What’s the Difference Between 2242 and 2280 NVMe SSDs?

The numbers describe the drive’s dimensions in millimeters: 22 mm wide and either 42 mm or 80 mm long. The format itself doesn’t determine performance. Speed depends on the specific SSD, its controller, NAND, and the PCIe generation it supports.

Check the mounting points inside the laptop before choosing. Some M.2 slots support several lengths, while others only have a screw position for one size. Also confirm that the slot supports NVMe PCIe drives rather than only M.2 SATA, since those are different interfaces.

If both drives are compatible with your laptop, a 2280 model may give you more choices because it’s the most common size. However, don’t assume it will automatically be faster than a 2242 drive—compare the actual drive specifications and make sure your laptop supports the advertised PCIe generation.