Best M.2 Internal SSD of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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M.2 internal SSD is a type of solid-state drive that is designed to fit into M.2 slots on a computer's motherboard. These SSDs are smaller and faster than traditional hard drives, making them an excellent choice for users who need high-speed storage for their applications and files. They come in a range of capacities, from 128GB to 2TB, and are compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops and desktop computers. M.2 internal SSDs use the latest NVMe protocol, which allows for faster data transfer speeds than SATA-based SSDs, making them ideal for gamers, content creators, and other power users who demand the best performance from their storage devices.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 Gaming SSD Cover #TOP 1
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 Gaming SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD Cover #TOP 2
Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Samsung 990 PRO 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Cover #TOP 3
Samsung 990 PRO 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 M.2 Internal SSD

#TOP 1

WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 Gaming SSD

WDS200T4X0E
Black
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 Gaming SSD Cover
WD_Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,900 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices - WDS200T4X0E

The WD_BLACK Gaming SSD offers lightning-fast speeds, reaching up to 7,250MB/s for reading and 6,900MB/s for writing. This means you can load games and applications almost instantly, enhancing your gaming experience. Designed specifically for serious gamers, it utilizes a PCIe Gen4 interface and advanced TLC 3D NAND technology, providing improved performance by up to 35% compared to older models. With a generous storage capacity of up to 2TB, you can store all your favorite games without worrying about space. Additionally, this SSD is optimized for laptops and handheld devices, delivering double the power efficiency of its predecessors.

What We Like
Blazing fast read/write speeds
Exceptional power efficiency
Easy installation
Runs cool under load
High storage capacity

Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD

CT500P310SSD801
Black
500GB
Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD Cover
Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 6,600MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop (PC), & Handheld Gaming Consoles, Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software, Solid State Drive - CT500P310SSD801

The Crucial P310 SSD delivers impressive performance with speeds reaching up to 6,600MB/s, allowing you to experience quicker boot times, faster file transfers, and smoother game loading. You will appreciate the enhanced efficiency, as it boosts your productivity in applications like Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Excel by nearly 20%. Additionally, this SSD extends your device's storage capacity, ensuring you can keep more important files. With up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio, you can achieve more tasks without draining your battery quickly, making it an excellent choice for both work and play.

What We Like
High-speed PCIe Gen4 performance
Easy installation process
Large storage capacity options
Reliable brand reputation
Great value for money
#TOP 3

Samsung 990 PRO 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD

MZ-V9P4T0B/AM
Samsung 990 PRO 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Cover
Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P4T0B/AM

The Samsung 990 PRO SSD offers blazing fast speeds designed to enhance your computing experience, whether you're gaming or working on heavy tasks. With its next-generation PCIe 4.0 technology, you get lightning-fast data transfers that help you load games and applications quickly. This SSD also delivers a significant boost in random performance compared to previous models, making it ideal for demanding workloads. Storage options up to 4TB provide plenty of space to save your games, videos, and important files, giving you freedom and convenience to keep everything in one place without worrying about running out of room.

What We Like
Blazing fast read/write speeds
Reliable performance and stability
Excellent heat management
Large storage capacity options
Easy installation process
#TOP 4

Samsung 9100 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD

MZ-VAP4T0B/AM
Black
Samsung 9100 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD Cover
Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 4TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 14,800MB/s, Best for AI Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations (MZ VAP4T0B/AM)

The Samsung 9100 PRO SSD offers blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 speeds, allowing you to handle large files and intense gaming sessions with ease. With sequential read and write speeds reaching up to 14,800MB/s and 13,400MB/s, you'll experience quicker load times and smoother workflows. Its impressive random read/write speeds ensure that multitasking, running AI applications, and gaming happen without lag or delays. Whether you're working on a laptop or desktop, this SSD provides up to 8TB of storage, making it perfect for video editing, gaming, and creative projects. With the Samsung 9100 PRO SSD, your system performance gets a serious boost, letting you work and play faster than ever.

What We Like
Blazing fast transfer speeds
Large 4TB storage capacity
Solid build quality
Future-proof PCIe 5.0 interface
Runs cool under heavy load

SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB

MZ-V9S2T0B/AM
Black
2 TB
SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB Cover
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,250 MB/s, Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops, HMB Technology and Intelligent Turbowrite 2.0, (MZ-V9S2T0B/AM)

The SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus offers cutting-edge speed and capacity for your computing needs. With impressive read speeds reaching up to 7,250 MB/s, transferring large files becomes a breeze, allowing you to finish tasks quickly. Its 2TB storage ensures you have ample space for your important data. The drive is designed with advanced thermal management, helping to keep it cool during intense usage, which maintains performance and battery life. Additionally, it supports the latest PCIe technology, providing you with enhanced bandwidth and processing power for a smoother experience.

What We Like
Fast performance
Easy installation
Large storage capacity
Reliable and stable
Good value
#TOP 6

WD_BLACK SN850X Gaming SSD

WDS200T2X0E
Black
WD_BLACK SN850X Gaming SSD Cover
WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD - M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write speeds, Gaming Expansion, High Performance Internal Solid State Drive - WDS200T2X0E

The WD_BLACK Gaming SSD offers insane speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s, giving you a significant edge in gaming performance with super-fast load times. With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, you can store multiple large games without worry. The WD_BLACK Dashboard allows you to monitor your drive's health, control RGB settings, and activate Game Mode 2.0 automatically. Additionally, features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management enhance your gaming experience, optimizing performance and reliability.

What We Like
Blazing fast Gen4 speeds
Excellent reliability and stability
Easy installation and setup
High capacity options
Great for gaming and multitasking
#TOP 7

SanDisk WD_Black SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD

WDS200T1X0M
Black
SanDisk WD_Black SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD Cover
WD_Black SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD - PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Read Speed, up to 11,000MB/s Write Speed, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing - WDS200T1X0M

The SanDisk WD_Black PCIe 5 SSD offers a major boost in speed and efficiency for gamers and content creators. With PCIe Gen 5 technology, you get faster data transfer that makes loading games and editing videos smoother than ever. Its incredible read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000MB/s help you handle large files quickly, saving you time. Plus, it uses power more efficiently, meaning your system stays cooler and uses less energy without sacrificing performance. This SSD is a great choice if you want both speed and reliability in your PC storage.

What We Like
Blazing fast read/write speeds
Excellent heat management
Easy installation process
Future-proof PCIe Gen 5 support
Reliable performance for gaming
#TOP 8

WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD

WDS200T2XHE
Black
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Cover
WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink - M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write speeds, Works with Playstation 5, High Performance Internal Solid State Drive - WDS200T2XHE

The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD is the perfect choice for gamers looking to upgrade their PlayStation 5 storage. With insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, a range of capacities from 1TB to 4TB, and a range of features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management, this drive is sure to take your gaming performance to the next level. Plus, it comes with a heatsink and a 5-year or 600 TBW warranty for added peace of mind.

What We Like
Ultra-fast read/write speeds
Excellent thermal management
Easy installation
Ideal for gaming and PS5
Reliable, high-quality build
#TOP 9

Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD

SNV3S/1000G
blue
Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD Cover
Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 Gen 4x4 | Up to 6000 MB/s | SNV3S/1000G

The Kingston NV3 SSD offers a fast and efficient storage solution for your computer. With PCIe Gen 4x4 technology, it delivers rapid data transfer speeds, making loading files and applications much quicker. Its design focuses on low power usage, helping your device run cooler and last longer on battery. Available in sizes up to 4TB, it provides plenty of space for your games, photos, and important files. Whether you need speed or storage capacity, the Kingston NV3 SSD is a reliable choice to enhance your system’s performance.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Energy-efficient operation
Large storage capacity
PCIe Gen 4x4 technology
#TOP 10

WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD

WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
Black
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Cover
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN

Introducing the WD_BLACK 2TB NVMe SSD, an officially licensed M.2 SSD designed specifically for PlayStation 5 consoles. With its easy installation, you can confidently expand your PS5 storage and store more of your favorite games. Say goodbye to the hassle of transferring or removing games from your console, as you can now play directly from the drive with this officially approved storage expansion. Thanks to its PCIe Gen4 technology, you'll experience seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times, with read speeds of up to 7,300MB/s. Upgrade your gaming experience with the WD_BLACK 2TB NVMe SSD.

What We Like
Officially licensed
Easy installation
Eliminates game transfer
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is M.2 SSD better than SSD?

M.2 SSDs are smaller, faster, and more power-efficient than traditional 2.5-inch SSDs. They have become popular in gaming setups due to their compact size and improved performance. M.2 SSDs are also beneficial for portable devices as they enhance battery life.

2. What is the difference between NVMe and M.2 SSD?

NVMe M.2 SSDs offer higher performance compared to SATA M.2 SSDs. By utilizing the PCIe bus, NVMe M.2 SSDs can achieve theoretical transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps, which is faster than the 6Gbps of SATA M.2 SSDs.

3. What are the disadvantages of M.2 SSD?

The main disadvantages of M.2 SSDs are their higher cost and limited compatibility. M.2 SSDs are more expensive compared to SATA SSDs of the same capacity. Additionally, not all devices or motherboards support M.2 SSDs, which limits their universality.

4. Will any M.2 SSD work on PS5?

Most M.2 SSD devices without a built-in cooling structure and with compatible size specifications will work on the PS5's SSD slot. However, the presence and size of cooling structures, such as heatsinks, can vary and may impact compatibility.

5. Do M.2 drives last longer than SSD?

M.2 SSDs and SATA SSDs have similar longevity as they use nearly identical storage technology. Both types of SSDs offer reliable performance and durability, making them suitable choices for storage solutions.

6. Is M.2 SSD faster than RAM?

M.2 SSDs are significantly faster than traditional HDDs and SATA-based SSDs. However, they do not match the speed of RAM (Random Access Memory). While M.2 SSDs offer impressive data transfer rates, they operate at a different level compared to RAM.

7. Can M.2 and NVMe use the same slot?

M.2 and NVMe are not the same but work together. M.2 refers to the SSD form factor, while NVMe is the interface that connects the M.2 SSD to the motherboard. They are complementary technologies.

8. What is the lifespan of M.2 SSD?

The lifespan of an M.2 SSD can vary. Some estimates suggest that it can last up to 10 years or even longer. SSDs, including M.2 SSDs, generally have a longer lifespan compared to traditional spinning drives.

9. What is the highest capacity M.2 SSD for PS5?

The PS5 allows for an M.2 SSD with a capacity between 250GB and 4TB to be added via its expansion slot. If you only need to add a few games to the internal storage, you can opt for a smaller capacity SSD to save money.

Editor's Notes

During our m.2 internal ssd research, we found 24 m.2 internal ssd products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 330,252 customer reviews through our big data system to write the m.2 internal ssd list. We found that most customers choose m.2 internal ssd with an average price of $261.47.

The m.2 internal ssd are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of m.2 internal ssd, including WD_BLACK, Crucial, Samsung, Sandisk, Kingston. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.