The 9 Best SSD Hard Drives of 2022
SSD Hard Drive – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison
If you want to give a boost to the processing capacity of your computer or laptop, the SSD hard drive can be of great help. This product uses a storage technology without plates or arms, which it replaces with a storage system similar to that of memory cards or pen drives. Something that speeds up the speed of data access remarkably. To take advantage of this technology, it is important to find the best SSD hard drive of the moment according to your specific needs. If you need speed and space, the Samsung MU-PA500BEU SSD hard drive is an efficient and space-saving solution, plus it comes from a trusted brand. Also trusted is the Crucial MX500 model, which expands that capacity to 1TB and can help you control all of your computer’s storage.
The 9 Best SSD Hard Drives – Opinions 2022
SSD storage is the latest novelty that has come to our computers to speed up their performance. A modern and efficient technology that changes the usual mechanical hard drive for a fully electronic hard drive, in the manner of modern memory devices. So if you want to know which is the best SSD hard drive that you can mount on your PC, take a look at our selection of the best SSD hard drives of 2022 and you will surely find the answer.
portable ssd hard drive
1. Samsung T5 500GB External SSD 500GB
The Samsung MU-PA500BEU portable SSD hard drive is an external-type product with which you can take up to 500 GB of space wherever you want and make the most of it when performing all kinds of tasks. A disk capable of offering the high performance speeds of these disks, reaching 540 MB per second.
To take advantage of this speed properly, the product has a USB 3.0 port with which to also accelerate this performance compared to 2.0 models. As befits a quality portable SSD hard drive.
And so that taking it with you is not a problem, this disc has a weight of just 51 grams, as well as measures 7.4 centimeters long by 5.7 wide and 1 centimeter thick, so you will hardly even notice what you carry
Speed up your computer with this model, which we discuss in detail below.
Pros
Speed: This model reaches speeds of 540 Mbps with USB 3.0 connectivity.
Portable : The drive is the size of a credit card, so you can take it wherever you want comfortably.
Manufacturer: Since the disc comes from a top-tier manufacturer, you don’t have to worry about its quality.
Cons
Boot disk: The process to configure the computer as a boot disk is somewhat complex.
Cable : The cable has a higher rigidity than is desirable when using the disk.
1TB SSD hard drive
2. Crucial MX500 1TB SSD
As it battles with Samsung for the position of the best hard drive manufacturer on the market, Crucial continues to offer high-quality models, such as the Crucial MX500.
This 1TB SSD hard drive has enough space to even replace the conventional hard drive in your computer. Something that helps its speed, which reaches 560 MB / s in read mode and 510 in write mode, almost above the Samsung models that we have analyzed. To do this, this disk has NAND Micron 3D technology, which improves performance and gives greater stability to the data flow.
This 1TB SSD hard drive also has other advantages, such as the AES 256-bit encryption system with which to keep your data safe. For dessert, its installation is as simple as that of other disks of this type, so you don’t waste time even in its assembly.
If you have not yet decided on an SSD hard drive, let’s see some more details about this model, in case it may be just what you are looking for.
Pros
Capacity: This model offers you a storage space of 1 TB, and the disk can serve as a replacement for a conventional hard drive.
Speed: The speed of this SSD hard drive reaches 560 MB/s reading and 510 writing, one of the highest on the market.
High quality: Thanks to its NAND Micron 3D technology, the drive has high resistance and is capable of managing your data efficiently.
Cons
Included software: Some users comment that the included software to transfer data can be improved, although luckily there are many alternatives available.
SATA cable: As with other models, if you need the SATA cable to connect the drive you will have to buy it separately, as it is not included.
SSD external hard drive
3. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500GB
Since not everything is internal drives, we have also decided to include an external SSD hard drive in this selection. The chosen one is the SanDisk Extreme model, which offers us a storage capacity of 500 GB, with reading speeds that reach 550 MB/s.
A very suitable product both for making backup copies and for occasionally using it as a storage unit, with the necessary speed so that you don’t have to wait too long in the process.
Additionally, this external SSD hard drive has IP55 protection, so it is not affected by dust or water, so you can take it wherever you want without risk. Something that makes its weight and design easy, with measurements similar to those of a credit card. Something that avoids inconvenience when transporting it or placing it on your work table.
If you still want to know more about this model, we leave you some of its most particular characteristics.
Pros
Speed: The disk has a speed that reaches 550 MB / s in read mode, at the level of the most renowned conventional disks.
Measurements : This product has measurements similar to those of a credit card, with a reduced weight, so you can easily take it wherever you want.
Resistant : The hard drive has IP55 protection, being able to withstand dust, water or drops of up to two meters, for example.
Cons
USB 3.0 connectivity: To get the best performance from the hard drive, it must be connected through a USB 3.0 port.
Cable measurements: The data cable is somewhat shorter than would be desirable, although this is not a problem either since you can change it if necessary.
500GB SSD hard drive
4.Samsung 850EVO 500GB
Designed to give a good boost to the processing of any PC, the Samsung 850 EVO hard drive offers you a capacity of 500 GB and a high access speed with which to notice a good acceleration in the processing of your computer. Specifically, this model offers you a reading speed of up to 540 MB/s, boosted with TurboWrite technology that increases the writing speed to 520 MB/s.
This 500 GB SSD hard drive is a high-end product, with improved physical endurance, finished off with additional 256-bit protection and protecting your data with encryption, thus preventing unwanted access to your data.
A set of technologies including the Thermal Guard thermal protection system, which prevents the disk from overheating even at times of greatest intensity of use.
If you don’t know which SSD hard drive to buy, discover some details about this Samsung model and everything it can do for your PC.
Pros
Disk speed: It is one of the fastest disks on the market, with a read speed that reaches 540 MB/s.
Encryption : The encryption engine is responsible for keeping your data safe in case the disk falls into the hands of others.
SATA interface: The SATA interface has an access speed of up to 6 GB/s, being compatible with lower speed interfaces.
Space : The disk offers you enough space to store a good number of applications. And if you fall short, you have models with even greater capacity.
Warranty : For your peace of mind, Samsung offers you a 5-year warranty, as befits what many consider to be the best SSD hard drive currently on sale.
Cons
Cable: In case you need to use a SATA cable to connect this hard drive, you will have to buy it separately, since it is not included among the accessories of the equipment.
Internal SSD hard drive
5. Sandisk SDSSDA-240G Plus 240GB
If you prefer an internal SSD hard drive for your computer, you can use the Sandisk SDSSDA-240G Plus model. A 240 GB capacity hard drive in which it is possible to store both your operating system and the main applications of your PC in a simple way. The model reaches speeds of up to 530 Mbps in writing mode, adjusting them to speeds of 445 Mbps in writing mode.
In any case, you won’t have to worry about the speed when accessing the data, also staying in a secure environment as befits a recognized manufacturer in the sector. The drive is finished off with SATA III compatibility that makes physical installation easy. Regarding the installation on your PC, you will have a complete suite of programs to install, control and maintain your disk in better condition.
Let’s see more details about this model, which will help you make a correct decision when equipping your equipment.
Pros
Speed: The product reaches speeds of 535 MB per second, 20 times higher than a conventional disk.
Resistant : Due to its quality, the disc supports impacts of up to 1500G. So the security of your data is guaranteed.
Software suite: The hard drive is accompanied by numerous programs that facilitate its use and maintenance.
Cons
Upgrade Kit: In case you need the upgrade kit for laptops, you will need to purchase it separately.
Writing speed: The writing speed stays at 445 MB per second. High but lower than that of other devices.
240GB SSD hard drive
6.Kingston SSD A400 240GB
The Kingston SSD A400 external hard drive is an interesting model for those who do not want to spend too much on storage and do not want to settle for the smaller models.
Specifically, we are talking about a 240 GB capacity SSD hard drive, in which it is easy to store applications and the operating system of your computer without too many space problems. A product that maintains, despite its adjusted cost, the good access speeds of these disks, which reach 500 MB/s in read mode and 450 in write mode. So you won’t have any problems getting the most out of the disk and speeding up your computer efficiently.
Something that also helps to have a compact size, which facilitates its assembly. In fact, this SSD hard drive can be installed in both desktop and laptop computers that have the necessary space and connectors for it.
So that you have more clarity if this is the SSD hard drive that suits you, let’s see some more details about its characteristics.
Pros
Capacity: The 240 GB capacity is very adequate to accelerate both the operating system and applications of a certain size, being very suitable for gamers and professionals.
Resistance : In addition to the improvement of not having moving parts, this model has a construction that withstands vibrations and impacts.
Versatile : This SSD hard drive can be installed in desktop and laptop computers that have adequate space and connectors for it.
Improved useful life: Thanks to the new technologies used in this model, its useful life is increased, so that you better amortize your investment.
Cons
Speed: This model is “somewhat” slower than others that we have evaluated, with speeds of 500 MB/s in read mode and 450 in write mode. Even so, the difference is small.
Presentation: It is missed that the presentation of the product is somewhat better, since it is sold in a simple plastic blister.
120GB SSD hard drive
7. OYUNKEY E PRO-120G 3D NAND SSD 120GB
If you don’t want to spend too much on the purchase of your new SSD hard drive and you don’t need too much space either, the OYUNKEY E PRO-120G model may be of interest to you. A product that, due to its characteristics and cost, is close to being the best value for money SSD hard drive that we have analyzed.
This 120 GB SSD hard drive has a limited capacity but enough to move the operating system and your favorite applications, which in the end is what you want to speed up. A hard drive with high performance, thanks to NAND technology or its 3D system, achieving read speeds of up to 520 MB/s.
An efficient model that also adequately resists shocks, vibrations or heat, so that your data is always safe. So you will not miss almost anything from the conventional models.
If you don’t want to spend too much on upgrading your PC, this model is one of the most efficient within the cheapest segment on the market. Let’s see what it has to offer you.
Pros
Reading speed: The hard disk has a reading speed that can reach 520 MB/s, at the level of the most outstanding disks on the market.
Resistance : This SSD hard drive has a high resistance and offers you all the security that your data needs.
3D Nand technology: 3D Nand technology increases product performance, with a compact size and suitable for use in laptops or desktops.
Cons
Writing speed: The writing speed of this disk is somewhat more limited, “only” 400 MB / s compared to 450 or 500 of other models on the market.
Available space: Since it only has 120 GB available, it may be short if you have large applications. Fortunately, the manufacturer offers larger discs if you need them.
M2 SSD hard drive
8. Crucial MX500 SSD 500GB
Unless you are very into the world of technology, you may not know what we are talking about when we refer to an M2 SSD hard drive. And it is that this type of records, which are played directly on the plate and have a card format, have not been with us for a long time. A segment in which we find models such as the Crucial MX500 SSD hard drive.
This product has this compact size and speeds of 560 and 510 MB per second in read and write mode. A high performance that also goes directly to the board, reducing the access time to that data. The best thing is that, as we see in this model, the price of the disk is reduced, as well as the space it occupies on your computer. So if you want to be up to date, this model is all you need.
We analyze some more details of this model and everything it can do to speed up the performance of your computer.
Pros
M2 technology: The new M2 technology frees up the SATA port and improves performance.
Speed : The speed of the disk reaches levels of 560 Mbps for reading and 510 for writing.
Installation : The installation process on the plate is very simple, as well as efficient.
Cons
Ventilation : It is convenient to maintain adequate ventilation in the tower, to avoid overheating.
Drivers: It is key to update drivers and controllers to get the most out of it.
SSD hard drive 256GB
9. Samsung Pro MZ-76P256B/EU SSD 256GB
The 256 GB SSD hard drive has the most common measure to move the operating system and the applications that we use frequently. Something that allows you to accelerate the performance of the equipment as you will get with the Samsung MZ-76P256B/EU model.
A high-tech hard drive with speeds of up to 560 MB per second in read mode, as well as 520 in write mode. Enough then to achieve a notable acceleration of the processing of your computer.
The product also has the compact size that corresponds to the 2.5-inch format, which makes it easy to install. We are also talking about an easy disk to configure, since almost any computer detects it at the moment. Something that facilitates its management, just as it happens with the applications that the manufacturer offers you.
So that you know the product in detail, we give you some more information about its characteristics.
Pros
Upgraded Version: This upgraded version of the 850 Pro improves the speed and stability of drive operation.
Writing : The writing speed reaches 520 MB per second, one of the highest in the sector.
Warranty : A 5-year warranty is included with this drive, for your peace of mind.
Cons
Space : If you have large applications on your device, the 512 GB model will be more convenient for you.
Laptop : Certain laptop mounts may require an adapter box.
Shopping guide
The SSD hard drive is a high-tech device with which to enjoy high-speed data transfer and that helps you enjoy better performance on any computer. Given the novelty of its approach, it is advisable to use a good guide to buy the best SSD hard drive and be clear about what you should consider in your purchase. Issues found below.
Storage capacity
The most important element in any comparison of SSD hard drives is the storage capacity offered by each one. Storage currently has higher costs than traditional storage, having a notable importance in how much a given product costs. That is why it is necessary to be clear about how much disk capacity we are going to need and see if it fits into our budget.
Within current SSD hard drives, their capacity starts at about 120 GB. This space is enough for those who need to speed up the operating system and some application that is not too large. If we need the disk to accelerate more or larger applications, we can use the 250 or 500 GB models, these being the most common in terms of market offer.
On the other hand, the current capacity of SSD drives reaches 4 terabytes of capacity. Although it is true that, from the discs of a tera, the prices of these products begin to skyrocket. So unless you want to have practically all your files accelerated, surely a 512 gigabyte model is enough to equip your PC or laptop.
disk speed
Another important aspect when buying an SSD hard drive is the speed that these devices offer us. However, in this case, the variety is not so high, since most of the SSD drives on the market tend to work at similar speeds, around 10 times the reading speed of a conventional drive.
Specifically, a conventional SSD hard drive reaches a reading speed of around 550 or 560 MB per second. This has been the usual standard, although in some models it can stay around 525. What we should do is discard any hard drive that does not reach 500 megabit of transfer, no matter how cheap it may be.
On the write side, this is generally lower than the read speed, for obvious reasons. In this case, the usual reading speeds are around 520 megabits, reducing to 450 megabits per second for the simplest models. That speed would be acceptable though obviously the higher that write speed, the better it is at accelerating device performance.
SSD format
The last aspect that we are going to focus on when talking about this type of disc has to do with its format. And it is that this type of disc is presented in different approaches adapted to all types of use, as we will see below.
If we look at the place of their installation, we can talk about internal and external hard drives. Internal SSD hard drives have measurements similar to those of a conventional hard drive, or even somewhat smaller. The usual standard is a 2.5-inch size model. However, this size is reduced especially in M2 SSD hard drives.
These drives look like a card and plug directly into the PCI port on the motherboard, saving space and hassle. In fact, this last system is the standard that will end up being imposed in a short time.
As for external hard drives, these work the same as any conventional external hard drive that is not of this type. Therefore, it is enough to connect them to a USB port of our laptop or desktop to access the data.
In this case, it is essential that the hard drive has a USB 3.0 port in order to speed up this data transfer as much as possible and not create a bottleneck during the use of the product. Obviously, we must also look for the device to which we connect it, since if a conventional USB 2.0 port is used, we will lose transfer speed.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Which is better, SSD or HDD?
It all depends on what we need. If what you need is a fast hard drive on which to run applications to speed up the performance of the computer, the SSD option is the most convenient.
But if what you need is ample storage space at a reasonable price and without the need for high speeds, then the HD option would be more suitable. However, today there are many teams that combine both elements to give the team both speed and space.
Q2: Can I use an SSD hard drive for gaming?
An SSD hard drive can be used for your games and, in fact, it is one of the most common uses that gamers usually give it. And it is that the high speed at which these hard drives rotate allows the performance of any game to be significantly accelerated, so that unwanted parameters such as the lag that bothers us so much are reduced.
Q3: How to format an SSD hard drive?
When formatting an SSD hard drive, it is important to do it properly. And it is that if we execute a conventional format, it is likely that we can damage the disk. Therefore, it is convenient to do it with the formatting tool that includes the disk itself, since it incorporates in it all the necessary data so that the management and performance of the disk are adequate.
Q4: What is the consumption of a hard drive versus SSD?
Although there are no clear results in this regard, there are several studies that estimate the energy reduction that we can achieve with an SSD hard drive compared to a traditional hard drive around 60%. And it is that the average consumption of a conventional hard drive is about 6.5 watts while that of an SSD model is around 2.5 watts. Something that translates into half an hour more autonomy in a portable model, approximately.
Q5: How to initialize an SSD hard drive?
The process of initializing an SSD hard drive is a necessary step in order to use the device under Windows. And it is that despite being plug and play, this procedure may be necessary for the operating system to realize that the disk is there and that it must use it. To proceed, we just have to open the Windows disk manager, where we will see the unit marked in black.
Then simply choose the Initialize option for Windows to start the process of formatting and activating the space and the SSD drive. A process that should be carried out before installing something on the hard drive, which, on the other hand, will not be possible, really.
Q6: Which is better, SSD or flash drive?
Well, the truth is that it makes no difference to bet on Flash technology or an SSD hard drive, since they are essentially the same. And it is that the Flash storage present in some computers, also called eMMC in other models, follows the same approach of electronic writing and without moving parts of an SSD hard drive. So, as we say, it’s the same technology, but with a different name and similar performance.
Q7: How to partition an SSD hard drive?
The process of creating and managing partitions on an SSD hard drive does not require specific or different tools than those that are usual to manage a conventional hard drive. Therefore, you can use the Windows disk manager or any other similar application in order to properly partition and manage the different drives within your SSD.
Q8: Can I use an SSD hard drive for booting?
There is no problem using an SSD hard drive to boot your computer as long as you configure it correctly. That is, configuring in the BIOS that the boot option is this SSD hard drive and installing the operating system you want to use for booting on it. A process that is easy to carry out thanks to the management applications that exist today for these devices.
Q9: How to clone SSD hard drive?
Practically, all SSD hard drives sold today are accompanied by an application with which it is possible to clone it. To run this clone, the hard drive needs to be partitioned, so this is where we should start. However, it’s something that can properly run the clone application itself, so you can skip the step.
Before proceeding, it is necessary to prepare the disk that we want to clone, eliminating applications and unwanted elements so that the space is sufficient. And it doesn’t hurt to back up on it either. With all this complete, it will be time to activate the clone and wait for it to complete. Once it’s done, don’t forget to change the boot order of the drives, so that the computer boots from the SSD.
Q10: What does an SSD hard drive look like inside?
Unlike conventional hard drives, there are no drives or read arms inside an SSD hard drive. These have been replaced by a series of chips in which the data is stored, similar to what we could find inside an SD card, although with certain differences.
Some pieces that are accompanied by the necessary components both to power the entire assembly and to properly organize storage and transfer data.
Q11: Why my computer doesn’t recognize the external SSD hard drive?
An SSD hard drive is just another storage device, so there should be no recognition problems when connecting it. But if this happens, it is worth checking some elements. Start by changing the port disk to see if it works properly or not.
If this does not solve the problem, it may be time to change the cable. And if the error continues, it is convenient to see if the problem comes from the PC, testing the disk with another computer. If the drive is still not recognized on this new computer, it is probably bad.
How to use an SSD hard drive
The SSD hard drive is an SSD device that requires certain care and a change in our habits compared to what has been a conventional hard drive. Some aspects that allow the device to be kept at an adequate speed and prevent its useful life from being shortened. Let’s look at some of these details in our guide to using an SSD hard drive.
Installation
Installing an SSD hard drive is as easy as installing a conventional hard drive. Simply open the computer case or remove the laptop cover, punch the power and data ports into the drive, see that everything is ok, and close the case. Once the computer is turned on, we must activate the hard drive through the Windows File Manager, partition it and start using it.
cloning
The cloning process allows us to move the contents of our conventional hard drive to the SSD hard drive. A process in which it is recommended to make a backup copy of that data, reduce its size to it, depending on what we need and use a suitable app for said cloning. A process that we must follow correctly to avoid data loss during it.
formatting
Unlike conventional hard drives, formatting an SSD hard drive must be done using the application included with the drive or a dedicated tool. And it is that formatting with the Windows application or another that is not specific for this type of disk can cause damage to it and shorten the useful life of the device. That is why we must always do it with these specific applications for SSD drives, which avoid these risks.
Avoid conventional maintenance
Although it may seem so, we have not gone crazy. And it
