In 2025, gaming performance hinges on fast storage, and SSDs are the backbone of quick load times and seamless gameplay. Solid-state drives, especially NVMe models, drastically reduce game loading screens and system boot times compared to traditional hard drives, making them essential for modern gaming rigs and consoles like the PS5. With budget-friendly options now offering high speeds and reliable performance, you don’t need to break the bank to upgrade your gaming setup. These drives balance cost, capacity, and speed, ensuring smooth gameplay without sacrificing your wallet.
Our top five picks for cheap gaming SSDs in 2025 focus on value, delivering PCIe 4.0 and even PCIe 5.0 performance at affordable prices. From Samsung’s power-efficient 990 PRO to the WD Black SN7100’s stellar benchmarks, these drives cater to gamers needing fast, reliable storage for large game libraries. We’ve evaluated them based on speed, compatibility, durability, and affordability, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. Check out our detailed breakdown below!
Comparison Table: Top 5 Cheap Gaming SSDs 2025
| Product Name | Key Features | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| WD Black SN7100 2TB | PCIe 4.0, 7250MB/s read, HMB, power-efficient | PC gaming, laptops, budget builds |
| Samsung 990 PRO 2TB | PCIe 4.0, 7450MB/s read, DRAM, PS5 compatible | PS5, high-performance PCs |
| Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB | PCIe 4.0, 7250MB/s read, DRAM-less, efficient | Laptops, budget gaming PCs |
| Samsung 9100 PRO 1TB | PCIe 5.0, 14800MB/s read, high IOPS | Future-proof PC gaming |
| Samsung T7 Portable 2TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1050MB/s read, portable | Console external storage, portability |
Best Cheap Gaming SSDs 2025
🥇 1. WD Black SN7100 2TB
Use Case / Strength: Best for budget-conscious gamers needing high-speed, power-efficient storage for PCs and laptops.
The WD Black SN7100 2TB is a top performer in the PCIe 4.0 HMB (DRAM-less) category, offering read speeds up to 7250MB/s and write speeds up to 6900MB/s. Its power efficiency makes it ideal for laptops and gaming rigs, with benchmarks showing it rivals more expensive DRAM-based drives. Backed by a 5-year warranty and 1200TBW endurance, it’s a fantastic value. PCWorld praised its top-tier performance in CrystalDiskMark tests.
- PCIe 4.0 with 7250MB/s read, 6900MB/s write
- HMB design for cost-effective performance
- Power-efficient, ideal for laptops
- 5-year warranty, 1200TBW for 2TB
- Optimized for gaming workloads
🥈 2. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB
Use Case / Strength: Perfect for PS5 and high-performance PC gamers seeking reliable, fast storage.
The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB delivers blazing PCIe 4.0 speeds (7450MB/s read, 6900MB/s write) and is PS5-compatible with a heatsink option. Its DRAM-based design ensures consistent performance for heavy workloads, and it’s praised for up to 50% better power efficiency than the 980 PRO. It’s a premium yet affordable choice for gamers needing speed and reliability. Samsung highlights its suitability for gaming and video editing.
- PCIe 4.0 with 7450MB/s read, 6900MB/s write
- DRAM for consistent high performance
- PS5-compatible with optional heatsink
- Up to 50% more power-efficient than 980 PRO
- 5-year warranty, 1200TBW for 2TB
🥉 3. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB
Use Case / Strength: Affordable, power-efficient SSD for budget gaming PCs and laptops.
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB is a DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 SSD with read speeds up to 7250MB/s and write speeds up to 6300MB/s. Its single-sided design and low power consumption make it ideal for laptops and compact systems. It offers excellent value and performance, with Tom’s Hardware noting its strong performance in the DRAM-less market.
- PCIe 4.0 with 7250MB/s read, 6300MB/s write
- DRAM-less, power-efficient design
- Single-sided for laptop compatibility
- 5-year warranty, 1200TBW for 2TB
- Ideal for budget-conscious gamers
4. Samsung 9100 PRO 1TB
Use Case / Strength: Future-proof PCIe 5.0 SSD for enthusiasts with cutting-edge gaming PCs.
The Samsung 9100 PRO 1TB is a PCIe 5.0 beast with read speeds up to 14800MB/s and write speeds up to 13400MB/s. Designed for high-end gaming and content creation, it offers up to 8TB capacity options and exceptional IOPS for multitasking. It’s ideal for future-proofing, though it requires a PCIe 5.0 motherboard. BestProductsReviews praises its blazing speeds.
- PCIe 5.0 with 14800MB/s read, 13400MB/s write
- High IOPS for seamless multitasking
- Up to 8TB capacity options
- Advanced thermal control for reliability
- 5-year warranty, 600TBW per TB
5. Samsung T7 Portable 2TB
Use Case / Strength: Best for console gamers needing fast, portable external storage.
The Samsung T7 Portable 2TB is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD with read/write speeds up to 1050MB/s, perfect for external console storage or transferring game files. Its compact, durable design resists drops and dust, making it a reliable choice for gamers on the go. BestProductsReviews highlights its portability and reliability.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 with 1050MB/s read/write
- Compact, durable, drop-resistant design
- Ideal for console external storage
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Portable for gaming on the go
Final Verdict: Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| WD Black SN7100 2TB | Budget PC/laptop gaming | Top-tier PCIe 4.0 HMB performance |
| Samsung 990 PRO 2TB | PS5 and high-performance PCs | Fast, reliable DRAM-based SSD |
| Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB | Budget gaming PCs/laptops | Power-efficient, affordable speed |
| Samsung 9100 PRO 1TB | Future-proof enthusiast PCs | Ultra-fast PCIe 5.0 speeds |
| Samsung T7 Portable 2TB | Console external storage | Portable, durable, and fast |
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