The storage market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the computer industry, and as data storage requirements continue to grow, the demand for high-capacity, performance, reliable storage solutions continues to increase. And with the looming mainstream adoption of the PCIe Gen5 interface likely sometime later this year, the industry is expected to undergo further evolution.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring some of the best SSDs and HDDs currently available on the market. To make it easier to navigate, we’ve divided our recommendations into two main categories: enterprise and consumer. Within each of these two categories, we’ll divide it into further specific use cases.
Consumer test rig
Note, however, that these capsule comments are not a substitute for the full reviews of the drives. SMB and enterprise users may also be interested in our dedicated enterprise storage reviews section.
You can also check out the page with all our reviews for a complete and detailed analyses of storage solutions from all sectors.
Enterprise vs Consumer/Client Hard Drives
Enterprise hard drives are typically designed for use in high-end storage arrays, servers, and other datacenter equipment. They are available in a range of different types, including nearline, enterprise, and mission-critical drives, all of which offer varying levels of performance and reliability. Enterprise drives also come with additional features like RAID support, encryption, and advanced error-correction algorithms.
Consumer hard drives, on the other hand, are designed for use in personal computers, laptops, and other consumer electronics devices. They typically offer lower capacity points and durability compared to enterprise drives, but they are also more affordable and easier to upgrade. Consumer drives can also sometimes be faster when it comes to read and write speeds, especially for smaller file sizes, as they are optimized for single-user workloads.
Nonetheless, whether you’re looking to upgrade your personal computer or outfit your business’s data center, our guide will help you find the right storage solution to meet your needs–taking into consideration factors such as capacity, performance, reliability, and price. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the best drives money can buy.
Best Client / Consumer Drives
QLC SSDs
QLC (or Quad-Level Cell) SSDs offer lower-cost options to consumers compared to higher-end SSDs with TLC NAND. They have smaller maximum storage capacities and use less expensive components, but still offer faster read/write speeds than traditional hard disk drives. That said, they often do not offer the same level of durability, reliability, and performance as higher-end SSDs.
Solidigm P41 Plus
While the 2TB Solidigm P41 Plus may not have the highest performance scores among its peers, it still offers a good deal for budget-conscious users. Due to its architecture, the drive is slower compared to other SSDs in its class, and its latency issues became more apparent during benchmark tests like SQL and VDI. However, for users with basic workloads, the P41 Plus delivers 2TB of storage at a very affordable price point of around $150. It’s an excellent choice as a boot drive for systems that will mainly be used for email and web browsing, or for scenarios where users have faster drives for more demanding applications and games.
Solidigm P41 Plus
Performance at a glance:
- Blackmagic test: 3,080MB/s write and 3,520MB/s read.
- VDBench performance highlights: 374,808 IOPS in random read 4k, 483,964 IOPS during random write 4k, and measured 3,396 MB/s in the sequential read, 3,099 MB/s sequential write
Performance SSDs
These are high-end SSDs that offer faster read and write speeds, making them ideal for demanding applications like graphics-intensive gaming or content creation. Ultimately, the end user may not “feel” the difference with these high-performance drives as the performance profiles are extremely competitive. This means pricing is one of the most important factors for many.
Samsung 990 Pro
Unsurprisingly, the Samsung 990 Pro is one of the top SSDs currently available, offering strong read and write performance, industry-best SSD management software, and the usual reliability that comes with the Samsung brand. It features the company’s 7th-generation TLC V-NAND technology and is the successor to the 980 Pro–one of the first (and best) client PCIe Gen4 SSDs to hit the market.
Samsung 990 Pro
Though there is a price gap between the 990 Pro and its competition, consumers would likely find the Samsung brand worth the extra cost. Its combination of high performance, software support, and reliability make it a great choice for anyone looking for a premium SSD.
Performance at a glance:
- Blackmagic test: 5.67GB/s read and 5.943GB/s write.
- VDBench performance highlights: 523K IOPS in 4K read, 573K IOPS in 4K write, 5.54GB/s in 64K read, and 2.55GB/s in 64K write.
Fantom VENOM8
The Fantom VENOM8 is the most affordable premium PCIe Gen4 SSD available. This is actually pretty interesting, as Fantom may be taking a loss or breaking even to promote their brand at its price point. It remains to be seen how this pricing strategy will evolve over time. Nonetheless, the combination of affordability, high performance, and advanced features make the Fantom VENOM8 an excellent choice for users looking to build a high-end PC.
It is offered in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB and features 176-Layer 3D NAND technology.
Performance at a glance:
- Blackmagic test: 5.21GB/s read and 6.02GB/s write.
- VDBench performance highlights: 679K IOPS in 4K read, a leading 598K IOPS in 4K write, 5.6GB/s in 64K read, and 1.86GB/s in 64K write.
Seagate FireCuda 530
The Seagate FireCuda 530 is very impressive, even as the oldest drive on our list. However, it features a very steep price-point for the 4TB version, so it is very hard to justify that capacity model (especially for gaming). Overall with Seagate taking the approach of using the high-performing Phison E18 controller at the heart of the FireCuda 530, it makes it a very competitive offering, consistently ranking near the top in our benchmarks.
Seagate FireCuda 530
Performance at a glance:
- VDBench performance highlights: 577,835 IOPS in 4K read, 5.67GB/s in 64K read, 2.01GB/s in 64K write
Seagate FireCuda 530 SSD Review
WD BLACK SN850X
The SN850X is a solid-performing drive that ranks high among the already vast selection of consumer SSDs. Adding the RGB lighting and heat sink option to the drive makes it stand out even further, adding a bit of gaming flair to PC rigs with glass cases.
Performance at a glance:
- Blackmagic test: 5.77GB/s read and 6.01GB/s write (Game mode enabled)
- VDBench performance highlights: 792K IOPS in 4K read, 187K IOPS in 4K write, 5.57GB/s in sequential 64K read, and 1.52GB/s in sequential 64K writes.
Solidigm P44 Pro SSD
The Solidigm P44 Pro features 176-layer NAND and an ACNS075 PHC631.00S-1 controller. Although the Solidigm P44 Pro did not perform as well as we had hoped, it remains a strong choice for those who require high-capacity, high-performance storage. The fact that there are already several excellent options available on the market makes the addition of another quality SSD like the P44 Pro a welcome development in the industry. In addition, the drive comes with a powerful software tool for drive management, which is currently unique among Phison drives, and matches the capabilities of similar software offered by Samsung and WD.
Performance at a glance:
- Blackmagic test: 6.03GB/s read and 5.84GB/s write
- VDBench performance highlights: 1.04 million IOPS in 4K read, 248K IOPS in 4K write, 5.02GB/s in sequential 64K read, and 1.12GB/s in sequential 64K writes.
2230 SSDs
The 2230 form factor are SSDs that measure in at just 22 millimeters in width and 30 millimeters in length, which makes them ideal for ultra-compact applications. This makes them well-suited for ultrabooks, tablets, and other mobile devices where internal space is limited. They are also used in embedded systems and industrial applications where compactness and durability are important.
Because of their tiny size, they typically only go up to 1TB in capacity.
Sabrent Rocket 2230
The Sabrent Rocket 2230 is a compact M.2 SSD that offers excellent performance despite its small size. While it may not match the performance of Sabrent’s larger M.2 2280 SSDs, this is not a significant concern for systems like the Steam Deck or Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1, both of which only accept M.2 2230 drives.
Sabrent Rocket 2230
The Sabrent Rocket 2230 is also very competitively priced and offers a generous five-year warranty with registration–a crucial factor to consider when upgrading space-limited devices like laptops and the Steam Deck. This is especially important since many grey-market OEM drives that end-users may be upgrading to do not carry any warranty at all, and may be difficult or impossible to obtain firmware updates for.
Performance at a glance:
- Steam Deck KDiskMark benchmarks: 3,542MB/s read and 3,222MB/s write
- VDBench performance highlights: 308,093 IOPS in 4K read, 100,343 IOPS in 4K write, 61,258 IOPS in sequential 64K read, and 12,260 IOPS in sequential 64K writes
Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe SSD Review
Portable SSDs
Mainstream
Corsair EX100U
While the Corsair EX100U may not offer top-tier performance, it’s one of the most cost-effective options available in the portable SSD market. Its affordable price point and solid performance make it an attractive choice for those seeking a budget-friendly storage solution. Additionally, the EX100U often goes on sale, making it an even more attractive option for those looking for a great deal. Furthermore, the EX100U is one of the few portable SSDs on the market that can reach up to 4TB, making it an excellent choice for those needing a large-capacity portable drive.
Corsair EX100U
Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 4-threads: 1,713MB/s read and 1,635MB/s write in 2MB sequential
ADATA SE880
The ADATA SE880 is an excellent portable SSD option that offers impressive performance and a compact form factor. Its small size, smaller than a typical keyfob, makes it an ideal on-the-go storage device that can be used with a wide range of devices, from Windows to PlayStation. With its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connectivity, users can expect fast transfer speeds for files, videos, music, and photos. Overall, the ADATA SE880 is a reliable and efficient portable SSD that delivers solid performance at an affordable price point.
Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 4-threads: 1,765MB/s write and 1,978MB/s read in 2MB sequential
Premium
SanDisk PRO-G40
The SanDisk PRO-G40 is a premium, professional-grade portable SSD that received our Best of 2022 award last year for good reason. SanDisk is known for their quality storage solutions, and the PRO-G40 is no exception. Media professionals trust the SanDisk name for its reliability in terms of thermals, ruggedness, and sustained performance, making it a top choice for storing and transferring important files. While the PRO-G40 is more expensive than other portable SSDs, its launch MSRP of $299.99 for 1TB and $449.99 for 2TB is worth the investment for many professionals, as slow data transfers or malfunctioning external drives can cost thousands of dollars of pay for an entire crew waiting around on a set.
SanDisk Pro G40
With support for both Thunderbolt and USB 3.2 Gen 2, the SanDisk PRO-G40 offers great performance, and though it lacks support for Gen 2 x2, it’s still the best overall portable SSD on the market for serious portable data pros.
Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 4-threads: 2,940MB/s read and 2,510MB/s write in 2MB sequential
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 Review
SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE
The SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE is another product from SanDisk that received our Best of 2022 award. It’s an NVMe-based SSD system designed specifically for M&E professionals, enabling easy data transfer between different individuals. The system consists of a separate reader and media, called a “Mag,” which leverages USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 and is bus-powered. This setup provides excellent flexibility for those who need it, and the SSDs themselves offer the performance necessary for even the most demanding M&E workflows. Overall, the SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE is a top-performing and flexible option for M&E professionals looking for a reliable and efficient portable SSD solution.
Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 4-threads: 1,969.24 MB/s read and 1,974.46 MB/s write in 2MB sequential
SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE
Flash drives (thumb sticks)
Kingston DataTraveler Max
Kingston’s DataTraveler Max exceeded expectations in our testing, delivering exceptional performance that is impressive for a traditional USB flash drive. Though lacking in security and rugged features, its performance is comparable to that of an external SSD, making it a convenient and highly portable alternative. Overall, the DataTraveler Max is a potent performer that is a great choice for those seeking a fast storage option with a highly portable design.
Kingston DataTraveler Max
Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 4-thread: 1,006.5 MB/s read and 969.4MB/s write in 2MB sequential
Kingston DataTraveler Max Review
Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50)
The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) is a USB 3.2 Gen 1 flash drive that provides extra security for on-the-go consumers or professionals who need to protect their data. Among the flash drives we’ve reviewed to date, the LP50 is one of the more secure options, thanks to its AES hardware-encryption XTS mode support that guards against attacks like BadUSB. Additionally, the LP50 features digitally-signed firmware and protection against Brute Force password attacks. Its sleek design, with silver and gold branding, makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize both security and aesthetics. Overall, the Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 is a purpose-built and highly secure flash drive that delivers top-notch protection for sensitive data.
Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 1-thread: 156.88MB/s read and 132MB/s write in 2MB sequential
Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) Review
Samsung T7 Shield
The Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 4TB is an exceptional external SSD, ideal for outdoor users and content creators seeking a durable and reliable storage solution. With its high-capacity and rugged design, this model is a standout addition to Samsung’s line of portable SSDs.
Samsung T7 Shield
While it offers no performance gains over smaller capacity models and its shell is a magnet for dirt/dust, the T7 Shield 4TB is a must-have for anyone who needs a secure and efficient way to store and transfer large amounts of data. It’s sleek, rugged, and highly recommended for those seeking a top-performing external SSD.Performance at a glance:
- IOMeter with 4-threads: 1,017.6MB/s write and 1,041.5MB/s read in 2MB sequential
Samsung T7 Shield (4TB) Review
Top Enterprise Drives
SSDs
DapuStor R5100 SSD
There’s no question that the DapuStor R5100 is one of the top enterprise-grade SSDs out there, receiving our best of 2022 award. This exceptional enterprise-grade PCIe Gen4 SSD is part of the R5 Series line and is designed for core data storage scenarios in various fields, including enterprise IT, logistics, Internet, finance, intelligent manufacturing, and AI. The DapuStor SSD delivers great reliability, low latency, and power efficiency thanks to the controller firmware and KIOXIA’s latest 3D enterprise 112L TLC NAND.
Dapustor R5100
As a result, the R5100 is an excellent choice for organizations looking to reduce their TCO. In our testing, the R5100 SSD proved nearly unbeatable, showcasing DapuStor’s reputation for delivering top-performing and reliable drives.
Overall, the DapuStor R5100 is one of the best enterprise SSDs available, offering exceptional performance and reliability for data storage needs.
Performance at a glance:
- VDBench: 1.76 million IOPS read and 695K IOPS write in our 4k workloads, while hitting 7.1GB/s in 64K read, 2.8GB/s in 64K write, 4.53GB/s read in 16K read, 2.81 GB/s in 16K writes, during our sequential workloads
Micron 9400 Pro
The Micron 9400 Pro is an impressive performance-driven data center U.3 SSD boasting a massive 30.72TB capacity with TLC NAND. In our testing, it performed well in real-world applications, making it a great choice for enterprise storage needs. While the line only comes in U.3, this shouldn’t be a major issue for Gen4 products, as traditional server slots are predominantly U.2/U.3. This may be the last Gen4 enterprise drive from Micron, but it is certainly a strong offering that is worth considering, particularly for organizations with large capacity needs. If your organization requires a high-capacity and reliable enterprise drive, the Micron 9400 Pro is definitely worth considering.
Performance at a glance:
- up to 1.49 million IOPS in 4K random read (7.68TB), 828K IOPS in 4K random write (30.72TB), 6.9GB/s in 64K sequential read (30.72TB), and 4.67GB/s in 64K sequential write (7.68TB).
Inspur NS8500 G2
The Inspur NS8500 G2 demonstrated solid and reliable performance in our enterprise benchmarks, and while it may not match the performance of the Micron 9400 Pro or the Dapustor R5100, its performance was consistent and stable. As such, the NS8500 G2 is a viable alternative, especially if you’re using Inspur servers and can take advantage of vertical integration for price savings.
Inspur NS8500 G2
Overall, the NS8500 G2 is a worthy option for those seeking stability and predictability in their enterprise storage solution.
Performance at a glance:
- 12,649 TPS in SQL Server with 15K virtual users, 10,478 TPS in Sysbench, 1,760,209 IOPS in 4K random read, 439,232 IOPS in 4K random write, and 571,812 IOPS in our mixed 70/30 4K test
HDDs
WD Red Pro / WD Gold
WD consistently releases some of the most reliable enterprise drives available, which is highlighted by the Gold and Red Pro lines. There is a noticeable difference between the two, however: The WD Gold drives are designed for high-availability enterprise-class data centers, offering a balance of performance and reliability. The WD Red Pro drives, on the other hand, are optimized for use in NAS systems, offering enhanced compatibility and error recovery control for RAID arrays.
WD Red Pro
That said, both of these drives offer a massive 22TB capacity model. The WD Red Pro 22TB is a highly reliable drive that is specifically designed for NAS enclosures. With a massive capacity of 22TB, it is perfect for businesses that require efficient data protection, solid performance, and a large-capacity drive for their medium or large-scale NAS systems. This drive is cost-effective and practical for large-scale storage solutions, thanks to its high capacity, which enables more efficient use of power and space, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a NAS density-focused storage solution.
The WD Gold line of HDDs has become more impressive with the addition of the 22TB model, offering great performance and industry-best CMR capacity. Though expensive, it is still reasonably priced, making the Gold line an excellent choice for applications that prioritize data density and availability.
Watch Brian talk about the WD Golds and how we prepped them for testing.
Performance at a glance:
- WD Gold: 107,303 IOPS reads and 4,730 IOPS write in random 4K, 109,454 IOPS read, and 105,577 IOPS (8K sequential workload), a range of 14,333 IOPS to 26,882 IOPS (mixed 8K 70/30 workload), and 2.31GB/s in both read and writes
- WD Red Pro: 5,807 IOPS (SMB) / 5,911 IOPS (iSCSI) reads and 1,490 IOPS (SMB) / 1,498 IOPS (iSCSI) writes for random 4K, 130,181 IOPS read and 69,904 write (SMB) and 190,762 IOPS read and 214,899 IOPS write (iSCSI) (8K sequential workload)
Seagate IronWolf Pro
The Seagate IronWolf Pro 20TB capacity is a new addition to the high-capacity data center offerings, joining with the Exos X20 as one of the industry’s highest-capacity commercial hard drives. This CMR-based drive is NAS-optimized with AgileArray, combining RAID reliability and compatibility for exceptional performance during heavy 24×7 NAS workloads.
Seagate IronWolf Pro
With its solid performance and 300TB per year workload rating, the IronWolf Pro 20TB is a great choice for organizations that leverage larger NAS systems (up to 24 bays) and need the extra capacity. Additionally, the drive’s RV sensors compensate for environmental changes and its 1.2-million-hour MTBF ensures high reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to maximize their capacity-driven NAS environment.
Performance at a glance:
- FIO workloads: 4K random performance of 8,272 IOPS read and 1,026 IOPS write (iSCSI) and 9,431 IOPS read and 957 IOPS write (SMB).
- 100% read/write activity 8K workloads: 224,071 IOPS read and 106,912 IOPS write in iSCSI, while SMB saw 58,490 IOPS read and 44,902 IOPS write.
- Mixed 8K 70/30 workloads: Range of 3,729 IOPS to 3,262 IOPS (SMB), and 962 IOPS to 2,192 IOPS in iSCSI.
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