Best Samsung SSDs in 2026

The 1TB Samsung T7 delivers 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds over USB 3.2 Gen 2, with MLC NAND and a DRAM cache for sustained performance. Its aluminum monobloc body survives drops up to 1.8 meters, and hardware encryption adds security. Best for mobile professionals and students who need fast, durable, and portable storage for large files on the go.

The 1TB Samsung T7 Shield hits 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2, with an IP65 rating and a 9.8-foot drop tolerance that make it a rugged NVMe drive for on-location work. Its DRAM-less TLC design keeps heat in check via Dynamic Thermal Guard, and hardware encryption adds security for sensitive files. Best for photographers and content creators who need a durable, fast external drive for editing directly from the field.

The Phoenix controller drives 3500 MB/s reads and 2900 MB/s writes, with 460K/500K random IOPS, making this 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD a fast upgrade for laptops and desktops. Hardware encryption adds security without extra software, and the compact 22x80mm size fits most modern systems. Best for budget-conscious builders or laptop owners seeking a reliable, high-throughput boot drive with encryption support.

The Samsung Polaris V2 controller and 64-layer 3D V-NAND deliver up to 3000 MB/s reads and 420K random write IOPS, making this 512GB M.2 drive a fast NVMe option for its price. It adds AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption with TCG/Opal V2.0 support, a feature rarely found at this cost point. Best for budget-conscious desktop builders who need quick boot and load times without paying a premium for the latest PCIe 4.0 hardware.

The 2TB Samsung T9 delivers sustained 2000 MB/s read and write speeds over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, with MLC NAND and a 5-year warranty. Its advanced thermal solution keeps it cool during heavy transfers, and hardware encryption adds security. Best for video editors and photographers who need fast, reliable portable storage for large 4K files.

The 2TB Samsung Portable SSD T7 delivers 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds over USB 3.2 Gen 2, with a shock-resistant aluminum casing and no moving parts for cool, quiet operation. Its 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection keep files secure, while backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and support for PC, Mac, and Android offer flexible connection options. Best for mobile professionals and content creators who need fast, secure, and portable storage for large files like video projects and photo libraries.

The PCIe NVMe interface delivers read and write speeds up to 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s, nearly twice as fast as the T5, while the solid aluminum unibody construction offers shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet. With capacities up to 4TB and hardware encryption, it handles large working files and 4K 60fps video recording directly from cameras or mobile devices. This drive suits video editors and photographers who need fast, durable, high-capacity storage for on-location backups and heavy file transfers.

The 2TB T7 Shield hits 1050 MB/s reads and 1000 MB/s writes over USB 3.2 Gen 2, with IP65 water and dust resistance plus a 3-meter drop rating for field use. Its TLC NAND and hardware encryption add reliability, while Samsung Magician software lets you monitor drive health and update firmware. Best for photographers and videographers who need a rugged, fast external drive for on-location backups and editing directly from the SSD.

The 870 QVO hits SATA's 560 MB/s read and 530 MB/s write ceiling with QLC NAND and a DRAM cache, plus 360 TBW endurance. Its 1TB capacity and 2.5-inch form factor make it a straightforward drop-in upgrade for older desktops and laptops. Best for budget-conscious users replacing a mechanical drive for faster boot times and everyday file transfers.

The 960GB SATA III drive delivers 560 MB/s sequential reads and 98K random read IOPS, with 3D TLC NAND and a DRAM cache tuned for read-intensive enterprise workloads. Its self-encrypting drive (SED) hardware encryption and 1366 TBW endurance rating, supporting 0.8 DWPD, make it a secure and durable option for 24x7 environments. Best for IT administrators deploying boot or read-heavy storage in servers and workstations that need reliable, encrypted SATA performance without NVMe costs.

The 4TB capacity in a compact, shock-resistant body with fall protection up to 6 feet makes this USB 3.2 Gen 1 drive a practical choice for large file transfers at 460 MB/s read and write. Hardware encryption and a 3-year warranty add security and peace of mind, while its compatibility with desktops, cameras, and gaming consoles broadens its use. Best for gamers and content creators who need to carry and back up large project files on the go without sacrificing durability.

The 1.92TB SATA III drive delivers 550 MB/s reads with a 3504 TBW endurance rating, making it a dependable choice for sustained workloads. Hardware encryption adds a security layer, while the 2.5-inch form factor fits standard server bays without extra adapters. Best for workstation users needing high-capacity, encrypted storage with long-term write durability.

The 2TB capacity paired with 2-bit MLC V-NAND gives this SATA III drive a strong endurance profile for sustained write workloads. Its 2.5-inch form factor and 6Gb/s interface make it a straightforward drop-in upgrade for older laptops and desktops without NVMe support. Best for users who need reliable, high-capacity storage for frequent large-file transfers or archival tasks, backed by a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.