Looking Beyond the Samsung 980 PRO SSD 2TB? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing the Top Alternatives

WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

The WD_BLACK SN850 matches the Samsung 980 PRO’s 7,000 MB/s read speed and 2TB capacity in an M.2 2280 form factor. It uses 3D NAND architecture, which differs from the Samsung’s controller design. You get similar gaming performance without the Samsung nickel coating or heat spreader label. This drive is a solid swap if you prefer Western Digital’s interface or want a different thermal profile. It lacks the specific thermal labels found on the 980 PRO, but offers comparable throughput for high-bandwidth gaming setups. The physical dimensions are nearly identical, making installation straightforward for existing builds.

WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

The WD_BLACK SN770 drops read speeds to 5,150 MB/s compared to the 980 PRO’s 7,000 MB/s. It retains the 2TB capacity and M.2 2280 form factor but targets everyday gaming rather than extreme workloads. You give up maximum bandwidth for a more practical option that still supports DirectStorage. This drive is ideal if you do not need the highest possible throughput. It lacks the premium thermal control features of the Samsung, relying instead on standard passive cooling. The interface remains PCIe Gen4 NVMe, ensuring compatibility with modern systems while offering a slightly more modest performance tier for standard libraries.

WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink

The WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink pushes read speeds to 7,300 MB/s, exceeding the Samsung 980 PRO’s 7,000 MB/s. It includes an integrated heatsink, which replaces the Samsung’s heat spreader label and nickel coating. You gain better thermal management for sustained loads, though the drive is physically larger due to the attached cooling hardware. This option is best if your system has clearance for the heatsink. It offers superior peak performance and integrated cooling, making it a strong alternative for gamers who prioritize thermal efficiency and maximum speed over the compact, label-only cooling solution of the original Samsung drive.

ADATA Legend 960 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD

The ADATA Legend 960 offers 7,400 MB/s read speeds, slightly higher than the Samsung 980 PRO. It includes a heatsink for thermal control, differing from the Samsung’s passive label approach. The drive is designed for PS5 and desktop gaming, providing near-limit PCIe 4.0 throughput. You get a robust cooling solution and high capacity, but the physical packaging and form factor details differ from the standard M.2 2280 profile. This is a strong choice if you need integrated cooling and top-tier speeds. It sacrifices the specific Samsung controller harmonization for raw throughput and included thermal hardware, appealing to users who want maximum performance with built-in thermal management.

WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD

The WD_BLACK SN850P for PS5 includes an integrated heatsink, unlike the Samsung 980 PRO’s label-only cooling. It is officially licensed for PS5 use, offering hassle-free installation for console owners. The drive maintains high speeds suitable for gaming storage but focuses on console compatibility rather than desktop workstation features. You gain official licensing and integrated cooling, but may not need the specific thermal labels of the Samsung if you are in a console. This option is ideal for PS5 owners who want a plug-and-play solution with built-in thermal protection, differing from the desktop-focused thermal strategy of the original Samsung drive.

Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

The Addlink S85 delivers 6,000 MB/s read speeds, lower than the Samsung 980 PRO’s 7,000 MB/s. It features a slim 2.25mm form factor, making it suitable for laptops with tight clearance. You gain a low-profile design that fits where the standard 980 PRO might not, but you sacrifice some peak throughput. This drive is best for laptop users needing efficient, compact storage. It lacks the premium thermal control features of the Samsung, relying on its slim profile for thermal management. The interface remains PCIe Gen4 NVMe, ensuring compatibility while offering a specialized form factor for compact systems rather than the standard M.2 2280 size.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Best for: high-bandwidth PCIe 4.0 gaming and workstation setups

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe 4.0 NVMe

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

Up to 7,000 MB/s

Cooling

Heat spreader label

Compatibility

Gaming

View on Amazon: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

The Samsung 980 PRO 2TB is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive built in the standard M.2 2280 form factor. It delivers read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s using Samsung's Elpsis controller and maintains backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0 interfaces. For thermal management, it relies on a nickel-coated controller and a heat spreader label. This drive suits you if you need reliable Gen4 bandwidth for heavy-duty gaming or data tasks.

Pros

• Up to 7,000 MB/s maximum read speed
• PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface with PCIe 3.0 backward compatibility
• Standard M.2 2280 form factor for desktops and laptops
• Nickel-coated Elpsis controller paired with heat spreader label

Cons

• Includes a heat spreader label rather than an integrated heatsink
• Sequential write speeds are not specified in the data

Good fit if

• You need up to 7,000 MB/s read throughput on a PCIe 4.0 system.
• You require a 2TB M.2 2280 drive for gaming or heavy data applications.
• You want backward compatibility with older PCIe 3.0 motherboards.

Skip if

• You require an integrated physical heatsink out of the box.
• You need verified write speed metrics in published specifications.

Verdict: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD serves as the benchmark Gen4 drive offering up to 7,000 MB/s read speeds and a 2TB capacity in an M.2 2280 format. It provides solid specs for gaming rigs and PCs requiring high-bandwidth storage.

2 Best 3d nand

WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

Best for: high-speed Gen4 PCIe gaming PC builds

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

Gen4 PCIe

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

7,000 MB/s

Compatibility

Gaming

NAND Type

3D NAND

View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

The WD_BLACK SN850 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD is an M.2 2280 internal drive built with 3D NAND technology. It reaches maximum read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and delivers up to 1,000,000 IOPS for responsive data performance. You can manage drive operations with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard software. This drive suits you if you need fast Gen4 storage for high-end gaming setups.

Pros

• Up to 7,000 MB/s maximum read speed
• Up to 1,000,000 IOPS performance
• Built with 3D NAND technology
• Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard software

Cons

• Not intended for NAS or server environments
• Does not include an integrated heatsink

Good fit if

• You want PCIe Gen4 read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s.
• You prefer 2TB of 3D NAND storage in a slim 0.09-inch profile.
• You plan to monitor drive health with WD_BLACK Dashboard software.

Skip if

• You need storage configured for NAS or server environments.
• You require a drive that comes pre-fitted with a heatsink.

Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD delivers 7,000 MB/s read speeds and 1,000,000 IOPS on 3D NAND architecture. It offers strong gaming-focused specs if you do not need enterprise or NAS support.

3 Best budget

WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

Best for: everyday PCIe Gen4 gaming storage

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

5150MB/s

Max Write Speed

4850MB/s

Compatibility

Gaming

View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB is an internal M.2 2280 NVMe SSD built on the PCIe Gen4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 4,850 MB/s. It also supports Microsoft DirectStorage and includes the WD_BLACK Dashboard utility for Windows. This drive suits you if you need a reliable 2TB Gen4 drive for gaming installations and everyday storage without requiring extreme top-tier speeds.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds reach up to 5,150 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds reach up to 4,850 MB/s
• Supports Microsoft DirectStorage for gaming load times
• Backwards-compatible with PCIe Gen3 motherboards

Cons

• WD_BLACK Dashboard software is restricted to Windows
• Maximum read speed caps at 5,150 MB/s on PCIe Gen4

Good fit if

• You want a 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD reaching up to 5,150 MB/s read speeds.
• You want built-in support for Microsoft DirectStorage gaming.
• You use Windows and want dashboard software for drive health monitoring.

Skip if

• You require read transfer rates exceeding 5,150 MB/s.
• You do not run Windows and need companion drive management software.

Verdict: WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD provides reliable PCIe Gen4 storage with read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and DirectStorage support. It serves as a practical 2TB option for standard gaming libraries.

4 Best premium

WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink

Best for: gaming PCs needing integrated heatsink cooling

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

NVMe

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

7,300 MB/s

Max Write Speed

6,300 MB/s

Cooling

Heatsink

View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink

This 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 solid state drive comes with a built-in heatsink for cooling. It reaches maximum read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and maximum write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s. If you configure a gaming PC or workstation that accepts a drive with a heatsink, this unit provides high data rates and dedicated thermal hardware for your storage setup.

Pros

• Up to 7,300 MB/s maximum read speed
• Up to 6,300 MB/s maximum write speed
• Pre-installed heatsink for cooling
• 2TB capacity in an M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• Replaced by a newer product generation
• Pre-installed heatsink adds height that limits tight-clearance installations

Good fit if

• You want a 2TB NVMe drive with a pre-installed heatsink.
• You need read speeds reaching up to 7,300 MB/s for a gaming PC or workstation.

Skip if

• You prefer the manufacturer's newer generation replacement drive.
• You need a bare M.2 drive without an attached heatsink.

Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB Heatsink SSD pairs up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds with integrated heatsink cooling for gaming and workstation setups. It offers fast 2TB NVMe storage if your system has clearance for the attached thermal hardware.

5 Best pcie 4.0

ADATA Legend 960 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD

Best for: PS5 storage and high-speed PCIe 4.0 builds

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.4

Form Factor

M.2

Max Read Speed

7,400 MB/s

Max Write Speed

6,800 MB/s

Cooling

Heat sink

View on Amazon: ADATA Legend 960 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD

The ADATA Legend 960 2TB is a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe solid-state drive built for high-throughput systems. It reaches sequential speeds up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write using the NVMe 1.4 protocol. An included heat sink manages operating temperatures under sustained loads. It suits you if you need expanded internal storage for a PlayStation 5 console or a high-performance PCIe 4.0 desktop gaming rig.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s and writes up to 6,800 MB/s
• Pre-installed heat sink for thermal stability
• Compatible with PlayStation 5 storage expansion
• Backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Write speed peaks lower at 6,800 MB/s compared to 7,400 MB/s reads
• Operates on PCIe 4.0 rather than PCIe 5.0

Good fit if

• You want up to 7,400 MB/s read performance on a PCIe 4.0 motherboard.
• You need ready-to-use expanded storage with a heatsink for a PS5 console.

Skip if

• You require write throughput equal to the 7,400 MB/s read ceiling.
• You need a drive built for the newer PCIe 5.0 specification.

Verdict: ADATA Legend 960 2TB Heatsink M.2 SSD delivers near-limit PCIe 4.0 throughput with 7,400 MB/s reads and an included heatsink. It provides a reliable storage boost for desktop setups and PS5 consoles.

6 Best ps5

WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD

Best for: PS5 owners needing official licensed storage

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen 4

Form Factor

M.2

Max Read Speed

7,300 MB/s

Cooling

Heatsink

Compatibility

PS5

View on Amazon: WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD

This WD_BLACK drive is an officially licensed expansion for PlayStation 5 consoles. It features a 2TB capacity and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe interface. The included optimized heatsink ensures proper cooling during installation. You get read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for fast load times. It allows you to play games directly from the drive without transferring files. This is a practical solution for PS5 owners needing extra storage.

Pros

• Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 compatibility
• Includes optimized heatsink for PS5 installation
• Read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
• 2TB storage capacity

Cons

• Higher price than non-licensed alternatives
• Limited to PS5 console use
• No USB enclosure included

Good fit if

• You own a PlayStation 5 console
• You want guaranteed compatibility
• You need fast load times

Skip if

• You use a PC or Xbox
• You need a budget option
• You prefer external drives

Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB PS5 SSD is the right choice for PS5 owners who want hassle-free installation and official licensing. It delivers high speeds and reliable performance for gaming storage.

7 Best laptop

Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

Best for: laptops needing slim, low-power Gen 4 storage

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen 4

Form Factor

M.2

Max Read Speed

6000 MB/s

Max Write Speed

5700 MB/s

Cache Type

HMB

View on Amazon: Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

The Addlink S85 2TB is an internal PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe solid state drive built with 3D TLC NAND. It reaches sequential read speeds up to 6000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5700 MB/s using Host Memory Buffer (HMB) cache. With its slim 2.25mm profile and reduced power draw, you get an efficient drive that fits tight laptop slots.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds reach up to 6000 MB/s and writes reach 5700 MB/s
• Slim 2.25mm profile fits directly into space-constrained laptop slots
• Built with 3D TLC NAND flash memory and a 5-year warranty

Cons

• Uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) instead of dedicated onboard DRAM cache
• Does not come with an included heatsink

Good fit if

• You need a thin 2.25mm drive designed to fit into laptop M.2 bays
• You want lower power consumption for portable gaming or computing
• You need 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage backed by 3D TLC NAND

Skip if

• You need a drive with onboard DRAM rather than HMB architecture
• You want an included heatsink for desktop cooling

Verdict: Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD delivers speeds up to 6000 MB/s using a slim 2.25mm form factor. It offers an efficient, low-profile storage upgrade for laptop bays and compact systems.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best gaming laptops with 2TB SSD
• best gaming desktops with 2TB SSD