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M.2 SSDsHelping You Find the Best
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M.2 SSDsHelping You Find the Best
13 Best M.2 SSDs  [Tested and Reviewed]

13 Best M.2 SSDs [Tested and Reviewed]

M.2 SSDs can be used as primary or supplementary storage for custom-built PCs, sleek laptops, and even gaming consoles like the PS5. These solid state drives (SSDs) boast a high-speed interface for quick data transfer and faster all-around performance. However, there are multiple standards to choose from like PCIe 4.0x4 and PCIe 3.0x4. If you’re unsure of which one to choose, we’ve put together a roundup of the best M.2 SSDs based on our extensive testing. 

Here, we've gathered 13 of the best-selling M.2 SSDs from notable brands and popular retailers. Our experts rigorously evaluated each drive based on four key criteria and then ranked them according to their level of performance. 


mybest defines the best M.2 SSDs as a product that allows for instant game and application startup/loading while maintaining low temperature riseIn addition to our top picks, we’re also sharing tips on what features to consider when buying a new SSD for your computer or gaming system. Keep scrolling to discover our most recommended M.2 SSDs for fast boot times and quick performance without overheating.

Last updated 03/26/2024
Daniel Alnasir
Expert
Biomedical Engineer / IT specialist
Daniel Alnasir

Daniel is an IT expert and bioengineer. He gained a background in computer hardware and electronics while serving as an IT Helpdesk Technician for three years. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, he began working in biotechnology. He currently does research on heart surgery and invents new electronic devices.

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Syuri Taguchi
Guide
Former PC sales; Head of PC Products at mybest
Syuri Taguchi

After graduating from the University of Tsukuba's School of Art and Design, she joined a major home electronic retailer to put her knowledge of digital devices and software to use. Not only was she tasked with selling computers, she was responsible for sales of tech equipment such as printers and routers, proposing internet and communication services, and was in charge of forming comprehensive contracts for computer sales. Putting sales quotas and profits aside, she made it her goal to put the customers' needs first and match them with the best products. In 2022, she joined mybest as the head guide of PC equipment. Utilizing her experience and knowledge of various digital devices from major manufacturers such as Fujitsu and Dell, she is committed to producing articles that help connect users to the best PC products.

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How We Tested the Products

We gathered the 13 bestselling M.2 SSDs and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Sequential Access Speed

    1
    Sequential Access Speed

    We established our benchmark for user satisfaction in sequential access speed as one that is capable of achieving the advertised speeds of a PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 SSD.

  2. Random Access Speed

    2
    Random Access Speed

    We set the benchmark for satisfactory random access speeds as that meets the average advertised speed of a standard gaming SSD.

  3. Various Application Processing Speed

    3
    Various Application Processing Speed

    Our benchmark for acceptable processing speeds was based on the PCMark 10 standard, which covers a comprehensive set of tasks that are typical in today’s standard workplace.

  4. Internal Temperature Low

    4
    Internal Temperature Low

    We looked for SSDs with little to no temperature increase, as higher temperatures could lead to slower speeds and drive failure. 

All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest

Company Facility
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.

Table of Contents

By Using an M.2 SSD, You Can Solve Both Insufficient Capacity and Slow Operation at Once!

By Using an M.2 SSD, You Can Solve Both Insufficient Capacity and Slow Operation at Once!

The NVMe-connected M.2 SSDs, which have become more prevalent in recent years, are considerably faster than traditional SATA-connected M.2 SSDs. The difference between NVMe and SATA connections is the interface; recent M.2 SSDs are equipped with the faster NVMe interface, which has resulted in a significant improvement in data transfer speed. Whereas the SATA-connected M.2 SSDs had a sequential access speed of about 600MB/s, NVMe-connected M.2 SSDs have evolved to reach speeds of about 8000MB/s for high-speed models. If you add an M.2 SSD to your PC as additional storage, it will increase your data storage capacity and prevent your PC from slowing down if storage is almost full.

Be Sure to Check Whether It’s Compatible With Your PC Before You Purchase It

When installing an M.2 SSD on your PC, be sure to check whether it is compatible with your motherboard.

The Size Is Generally Type-2280 for Most Motherboards

The Size Is Generally Type-2280 for Most Motherboards

Even though they’re all referred to as M.2 SSDs, they come in various sizes. These sizes are often denoted as “Type-XX XX” in product names, where the first two digits represent the height and the last two specify the width. Sometimes, the latter part can have three digits. 


The majority of M.2 SSDs used in desktop PC motherboards are of the "Type-2280". For laptop storage replacements, you’d typically look for "Type-2242", but for the purpose of this content, we will only introduce "Type-2280" for motherboards.

You Should Also Check the Key That Represents the Shape of the Cut-Out. The Current Mainstream Is the M Key

You Should Also Check the Key That Represents the Shape of the Cut-Out. The Current Mainstream Is the M Key

Next, let's pay attention to the "Key" which indicates the shape of the notch. The Key refers to the shape of the connection terminal of the M.2 SSD, with major ones being "M-Key", "B-Key", "B&M-Key" etc. You cannot insert the M.2 SSD if the shape of the key does not match the interface on the motherboard side, and it will not operate even if you forcefully insert it.


Currently, motherboards equipped with PCIex4 interface, which allows high-speed data transfer, are mainstream. Since the key that supports PCIex4 is the M-Key only, this content deals with M-Key SSDs. However, if you use an older motherboard with a SATA standard interface, you need to select a B-Key SSD. Please make sure to check the interface of your motherboard before you choose your SSD.

How to Choose M.2 SSDs

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best M.2 SSDs.

1

If You Want to Transfer Data at High Speed, Choose Something That Supports PCIe 4.0

If You Want to Transfer Data at High Speed, Choose Something That Supports PCIe 4.0

PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express, which refers to a standard used for data transfer. There are different generations of PCIe, and as of 2024, the mainstream one is PCIe 4.0. Until quite recently, PCIe 3.0 was predominant, but over the next few years, it is predicted that PCIe 5.0 will become popular. It has backward compatibility, so if your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, you can use not only PCIe 4.0 compliant products but also PCIe 3.0 compatible M.2 SSDs


In the recently tested products, there were both those that supported up to PCIe 4.0 and those that supported up to PCIe 3.0. Even among the same manufacturer's products, the sequential read numbers varied approximately twofold. The average sequence read for PCIe 4.0 compatible products was 6,855.59MB/s, while that for PCIe 3.0 compatible products was 3,560.88MB/s, a significant difference. Therefore, if your motherboard is compatible, we recommend using PCIe 4.0 compliant products.

2

Heat Is the Cause of Failure. Choose a Model With a Large Heat Sink

Heat Is the Cause of Failure. Choose a Model With a Large Heat Sink

The risk of performance issues increases as the temperature of SSDs rise. The threshold for normal operation is 158°F, beyond which a mechanism called thermal throttling is activated, intentionally reducing processing speed to lower the temperature. To use it for a long time without reducing its performance, choose a product that doesn’t easily heat up


In our tests, none of the products with large heat sinks exceeded 158°F. On the other hand, products without heat sinks sometimes exceeded 158°F. By controlling the temperature increase, both the risk of data crash and performance drop can be prevented, so we recommend products with large heat sinks.

3

If You’re Going to Use It With the PS5, Choose One That Meets the Size and Speed Requirements

If You’re Going to Use It With the PS5, Choose One That Meets the Size and Speed Requirements

When using an M.2 SSD with a PS5 instead of a PC, it's necessary that it meets the size and speed requirements. The requirements are as indicated in the image, but it's often the case that a product with PCIe 4.0 will meet the speed requirement. Since the temperature tends to rise when using it with a PS5, please be sure to choose a product with a heat sink.


You can filter by "For PS5s" in the ranking section, so if you are using it with a PS5, check for compatible products.

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13 Best M.2 SSDs Ranking

Here are the best M.2 SSDs we found after testing them. We ranked them after weighting each of our testing specs.
Recommended
Price Performance
Sort
Filter
For PC Gaming
For Adobe Software
Low Risk of Overheating
For PS5s
Products
Image
mybest Score
Click to purchase
Key features
Main Score
Details
Sequential Access Speed
Random Access Speed
Various Application Processing Speed
Internal Temperature Low
Standard Size
NVMe
Interface
Nominal Maximum Read Speed
Nominal Maximum Write Speed
Sequential Access Read Speed
Sequential Access Write Speed
Random Access Read Speed
Random Access Write Speed
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation Mechanism
TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period
Width
Depth
Height
1

Crucial

Crucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD

Crucial Crucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD 1
4.50

The Processing Performance Is High, Temperature Increase Is Well-Controlled, and There Are Virtually No Blind Spots

4.82
4.92
4.86
3.85

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

7400MB/s

7000MB/s

7082.80MB/s

6681.21MB/s

849.05MB/s

557.73MB/s

Heat Sink

600TBW

60 months

0.86 in.

3.15 in.

0.09 in.

2

Western Digital

WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD

Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD 1
4.46

The Random Access Is Excellent. It Also Operates at Low Temperatures, Recommended for Gamers

4.78
5.00
4.78
3.80

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

7300MB/s

6300MB/s

6942.14MB/s

6385.60MB/s

1182.19MB/s

949.03MB/s

Heat Sink

600TBW

60 months

0.87 in.

0.79 in.

0.09 in.

3

Corsair

MP600 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen. 4 x4 SSD

Corsair MP600 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen. 4 x4 SSD 1
4.44

Random Access Is Excellent. It’s Easy to Maintain It at a Temperature With a Low Risk of Failure

4.76
5.00
4.70
3.80

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

7000MB/s

5500MB/s

7033.78MB/s

6072.34MB/s

1151.28MB/s

868.88MB/s

Heatsink

700TBW

unknown

0.91 in.

3.15 in.

0.59 in.

4

Laxer

NM790 with Heatsink

Laxer NM790 with Heatsink 1
4.28

Sequential Access Is Excellent. The Temperature Increase Is Also Adequately Controlled

4.81
4.93
4.76
3.46

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

7400MB/s

6500MB/s

7099.56MB/s

6612.85MB/s

824.07MB/s

572.24MB/s

Heat Sink

1000TBW

60 months

0.87 in.

3.15 in.

0.10 in.

5

Transcend

PCIe SSD 250S

Transcend PCIe SSD 250S 1
4.26

It’s Not Top-Class, but It’s Certainly Fast Enough. The Temperature Increase Is Also Under Control

4.75
4.93
4.70
3.46

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

7200MB/s

6200MB/s

7061.25MB/s

5952.30MB/s

859.99MB/s

572.02MB/s

Thermal Conductive Sheet

780TBW

60 months

0.87 in.

3.15 in.

0.15 in.

6

Kingston

NV2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD

Kingston NV2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD 1
4.23

The Rise in Temperature Is Being Controlled. The Speed Is Sufficient for Practical Use

4.19
4.94
4.59
3.65

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

3500MB/s

2800MB/s

3662.92MB/s

2585.68MB/s

741.36MB/s

581.35MB/s

None

320TBW

36 months

0.87 in.

3.15 in.

0.08 in.

7

MSI

SPATIUM M371 NVMe M.2

MSI SPATIUM M371 NVMe M.2 1
4.08

An Expensive SSD That Meets Minimum Performance Requirements

4.04
4.94
4.16
3.65

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen3

2350MB/s

1900MB/s

2508.66MB/s

1962.35MB/s

831.28MB/s

592.11MB/s

None

210TBW

60 months

0.9 in.

3.15 in.

0.08 in.

8

ADATA

LEGEND 800

ADATA LEGEND 800 1
4.06

Among Those Compatible With Pcie 4.0, the Performance Isn’t That High

4.19
4.94
4.59
3.32

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

3500MB/s

2800MB/s

3729.48MB/s

2551.57MB/s

738.80MB/s

580.96MB/s

Thermal Conductive Sheet

600TBW

36 months

0.87 in.

3.15 in.

0.09 in.

9

Silicon Power

PCIe Gen 3×4 P34A60

Silicon Power PCIe Gen 3×4 P34A60 1
3.98

A Budget PCIe SSD With Top-Notch Random Read/Write Speeds

4.10
4.98
4.41
3.28

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen3

2200MB/s

1600MB/s

3258.37MB/s

1953.80MB/s

795.65MB/s

664.20MB/s

None

600TBW

60 months

0.87 in.

3.15 in.

0.14 in.

10

SAMSUNG

980 PRO PCIe® 4.0 NVMe® SSD 1TB

SAMSUNG 980 PRO PCIe® 4.0 NVMe® SSD 1TB 1
3.93

Fast Sequential Read/Write Speeds But Hindered by a High Operating Temperature

4.66
4.96
4.65
3.00

M.2-2280 form factor

PCI-Express Gen4

7000MB/s

5000MB/s

6855.59MB/s

5001.90MB/s

830.27MB/s

620.32MB/s

None

600TBW

60 months

0.87 in.

3.15 in.

0.94 in.

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1
Top Choice M.2 SSDs
No.1 in Sequential Access Speed
No.1 in Various Application Processing Speed
No.1 in Internal Temperature Low

Crucial
Crucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD

mybest Score
4.50
Sequential Access Speed
4.82
Random Access Speed
4.92
Various Application Processing Speed
4.86
Internal Temperature Low
3.85
View on Amazon
Crucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD 1
Lowest price
$80.99
Mid
Lowest price
$80.99
Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed7400MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed7000MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed7082.80MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed6681.21MB/s
Random Access Read Speed849.05MB/s
Random Access Write Speed557.73MB/s

The Processing Performance Is High, Temperature Increase Is Well-Controlled, and There Are Virtually No Blind Spots

What we loved

  • Lightning-fast sequential read/write speeds
  • Large heat sink to prevent overheating
  • All-rounder that’s suitable for gaming or creative tasks

What we didn't love

  • Random access read/write speeds not as fast as other drives

Crucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD from the major electronics manufacturer, Crucial. The interface is compatible with PCIe 4.0x4.


The average sequential read speed was recorded at 7082.80MB/s, and the average sequential write speed was 6681.21MB/s. Among the products verified this time, it is one of the very fastest, about twice as fast as the PCIe 3.0 productsThe average random read speed was recorded at 849.05MB/s, and the average random write speed was 557.73MB/s. The random access speed is not much different from others, but it can be said to be sufficiently within the acceptable range. 


The processing speed of various apps measured in PCMark10 is amongst the highest in the products we tested this time, which is more than three times the score of the product with the lowest score. It could be called a fast SSDThe maximum temperature during operation is 127.4℉. It comes with a large heat sink, and it is attractive that it can properly dissipate heat despite its high processing performance. It performs better than average in every aspect and can be said to be a product that is easy to use for anyone.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismHeat Sink
TBW600TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.86 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.09 in.
View all
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2
No.1 in Random Access Speed

Western Digital
WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD

mybest Score
4.46
Sequential Access Speed
4.78
Random Access Speed
5.00
Various Application Processing Speed
4.78
Internal Temperature Low
3.80
Lowest price
$114.99
High Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed7300MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed6300MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed6942.14MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed6385.60MB/s
Random Access Read Speed1182.19MB/s
Random Access Write Speed949.03MB/s

The Random Access Is Excellent. It Also Operates at Low Temperatures, Recommended for Gamers

What we loved

  • Outstanding random access read/write speeds
  • Large heat sink to keep temperatures manageable
  • Excellent for high-performance gaming (PC or PS5)

What we didn't love

  • Some drives have faster sequential read/write speeds

Western Digital, a major manufacturer specializing in storage products, offers the "WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD". This is a product of WD_Black, which is considered a brand for gamers within the company, and the interface supports PCIe 4.0×4.


The average sequential read value was recorded as 6942.14MB/s, and the average sequential write value was 6385.60MB/s. Although not top class among the products we tested this time, these are fairly high numbers. The average random read value was 1182.19MB/s and the average random write value was recorded as 949.03MB/s. Sequential access was higher than average, but random access was quite excellent, ranking as top class among the products we tested this time.


The processing speed of various applications measured by PCMark10 is sufficiently high and can be considered top-notch. It scores more than twice as high as the lowest-performing product we've reviewed this time. The maximum operating temperature is 129.2℉. Thanks to the large heatsink, the temperature rise is suppressed, and the attractive feature is that it can be maintained at a relatively low temperature considering its performance. With fast random access speed and the ability to maintain a low temperature, it's a product we recommend for gamers.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismHeat Sink
TBW600TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth0.79 in.
Height0.09 in.
View all
No.3
No.1 in Random Access Speed

Corsair
MP600 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen. 4 x4 SSD

mybest Score
4.44
Sequential Access Speed
4.76
Random Access Speed
5.00
Various Application Processing Speed
4.70
Internal Temperature Low
3.80
Lowest price
$109.99
High Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed7000MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed5500MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed7033.78MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed6072.34MB/s
Random Access Read Speed1151.28MB/s
Random Access Write Speed868.88MB/s

Random Access Is Excellent. It’s Easy to Maintain It at a Temperature With a Low Risk of Failure

What we loved

  • Exceptional sequential read/write speeds
  • Impressive random access read/write speeds
  • Very good temperature regulation

What we didn't love

  • Somewhat pricey for what you get
  • Prone to mild thermal throttling

The 'MP600 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen. 4 x4 SSD' from Corsair, which primarily deals with gaming devices. The interface supports PCIe 4.0x4.


The average value of the sequential read is 7033.78MB/s, and the average value of the sequential write is 6072.34MB/s. Among the products tested this time, it's quite fast. The average value of the random read is 1151.28MB/s, and the average value of the random write is 868.88MB/s. Particularly, the random access is extremely excellent, and it can be said that it's a product with outstanding data transfer speed. The processing speeds of various applications measured in PCMark10 were slightly above average, but not at the top class. The maximum temperature during operation was 129.2℉. Thanks to the large heat sink, the temperature increase was well controlled.
The maximum internal temperature is measured during PCMark10 score measurement. However, considering the high benchmark scores of sequential and random access, the PCMark10 score was close to the average. Therefore, there is a possibility that light thermal throttling is initiated at an early stage during long-term operation, thus reducing the risk of malfunction.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismHeatsink
TBW700TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Periodunknown
Width0.91 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.59 in.
View all
No.4

Laxer
NM790 with Heatsink

mybest Score
4.28
Sequential Access Speed
4.81
Random Access Speed
4.93
Various Application Processing Speed
4.76
Internal Temperature Low
3.46
Lowest price
$89.99
Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed7400MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed6500MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed7099.56MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed6612.85MB/s
Random Access Read Speed824.07MB/s
Random Access Write Speed572.24MB/s

Sequential Access Is Excellent. The Temperature Increase Is Also Adequately Controlled

What we loved

  • Fast sequential read/write speeds
  • Maintains a low temperature
  • Good for PC or PS5 gaming

What we didn't love

  • Underwhelming random access read/write speeds

The "Lexar NM790" by Laxer, primarily dealing in memory products, is compatible with a PCIe 4.0x4 interface.


The average rate for sequential read was recorded as 7099.56MB/s, and for sequential write, the average rate was 6612.85MB/s. These are very high values among those we have verified this time. The average rate for random read was recorded as 824.07MB/s, and for random write, it was 572.24MB/s. Although random access is not slow, it is average, so we can say that this product is stronger for sequential access.


The processing speed of various apps measured in PCMark10 is average among those compatible with PCIe 4.0, but overall it's at a sufficiently high speed level. The maximum temperature during operation is 141.8℉. It's equipped with a large heatsink, so despite the high performance, the temperature rise is well controlled.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismHeat Sink
TBW1000TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.10 in.
View all
No.5

Transcend
PCIe SSD 250S

mybest Score
4.26
Sequential Access Speed
4.75
Random Access Speed
4.93
Various Application Processing Speed
4.70
Internal Temperature Low
3.46
Lowest price
$118.84
High Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed7200MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed6200MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed7061.25MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed5952.30MB/s
Random Access Read Speed859.99MB/s
Random Access Write Speed572.02MB/s

It’s Not Top-Class, but It’s Certainly Fast Enough. The Temperature Increase Is Also Under Control

What we loved

  • Fast sequential read/write speeds
  • Very good temperature regulation
  • Above-average processing speeds

What we didn't love

  • Lacks a large heat sink
  • Pricey

Transcend primarily deals with flash memory products, including the "PCIe SSD 250S". The interface is compatible with PCIe 4.0×4.


The average value for sequential read is 7061.25MB/s, and the average value for sequential write recorded is 5952.30MB/s. These are high numbers among the products that were tested this time. The average value for random read is 859.99MB/s, and the average value for random write is 572.02MB/s. The speed of sequential access is excellent compared to others, but the random access performance can be said to be average.


The processing speed of various applications measured in PCMark10 is higher than average, and while it's not top-tier, it is sufficiently fast. The maximum operating temperature is 141.8℉. Although there is no large heat sink attached, the temperature increase remains within a range with fewer malfunction risks.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismThermal Conductive Sheet
TBW780TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.15 in.
View all
No.6

Kingston
NV2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD

mybest Score
4.23
Sequential Access Speed
4.19
Random Access Speed
4.94
Various Application Processing Speed
4.59
Internal Temperature Low
3.65
Lowest price
$60.99
Low Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed3500MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed2800MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed3662.92MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed2585.68MB/s
Random Access Read Speed741.36MB/s
Random Access Write Speed581.35MB/s

The Rise in Temperature Is Being Controlled. The Speed Is Sufficient for Practical Use

What we loved

  • Good temperature control
  • One of the most affordable SSDs on our list
  • Regulates temperature well

What we didn't love

  • Not the best choice for heavy computing tasks
  • Lacks a large heat sink

Kingston, famous for their flash memory products, has released the "NV2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD". The interface is compatible with PCIe 4.0x4.


The average value of sequential read is 3662.92MB/s, and the average value of sequential write was recorded at 2585.68MB/s. Among PCIe 4.0 products, it's not particularly fast. The average value of random read was recorded at 741.36MB/s, and the average value of random write was 581.35MB/s.


The processing speed of various apps measured in PCMark10 is slightly below average. Among the products we tested this time, it's on the slower side, but it's not inconvenient to the point where it's problematic in practical use. The maximum operating temperature is 134.6℉. Although it doesn't come with a large heatsink, we can say its temperature rise is sufficiently suppressed.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW320TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period36 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.08 in.
View all
No.7

MSI
SPATIUM M371 NVMe M.2

mybest Score
4.08
Sequential Access Speed
4.04
Random Access Speed
4.94
Various Application Processing Speed
4.16
Internal Temperature Low
3.65
Lowest price
$122.93
High Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed2350MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed1900MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed2508.66MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed1962.35MB/s
Random Access Read Speed831.28MB/s
Random Access Write Speed592.11MB/s

An Expensive SSD That Meets Minimum Performance Requirements

What we loved

  • Sufficient speeds for moderate computing tasks
  • Random read speed on par with PCIe 4.0
  • Suppresses temperature well

What we didn't love

  • Underwhelming processing speeds relative to cost
  • No large heat sink

The MSI SPATIUM M371 NVMe M.2 has a PCIe 3.0×4 interface. Average sequential read and write speeds were 2508.66MB/s and 1962.35MB/s, respectively, which are close to its advertised speeds (2350MB/s and 1900MB/s). Random read and write speeds of 831.28MB/s and 592.11MB/s. The random read speed is on par with PCIe 4.0-compatible products.


On the flip side, overall processing speeds were low, especially considering that this is the most expensive M.2 SSD on our list. However, its maximum operating temperature didn’t exceed 134.6℉, even though this drive doesn’t have a large heat sink.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen3
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW210TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.9 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.08 in.
View all
No.8

ADATA
LEGEND 800

mybest Score
4.06
Sequential Access Speed
4.19
Random Access Speed
4.94
Various Application Processing Speed
4.59
Internal Temperature Low
3.32
Lowest price
$63.99
Low Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed3500MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed2800MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed3729.48MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed2551.57MB/s
Random Access Read Speed738.80MB/s
Random Access Write Speed580.96MB/s

Among Those Compatible With Pcie 4.0, the Performance Isn’t That High

What we loved

  • One of the lower priced M.2 SSDs on our list
  • Thin sheet helps dissipate heat, keeping temperature low

What we didn't love

  • Weak performance speeds vs. other PCIe 4.0 SSDs
  • Avoid for heavy computing tasks

The ADATA LEGEND 800 M.2 SSD had some of the lowest sequential read and write speeds among other PCIe 4.0 drives in our tests (3729.48MB/s and 2551.57MB/s). Random access read and write speeds weren’t that high, either (738.80MB/s and 580.96MB/s). 


Processing speeds were rated slightly below average against PCMark 10 benchmarks. Thanks to a thin sheet designed to let heat escape, temperatures didn’t reach beyond 147.2℉.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismThermal Conductive Sheet
TBW600TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period36 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.09 in.
View all
No.9

Silicon Power
PCIe Gen 3×4 P34A60

mybest Score
3.98
Sequential Access Speed
4.10
Random Access Speed
4.98
Various Application Processing Speed
4.41
Internal Temperature Low
3.28
Lowest price
$60.99
Low Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed2200MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed1600MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed3258.37MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed1953.80MB/s
Random Access Read Speed795.65MB/s
Random Access Write Speed664.20MB/s

A Budget PCIe SSD With Top-Notch Random Read/Write Speeds

What we loved

  • An affordable option
  • Random read/write speeds on par with PCIe 4.0
  • Sequential read/write speeds faster than advertised

What we didn't love

  • Doesn’t have a large heat sink
  • Processing speeds aren’t great

The Silicon Power PCIe Gen 3x4 P34A60 M.2 SSD has sequential read and write speeds that exceed its advertised rates. (We recorded speeds of 3258.37MB/s and 1953.80MB/s, respectively). 


Random read speeds averaged 795.65MB/s, and random write speeds were 664.20MB/s. Those are on par with PCIe 4.0 drives. Processing speeds weren’t particularly speedy but the operating temperature didn’t exceed 149℉

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen3
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW600TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.14 in.
View all
No.10

SAMSUNG
980 PRO PCIe® 4.0 NVMe® SSD 1TB

mybest Score
3.93
Sequential Access Speed
4.66
Random Access Speed
4.96
Various Application Processing Speed
4.65
Internal Temperature Low
3.00
Lowest price
$99.99
High Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed7000MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed5000MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed6855.59MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed5001.90MB/s
Random Access Read Speed830.27MB/s
Random Access Write Speed620.32MB/s

Fast Sequential Read/Write Speeds But Hindered by a High Operating Temperature

What we loved

  • Very fast sequential read/write speeds

What we didn't love

  • Middling performance speeds for price
  • Prone to thermal throttling

The Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD scored among the highest in our tests for sequential read and write speeds (6855.59MB/s and 5001.90MB/s, respectively). Processing speeds were otherwise average, and it paled in comparison to other PCIe 4.0 SSDs when it came to random access read and write speeds. 


A max operating temperature of 179.6℉ could have triggered thermal throttling, resulting in lower performance speeds overall.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW600TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.94 in.
View all
No.10

Crucial
Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe M.2 2280 SSD

mybest Score
3.93
Sequential Access Speed
4.50
Random Access Speed
4.92
Various Application Processing Speed
4.79
Internal Temperature Low
3.00
Lowest price
$69.99
Low Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed5000MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed3600MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed5195.13MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed4746.39MB/s
Random Access Read Speed848.97MB/s
Random Access Write Speed551.34MB/s

Fast Enough but High Temps Could Cause Trouble

What we loved

  • Reasonably-priced M.2 SSD
  • High sequential read and write speeds
  • Fast processing

What we didn't love

  • High risk of drive failure due to high operating temps

The Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe M.2 2280 SSD has above-average sequential read and write speeds and average random access read/write speeds. 


Processing speeds were on the higher end among the other SSDs we tested, but with a max operating temperature of 161.6°F, there’s a higher risk of malfunction.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW220TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.09 in.
View all
No.12
No.1 in Random Access Speed

Western Digital
WD Blue SN580 NVMe™ SSD

mybest Score
3.91
Sequential Access Speed
4.37
Random Access Speed
5.00
Various Application Processing Speed
4.73
Internal Temperature Low
3.00
Lowest price
$69.99
Low Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed4150MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed4150MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed4191.13MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed4172.52MB/s
Random Access Read Speed977.87MB/s
Random Access Write Speed948.51MB/s

A Well-Balanced SSD With Subpar Temperature Regulation

What we loved

  • Well-balanced, speedy performance
  • Exceptional random access read/write speeds

What we didn't love

  • Temperature regulation could be a problem
  • No large heat sink attached

The Western Digital WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD had more impressive random access read/write speeds relative to its average sequential read/write speeds, but this results in a well-balanced SSD that otherwise performs well. 


Against PCMark 10 benchmarks, it scored higher than most of the hard drives in our tests


The max temperature (159.8℉) barely surpassed the rate at which the risk of failure begins to increase, and there’s no large heat sink attached.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW900TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.09 in.
View all
No.13

SAMSUNG
970 EVO Plus NVMe® M.2 SSD 1TB

Lowest price
$97.99
Mid
Nominal Maximum Read Speed3500MB/s
Nominal Maximum Write Speed3300MB/s
Sequential Access Read Speed3560.88MB/s
Sequential Access Write Speed3312.97MB/s
Random Access Read Speed846.41MB/s
Random Access Write Speed634.59MB/s

A Pricey M.2 SSD That Doesn’t Quite Live Up to Its High Cost

What we loved

  • Sufficient if you don’t need a drive for heavy computing

What we didn't love

  • Poor performance relative to the high price
  • Prone to drive failure from overheating

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD has a PCIe 3.0x4 interface. 


Sequential and random access read/write speeds were middling, especially for the relatively high cost. Processing speeds were also slow, and a 168.8℉ max operating temperature makes it a risky investment if you want an SSD that won’t overheat.

Standard SizeM.2-2280 form factor
NVMe
InterfacePCI-Express Gen4
PS5 Compatibility
Heat Dissipation MechanismNone
TBW600 TBW
Manufacturer's Warranty Period60 months
Width0.87 in.
Depth3.15 in.
Height0.09 in.
View all

How We Tested the M.2 SSDs

M.2 SSDs Evaluation

At mybest, we believe the best M.2 SSD can promptly boot games and apps without risk of overheating. To find our top picks, we collected 13 of the best-selling M.2 SSDs from popular brands and retailers across the internet.


Note that for this review, we exclusively evaluated M.2 SSDs with NVMe connections, fit Type-2280 motherboards, and have M-Key connectors. All capacities are fixed at 1TB.


We based our evaluations on the following criteria:

  • Sequential Access Speed
  • Random Access Speed
  • Application Processing Speed
  • Internal Temperature 

Products we tested

  1. ADATALEGEND 800
  2. CorsairMP600 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen. 4 x4 SSD
  3. CrucialCrucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe M.2 2280 SSD
  4. CrucialCrucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
  5. KingstonNV2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD
  6. LaxerNM790 with Heatsink
  7. MSISPATIUM M371 NVMe M.2
  8. SAMSUNG980 PRO PCIe® 4.0 NVMe® SSD 1TB
  9. SAMSUNG970 EVO Plus NVMe® M.2 SSD 1TB
  10. Silicon PowerPCIe Gen 3×4 P34A60
  11. TranscendPCIe SSD 250S
  12. Western DigitalWD Blue SN580 NVMe™ SSD
  13. Western DigitalWD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD
1

Sequential Access Speed

Sequential Access Speed

We established our benchmark for user satisfaction in sequential access speed as one that is capable of achieving the advertised speeds of a PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 SSD.

Scoring Method

Using the benchmark software Crystal Disk Mark, we measured sequential access read and write speeds. We measured both figures three times, with the averages evaluated at a 5:5 ratio. Scores were based on the highest level of M.2 SSD speeds, which has a maximum theoretical value of 8,000MB/s.

Test Conditions

<PC used for test>
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF

  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

  • Memory: 32GB DDR5

2

Random Access Speed

Random Access Speed

We set the benchmark for satisfactory random access speeds as that meets the average advertised speed of a standard gaming SSD.

Scoring Method

We used Crystal Disk Mark benchmark software to measure random access read and write values. We performed these tests three times and the average values were evaluated at a 5:5 ratio. Final scores were relative to the upper limit of 700MB/s for fast M.2 SSDs.

Test Conditions

<PC used for test>
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF

  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

  • Memory: 32GB DDR5

3

Various Application Processing Speed

Various Application Processing Speed

Our benchmark for acceptable processing speeds was based on the PCMark 10 standard, which covers a comprehensive set of tasks that are typical in today’s standard workplace.

Scoring Method

Using PCMark 10, we measured processing speeds through running various apps. The scale of our recommendations was based on a theoretical speed limit of 4,000, the maximum level that PCMark 10 is able to measure.

Test Conditions

<PC used for test>
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF

  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

  • Memory: 32GB DDR5

4

Internal Temperature Low

Internal Temperature Low

We looked for SSDs with little to no temperature increase, as higher temperatures could lead to slower speeds and drive failure. 

Scoring Method

We used software to measure the temperature of each SSD and recorded logs from startup until the benchmark test was completed. Considering the risk of failure, we set the maximum limit at 30°C (86°F) and rated products based on how well they stayed below this limit.

Test Conditions

<PC used for test>

  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF

  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

  • Memory: 32GB DDR5

Top 5 M.2 SSDs

No. 1: CrucialCrucial T500 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD

No. 2: Western DigitalWD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD

No. 3: CorsairMP600 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen. 4 x4 SSD

No. 4: LaxerNM790 with Heatsink

No. 5: TranscendPCIe SSD 250S

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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