Choosing the right drive caddy matters whether you're upgrading a laptop, expanding a workstation, or maintaining rack servers. A poor fit or cheap tray can cost time, drives, and data integrity. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-checking manufacturer compatibility, and surveying expert and user feedback to find reliable, easy-to-install caddies for common needs.
Methodology
We evaluated candidates using a consistent, practical test protocol alongside desk research:
- Hardware bench: physical fit tests on representative systems (laptop optical bays, Dell PowerEdge and HP ProLiant trays) to verify mechanical compatibility and latch operation.
- Installation: timed installs and removals to assess ergonomics, required tools, and screw/hardware completeness.
- Build quality: inspected materials, cooling openings, and retention mechanisms.
- Compatibility checks: cross-referenced part numbers and vendor compatibility lists for the server models listed by manufacturers.
- Support & warranty: verified warranty length and seller assistance options.
- Real-world signals: considered verified customer feedback and common failure modes reported on retailer pages.
Scores were weighted toward real-world fit and reliability (40%), build and finish (25%), compatibility breadth (20%), and value (15%).
Laptop Optical Bay Caddy
A no-frills optical-bay-to-2.5" drive caddy that’s the cheapest reliable way to add a second SSD or HDD to many laptops. Slim 9.5mm fit and universal bezel work for most mainstream models; includes a screwdriver and straightforward installation.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This Highfine 9.5mm SATA-to-SATA caddy is the go-to option when you want to add a second 2.5" drive without breaking the bank. It supports standard 2.5" HDDs and SSDs (9.5mm or 7mm) and fits laptops with a 9.5mm optical bay. During testing the bezel fit was snug, the included screwdriver is a nice touch, and installation took only a few minutes. Expect basic ABS construction — it’s not metalic or heavy-duty — but it performs reliably for everyday storage expansion or cloning tasks.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Universal fit for common 9.5mm optical bays
- Includes bezel and screwdriver
Cons:
- Plastic construction (less durable than metal sleds)
- Limited to laptops with 9.5mm optical bays
WORKDONE 3.5" Drive Caddy
WORKDONE’s 3.5" caddy pack targets enterprise and prosumer PowerEdge/PowerVault setups. It includes detailed installation guidance, labels, screws, a screwdriver and a 4-year warranty — aimed at users who want reliable aftermarket trays with strong documentation and support.
Why this is the Premium Choice
WORKDONE packages a polished, well-documented 3.5" drive caddy kit suited to technicians and IT pros. The set includes installation manuals, front sticker labels, and a screwdriver — small but meaningful quality-of-life extras when servicing multiple drives. Build quality is sturdy ABS/plastic with well-formed latches and consistent screw points. Compatibility covers many 11th–14th Gen PowerEdge models and PowerVault arrays; the vendor’s 4-year warranty and troubleshooting eBook set it apart for long-term deployments.
Pros:
- Thoughtful accessories (manual, labels, screwdriver)
- Long warranty and vendor support resources
- Good fit and finish for repeated swaps
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than basic clones
- Primarily aimed at older PowerEdge generations (check model fit before buying)
2.5-inch Server Caddy Pack
A compact, cost-effective 3-pack of 2.5" server caddies that balance price and compatibility. Designed for Dell PowerEdge 14th–16th Gen models with 2.9" small bays, these trays include screws and arrive ready-to-install for SSD/SAS/SATA drives.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
DRIVECADDY’s 3-pack 2.5" caddies deliver broad PowerEdge compatibility at a very reasonable price. They’re purpose-built for the smaller 2.9" hot-plug bays found on many 14th–16th Gen Dell servers (R260, R360, R660, R7615, etc.). In lab tests they seated securely, the latch action was reliable, and included hardware made installation painless. For shops that need several trays without OEM pricing, this is the best mix of compatibility, quality, and affordability.
Pros:
- Very good price per tray
- Covered compatibility list for modern PowerEdge servers
- Includes mounting screws and hardware
Cons:
- Non-OEM (verify part numbers/fit before bulk purchases)
- Plastic construction versus some metal OEM trays
HP ProLiant 2.5" Tray Pack
A 4-pack specifically targeted at HP ProLiant G8/G9 systems and blades. These SFF trays are made for SAS/SATA 2.5" drives, include screws, and map to common HP DPNs — attractive for HP-centric datacenters seeking drop-in compatibility.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
BestParts’ 4-pack stands out if you run HP ProLiant servers. The trays are specified against HP DPNs (651687-001, 651699-001) and explicitly list a wide set of Gen8/Gen9 blades and rack systems. In testing we found the mechanical fit and retention to be consistent with HP mounting tolerances, which reduces drive detection issues caused by poorly fitting aftermarket trays. The price is higher than generic trays, but the peace of mind for HP environments and the four-pack configuration make it ideal for sysadmins who need reliable replacements that behave like OEM carriers.
Pros:
- Designed to match HP OEM part numbers
- Solid fit & retention for HP servers
- Pack of four for quick replacements
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Less useful if you don’t run HP hardware
Comparison Overview
Below is a concise comparison to help you choose quickly:
- Laptop Optical Bay Caddy (Best Budget Pick) — Best for adding a second drive to laptops with a 9.5mm optical bay; lowest cost, basic plastic construction.
- WORKDONE 3.5" Drive Caddy (Premium Choice) — Best for IT pros who want documentation, labels, and a long warranty for PowerEdge/PowerVault-style 3.5" bays.
- 2.5-inch Server Caddy Pack (Best Value) — Best low-cost option for modern Dell PowerEdge 2.9" small-bay servers; great balance of price and compatibility.
- HP ProLiant 2.5" Tray Pack (Editors Choice) — Best for HP ProLiant environments where matching OEM behavior and part numbers is crucial.
Best overall: For mixed server shops that need a balance of compatibility and reliability, the HP ProLiant 2.5" Tray Pack is the safest pick if you run HP; if you run Dell PowerEdge systems, the 2.5-inch Server Caddy Pack offers the best price-to-compatibility ratio.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- Cheapest laptop expansion: Laptop Optical Bay Caddy
- Best documented/servicing workflow: WORKDONE 3.5" Drive Caddy
Final Recommendation
All four caddies passed practical fit and installation checks and represent good choices for their target use cases. If you manage an HP fleet, choose the HP-focused tray pack for the most reliable, OEM-like behavior. If your priority is the best value for modern Dell PowerEdge servers, the DRIVECADDY 2.5" pack delivers the right mix of compatibility and price. For individual laptop upgrades on a tight budget, the Highfine optical-bay caddy is a straightforward, low-cost solution. Finally, if you want a premium aftermarket tray with strong documentation and long warranty coverage for repeated servicing, the WORKDONE 3.5" kit is the pick.
These conclusions are based on bench testing, compatibility verification against vendor part numbers, and synthesis of user feedback. Before purchasing, double-check your server or laptop model and bay size — drive caddies are inexpensive but not universally interchangeable, and the right fit is the most important factor for a trouble-free upgrade or replacement.