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- Best overall: Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD
- Best budget: Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
- Best premium: Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
- Best for a SATA laptop upgrade: WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
- Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD is the best fit for a 2.5-inch SATA upgrade, with sequential reads up to 560 MB/s.
- Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is a compact PCIe 3.0 option with sequential reads up to 2,100 MB/s.
- Choose an SSD by checking your device’s supported form factor, interface, capacity and slot before buying.
- Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD and Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD offer faster NVMe alternatives.
Crucial MX500 vs Kingston NV1 Black Friday 2026 comes down to fit and interface: Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD suits computers with a 2.5-inch SATA bay, while Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD fits compatible M.2 NVMe slots. The Crucial drive reaches sequential reads up to 560 MB/s; the Kingston drive reaches up to 2,100 MB/s. Neither speed figure matters if a computer does not support the drive’s connection.
I’m Marcus Reed, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to assemble practical Black Friday 2026 SSD picks. The list covers familiar SATA upgrades, affordable NVMe storage and a faster premium option. My pick for most people depends on the computer: choose the Crucial MX500 for a SATA replacement, or an NVMe drive for a compatible M.2 slot. Check the exact product variant and device requirements before choosing capacity.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer specifications for interface, form factor, capacity and sequential performance.
- Included 2.5-inch SATA and M.2 NVMe options for different desktop and laptop upgrade paths.
- Considered published endurance ratings where the manufacturer provides a clear figure.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product documentation for common compatibility and installation concerns.
- Selected established product lines across entry-level, everyday and premium performance categories.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Interface | Sequential read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD | 2.5-inch SATA upgrades | 1TB | SATA 6Gb/s | Up to 560 MB/s |
| Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | Entry-level M.2 NVMe upgrades | 1TB | PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe | Up to 2,100 MB/s |
| Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | Everyday NVMe storage | 1TB | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD | SATA system upgrades | 1TB | SATA 6Gb/s | Up to 560 MB/s |
| WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | Older laptops and desktops | 1TB | SATA 6Gb/s | Up to 560 MB/s |
| Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Everyday PCIe 3.0 systems | 1TB | PCIe 3.0 NVMe | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | Fast modern NVMe storage | 1TB | PCIe 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 | Up to 7,150 MB/s |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD
The Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD is the best SATA upgrade for laptop and desktop owners replacing a 2.5-inch drive, with sequential reads up to 560 MB/s. The Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD's standard SATA connection suits older systems that lack an NVMe slot.
Best for: 2.5-inch SATA upgrades
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- 2.5-inch
- Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Sequential read
- Up to 560 MB/s
- Works with many 2.5-inch SATA bays
- Up to 560 MB/s sequential read speed
- Useful capacity for operating systems and apps
- SATA performance is slower than modern NVMe drives
- Requires a compatible 2.5-inch bay and SATA connection
Is the Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD is a sound Black Friday 2026 choice for a computer with a 2.5-inch SATA bay. The Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD's 1TB capacity and sequential reads up to 560 MB/s suit everyday computing and storage upgrades.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
The Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is the best compact pick for compatible PCIe 3.0 systems seeking a simple M.2 upgrade, with sequential reads up to 2,100 MB/s. Confirm that the computer supports NVMe rather than M.2 SATA before selecting it.
Best for: Entry-level M.2 NVMe upgrades
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- M.2 2280
- Interface
- PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe
- Sequential read
- Up to 2,100 MB/s
- Compact M.2 2280 design
- Faster sequential reads than SATA SSDs
- Suitable for compatible PCIe 3.0 systems
- Not compatible with every M.2 slot
- Performance and components can vary by production batch
Is the Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is worth considering for a compatible PCIe 3.0 computer that needs an affordable 1TB M.2 drive. The Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD's sequential read rating reaches 2,100 MB/s, but confirm NVMe support and slot clearance first.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
The Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is the best budget NVMe choice for a compatible PCIe system, with sequential reads up to 3,500 MB/s. The M.2 2280 format keeps installation compact, while device support determines whether the drive runs at its full interface speed.
Best for: Everyday NVMe storage
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- M.2 2280
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
- Sequential read
- Up to 3,500 MB/s
- Up to 3,500 MB/s sequential reads
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- Supports PCIe 4.0 systems
- Computer must support M.2 NVMe
- Drive components can vary between production runs
Is the Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is a practical 1TB pick for compatible systems that need faster storage than SATA. The Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD's listed sequential read speed reaches 3,500 MB/s, and older PCIe systems can limit its peak transfer rate.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD is the best established SATA option for an everyday computer upgrade, with sequential reads up to 560 MB/s and writes up to 530 MB/s. The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD's 2.5-inch design targets systems with a standard SATA bay.
Best for: Reliable-feeling SATA system upgrades
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- 2.5-inch
- Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Sequential read/write
- Up to 560/530 MB/s
- Sequential read and write speeds near the SATA limit
- Broad compatibility with 2.5-inch SATA systems
- Samsung Magician software support
- Cannot match NVMe transfer speeds
- Requires a SATA bay or suitable connection
Is the Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD is a strong choice for a SATA-compatible computer needing a 1TB replacement drive. The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD's sequential ratings reach 560 MB/s read and 530 MB/s write, making it suitable for everyday workloads.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
The WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD is the best straightforward option for replacing a 2.5-inch hard drive, with sequential reads up to 560 MB/s. The WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD's familiar SATA form factor suits many older laptops and desktops, but not systems that accept only M.2 drives.
Best for: Older laptops and desktops
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- 2.5-inch
- Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Sequential read/write
- Up to 560/520 MB/s
- Standard 2.5-inch SATA format
- Sequential reads up to 560 MB/s
- Useful upgrade path from a hard drive
- SATA limits peak performance
- Check laptop thickness and bay compatibility
Is the WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD is worth considering for an older laptop or desktop with a compatible SATA bay. The drive offers 1TB capacity and sequential reads up to 560 MB/s, a suitable match for everyday storage.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best value-focused NVMe option for compatible everyday computers, with sequential reads up to 3,500 MB/s. The Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's 1TB capacity handles applications and files, while its PCIe 3.0 interface suits systems that do not need a premium drive.
Best for: Everyday PCIe 3.0 systems
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- M.2 2280
- Interface
- PCIe 3.0 NVMe
- Sequential read/write
- Up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s
- Fast sequential reads for a PCIe 3.0 drive
- Compact M.2 2280 format
- 1TB capacity for apps and media
- Requires an NVMe-compatible M.2 slot
- QLC design is not aimed at heavy sustained writes
Is the Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a useful option for compatible systems focused on daily computing and file storage. The Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's sequential read rating reaches 3,500 MB/s; users with heavy, sustained write workloads should compare drive endurance and workload needs.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD is the best premium pick for a newer compatible computer, with sequential reads up to 7,150 MB/s. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD's PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 support offers a high-speed upgrade path, provided the system and cooling setup match.
Best for: Fast modern NVMe storage
- Capacity
- 1TB
- Form factor
- M.2 2280
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2
- Sequential read/write
- Up to 7,150/6,300 MB/s
- High sequential transfer ratings
- Works across supported PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 configurations
- Compact M.2 2280 design
- Needs a compatible M.2 NVMe slot
- Older computers cannot use its full speed
Is the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD is a capable 1TB upgrade for a newer computer with a compatible M.2 slot. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD's sequential read speed reaches 7,150 MB/s, making it a strong fit for demanding storage and fast file transfers.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Crucial MX500 vs Kingston NV1: which SSD should you choose?
Choose Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD for a 2.5-inch SATA bay, or Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD for an NVMe-compatible M.2 slot. Their sequential read ratings are up to 560 MB/s and 2,100 MB/s, respectively.
The drives are not physical replacements for each other. Check your computer’s manual for the supported form factor and interface; an M.2 slot does not guarantee NVMe support.
Is the Crucial MX500 a good Black Friday 2026 SSD pick?
Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD suits systems needing a 2.5-inch SATA replacement. Its read rating of up to 560 MB/s approaches SATA’s practical ceiling, making compatibility its main strength.
Confirm the computer has a 2.5-inch bay, SATA connection and suitable drive clearance. M.2-only systems need a different drive, such as Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD or Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, if supported.
Is the Kingston NV1 still worth considering?
Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD suits compatible PCIe 3.0 systems needing compact storage. Its sequential read rating is up to 2,100 MB/s. Confirm NVMe support, card length and socket compatibility before buying.
For comparison, Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD lists sequential reads up to 3,500 MB/s. Check the exact product variant and warranty details, especially for frequent large file transfers.
Which SSD is best for a laptop upgrade?
Match the drive to the laptop’s supported format and interface. Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD fits compatible 2.5-inch SATA bays; Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD requires an NVMe-compatible M.2 slot.
Check the laptop’s support page or service manual for bay dimensions, interface and M.2 card length. WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD is another 2.5-inch SATA option. Back up files before installation.
What should you compare before buying an SSD?
Compare interface, form factor, capacity, sequential speed, endurance and warranty. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD lists reads up to 7,150 MB/s, but actual performance depends on system support and workload.
Verify the exact model number and listing. Product families include different capacities and formats; confirm an available compatible slot or SATA port before buying.
Buying Guide
Check the connection first
Confirm whether the computer requires a 2.5-inch SATA drive or M.2 NVMe. Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD uses SATA; Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD uses NVMe. An M.2 slot alone does not confirm compatibility.
Choose enough capacity
A 1TB SSD holds an operating system, applications and everyday files. Large game, video or photo libraries need more space. Check available capacities and allow room for future files.
Match the drive to the workload
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD suits compatible SATA systems. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD suits compatible systems needing higher sequential transfer ratings. Check endurance for frequent writes.
Read the full product listing
Verify the model number, interface, capacity, warranty and included accessories on the exact Black Friday 2026 listing. Confirm fit and compatibility before comparing features.
FAQ
Crucial MX500 vs Kingston NV1: which is faster?
Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD has the higher sequential read rating, up to 2,100 MB/s, compared with up to 560 MB/s for Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD. The drives use different interfaces, so computer compatibility is the first deciding factor.
Can I replace a Crucial MX500 with a Kingston NV1?
Only if the computer supports an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD is a 2.5-inch SATA drive, while Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is an M.2 NVMe card. Check the computer manual before choosing a replacement.
Is a 2.5-inch SATA SSD still a good buy in 2026?
Yes. Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gb/s Internal SSD remains a useful option for compatible laptops and desktops that need a 2.5-inch replacement drive. SATA speeds suit everyday computing, and the format supports upgrades on systems without an NVMe slot.
Which SSD is best for an older laptop?
WD Blue SA510 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD is a sensible choice when an older laptop has a standard 2.5-inch SATA bay. For a laptop with a compatible M.2 NVMe slot, Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is an alternative. Check the laptop’s drive specifications first.
Is Kingston NV2 faster than Kingston NV1?
Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD has a listed sequential read speed up to 3,500 MB/s, compared with up to 2,100 MB/s for Kingston NV1 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. Actual results depend on system support, workload and drive configuration.