Contents
The best ssd under 300 is the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB. This model offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s. It is perfect for gamers and tech enthusiasts who need high performance. The Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is our value pick, providing decent speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, but it lacks the sheer speed of our top choice.
Most buyers will face a choice between capacity and transfer speed. Samsung’s model for performance and Sandisk’s for portability gives you options. The rest of this page helps you explore more choices and details about these SSDs.
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The Top 8
These are the strongest picks that come in under $300, cheapest first.
Top 8 Ssds Reviewed in Detail
Now, let’s take a closer look at our top choices for budget SSDs.
1. Editor’s Choice
Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 2.5 Inch SSD
- Capacity 256GB Latest SATA 3 Controller
- Built in end-to-end data path protection, SmartECC technology, and Thermal throttling technology
- SEQ Performance Read up to 500MB/s, Write up to 400MB/s
- 4K Aligned Random Write: up to 30K IOPs
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB is our Editor’s Choice for the best ssd under 300. It delivers exceptional speed with up to 7,450 MB/s, making it perfect for gaming and intensive tasks. This capacity is also very generous for users needing extra storage.
Compared to other models, this Samsung SSD shines with its PCIe 4.0 interface. It outperforms virtually all its peers, including the Sandisk options which offer lower read speeds. While the additional capacity and speed come at a higher cost, it is less than other premium SSDs with similar specs.
The primary limitation is its price point. It is more expensive than smaller, lower speed models. If you’re not using it for demanding tasks, you might find a cheaper option more suited to your needs.
Pros
- Up to 7,450 MB/s read speed.
- Large 2TB capacity.
- PCIe 4.0 interface for high performance.
Cons
- Higher priced than smaller models.
- May be overkill for casual users.
Best for: Gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Not ideal for: Casual users with light storage needs.
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB is a powerhouse for those needing speed and capacity.
2. Most Versatile
PNY CS900 500GB 2.5" SATA III Internal SSD
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer and feel the difference with super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance offering up to 550MB/s seq. Read and 500MB/s seq. Write speeds
- Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
The Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is our pick for Most Versatile. It combines large storage with decent speeds. At up to 1,050 MB/s, it is suitable for everyday use, including file transfers or backups.
When compared to the Samsung SSD, it lacks the extreme speed but offers portability. This model is compact and durable, making it a great choice for users on the go. The IP65 rating means it is resistant to water and dust, enhancing its durability.
However, the performance is not as powerful as the Samsung SSD. It is better for users who prioritize storage and durability over speed. If you need high-speed performance, there are stronger options out there.
Pros
- Up to 1,050 MB/s read speed.
- 2TB storage capacity in a portable design.
- IP65 water and dust resistance.
Cons
- Slower than NVMe SSDs.
- Performance may vary based on device.
Best for: Users who need portable storage.
Not ideal for: Those requiring speed for gaming or heavy tasks.
The Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD offers great storage and durability on the go.
3. Best Premium
Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB is a great option for those who want a balance of speed and size. It offers similar technology to the 2TB version but at a smaller capacity. With speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, it is very fast and suitable for gaming.
This model competes closely with the 2TB version. While it has half the storage, it comes at a lower cost, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers. Users looking for speed without needing vast storage will find this model appealing.
However, the limitation is its smaller capacity. If you require more space for games or files, the 2TB option is better. This SSD is more fit for users focused on speed over storage size.
Pros
- Up to 7,450 MB/s read speed.
- 1TB capacity.
- PCIe 4.0 interface for high performance.
Cons
- Limited to 1TB of storage.
- May not meet needs for large file storage.
Best for: Users who need speed without high storage needs.
Not ideal for: Those with extensive storage requirements.
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB is an excellent choice for speed-focused users.
4. Best Splurge
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400)
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 SSD is a budget-friendly choice. It offers decent performance with read speeds up to 500 MB/s and write speeds up to 400 MB/s. This makes it suitable for casual users and those with light storage needs.
In comparison to the other models, it falls short in speed and capacity. While it is the cheapest option, users should consider what they truly need. It is a reliable SSD for basic tasks but won’t perform well for gaming or intensive applications.
Its limitation is its smaller storage size. Users needing more than 256GB may find it insufficient. This model can serve well for light computing but is not suitable for heavy users.
Pros
- Affordable option.
- Decent read speed of 500 MB/s.
- 256GB capacity for light tasks.
Cons
- Limited storage for intensive use.
- Slower compared to NVMe drives.
Best for: Casual users with light storage needs.
Not ideal for: Gamers or heavy users needing speed and capacity.
The Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 SSD is a good choice for basic tasks on a budget.
5. Best Budget
Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 Gen 4×4 | Up to 6000 MB/s | SNV3S/1000G
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4×4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
The Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive is not an SSD but a portable hard drive. It provides 2TB of storage and is easy to use. You can connect it via USB 3.0 for quick access to your files.
When compared to SSDs on this list, it is slower and not as durable. SSDs are generally faster and more resistant to drops. However, for simple file storage, this hard drive does the job well at a lower price point.
Its main limitation is speed. Users looking for the best ssd under 300 should prioritize SSDs over hard drives. If you only need storage without speed, this drive could meet basic needs.
Pros
- 2TB storage capacity.
- USB 3.0 for easy connection.
- Simple drag-and-drop backup.
Cons
- Slower than SSD options.
- Not as durable as SSD drives.
Best for: Users seeking bulk storage.
Not ideal for: Those needing fast data access.
The Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive is a solid choice for basic file storage.
6. Best Heavy-Duty
Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
The Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a strong option for users needing portability. It offers speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, which is fast for a portable SSD. This can help with quick file transfers and backups when on the go.
Compared to the other SSDs, it stands out with its high speed in a compact design. While it may not match the fastest internal SSDs, it provides a great balance for users needing speed in a portable format. Durability features like water and dust resistance enhance its appeal for travel.
The limitation is that it may not have enough storage for heavy users. If you require more than 1TB, you might want to consider larger options. However, for many, this size is sufficient.
Pros
- Up to 2,000 MB/s transfer speed.
- 1TB capacity in a portable design.
- IP65 rating for water and dust resistance.
Cons
- Storage may be limiting for heavy users.
- Performance can vary depending on the device.
Best for: Users needing portable high-speed storage.
Not ideal for: Those with extensive storage needs.
The Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is excellent for speedy, portable file management.
7. Best Value
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung’s own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician’s advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD is aimed at creative professionals. It provides fast PCIe 4.0 speeds, with read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s. This is great for running applications quickly and handling large files.
When stacked against other models, it offers a unique combination of performance and moderate storage. While 500GB may be limiting, the speed is impressive. Users needing fast access for projects will find it beneficial, especially in creative tasks.
However, the limitation lies in its capacity. Those needing more than 500GB may find it lacking. For users focused more on speed than storage, this SSD could be an excellent fit.
Pros
- Read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s.
- 500GB capacity ideal for fast tasks.
- PCIe 4.0 technology for performance.
Cons
- Limited to 500GB of storage.
- Not suitable for extensive file collections.
Best for: Creative professionals needing speed.
Not ideal for: Casual users needing more storage.
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD is perfect for users focused on speed for creative work.
8. Runner-Up
Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s Transfer Speeds-New Model
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD is another excellent choice for performance. With read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s, it works well for demanding applications. This SSD is great for creators who need quick access to files.
In the lineup, it competes well with other high-speed options. The additional capacity of 1TB makes it more suitable for users needing more storage. It balances speed with a larger size compared to its 500GB sibling.
However, it may be more than some users need. If you only perform light tasks, a less expensive model may be more economical. Overall, it is a solid option for users who demand speed and capacity.
Pros
- Read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s.
- 1TB storage capacity for larger projects.
- PCIe 4.0 interface for fast performance.
Cons
- High speed may not be necessary for casual users.
- Price may not fit all budgets.
Best for: Users looking for speed and larger capacity.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers with light needs.
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD is an excellent choice for creative tasks requiring speed.
Ssds Compared Side by Side
This table compares the best ssd under 300. You will see key features like speed, capacity, and type. Check the columns that fit your needs best.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB | Editor's Choice | Samsung | $389.99 | Check |
| 2 | Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD | Most Versatile | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $289.99 | Check |
| 3 | Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB | Best Premium | Samsung | $239.99 | Check |
| 4 | Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 2.5 Inch SSD | Best Splurge | Patriot Memory | $37.99 | Check |
| 5 | Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 | Best Budget | Seagate | $129.99 | Check |
| 6 | Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD | Best Heavy-Duty | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $259.46 | Check |
| 7 | Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD | Best Value | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $109.99 | Check |
| 8 | Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD | Runner-Up | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $194.46 | Check |
| 9 | PNY CS900 500GB 2.5" SATA III Internal SSD | — | PNY | $89.89 | Check |
| 10 | Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 Gen 4×4 |… | — | Kingston Digital, Inc | $159 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered information from various trusted sources, including manufacturer websites and tech review sites. We focused on specifications and performance tests provided by brands.
How we built this shortlist
We looked at over 20 SSDs under $300 and filtered for capacity and speed. The final list includes the best-performing options that meet budget constraints.
What we ruled out and why
Models lacking solid performance specs or low read/write speeds were excluded. We also removed any with poor reviews or unreliable features.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing, lab measurements, or personal experiences were included in this review. All information is based on publicly available data.
How often this page is updated
This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in product availability and specifications. We aim to keep it current every few months.
What to look for
Speed Matters
The read and write speeds of an SSD are important for performance. Look for at least 1,000 MB/s for general use. For gaming or heavy tasks, aim for 5,000 MB/s or higher.
Capacity Needs
Consider how much storage you need. A 1TB SSD is suitable for most users. If you store many large files or games, consider 2TB or more.
Connection Type
Choose between SATA and NVMe for your SSD. NVMe drives offer faster speeds but are usually more expensive. SATA is a good budget-friendly option.
Durability Features
Look for SSDs with good durability ratings, especially if you travel. Features like water and dust resistance are key for portable models.
Warranty and Support
A good warranty can provide confidence. Look for at least a 3-year warranty. Solid customer support from the brand can be helpful if you face issues.
How to Choose Ssds
Assess Your Usage
Think about what you will use the SSD for. If you’re gaming, look for high speeds. For everyday tasks, a lower speed may be fine.
Prioritize Speed
Aim for higher read/write speeds for better performance. A minimum of 1,000 MB/s is necessary for basic tasks, while gamers should look for 3,000 MB/s or more.
Consider Storage Size
Choose a storage size that meets your needs. A 1TB SSD is generally the best balance for most users. If you have large files or many games, opt for 2TB.
Check Compatibility
Make sure the SSD fits your device. NVMe drives require specific slots, while SATA drives are more universally compatible.
Look for User Reviews
Read user reviews to understand real-world performance. Reviews can highlight issues you may not find in specs alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ssd under 300?
The top choice is the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, known for its high speed and performance.
How much storage do I need in an SSD?
For most users, 1TB is sufficient. Gamers or those with large files may need 2TB.
What is the difference between SATA and NVMe?
SATA is slower and more affordable, while NVMe is faster and ideal for gaming or heavy tasks.
Can I use an SSD for gaming?
Yes, SSDs improve load times in games. Look for high-speed options for the best experience.
Are portable SSDs worth it?
Portable SSDs are great for easy access to your files. Look for durability features if you travel.
Shopping around? We have 53 more ssd guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR computer specs ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- NIST cybersecurity guidance NIST
About the author
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