Buying Guide
The Best SATA SSDs
We weighed five SSDs on rated read speed and rated write speed; the 870 EVO 2TB has the highest rated endurance, and the QX 1TB costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A SATA SSD is the simplest upgrade for an older desktop, a laptop with a 2.5-inch bay or a secondary game drive. Every pick uses the SATA III interface, so rated speeds sit between 500MB/s and 560MB/s, so we ordered them by listed read speed and then by price.
The order reflects sequential read, sequential write and endurance from maker specifications; we did not test these SSDs ourselves, and a missing sequential write is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
TEAMGROUP QX 1TB (QLC)
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the SA510 1TB the next step up.
Our take Check price for TEAMGROUP QX 1TB (QLC) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
WD Blue SA510 1TB
A 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops.
Best for: Buyers who want 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops.
Our take Check price for WD Blue SA510 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB
AES 256-bit encryption.
Best for: Buyers who want AES 256-bit encryption.
Our take Check price for Samsung 870 EVO 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
SanDisk Ultra 3D 2TB
3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power.
Best for: Buyers who want 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Ultra 3D 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Endurance
Samsung 870 EVO 2TB
The highest rated endurance here (2,400TBW).
Best for: Buyers who put rated endurance first.
Our take Check price for Samsung 870 EVO 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the SA510 1TB the next step up. | Check price for TEAMGROUP QX 1TB (QLC) (opens in a new tab) |
| A 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops. | Buyers who want 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops. | Check price for WD Blue SA510 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| AES 256-bit encryption. | Buyers who want AES 256-bit encryption. | Check price for Samsung 870 EVO 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power. | Buyers who want 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power. | Check price for SanDisk Ultra 3D 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest rated endurance here (2,400TBW). | Buyers who put rated endurance first. | Check price for Samsung 870 EVO 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
TEAMGROUP QX 1TB (QLC) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The QX 1TB is built around QLC NAND with an SLC cache, with a dual-cache design on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the SA510 1TB the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated write speed matters most to you; the 870 EVO 1TB offers 530MB/s.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 560MB/s rated read speed and offers a 500MB/s rated write speed. On rated write speed it trails the group at 500MB/s, while the 870 EVO 1TB offers 530MB/s. On rated endurance it trails the group at 200TBW, while the 870 EVO 2TB offers 2,400TBW.
It is a SATA 2.5-inch drive, so it needs a free 2.5-inch bay or a mounting bracket plus a SATA data port and a SATA power connector from the power supply. Its speed is capped by the SATA interface at about 560MB/s, so it runs the same in any SATA III port. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the SA510 1TB was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 560MB/s
- Sequential write: 500MB/s
- Endurance: 200TBW
- Interface: SATA III (2.5-inch)
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- QLC NAND with an SLC cache
- Dual-cache design
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
Cons
- Rated write speed trails the 870 EVO 1TB (530MB/s)
- Rated endurance trails the 870 EVO 2TB (2,400TBW)
Also Consider2 of 5
WD Blue SA510 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SA510 1TB stands out for a 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops.
Best for
- Buyers who want 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops.
Skip if
- Its rated write speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also offers a 560MB/s rated read speed and is rated for 1TB. It is a SATA 2.5-inch drive, so it needs a free 2.5-inch bay or a mounting bracket plus a SATA data port and a SATA power connector from the power supply. Its speed is capped by the SATA interface at about 560MB/s, so it runs the same in any SATA III port.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper QX 1TB and the pricier 870 EVO 1TB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its rated write speed; if that figure matters, the 870 EVO 1TB offers 530MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 560MB/s
- Interface: SATA III (2.5-inch)
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops
- 560MB/s rated read speed
- SATA III (2.5-inch) interface
- 1TB capacity
Cons
- No published rated write speed
- Costs more than the QX 1TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the 870 EVO 1TB brings to the table is AES 256-bit encryption, plus Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and health checks.
Best for
- Buyers who want AES 256-bit encryption.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the QX 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 560MB/s rated read speed and offers a 530MB/s rated write speed. It matches the 870 EVO 2TB on rated write speed (530MB/s). Its 600TBW rated endurance ranks second of 3 here, behind the 870 EVO 2TB (2,400TBW) and ahead of the QX 1TB (200TBW).
You also get compatibility testing across chipsets, motherboards and NAS devices. It is a SATA 2.5-inch drive, so it needs a free 2.5-inch bay or a mounting bracket plus a SATA data port and a SATA power connector from the power supply. Its speed is capped by the SATA interface at about 560MB/s, so it runs the same in any SATA III port. It was priced above the SA510 1TB and below the Ultra 3D 2TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 560MB/s
- Sequential write: 530MB/s
- Endurance: 600TBW
- Interface: SATA III (2.5-inch)
- Warranty: 5-year
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and health checks
- Compatibility testing across chipsets, motherboards and NAS devices
Cons
- Costs more than the QX 1TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
SanDisk Ultra 3D 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ultra 3D 2TB is built around 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power, with nCache 2.0 technology on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power.
Skip if
- Its rated endurance is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 560MB/s rated read speed and offers a 520MB/s rated write speed. On rated write speed it sits mid-pack at 520MB/s: the 870 EVO 1TB offers 530MB/s, and the QX 1TB comes in at 500MB/s. You also get shock resistance.
It is a SATA 2.5-inch drive, so it needs a free 2.5-inch bay or a mounting bracket plus a SATA data port and a SATA power connector from the power supply. Its speed is capped by the SATA interface at about 560MB/s, so it runs the same in any SATA III port. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper 870 EVO 1TB and the pricier 870 EVO 2TB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its rated endurance; if that figure matters, the 870 EVO 2TB offers 2,400TBW.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 560MB/s
- Sequential write: 520MB/s
- Interface: SATA III (2.5-inch)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power
- NCache 2.0 technology
- Shock resistance
- Rated write speed of 520MB/s, ahead of the QX 1TB
Cons
- No published rated endurance
- Costs more than the QX 1TB at the time of writing
Highest Rated Endurance5 of 5
Samsung 870 EVO 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 870 EVO 2TB stands out for AES 256-bit TCG Opal encryption, and it adds compatibility testing across chipsets, motherboards and NAS devices.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated endurance first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the QX 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 560MB/s rated read speed and offers a 530MB/s rated write speed. It matches the 870 EVO 1TB on rated write speed (530MB/s). Its 2,400TBW rated endurance is the highest here; the 870 EVO 1TB comes next at 600TBW.
You also get Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and health checks. It is a SATA 2.5-inch drive, so it needs a free 2.5-inch bay or a mounting bracket plus a SATA data port and a SATA power connector from the power supply. Its speed is capped by the SATA interface at about 560MB/s, so it runs the same in any SATA III port.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ultra 3D 2TB the nearest cheaper option. Rated read speed is its weakest area, and the QX 1TB covers it better at 560MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 560MB/s
- Sequential write: 530MB/s
- Endurance: 2,400TBW
- Interface: SATA III (2.5-inch)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- 2,400TBW endurance rating
- AES 256-bit TCG Opal encryption
- Compatibility testing across chipsets, motherboards and NAS devices
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and health checks
Cons
- Costs more than the QX 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These SATA SSDs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, rated endurance and interface as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out rated write speed.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the QX 1TB to the 870 EVO 2TB, state rated read speed, interface and capacity and share SATA III (2.5-inch) interface.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SA510 1TB gives no rated write speed; the SA510 1TB and the Ultra 3D 2TB give no rated endurance.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the QX 1TB ($100 to $150) to the 870 EVO 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an SATA SSD
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated write speed you need
The 870 EVO 1TB tops rated write speed at 530MB/s and the QX 1TB sits lowest at 500MB/s; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the 870 EVO 1TB if rated write speed decides it. The SA510 1TB gives no rated write speed figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Rated endurance
Here rated endurance runs from 200TBW on the QX 1TB to 2,400TBW on the 870 EVO 2TB, an 1100% spread. For less, the 870 EVO 1TB is the runner-up at 600TBW. The SA510 1TB and the Ultra 3D 2TB give no rated endurance figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The 870 EVO 1TB: Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and health checks. The Ultra 3D 2TB: nCache 2.0 technology. The 870 EVO 2TB: compatibility testing across chipsets, motherboards and NAS devices.
Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the QX 1TB; $150 to $250 buys the SA510 1TB; $250 to $500 buys the 870 EVO 1TB, the Ultra 3D 2TB and the 870 EVO 2TB at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending as little as possible, with the SA510 1TB the next step up: the QX 1TB. Buyers who put rated endurance first: the 870 EVO 2TB.
How to Choose an SATA SSD
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the SA510 1TB the next step up | QX 1TB | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops | SA510 1TB | A 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops |
| Buyers who want AES 256-bit encryption | 870 EVO 1TB | AES 256-bit encryption |
| Buyers who want 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power | Ultra 3D 2TB | 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power |
| Buyers who put rated endurance first | 870 EVO 2TB | The highest rated endurance here (2,400TBW) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 870 EVO 1TB leads on rated write speed at 530MB/s, ahead of the 870 EVO 2TB at 530MB/s. "Not listed" marks rated write speed where the SA510 1TB leaves the figure out.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Endurance | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX 1TB | 560MB/s | 500MB/s | 200TBW | SATA III (2.5-inch) |
| SA510 1TB | 560MB/s | Not listed | Not listed | SATA III (2.5-inch) |
| 870 EVO 1TB | 560MB/s | 530MB/s | 600TBW | SATA III (2.5-inch) |
| Ultra 3D 2TB | 560MB/s | 520MB/s | Not listed | SATA III (2.5-inch) |
| 870 EVO 2TB | 560MB/s | 530MB/s | 2,400TBW | SATA III (2.5-inch) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The QX 1TB was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the 870 EVO 2TB the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | QX 1TB |
| About $150 to $250 | SA510 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | 870 EVO 1TB, Ultra 3D 2TB, 870 EVO 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 870 EVO 1TB compare with the 870 EVO 2TB on rated endurance?
The 870 EVO 2TB leads at 2,400TBW, with the 870 EVO 1TB at 600TBW. The QX 1TB is at the other end of this group with 200TBW. The SA510 1TB and the Ultra 3D 2TB are left out of this ranking because their rated endurance isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the 870 EVO 2TB add over the QX 1TB?
The spec sheets show rated write speed (530MB/s against 500MB/s) and rated endurance (2,400TBW against 200TBW) in its favour. On our last price check the QX 1TB was in the $100 to $150 tier and the 870 EVO 2TB in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated write speed and rated endurance decide your purchase.
Why is the 870 EVO 2TB our Highest Rated Endurance pick?
It carries the badge for the highest rated endurance here (2,400TBW). On rated endurance it leads the 870 EVO 1TB, 2,400TBW against 600TBW, a 300% margin. The QX 1TB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts rated endurance first.
Do the QX 1TB and the Ultra 3D 2TB differ on capacity?
The QX 1TB, the SA510 1TB and the 870 EVO 1TB use 1TB; the Ultra 3D 2TB and the 870 EVO 2TB use 2TB.
What extras do the QX 1TB and the SA510 1TB include?
The QX 1TB: QLC NAND with an SLC cache. The SA510 1TB: a 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops. The 870 EVO 1TB: AES 256-bit encryption.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the QX 1TB, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the SA510 1TB for a 7mm 2.5-inch body for slim laptops, the 870 EVO 1TB for AES 256-bit encryption and the Ultra 3D 2TB for 3D NAND that SanDisk says lasts longer and uses less power if those matter more to you.
Check that you have a free 2.5-inch bay or bracket plus a SATA data port and a SATA power connector before you order.