With the advancement of SSD technology, they have become more affordable while offering improved performance and larger storage capacities. In 2024, economical SSDs provide excellent performance and great value. This article reviews the available options of internal and external SSDs at reasonable prices. Internal drives offer exceptional speeds and improve system responsiveness, while external drives provide easy file transfer and quick storage expansion. While not as fast as PCIe-connected internal drives, they significantly outperform traditional HDDs.
Best Budget SSDs for 2024
Best Internal SSDs
Samsung SSD 990 EVO
The Samsung SSD 990 EVO features read speeds of up to 5000 megabytes per second and write speeds of up to 4200 megabytes per second, with a 133-layer 3D NAND memory. It provides fast performance suitable for gaming and intensive workloads in a simple design.
Pros:
- High performance
- Energy efficiency
- Effective thermal management
- Easy-to-use software
Cons:
- High price compared to competitors
- Lacks dedicated DRAM
- May heat up during intensive use
- May not be fully compatible with older systems
The new Samsung 990 EVO SSD drive gives your device ultra-fast speeds of over 7 gigabytes per second for reading and writing thanks to PCIe 4.0 and NVMe protocol to increase bandwidth. It significantly reduces game loading times and excels in multitasking performance. With random read and write speeds of up to 1,050K and 1,400K IOPS in the 4TB model, it ensures smooth operation. It also includes security features like AES 256-bit encryption, supports the latest TCG/Opal standards, and offers a five-year warranty.
This translates to extremely smooth operation when opening multiple files or applications at the same time. The 990 EVO proves its strength in real-world scenarios where lesser hard drives fall short. Samsung did not skimp on the finer details, as the drive provides strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption and support for the latest TCG/Opal standards. Temperature is controlled thanks to an efficient cooler sticker. With a five-year warranty and up to 2400TB written capacity, the Samsung 990 EVO provides speed and security perfectly for those looking for uncompromised performance.
Highly rated
Crucial X9 Pro
Power in your pocket!
The Crucial X9 Pro features durability and elegance, coming in a small size that fits comfortably in the hand and delivers outstanding performance. With speeds of up to 1,050MB/s for reading and 975MB/s for writing, along with IP55 water and dust resistance and a 7.5-foot drop tolerance, it provides reliable data protection on the go.
Pros:
- High speeds
- Durability with water and dust resistance
- Wide compatibility with systems
Cons:
- No encryption
- Limited accessories
The Crucial X9 Pro leaves a strong impression thanks to its sleek aircraft-grade aluminum structure. This drive targets professionals who need fast and durable storage they can carry anywhere. In actual use, the X9 Pro provides read/write speeds near the maximum limit due to its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connection. A speed of 950MB/s was recorded when transferring a video folder, making it ideal for backups and handling large media like high-resolution images or footage on the go.
The X9 Pro offers responsive speed with dynamic SLC caching. It remains cool even with heavy use, thanks to its rubberized coating and IP55 rating for protection against splashes and shocks. Perfect for creative professionals and business users who need to securely store their data while on the move. Despite the software-based security lacking, X9 Pro focuses on delivering fast and uncompromising portable performance.
Best Value
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD combines rugged design with fast performance. It offers read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000MB/s via USB 3.2, with a capacity of up to 4TB. It features a durable aluminum structure and dynamic thermal management to maintain coolness even under heavy loads. Perfect for on-the-go use with its small size and high durability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- High speeds
- Durable structure
Cons:
- Speed fluctuations with large files
- Lacks biometric protection or water and dust resistance ratings.
Upon taking a look at the stylish metal casing of the Samsung T7 drive and the distinctive color options like Pacific blue and metallic red, you realize this drive is powerful. Despite its small size, it delivers amazing performance thanks to its USB 3.2 interface that nearly doubles the performance of older hard drives. It transfers high-resolution photos and 8K videos easily. While this speed generates heat, Samsung equipped the T7 with a dynamic heat guard to keep temperatures under control
With storage capacity up to 4 terabytes, the Samsung T7 allows you to load your entire media collection or add instant storage space to laptops, desktops, and even gaming consoles. It is compatible with all your devices, making it a versatile choice. Whether you need it for work, entertainment, or storing growing data, it offers outstanding performance in a small and powerful design. With built-in security features, it protects your sensitive data, making it an ideal option for portable storage.
