SSDs comparison
Compare SSDs — capacity, sequential read/write, interface, endurance (TBW), and warranty.
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Best ssds right now
What matters when comparing ssds
This ssds page covers 17 products and compares the measurable fields that most often separate one model from another: capacity, sequential read, sequential write, interface, endurance (tbw). Use the filters to narrow the field, open a product page for the complete readout, and use a head-to-head page when two models are close enough that a category-wide rank is not enough.
How to read the ranking
Mars Score is a normalized category score, not a laboratory replacement and not a claim that the highest-ranked product is right for every buyer. A high score indicates broad strength across the weighted fields; a lower score can still be the better choice when one specific requirement matters more than the average.
Read the scoring methodology →Top of the current catalog
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Brands in ssds
How to choose an SSD in 2026
Storage decisions in 2026 split between PCIe 4.0 mainstream NVMe (still the price-performance sweet spot), PCIe 5.0 high-end NVMe (DirectStorage and content creation), and bulk SATA / external storage for archival. The Mars Score weights sequential read/write, random IOPS, endurance (TBW), and warranty.
PCIe 4.0 vs PCIe 5.0
PCIe 4.0 x4 drives like the Samsung 990 PRO and WD Black SN850X top out around 7,400 MB/s sequential read. PCIe 5.0 x4 drives like the Samsung 9100 PRO reach 14,800 MB/s. Most workloads — game loading, app launches, video editing — see modest gains from PCIe 5.0 over PCIe 4.0. DirectStorage 1.2 titles and high-bitrate video work see real benefits.
Random IOPS matters more than peak sequential
The numbers on the box (7,000+ MB/s sequential) are not what you experience day-to-day. 4K random read at QD1 is what determines whether Windows feels snappy. Look at our Mars Labs drive reviews for QD1/QD32 mix charts.
Endurance: TBW per terabyte
Premium 2 TB drives ship with 1,200 TBW (Samsung 990 PRO, WD Black SN850X). Budget drives often ship 600 TBW or less. For a primary OS drive that sees heavy writes (caches, swap, Git), prioritize endurance over peak speed.
DRAM cache vs HMB
DRAM-equipped drives sustain write performance under heavy load; DRAM-less drives use Host Memory Buffer to borrow RAM from the system. HMB drives are fine for casual use, slower for sustained writes.
Heatsink and cooling
PCIe 5.0 drives can hit 80–90°C without active cooling and throttle. Use the motherboard-supplied heatsink or buy a model with built-in heatsink. PCIe 4.0 drives are usually fine without.
Form factor: M.2, U.2, SATA
M.2 2280 NVMe is the default for desktops and laptops. U.2 is workstation/server. SATA SSDs persist as bulk storage at ~$50 per terabyte for cold data.
How vsMars scores SSDs
Each score combines interface, sequential and random performance, TBW, warranty, and DRAM cache per the methodology. See motherboards for M.2 slot topology and gaming PCs for matched builds.
Frequently asked
How many ssds are catalogued on vsMars?+
17 ssds from 10 brands are catalogued in this category, each with a complete spec sheet and a transparent Mars Score.
How are ssds ranked?+
Each ssd is scored by the category-specific Mars Score formula — a weighted average of normalized specs with the weights published on the methodology page. No editorial hand-tuning.
Which ssd has the highest Mars Score right now?+
9100 PRO 2TB leads the ssds category with a Mars Score of 85.4.
Can I compare two ssds side by side?+
Yes — pick any two ssds from the category list and the comparison page renders side-by-side specs, advantages on each side, and a Mars Score verdict.