Grams 0.04 Kilograms 0.04 Kilograms 0.634 ounces 40.5 Grams
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy