SSD Prices Set to Surge in 2026 – What UK Businesses Need to Know
SSD prices are climbing fast, and according to multiple industry sources, they’re only going to get more expensive throughout 2026. If your business is planning IT upgrades, server expansions or new laptop deployments, it’s time to take note.
A mix of global NAND flash shortages, AI‑driven demand, and manufacturers aggressively raising prices is creating the most significant SSD cost spike we’ve seen in years.
Here’s what’s happening and what it means for your IT budget.
Why SSD Prices Are Rising in 2026
1. NAND Suppliers Are Doubling Prices
Major NAND manufacturers including Samsung, SK hynix and SanDisk are reportedly preparing steep cost increases up to 100% in some cases. This is according to Digitimes reporting covered by XDA Developers, who note that Samsung plans to more than double NAND pricing in early 2026.
Similarly, SK hynix and SanDisk are also implementing NAND price hikes of similar magnitude, driven largely by global supply shortages and soaring AI‑related demand.
2. NAND Supply Is Tightening as AI Demand Explodes
The memory crisis that hit RAM throughout 2025 is now extending to SSDs. NAND producers are prioritising high‑margin enterprise storage and AI server components, leaving far less capacity for consumer and business‑grade SSDs.
TrendForce reports that NAND makers are taking turns raising prices, with double‑digit percentage increases expected across Q1 2026 due to reduced output and aggressive pricing strategies.
NAND wafer costs have surged by up to 246%
According to Kingston’s datacentre SSD division, NAND wafer prices have skyrocketed 246% since Q1 2025, with 70% of that jump happening in just 60 days.
Since NAND flash accounts for around 90% of an SSD’s total manufacturing cost, even minor fluctuations have a massive impact on final retail prices, let alone triple‑digit increases.
Retail SSD Prices Are Already Rising
The XDA Developers report notes that SSD retail prices have already climbed significantly — ahead of the supply chain increases — as vendors anticipate further spikes.
How Big Could SSD Price Increases Get?
Based on current forecasts:
- Client SSDs could rise 40%+ in price in early 2026, according to market analysis from Silicon Analysts.
- NAND contract prices are expected to increase double digits in Q1 2026, and may continue throughout the year.
- Some manufacturers are shifting to daily pricing models due to extreme volatility in supply chains.
This suggests that SSDs, which had become remarkably affordable in recent years, will see dramatic price swings and potential stock shortages across 2026–2027.
What This Means for UK Businesses
IT Projects Will Cost More
Laptop fleets, desktop refreshes, server expansions and storage upgrades will all have higher SSD‑related costs baked in.
Longer Lead Times
TrendForce and HIPER Global report extended lead times into late 2026, particularly for higher‑capacity SSDs.
Vendors May Change Pricing Even After Orders
Some suppliers are reserving the right to adjust pricing even on confirmed bookings due to volatile NAND allocation.
AI Infrastructure Is Consuming Supply
With hyperscalers buying vast quantities of memory for AI training clusters, SMB and mid‑market customers are further down the priority queue.
Should You Buy an SSD Now or Wait?
Industry experts are unanimous: buy sooner rather than later.
Kingston’s SSD team warns that anyone considering upgrades should “do it now… because prices are going to continue to go up.”
XDA Developers echoes that advice: retailers are raising prices early ahead of worsening shortages, and the “smart move” is to buy SSDs as soon as possible.
How Speedster IT Can Help
At Speedster IT, we’re already supporting UK businesses by:
🔹 Locking in SSD pricing before further supplier increases
🔹 Securing stock allocations across multiple UK distributors
🔹 Advising on cost‑efficient storage alternatives
🔹 Helping businesses forecast 2026–2027 storage requirements
🔹 Offering managed device refresh programs that soften cost spikes
If you rely on storage‑heavy workloads, EPOS, VMs, CCTV retention, design workloads, or cloud migration staging, planning ahead is essential.
SSD prices are entering a period of serious volatility. With NAND producers doubling prices, AI demand consuming global supply, and wafer costs spiking across the board, the days of cheap SSDs are behind us, at least for now.
If your business has any IT upgrades planned for 2026, now is the time to act.
Want help securing SSD stock at stable prices?
Speak to Speedster IT today. 0204 511 9111
With over 15 years at Speedster IT, I’ve built a career around helping businesses navigate the evolving world of technology. I publish all the content for the IT Support London Blog and Cyber Security Blog, where I share practical insights on infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity trends, and smart IT strategies for growing companies.
