Best Samsung Workstations SSDs Under CA$400 in 2026
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Samsung 1TB SSD PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2
Why we recommend this ▼
The Samsung 990 delivers 7,150 MB/s sequential reads and 850K random read IOPS on a DRAM-less TLC design, with up to 38% better performance per watt than the 990 PRO for efficient laptops. Its 1TB capacity and 400 TBW endurance suit growing game libraries, while hardware encryption adds security for sensitive files. Best for budget-conscious DIY builders and digital archivists who need fast, reliable storage for large games and 4K projects.
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280
Why we recommend this ▼
The Samsung Phoenix controller and TLC NAND deliver 3500 MB/s reads and 3300 MB/s writes, with a 1.5 million hour MTBF and 300 TBW endurance. Its Dynamic Thermal Guard prevents performance drops during heavy loads, and the DRAM cache improves sustained write speeds. Best for gamers and 4K video editors who need a reliable, high-speed boot or scratch drive on a budget.
Samsung 1TB SSD
Why we recommend this ▼
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.
Samsung 980 500GB PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280
Why we recommend this ▼
The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface delivers up to 3100 MB/s reads and 2600 MB/s writes, with 470K random write IOPS, making it a fast drop-in upgrade for older systems. Its nickel-coated controller and heat spreader label keep thermals in check during sustained workloads, while hardware encryption adds security without extra cost. Best for budget-conscious gamers or content creators upgrading a laptop or desktop from SATA, who want NVMe speed and Samsung reliability without paying for PCIe 4.0.
Samsung T7 Shield 1TB Portable USB 3.2 Gen 2
Why we recommend this ▼
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.
Samsung 1TB SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Samsung PM981a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 2280
Why we recommend this ▼
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.
Samsung PM981 512GB PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280
Why we recommend this ▼
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.
