Best SSD Under 50: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

Solid state drives (SSDs) are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer faster data access times and lower power consumption than traditional hard drives. However, SSDs can be quite expensive, so finding one that fits your budget can be challenging. In this buying guide, we'll show you some of the best SSDs under $50 that offer great value for money. We'll also give you some tips on what to look for when choosing an SSD, so you can make the best decision for your needs.

When looking for an SSD under $50, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the drive's read and write speeds. The faster the better, as it will help your computer feel more responsive. Second, look at the drive's capacity. A larger drive will obviously cost more, but it will also give you more room to store your files. Finally, make sure the SSD is compatible with your computer. Most SSDs will work with both PCs and Macs, but there are a few that are designed specifically for one or the other.

Top 5 Best SSD Under 50: Reviews 2023

Top 5 Best SSD Under 50: Reviews 2023
Top 5 Best SSD Under 50: Reviews 2023

Now that you know what to look for in an SSD, let's take a look at our top picks for budget-friendly SSDs under $50.

Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD - Link

Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5
Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5

There are a few things to consider before purchasing an SSD, such as price, capacity, speed, and compatibility. Below is a list of pros and cons for the Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD (SA400S37/240G), which is an SSD that is available for under $50.

Pros:

  • More affordable than other SSDs on the market
  • Increased performance over traditional HDDs
  • Low power consumption
  • Shock and vibration resistant

Cons:

  • Lower capacity than some other SSDs (but still plenty of room for most users)
  • Slower write speeds than some other SSDs

Overall, the Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD is a great option for those looking to upgrade from a traditional HDD to an SSD, as it offers increased performance at a much more affordable price point than many other SSDs on the market. However, it is important to keep in mind that it has slower write speeds than some other SSDs and a lower capacity, so it may not be the best choice for power users or those who need a lot of storage space.

Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD - Link

Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E250B/AM)
Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E250B/AM)

Samsung's SSD 860 EVO is one of the best values on the market for an SSD. At only $50, it offers fast read and write speeds, making it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their computer's storage. The drive is also very reliable and durable, meaning you won't have to worry about it failing any time soon. Overall, the Samsung SSD 860 EVO is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality SSD at a reasonable price.

Pros:

  • Fast read and write speeds
  • Very good value for the price
  • Reliable and durable

Cons:

  • None that we could find!

Western Digital 250GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD - Link

Western Digital 250GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5
Western Digital 250GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5

Western Digital 250GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD is a SATA III 6 Gb/s 2.5"/7mm solid state drive that offers up to 550 MB/s sequential read and 520 MB/s sequential write speeds. It is one of the most affordable SSDs on the market, with a price tag of just under $50. The drive is backed by a 3-year limited warranty from Western Digital.

Pros:

  • Affordable price tag.
  • Excellent sequential read and write speeds.
  • 3-year limited warranty from Western Digital.

Cons:

  • Not the most feature-rich SSD on the market.
  • Some users have reported reliability issues.
  • 3-year limited warranty may not be sufficient for some users.

Overall, the Western Digital 250GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable SSD with good performance. However, it is worth noting that some users have reported reliability issues and that the 3-year limited warranty may not be enough for some people.

Crucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - Link

Crucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - CT250MX500SSD1
Crucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - CT250MX500SSD1

The Crucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD is still an excellent SSD option, particularly for those who are looking for an affordable and reliable storage solution. The drive's affordable price point, excellent speed and performance, and good brand reputation make it a great choice for anyone in the market for a new SSD. Additionally, the 3D NAND technology used in this drive provides better durability and longevity than older 2D NAND drives, while the SATA III compatibility ensures easy installation and use. Finally, the 2.5-inch form factor makes the drive compatible with most laptops and desktops, and the included 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer provides peace of mind. However, it is worth noting that the Crucial MX500 is not the fastest SSD on the market, and it may not be ideal for gamers or other users who require the absolute highest storage speeds. Additionally, the drive's capacity is lower than some other SSDs on the market, and the lack of included accessories can be a drawback for some users. Overall, though, the Crucial MX500 is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable SSD.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Excellent speed and performance
  • Good brand reputation
  • 3D NAND technology for better durability and longevity
  • SATA III compatibility for easy installation and use
  • 2.5-inch form factor for compatibility with most laptops and desktops
  • comes with a limited 5-year warranty from the manufacturer
  • available in multiple capacities to suit your needs

Cons:

  • Not the fastest SSD on the market
  • Lower capacity than some other SSDs
  • Shorter warranty period than some other brands
  • No included accessories
  • Requires compatible hard drive enclosure or adapter for installation
  • Not ideal for gaming or other high-end applications that require the absolute fastest storage speeds
  • Can be more expensive than a traditional hard drive

SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD - Link

SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5
SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5

The SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD is a good option for those looking for an affordable SATA III 6 Gb/s SSD. It offers good read and write speeds, and is from a reliable brand. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as a lower capacity than some other options and potentially not being the fastest option available.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Good read and write speeds
  • Reliable brand

Cons:

  • Lower capacity than some other options in this price range
  • May not be the fastest option available

Buying Guide for the Best SSD Under $50

There are many budget-friendly SSDs on the market today, but which one is the best for you? In this buying guide, we'll help you narrow down your choices and find the best SSD for under $50.

We'll start by taking a look at some of the most important factors to consider when choosing an SSD, including storage capacity, read/write speeds, and compatibility. Then, we'll share our top picks for budget-friendly SSDs that offer great performance without breaking the bank.

Storage Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an SSD is storage capacity. How much storage space do you need? If you're only using your SSD for basic tasks like storing documents and browsing the web, a lower-capacity SSD should suffice. However, if you plan on storing large files or installing programs on your SSD, you'll need a higher-capacity model.

Read/Write Speeds

Another important factor to consider is read/write speeds. How fast do you need your SSD to be? If you're only using your SSD for basic tasks like storing documents and browsing the web, a lower-speed SSD should suffice. However, if you plan on using your SSD for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, you'll need a high-speed model.

Compatibility

You'll also want to make sure that your SSD is compatible with your computer's operating system and other hardware. Most SSDs are compatible with Windows and MacOS, but there are a few that only work with specific operating systems. Make sure to check the compatibility of your SSD before making a purchase.

What Is SSD Storage ?

An SSD, or solid state drive, is a type of computer storage that uses flash memory instead of traditional spinning hard drives. SSDs are faster, more reliable, and use less power than HDDs. However, they are also more expensive.

SSD storage is becoming increasingly popular in laptops, Ultrabooks, and even desktop computers. Many new computers now come with an SSD as the primary storage device, with a larger HDD used for secondary storage.

If you're considering upgrading to an SSD, there are a few things you should know. First, SSDs come in different form factors (2.5-inch or M.2), so make sure you get the right one for your computer. Second, SSDs typically have less capacity than HDDs (64GB to 512GB vs. 1TB to 8TB), so you'll need to decide how much storage you need. Finally, SSDs are more expensive than HDDs, so you'll need to factor that into your budget.

How to Initialize SSD ?

As with any new drive, we recommend that you format and partition the SSD according to your needs. This will ensure that the drive is properly optimized for your system. For example, if you're using an SSD as a boot drive, you'll want to make sure that it's formatted as a bootable drive. Otherwise, you may experience issues when trying to boot from the SSD.

There are a few different ways to format and partition an SSD. You can use your operating system's built-in tools, such as Disk Management in Windows or Disk Utility in macOS. Alternatively, you can use third-party software, such as EaseUS Partition Master Free.

Let's take a look at how to format and partition an SSD using Disk Management in Windows.

  1. First, open Disk Management by pressing Windows Key + R, then type diskmgmt.msc into the Run dialog and press Enter.
  2. Disk Management will now open. Right-click on the SSD that you want to format and select Format.
  3. In the Format window, make sure that the File System is set to NTFS and that the Allocation Unit Size is set to Default. Then, click OK to start the formatting process.
  4. Once the formatting is complete, right-click on the SSD again and select New Simple Volume.
  5. This will launch the New Simple Volume Wizard. Click Next to continue.
  6. On the next screen, you'll be asked how much space you want to allocate for the new volume. Make sure to leave some unallocated space on the SSD so that you can create additional partitions if needed. Once you've decided on the size of the new volume, click Next to continue.
  7. On the next screen, you'll be asked to assign a drive letter or path for the new volume. We recommend leaving the default option selected and clicking Next.
  8. On the next screen, you'll be asked to format the new volume. We recommend selecting the NTFS file system and keeping the Allocation Unit Size at Default. Then, click Next to continue.
  9. Finally, review your choices and click Finish to create the new volume.

You can now use the new volume just like any other drive on your system. If you need to create additional partitions, simply repeat the steps above. And that's all there is to formatting and partitioning an SSD.

Benefits of Using a SSD Under $50

There are many benefits of using a SSD under $50.

Speed

One of the most obvious benefits is the increased speed. With a traditional hard drive, data is stored on spinning disks. This can lead to slower data access and longer boot times. A SSD doesn't have any moving parts, so data can be accessed much faster. This can lead to shorter boot times and quicker load times for programs and files.

Durability

Another benefit of SSDs is that they're much more durable than traditional hard drives. Hard drives are susceptible to physical damage from things like drops and bumps. SSDs are much more resistant to physical damage and can withstand more wear and tear. This means that they're less likely to fail or become corrupted over time.

Less Power Consumption

Finally, SSDs use less power than traditional hard drives. This means that they can help extend the battery life of laptops and other devices that use them. For example, a laptop with a traditional hard drive may only get around four hours of battery life, while a laptop with a SSD can last for six hours or more.

Overall, there are many benefits of using a SSD under $50. They're much faster than traditional hard drives, more durable, and use less power. If you're looking for an upgrade to your current storage situation, a SSD is definitely worth considering.

Types of SSDs Under $50

There are many different types of SSDs on the market today, and they vary considerably in terms of price. Here, we'll take a look at some of the best SSDs you can find for under $50.

The Entry-Level Model

The first type of SSD to consider is the entry-level model. These drives are typically smaller in capacity and offer lower performance than more expensive models. However, they're still a great option if you're looking for an affordable way to upgrade your PC or laptop.

Some of the best entry-level SSDs include the Kingston A400, Crucial BX200, and Samsung 850 EVO. These drives all offer good performance and reliability, and they're available in a range of capacities.

The Mid-Range SSD

If you're looking for a bit more performance, then you might want to consider an mid-range SSD. These drives offer more features and higher capacities than entry-level models, but they still come in at a reasonable price.

Some of the best mid-range SSDs include the Samsung 860 EVO, SanDisk Ultra 3D, and WD Blue 3D NAND. These drives offer excellent performance and reliability, and they're available in a range of capacities.

The High-end SSD

Finally, if you're looking for the ultimate in performance and capacity, then you'll want to consider a high-end SSD. These drives offer the largest capacities and the fastest speeds, but they come at a premium price.

Some of the best high-end SSDs include the Samsung 960 EVO, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and WD Black 3D NAND. These drives offer the best performance and reliability, and they're available in a range of capacities.

So, there you have it - a look at some of the best SSDs you can find for under $50. No matter what your budget or needs, there's an SSD out there that's perfect for you.

Expert Tips for Maintaining Your Under-$50 SSD

  • Keep your drive clean and dust-free.
  • Avoid physical damage to your drive.
  • Store your drive in a cool, dry place.
  • Use a reliable data backup solution.
  • Keep your SSD firmware up to date.
  • Disable unnecessary features.
  • Use a disk optimizer tool to improve performance.
  • Avoid using your SSD for temporary files.
  • Use a secure erase utility to sanitize your drive before selling it.
  • Consult with a qualified SSD technician if you have any questions or concerns about maintaining your drive.

By following these expert tips, you can keep your under-50 SSD in top condition and enjoy years of reliable use.

Buy them at eBay, Walmart, Etsy (subject to availability)

Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD SA400S37/240G - HDD Replacement for Increase - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E250B/AM) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Western Digital 250GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5"/7mm, Up to - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Crucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - CT250MX500SSD1 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5"/7mm, Up to 530 MB/s - - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s - CT240BX500SSD1 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

PNY CS900 240GB 3D NAND 2.5" SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Silicon Power 256GB - NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 2280 SSD (SP256GBP34A60M28) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Western Digital 250GB WD Blue SN550 NVMe Internal SSD - Gen3 x4 PCIe 8Gb/s, M.2 2280, 3D - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Kingston 250GB A2000 M.2 2280 Nvme Internal SSD PCIe Up to 2000MB/S with Full Security - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for $50 or Less SSD Buyers

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great SSD. In fact, there are plenty of good options available for $50 or less. If you're looking for the best possible performance, you'll want to spend more, but if you're just looking for a fast and reliable drive, any of these options will do the trick.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of shipping when you're comparing prices, as some drives may be cheaper when purchased online. And remember that you'll need an adapter or special cable if you're using a 2.5" drive with a desktop PC.

Finally, keep in mind that the capacity listed is only one factor to consider when choosing an SSD. The speed and reliability of the drive are also important, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

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