NVMe SSDs have long been the standard, having almost completely replaced SATA drives in the high-performance segment. Even today's budget models offer speeds unattainable by older formats, while top-tier options unlock the full potential of games and demanding applications.
We've compiled a list of the 10 best NVMe SSDs of 2025, ranging from affordable models for upgrading older systems to flagship devices with maxed-out PCIe 4.0 speeds and PCIe 5.0 support. This selection features proven drives known for their reliability, speed, and excellent value.
WD Blue SN570 ($55 — $70)
Pros
- Excellent value for an NVMe drive. Priced close to SATA SSDs but significantly faster.
- Great speed for PCIe 3.0. Read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,000 MB/s ensure smooth performance in games and everyday apps.
- A solid choice for upgrading older systems. Compatible with most motherboards and provides a noticeable speed boost for OS and application loading.
- Low power consumption and stable performance. Suitable even for compact builds without advanced cooling.
Cons
- No built-in heatsink. Under sustained loads, it can heat up and throttle (reduce speed).
- Modest write endurance. The 1TB version is rated for about 600 TBW, which is lower than more expensive models.
- Not the best pick for heavy workloads. It will noticeably lag behind advanced PCIe 4.0 solutions in rendering, video editing, or constant work with large files.
User Reviews
Kingston NV2 ($60 — $75)
Pros
- The most affordable PCIe 4.0 SSD. Lets you try the modern interface without breaking the bank.
- Good speed for its class. Up to 3,500 MB/s read and 2,800 MB/s write — significantly faster than SATA and many PCIe 3.0 drives.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB. Allows for a budget-friendly, high-capacity drive for games and storage.
- Compact and energy-efficient. Runs very cool and can be used even in tight cases.
Cons
- Simplified controller without a DRAM cache. Speed drops sharply during extended file transfers and work with large files.
- Performance is closer to PCIe 3.0 than a full-fledged PCIe 4.0 drive. The difference with more expensive models is noticeable in heavy workloads.
- Not suitable for demanding gaming or professional software. Complex editing or rendering projects will run into this drive's limitations.
User Reviews
Are you using an SSD in your system yet?
Crucial P3 Plus ($65 — $80)
Pros
- An affordable PCIe 4.0 SSD. One of the cheapest ways to step up to the newer NVMe generation.
- Above-average speeds. Up to 5,000 MB/s read and 4,200 MB/s write — significantly faster than PCIe 3.0 models.
- Large capacities at a reasonable price. Versions up to 4TB make it great for storing games and media.
- PCIe 3.0 compatibility. Works with older motherboards while maintaining backward compatibility.
Cons
- No DRAM cache. Like the Kingston NV2, speed tanks during long file copies and large file work.
- Middling write endurance. Falls short of more expensive solutions, which may be noticeable under active workloads.
- Not optimal for professional tasks. For editing and 3D rendering, models with DRAM and more consistent speeds are better.
User Reviews
ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro ($70 — $85)
Pros
- High-speed PCIe 3.0. Reads up to 3,500 MB/s and writes up to 3,000 MB/s — nearly the max for Gen 3.
- Includes a DRAM cache. Ensures stable performance under heavy loads and when transferring large files.
- Excellent price-to-reliability ratio. One of the best mid-tier options for endurance and component quality.
- Includes a heatsink. Helps keep temperatures in check even during intensive tasks.
Cons
- Not PCIe 4.0. For future upgrades and top-tier GPUs, its speed could become a limiting factor.
- Priced higher than basic PCIe 3.0 solutions. The performance difference isn't always justified for everyday tasks.
- Declining availability. Different revisions with varying controllers are increasingly common on the market.
User Reviews
PNY XLR8 CS3140 ($90 — $110)
Pros
- An affordable option among fast PCIe 4.0 drives. One of the best-value SSDs with speeds over 7,000 MB/s.
- High read/write speeds. Up to 7,500/6,850 MB/s provides smooth performance in any modern game and speeds up work with large files.
- Comes with a heatsink. Simplifies installation and protects against overheating with no extra cost.
- Support for large capacities. Available in up to 4TB, making it versatile for both games and storing work projects.
Cons
- Noticeable heat under load. Even with the heatsink, it can get quite warm during long transfers.
- Write endurance is lower than top models. TBW is sufficient for average users but falls short of flagships.
- Can sometimes be hard to find in stock, and the price fluctuates with supply.
User Reviews
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX ($100 — $130)
Pros
- Optimized for gaming and consoles. Certified for PlayStation 5 and fully unlocks the potential of modern PCs.
- Very high PCIe 4.0 speeds. Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write — comfortable even for heavy editing and 3D rendering.
- Effective low-profile heatsink. Provides good heat dissipation without interfering with GPU installation in compact builds.
- High write endurance. The 2TB model offers up to 1,400 TBW, making it reliable under intense use.
Cons
- Priced above average. More expensive than most budget PCIe 4.0 SSDs, which may deter users on a tight budget.
- Higher power consumption. Can run hotter than budget solutions in systems with poor cooling.
- Overkill for a basic upgrade. Its capabilities may go unused in an office PC or a simple gaming build.
User Reviews
Kingston Fury Renegade ($95 — $120)
Pros
- Geared towards gamers and enthusiasts. High speeds (up to 7,300/7,000 MB/s) provide instant game loads and smooth handling of heavy content.
- Advanced Phison E18 controller. One of the best solutions for PCIe 4.0, guaranteeing stable peak performance.
- Effective included heatsink. Reduces throttling even under sustained loads and fits in tight cases.
- Large capacities and reliability. Available in up to 4TB with high endurance (up to 4,000 TBW).
Cons
- High price tag. Significantly more expensive than budget PCIe 4.0 models, making it a choice mainly for demanding users.
- Overkill for simple tasks. The speed difference will be unnoticeable in an office PC or for just browsing and messaging.
- Can heat up under extreme scenarios. Without the heatsink, temperatures can reach throttling levels.
User Reviews
Patriot Viper VP4300 ($100 — $125)
Pros
- Focus on longevity and endurance. Above-average TBW (up to 2,000 TBW for 2TB), making it reliable under heavy workloads.
- Excellent PCIe 4.0 performance. Speeds up to 7,400/6,800 MB/s are on par with top-tier market models.
- Two cooling options. Comes with both a graphene thermal pad and a massive heatsink for different case types.
- Versatility. Suitable for both gaming and work tasks with large files (editing, 3D, databases).
Cons
- Price is above average. Despite great specs, it costs more than most "mainstream" NVMe drives.
- Demands good cooling. Heats up quickly during intensive tasks without a heatsink.
User Reviews
What SSD capacity do you consider optimal for yourself?
Samsung 980 Pro ($100 — $140)
Pros
- One of the fastest PCIe 4.0 models. Up to 7,000 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write deliver top-tier performance.
- High write endurance and reliability. Samsung traditionally makes long-lasting drives with excellent quality control.
- Great for next-gen gaming. Works excellently with DirectStorage and fast loading in modern titles.
- Effective cooling. Heatsink versions are available that handle even sustained workloads.
Cons
- High price. Cost is noticeably higher than most competitors, especially in larger capacities.
- Overkill for simple tasks. The difference from more affordable models will be minimal for an office PC or daily use.
- Can get hot without a heatsink. May overheat and throttle in compact cases.
User Reviews
Samsung 990 EVO ($85 — $105)
Pros
- PCIe 4.0/5.0 hybrid. Can work in both older systems and new PCIe 5.0 platforms, making it a great "future-proof" upgrade option.
- Above-average speeds. Up to 5,000 MB/s read and 4,200 MB/s write — a good balance between budget and flagship models.
- Low power consumption. Runs cooler than most fast NVMe drives, suitable for compact builds.
- Samsung brand reliability. Stable firmware, good optimization, and traditionally high quality.
Cons
- Speed doesn't match top-tier PCIe 4.0 solutions. For tasks requiring high sustained speeds, other models are better.
- Priced higher than budget SSDs. Costs more than Crucial or Kingston drives with similar speeds.
- Not the best choice for heavy editing. Could be a limiting factor for workstations.
User Reviews
Samsung 990 Pro ($110 — $160)
Pros
- The PCIe 4.0 flagship. Speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s make it one of the fastest Gen 4 drives available.
- Maximum reliability. High endurance (up to 2,400 TBW for 2TB) and advanced data protection algorithms.
- Optimized for gaming and demanding apps. Supports DirectStorage and enables instant loading in modern projects.
- Advanced cooling system. Built-in temperature sensors and an effective heatsink (in Heatsink versions) help avoid throttling.
Cons
- Very high price. Significantly more expensive than most competitors with similar specs.
- Overkill for basic use. The difference will be hard to notice in office or simple gaming PCs.
- PCIe 5.0 is on the horizon. May lose its "top dog" status in the coming years with new standards emerging.
User Reviews
***
Modern NVMe SSDs are no longer a niche solution — they're essential components for any up-to-date PC. When choosing a drive, it's important to consider not just the interface speed, but also factors like write endurance, cooling, and stability under load.
For everyday tasks, affordable entry-level models are sufficient. For gaming and workstations, faster solutions with high capacity are a better fit. For professional work with big data, drives focused on durability and maximum performance are optimal.
In the end, your choice depends on the tasks you need your system to perform and the budget you have available. The key is to aim for a balance of price, speed, and reliability; then your new SSD will serve you well for a long time and provide a smooth experience with any application.
About the author
Arkadiy Andrienko
Author of articles and news
As a technical journalist for VGTimes, I equally enjoy discussing the latest graphics cards and delving into the intricacies of classic RPGs. Since 2018, I have been writing about games and hardware; my experience in sound engineering has allowed me to understand the nuances of audio technologies well, and I am always on the lookout for something new in the realm of gaming hardware. When I'm not writing about technology, I'm likely exploring the post-apocalyptic wastelands in Fallout, managing a colony in RimWorld, or commanding armies in Hearts of Iron IV. For me, gaming is more than just a hobby—it's a passion that fuels my creativity and keeps me connected to the ever-evolving world of technology.
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