List of Laptops with M.2 Drives - Best Picks for 2024

Laptops with M.2 drives provide faster speeds, better efficiency, and enhanced portability. Upgrading to an M.2 SSD ensures significant improvements in performance and battery life, making them ideal for all types of users.

This guide will explore everything you need to know about laptops with list of laptops with m.2 drives, including a comprehensive list of top models, key buying factors, benefits of upgrading to M.2 SSDs, and common FAQs.

What is an M.2 Drive?

An M.2 drive is a small form factor for solid-state drives (SSDs) that connects directly to the motherboard. M.2 SSDs are faster, more efficient, and smaller compared to traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs, making them ideal for slim and portable laptops. They use either SATA or the NVMe protocol, with NVMe being the faster of the two.

Here’s a quick comparison of M.2 vs. traditional SSDs:

M.2 (NVMe) SSDs: These SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds, typically up to 3500 MB/s or more, compared to SATA SSDs that max out at 600 MB/s.
SATA SSDs: While still fast and far superior to HDDs, SATA SSDs are limited by the slower SATA interface, which affects performance.

M.2 drives can also be upgraded or replaced in many laptops, making them an ideal choice for users looking to future-proof their devices.

Why Choose a Laptop with an M.2 Drive?

Laptops equipped with M.2 SSDs provide numerous advantages for different types of users. Here’s why an M.2 SSD can elevate your laptop experience:

1. Blazing Fast Speeds

M.2 NVMe SSDs boast some of the fastest data transfer speeds on the market, significantly outperforming traditional SATA SSDs. You can expect:

Faster boot times (often within 10 seconds).
Immediate application launches.
Rapid data transfer and file loading, which is particularly beneficial for content creators and gamers.

2. Energy Efficiency

Since M.2 drives consume less power than traditional hard drives, laptops with M.2 drives often have longer battery lives. This is especially useful for professionals and students who need their laptops to last through long meetings, lectures, or flights.

3. Space-Saving Design

M.2 drives are incredibly small, allowing laptop manufacturers to build thinner and lighter devices. This is particularly noticeable in ultrabooks, 2-in-1s, and gaming laptops, where space is often a premium.

4. Upgradability

Many laptops that come with M.2 SSDs allow users to upgrade or replace them. This is especially valuable for tech enthusiasts and professionals who may want to increase storage capacity or boost performance over time.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop with an M.2 Drive

When shopping for a laptop that has an M.2 drive, you should keep several important factors in mind. These considerations will ensure that you get a machine that meets your specific needs:

1. Storage Capacity

M.2 drives come in a variety of capacities, ranging from 128GB to 2TB or more. When selecting a laptop, consider how much storage you need:

128GB–256GB: Suitable for basic users who need storage for documents, small applications, and media.
512GB: A good middle ground for users who need ample space for files, apps, and moderate media usage.
1TB and Above: Ideal for gamers, video editors, and professionals working with large files like 4K videos, software, and heavy graphics.

2. NVMe vs. SATA M.2 SSDs

For the best performance, choose laptops that come with NVMe M.2 SSDs, as they offer significantly faster speeds. However, if you’re on a budget, laptops with SATA-based M.2 drives still provide solid performance and are more affordable.

3. Processor and RAM

While an M.2 drive can drastically improve performance, it’s important to balance it with a strong processor and ample RAM. Consider the following:

8GB of RAM and Intel Core i5/Ryzen 5: Great for general use, productivity, and light gaming.
16GB of RAM and Intel Core i7/Ryzen 7: Ideal for professionals, creatives, and gamers who run intensive applications.
32GB of RAM and Intel Core i9/Ryzen 9: Best for high-end users handling extreme workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking.

4. Upgradability

Not all laptops with M.2 drives allow you to upgrade the drive easily. Check if your laptop has easily accessible M.2 slots and whether you can upgrade storage in the future.

Top Laptops with M.2 Drives in 2024

To help you choose the perfect laptop with an M.2 SSD, we’ve compiled a list of top-performing models available in 2024. These laptops cover a variety of use cases, including gaming, productivity, and creative work.

1. Dell XPS 13 (2024 Model)

M.2 Drive: 512GB NVMe SSD (upgradeable)
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
Processor: Intel Core i7-1365G7
Display: 13.4-inch 4K UHD+ touchscreen
Why Choose It: The Dell XPS 13 is a long-standing favorite for its portability, premium build, and excellent performance. With its high-speed M.2 drive, this laptop boots up in seconds and is perfect for multitasking professionals.
Who It’s Best For: Business professionals, students, and users who need a premium lightweight laptop.

2. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

M.2 Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
Display: 14-inch 144Hz QHD display
Why Choose It: This gaming laptop is renowned for packing high performance in a compact body. The M.2 drive ensures ultra-fast game loading times, while its powerful GPU handles the latest AAA games with ease.
Who It’s Best For: Gamers, video editors, streamers, and professionals in need of a portable powerhouse.

3. Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2024)

M.2 Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD (Custom Apple M.2 Drive)
RAM: 32GB unified memory
Processor: Apple M3 Pro chip
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Why Choose It: Known for its seamless performance, the MacBook Pro’s custom M.2 drive allows creatives and professionals to work on intensive tasks like 4K video editing and 3D rendering without a hitch. Apple’s ecosystem and hardware optimizations also enhance overall speed and efficiency.
Who It’s Best For: Creatives, video editors, photographers, and professionals in need of top-tier performance.

4. HP Spectre x360 14

M.2 Drive: 512GB NVMe SSD
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U
Display: 13.5-inch OLED display
Why Choose It: The HP Spectre x360 is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market. Its M.2 drive ensures fast performance, while the 360-degree hinge provides versatile use as a tablet or laptop. This device is excellent for those who need a laptop that can switch between work and leisure.
Who It’s Best For: Business users, students, and content creators who value versatility.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (9th Gen)

M.2 Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD
RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
Processor: Intel Core i7-1265G7
Display: 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen
Why Choose It: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is designed for business professionals who demand reliability and speed. Its M.2 drive offers rapid data transfer, perfect for professionals who handle large files regularly. The lightweight design also makes it ideal for traveling executives.
Who It’s Best For: Business executives, IT professionals, engineers, and consultants.
Read also: Snapchat Performance Issues on Laptops – Common Causes and Fixes

Benefits of Upgrading to an M.2 SSD in Your Laptop

If your current laptop doesn’t have an M.2 SSD, upgrading is a game-changer. Here’s why upgrading to an M.2 SSD can make a huge difference:

1. Improved Speed and Performance

Switching from an HDD or even a traditional SATA SSD to an NVMe M.2 SSD will dramatically improve your laptop’s performance. You can expect:

Quicker boot times, typically within 5–10 seconds.
Faster application launches, which is particularly noticeable when working with resource-heavy software.
Increased productivity, as file transfers and multitasking become more efficient.

2. More Storage Without Sacrificing Space

Upgrading to an M.2 SSD allows you to expand your storage without taking up additional space. M.2 drives are smaller and more compact than other SSDs or HDDs, which means you can increase storage capacity without compromising the slim design of your laptop.

3. Longer Battery Life

M.2 SSDs are more energy-efficient than traditional hard drives, resulting in longer battery life. If you’re often on the go, upgrading to an M.2 SSD can give you more hours of productivity before needing to recharge.

4. Future-Proof Your Device

As software becomes more demanding, having an M.2 SSD ensures that your laptop can keep up with future advancements in technology. Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or everyday user, this upgrade ensures your device will remain fast and efficient for years to come.

FAQs:

1. What is an M.2 drive?

An M.2 drive is a compact solid-state drive that connects directly to the motherboard, offering faster speeds and improved efficiency over traditional SSDs and HDDs.

2. Why are M.2 SSDs faster than SATA SSDs?

M.2 NVMe SSDs use the NVMe protocol, which allows much faster data transfer speeds compared to the SATA interface used by traditional SSDs.

3. Can I upgrade my laptop with an M.2 SSD?

Yes, many laptops with M.2 drives allow users to upgrade or replace the SSD for increased storage or better performance.

4. How does an M.2 SSD affect battery life?

M.2 SSDs are more energy-efficient than traditional hard drives, which can lead to longer battery life in laptops.

5. What storage capacity is recommended for different users?

Basic users may opt for 128GB–256GB, while gamers and professionals working with large files should consider 512GB–1TB or higher.

Conclusion

Choosing a laptop with an M.2 drive guarantees faster speeds, improved efficiency, and future-proofing across different use cases, from gaming to professional work. The laptops on this list feature top-tier M.2 drives to meet various performance needs. If upgrading, switching to an M.2 SSD is one of the best ways to boost your current laptop’s speed and extend its lifespan.

List of Laptops with M.2 Drives – Best Picks for 2024

What is an M.2 Drive?