We compared two 1TB 2.5 inch SATA SSDs: the Crucial BX500 1TB SATA SSD and the fanxiang S101 1TB SATA SSD.
What we looked at
Stated read speed, NAND type, included software, support, and price.
The verdict
If you want a well-known brand with Acronis migration software and the largest review history, the Crucial BX500 is the pick at £149.99. If you would rather save £50.00 and get a stated 550MB/s read speed and 3-year after-sale service, the fanxiang S101 is the alternative, at £99.99.
A £149.99 1TB SATA SSD with up to 540MB/s reads and Acronis software.
A £99.99 1TB SATA SSD with up to 550MB/s reads and 3D NAND TLC.
Crucial BX500 1TB 2.5-inch SATA SSD (CT1000BX500SSD101) — Best Seller
Intended for: Marketed as a 1TB 2.5 inch SATA SSD with read speeds of up to 540MB/s, 3D NAND, dynamic write acceleration, free Acronis True Image HD migration software, compatibility with Crucial Storage Executive, and a hardware encryption claim on the listing, for laptops and desktops. Carries 4.7 stars from 156.3K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Free Acronis True Image HD software for data migration
- Works with the Crucial Storage Executive tool
- Highest star rating of the pair (4.7)
- Enormous review history (156.3K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Costs £50.00 more than the fanxiang on these listings
- Slightly lower stated read speed than the fanxiang (540 vs 550MB/s)
Best for
- Buyers who want a well-known SSD brand
- Anyone who wants migration software included
- Those who want the largest review history
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants the highest stated read speed
fanxiang S101 1TB 2.5-inch SATA III SSD — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a 1TB 2.5 inch SATA III 6Gb/s SSD with read speeds of up to 550MB/s, 3D NAND TLC with an SLC cache, shock-proof and low-power operation, compatibility with laptops, desktops and all-in-one PCs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and 3 years of after-sale service. Carries 4.5 stars from 23.5K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Crucial on these listings, at £99.99
- Stated read speed up to 550MB/s
- 3D NAND TLC with SLC cache, described as longer-lasting than QLC
- 3 years of after-sale service
Worth knowing
- Smaller review history than the Crucial (23.5K vs 156.3K ratings)
- No bundled migration software stated on the listing
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone who wants a stated 3-year support period
- Those upgrading an older laptop or PC
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a bundled cloning tool
- Anyone who wants the biggest-name brand
