Samsung 860 EVO 500GB 2.5 Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
Looking for samsung 860 evo 500gb 2 5 alternatives helps you find SATA III storage that matches your specific system needs. The Samsung 860 EVO 500GB offers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s, write speeds up to 520MB/s, and a 1.5 million hour MTBF rating. It also provides AES 256-bit hardware encryption and a 5-year warranty in a 7mm profile. Even so, you might prefer different specifications, such as dedicated 24/7 NAS compatibility, 600 TBW endurance, or a different brand like Western Digital, SK Hynix, or PNY.
This guide compares 6 drives selected because their core hardware specifications overlap with the original unit. Each option features a 2.5-inch form factor, a SATA III connection, and a 500GB capacity for direct hardware compatibility. Reviewing their published read rates, endurance levels, and NAND flash configurations helps you determine which SATA SSD suits your desktop or laptop setup in 2026.
Our top pick: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD.
How the Alternatives Compare
SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD
The SK Hynix Gold S31 matches the Samsung 860 EVO with a standard 2.5-inch SATA III form factor and 500GB capacity. For sustained tasks, the Gold S31 explicitly specifies dedicated DRAM and an endurance rating of 600 TBW. In contrast, the 860 EVO provides hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670, along with a published 5-year limited warranty and 1.5 million hours MTBF. The Gold S31 measures 0.28 inches thick and weighs 1.85 ounces, compared to the 0.27-inch, 1.76-ounce Samsung drive. You should pick the Gold S31 if you want a drive with documented 600 TBW endurance and DRAM for boot workloads.
PNY CS900 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
The PNY CS900 provides 500GB of SATA III storage and matches the Samsung 860 EVO with sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s. It highlights backward compatibility with SATA II ports, making it suitable for older computer systems. However, the CS900 lacks the AES 256-bit hardware encryption and 5-year limited warranty included with the 860 EVO. The PNY drive is slightly thicker at 0.28 inches and heavier at 1.9 ounces, compared to the 0.27-inch, 1.76-ounce Samsung chassis. You should choose the PNY CS900 if you need a straightforward 2.5-inch replacement drive for an aging SATA II or SATA III laptop, and do not need enterprise-grade security protocols.
Western Digital WD Red SA500 500GB NAS SSD
The Western Digital WD Red SA500 is engineered specifically for 24/7 NAS environments and network caching, delivering sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s. This gives it a 10 MB/s read advantage over the 550 MB/s rating on the Samsung 860 EVO. Both units share the 2.5-inch SATA III form factor and 500GB capacity. However, the SA500 targets continuous multi-user NAS workloads rather than general client computing, and it lacks the Samsung model’s specified AES 256-bit TCG Opal hardware encryption. You should pick the WD Red SA500 if you need a 500GB drive designed for constant network-attached storage use, while the 860 EVO remains the choice for encrypted client PCs.
Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
The Western Digital WD Blue SA510 reaches sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s, edging out the 550 MB/s read rating of the Samsung 860 EVO. At 1.22 ounces, the SA510 is also lighter than the 1.76-ounce Samsung drive, while retaining a standard 7mm height profile for 2.5-inch drive bays. On the other hand, the WD Blue SA510 does not advertise the hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption or the 1.5 million hour MTBF reliability rating provided by the 860 EVO. You should select the WD Blue SA510 if you want a lighter SATA III drive with slightly higher published read speeds for general desktop or laptop upgrades.
Fikwot 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA TLC SSD
The Fikwot 500GB drive features 3D TLC NAND flash and advertises sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s, exceeding the Samsung 860 EVO by 10MB/s. Both drives weigh 1.76 ounces and fit 2.5-inch SATA III connections in desktop or laptop systems. However, Fikwot leaves write endurance and sequential write speeds unspecified in its core data, and it does not include the hardware AES 256-bit encryption found on the 860 EVO. The Samsung SSD also includes a stated 5-year limited warranty and a 1.5 million hour MTBF. You should choose the Fikwot drive if maximum read throughput on 3D TLC flash is your main requirement for routine storage.
Fanxiang S101 500GB SATA SSD
The Fanxiang S101 offers balanced 500MB/s sequential read and write speeds across 500GB of 3D TLC storage. By comparison, the Samsung 860 EVO delivers faster maximum speeds at 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write. The 860 EVO also includes a 5-year limited warranty, outpacing the 3-year warranty on the Fanxiang model. Additionally, the Samsung SSD provides hardware-based AES 256-bit data encryption and a lower weight of 1.76 ounces versus the S101 at 2.08 ounces. You should pick the Fanxiang S101 if matched 500MB/s read and write speeds meet your system goals, whereas the 860 EVO suits users requiring faster throughput, longer warranty coverage, and hardware security.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: everyday computing with hardware-based encryption
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5 Inch
- Max Read Speed
- 550MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 520MB/s
- Dimensions
- 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches
The Samsung 860 EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD upgrades systems using standard SATA III connections. You get sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and sequential write speeds reaching 520MB/s. It includes hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption for data security. The 7mm form factor fits standard 2.5-inch drive slots. This drive suits you if you need dependable SATA performance for everyday computing and rendering large-sized 4K video files.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670
- 5-year limited warranty coverage
- 1.5 million hours MTBF reliability rating
Cons
- Mounting brackets, screws, and SATA cables are not included
- Sequential read speed capped at 550MB/s by the SATA III interface
Good fit if
- You want hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption for stored files.
- You have a 2.5-inch 7mm drive bay that uses SATA III.
- You need sequential read performance up to 550MB/s with a 5-year warranty.
Skip if
- You need installation hardware such as mounting screws or SATA cables included.
- You require sequential transfer speeds exceeding the 550MB/s SATA III limit.
Verdict: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD delivers up to 550MB/s read speeds and AES 256-bit encryption in a 7mm profile. It provides dependable SATA III storage backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: durable 2.5-inch SATA boot drive upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA Gen3
- Form Factor
- 2.5 inch
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 560MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 525MB/s
- Cache Type
- HYPERWRITE, DRAM
The SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB is an internal 2.5-inch SATA III solid state drive designed as a direct replacement for standard SATA drives. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 525MB/s. Built with an onboard DRAM cache, in-house 3D NAND, and a 600 TBW endurance rating, it suits you if you want sustained SATA performance with high write endurance for your PC.
Pros
- Up to 560MB/s sequential read and 525MB/s sequential write speeds
- High endurance rating of up to 600 TBW backed by a 5-year warranty
- Includes dedicated DRAM cache alongside HYPERWRITE cache architecture
- Comes with custom SK hynix edition Macrium cloning software
Cons
- Limited to SATA III transfer rates compared to NVMe options
- 2.5-inch form factor requires SATA data and power cabling
Good fit if
- You need a 2.5-inch SATA drive with dedicated DRAM cache.
- You want high write endurance with a 600 TBW rating.
- You plan to clone an existing system drive using included software.
Skip if
- You have an available M.2 slot that supports faster PCIe NVMe drives.
- You need more than 500GB of storage space.
Verdict: SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD delivers reliable SATA III speeds supported by dedicated DRAM and 600 TBW endurance. It provides a balanced, durable drop-in storage upgrade for 2.5-inch drive bays.
PNY CS900 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: Everyday PC and laptop hard drive upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5"
- Max Read Speed
- 550MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 500MB/s
- Compatibility
- Laptop
The PNY CS900 is an entry-level 2.5-inch SATA III internal solid-state drive built with 500GB of storage. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 500MB/s while drawing low power. This makes it an effective direct swap for an aging mechanical hard drive in older desktops or laptops. You will find it matches standard SATA III throughput limits without demanding specialized motherboard slots or extra configuration.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 550MB/s
- Sequential write speeds reach up to 500MB/s
- Slim 0.28-inch height fits standard laptop bays
- Backward compatible with legacy SATA II 3Gb/s ports
Cons
- Sequential write speed caps at 500MB/s
- No endurance TBW rating listed in specs
Good fit if
- You need a direct 2.5-inch SATA replacement for an older hard drive.
- You run a laptop or PC requiring a slim 0.28-inch drive profile.
Skip if
- You require fast PCIe NVMe speeds for intensive file transfers.
- You need published endurance ratings for heavy write workloads.
Verdict: PNY CS900 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III SSD provides standard 550MB/s SATA performance to replace traditional hard drives. Its slim 0.28-inch chassis and SATA II backward compatibility make it a functional fit for legacy systems.
Western Digital WD Red SA500 500GB NAS SSD
Best for: 24/7 NAS caching and continuous network storage
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6 Gb/s
- Form Factor
- 2.5"/7mm
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 560 MB/s
- Compatibility
- NAS
- NAND Type
- 3D NAND
The Western Digital WD Red SA500 is a 500GB 2.5-inch SATA III SSD built for continuous 24/7 operation and NAS caching. It uses 3D NAND flash and delivers sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s over a standard 6 Gb/s interface. If you need a drive to handle heavy multi-user workloads, photo rendering, or database caching inside network storage or a desktop, this drive fits your setup.
Pros
- Up to 560 MB/s sequential read speed
- Optimized for 24/7 NAS caching and heavy read/write endurance
- Standard 7mm 2.5-inch form factor for wide bay compatibility
- Uses Western Digital 3D NAND flash
Cons
- Sequential write speeds are not listed in published specifications
- Performance is limited by the SATA III 6 Gb/s interface
Good fit if
- You need dedicated SATA storage designed for 24/7 NAS caching and operation.
- You run multi-user setups, database access, or demanding media rendering.
Skip if
- You require speeds exceeding standard SATA III transfer limits.
- You need more than 500GB of storage space on a single drive.
Verdict: Western Digital WD Red SA500 500GB NAS SSD provides reliable 24/7 SATA III storage and read speeds up to 560 MB/s for multi-user setups. It serves as a dedicated NAS caching upgrade inside any standard 2.5-inch bay.
Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
Best for: standard 2.5-inch SATA PC storage upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 500 GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6 Gb/s
- Form Factor
- 2.5"/7mm
- Max Read Speed
- 560 MB/s
- Size
- 500GB
- Dimensions
- 5 × 4 × 0.85 inches
View on Amazon: Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
The Western Digital WD Blue SA510 is an internal solid-state drive built for everyday storage upgrades. You get a 500 GB capacity, a standard 2.5-inch 7mm form factor, and a SATA III 6 Gb/s interface. It delivers read speeds reaching up to 560 MB/s. This drive suits you if you want a direct 2.5-inch SATA drop-in drive to replace an older mechanical hard drive.
Pros
- Up to 560 MB/s maximum read speed
- Standard 2.5-inch 7mm form factor fits standard drive bays
- SATA III 6 Gb/s interface for broad compatibility
- Lightweight build at 1.22 ounces
Cons
- Maximum throughput capped by SATA III interface limits
- Sequential write speed not listed in official data
Good fit if
- You need a 2.5-inch 7mm SATA drive for an existing system bay.
- You want up to 560 MB/s read performance from a 500 GB drive.
Skip if
- You have an M.2 slot and want faster NVMe transfer rates.
- You require more than 500 GB of storage capacity.
Verdict: Western Digital WD Blue SA510 500GB SATA SSD delivers reliable SATA III speeds up to 560 MB/s in a slim 7mm casing. It serves as a direct 500 GB replacement for older 2.5-inch hard drives.
Fikwot 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA TLC SSD
Best for: everyday 2.5-inch SATA TLC storage upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6Gb/s
- Form Factor
- 2.5"
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 560MB/s
- Compatibility
- Laptop, Desktop
- NAND Type
- 3D NAND, TLC
This internal 2.5-inch drive provides 500GB of storage using 3D NAND TLC flash over a standard SATA III interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and supports older SATA 2.0 systems alongside modern setups running Windows, Linux, or Mac OS. You get a direct replacement drive for mechanical hard drives in desktop or laptop bays, making it suitable if you need standard TLC flash for routine system storage and everyday boot tasks.
Pros
- Up to 560MB/s sequential read speed via SATA III
- Uses 3D NAND TLC flash memory
- Backward compatible with SATA 2.0 interfaces
- Includes 3-year service coverage
Cons
- Sequential write speed is not specified in published data
- Endurance rating in TBW is not stated
Good fit if
- You need a 500GB 2.5-inch drive built with 3D NAND TLC flash.
- You want up to 560MB/s read speeds on a standard SATA connection.
Skip if
- You require verified sequential write speed specifications before buying.
- You need a drive with published endurance ratings.
Verdict: Fikwot 500GB 3D TLC SATA SSD delivers up to 560MB/s read speeds and standard 3D TLC flash for SATA-equipped computers. It suits routine desktop or laptop drive replacements where unlisted write ratings are acceptable.
Fanxiang S101 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: balanced 2.5-inch SATA drive replacements
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6Gb/s
- Form Factor
- 2.5"
- Max Read Speed
- 500MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 500MB/s
- Compatibility
- Laptop, Desktop
This Fanxiang drive is a 2.5-inch SATA III solid state drive designed as a direct drop-in replacement for mechanical hard drives or older SATA SSDs. You get 500GB of storage capacity using 3D NAND TLC flash memory. Sequential read and write speeds reach up to 500MB/s across desktop and laptop systems running Windows, Linux, or Mac OS. It suits you if you need a standard SATA upgrade with balanced read and write transfer rates.
Pros
- Uses 3D NAND TLC flash memory
- Up to 500MB/s sequential read and write speeds
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
- Includes 3-year warranty coverage
Cons
- Top read speed is limited to 500MB/s
- No onboard DRAM cache listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You want 500GB of TLC-based solid-state storage for a 2.5-inch drive bay.
- You need matching 500MB/s read and write transfer rates.
- You run a desktop or laptop system on Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
Skip if
- You require SATA read speeds higher than 500MB/s.
- You need an SSD with dedicated DRAM cache listed.
Verdict: Fanxiang 500GB 2.5-Inch TLC SATA SSD delivers matched 500MB/s read and write performance backed by 3D NAND TLC flash and a 3-year warranty. It functions as a straightforward 2.5-inch storage replacement for legacy drives across standard operating systems.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD | PNY CS900 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | Western Digital WD Red SA500 500GB NAS SSD | Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD | Fikwot 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA TLC SSD | Fanxiang S101 500GB SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB | 500 GB | 500GB | 500GB |
| Interface | SATA III | SATA Gen3 | SATA III | SATA III 6 Gb/s | SATA III 6 Gb/s | SATA III 6Gb/s | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | 2.5 inch | 2.5" | 2.5"/7mm | 2.5"/7mm | 2.5" | 2.5" |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | Up to 560MB/s | 550MB/s | Up to 560 MB/s | 560 MB/s | Up to 560MB/s | 500MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | Up to 525MB/s | 500MB/s | not specified | not specified | not specified | 500MB/s |
| Cache Type | not specified | HYPERWRITE, DRAM | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Compatibility | not specified | not specified | Laptop | NAS | not specified | Laptop, Desktop | Laptop, Desktop |
| NAND Type | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3D NAND | not specified | 3D NAND, TLC | not specified |
| Size | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB | 500GB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches | 3.95 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches | 5 × 4 × 0.85 inches | 3.94 × 1.97 × 0.79 inches | 5.87 × 3.43 × 0.63 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | 1.85 ounces | 1.9 ounces | not specified | 1.22 ounces | 1.76 ounces | 2.08 ounces |
| Color | Black | Gold | Black | Red | Blue | Black | black |
| Model | MZ-76E500B/AM | SHGS31-500GS-2 | SSD7CS900-500-RB | WDS500G1R0A | WDS500G3B0A | FS810-500GB | S101 |
When you compare motor hardware instead of drive controllers, our listing ranks the best treadmills with 2 5 hp.
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative should you choose for continuous network storage?
The Western Digital WD Red SA500 is engineered for continuous network storage. It supports 24/7 NAS caching environments and multi-user setups inside standard 2.5-inch drive bays. The drive uses 3D NAND over a SATA III interface and delivers sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s for sustained network file sharing.
Will these 2.5-inch SATA SSD alternatives fit inside older laptops?
Yes, these 2.5-inch SATA SSDs fit laptops designed for 2.5-inch drives. The Samsung 860 EVO and Western Digital WD Blue SA510 feature slim 7mm casing profiles. Other drives like the PNY CS900 measure 0.28 inches in height. You should measure your laptop internal drive slot to ensure a proper fit before installing.
Can you install a SATA III SSD into a system with a SATA II port?
Yes, SATA III drives function on older SATA II connections. For example, the PNY CS900 explicitly lists backward compatibility with SATA II ports. Your system will run normally with the replacement drive installed, but performance will cap at legacy SATA II maximum throughput rather than the full 550MB/s rated SATA III speed.
Which Samsung 860 EVO alternatives provide hardware-based data encryption?
The Samsung 860 EVO specifies hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption for built-in data protection. Other listed alternatives, such as the PNY CS900, Western Digital WD Blue SA510, and Fanxiang S101, do not list hardware encryption in their published specifications. You must verify controller-level encryption specs if local hardware security is critical for your storage.
What maximum sequential read speeds do these 500GB SATA drives reach?
Most 500GB SATA III drives deliver maximum sequential reads between 500 MB/s and 560 MB/s. The Western Digital WD Red SA500, WD Blue SA510, and Fikwot drive reach up to 560 MB/s. The PNY CS900 and Samsung 860 EVO achieve up to 550 MB/s, while the Fanxiang S101 lists 500 MB/s read and write performance.
Which Samsung 860 EVO alternatives explicitly list TLC flash memory?
The Fikwot SSD and Fanxiang S101 explicitly publish 3D TLC NAND in their product specifications. The Western Digital WD Red SA500 also lists 3D NAND architecture for multi-user operation. Other models may use different flash arrangements, but their manufacturers do not always specify TLC architecture directly on their basic spec sheets.