The Best PS5 SSDs You Can Buy in 2025: Speedy M.2 Drives for Your Console

In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony's PS5 introduced a game-changing feature: an internal M.2 PCIe slot that allows users to expand storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing departure from Sony's previous practices, such as the costly memory cards for the PS Vita and PSP, especially considering the PS5's initial 825GB of storage. Now, you can enhance your gaming experience by installing high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top recommendation, which offers loading speeds nearly as fast as the console's built-in drive.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9See it at Amazon### CrucialT500

0See it at Amazon### Samsung990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy### WD_Black P40

1See it at Amazon

There are specific requirements for the SSDs you can use with the PS5. You need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates various M.2 drive sizes, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended. Additionally, it's crucial to choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height to fit within the PS5's slot. You can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.

When selecting the capacity, consider your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple games, including large titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For those with extensive gaming libraries, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though they come at a higher cost.

PS5 SSD Basics:

A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, offering high-speed and affordable options, especially with the increased competition in the market. Prices for these drives can vary significantly, with larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital costing over $500. Ensure your SSD meets the PS5's size requirements of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink, to fit properly and prevent overheating. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, ensure it fits within the height limits of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

Your SSD should be a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive with sequential read speeds of at least 5500MB/s. The PS5 will run a speed test upon installation to confirm compatibility. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for the PS5. Also, consider the warranty and endurance rating (TBW) of the drive, which indicates how much data can be written over its lifespan. The type of NAND memory used—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects durability and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited initial storage and the size of modern games, expanding storage is often necessary. The M.2 slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for its balance of capacity and cost. For those needing more space, 4TB options are available. Additionally, you can use an external hard drive for storage, though PS5 games cannot be played directly from them; they are useful for storing PS4 games and reducing download times.

For installation guidance, refer to our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5 storage.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD is optimized for quick data loading. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7,100MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 5,800MB/s
• NAND type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB

Pros:

• Excellent value
• High read speed

Cons:

• Not the fastest drive available

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was among the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 cannot fully utilize those higher speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it offers great value for money.

Rated for sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds of 5,800MB/s, it comfortably meets the PS5's requirements. In practice, the PS5 rates it at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for loading PS5 games quickly. The 700TBW durability rating means it's unlikely most gamers will reach this limit during the drive's lifespan.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive with high speeds and an included heatsink, all at a budget-friendly price. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7,300MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6,800MB/s
• NAND type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros:

• TLC 3D NAND flash memory
• Impressive speeds

Cons:

• No 4TB option

The Crucial T500 offers excellent value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly into the PS5. It doubles the console's storage and eliminates the need for an additional heatsink purchase.

With Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, it achieves read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers. The 2TB version offers even more storage and faster speeds, though a 4TB option is not available.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

• Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
• Sequential read speed: 7,250MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6,300MB/s
• NAND type: Samsung V-NAND TLC
• TBW: 600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)

Pros:

• Excellent performance for the price
• Extremely fast load times

Cons:

• Does not come with a heatsink

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance at a reasonable price, though it lacks a built-in heatsink. Its endurance rating is lower than the more expensive 990 Pro, but it's still more than adequate for console use. The 2TB version, with a 1,200TBW rating, is more than most gamers will ever need.

Rated for up to 7,250MB/s read speeds, the PS5's test showed it at 6,137MB/s, which is fast enough for PS5 games. It loaded games slightly faster than the console's native drive. As a DRAM-less SSD, it's less suited for professional workloads, but this doesn't impact its performance in the PS5. You'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, which is affordable and widely available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, functioning as an external SSD. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 2,000MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 2,000MB/s
• NAND type: WD TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros:

• Faster than traditional hard drives
• Multiplatform support

Cons:

• Cannot run PS5 games

The WD\_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects to the PS5 via USB, offering a convenient storage solution without the need to open the console. It's compatible with multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC. However, it cannot run PS5 games directly; it's ideal for storing game data to avoid redownloading large files. PS4 games can be played directly from this drive, freeing up internal storage for PS5 titles.

With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it useful for transferring data between consoles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves about 650GB for games after system files. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer more storage, but if you play multiple games or enjoy live service games that grow with updates, additional storage is essential. An SSD is a valuable investment for expanding your gaming library.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You need an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal for most users.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when significant discounts are available.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and cannot fully utilize the higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more cost-effective choice.