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

Boost Your PS5's Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by their console's built-in storage. The PS5, however, offers a welcome change with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This is a significant improvement, especially considering the PS5's relatively small initial storage capacity (825GB). Upgrading with a high-performance SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), dramatically improves load times, making gaming smoother and more enjoyable.

TL;DR: Top PS5 SSD Recommendations

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX See it on Amazon

Best Budget: Crucial T500 See it on Amazon

Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus See it at Best Buy

Best External: WD_Black P40 See it on Amazon

Key Considerations for PS5 SSD Selection:

• Interface: Requires at least a PCIe 4.0 (Gen 4) drive for speeds up to 7,500MB/s. Gen 3 drives are significantly slower.
• Form Factor: M.2 is essential. While the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the 2280 is the most common and readily available.
• Heatsink: Crucial due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The PS5's internal space restricts airflow, so a heatsink (either built-in or separately purchased, with a maximum height of 11.25mm) is strongly recommended to prevent throttling.
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling your storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available but come at a higher price.

What to Prioritize in a PS5 SSD?

[Poll options: High storage capacity, Fastest speeds, PCIe 5.0 (future-proofing), Built-in heatsink, Low price]

PS5 SSD Essentials:

Numerous compatible SSDs are now available at competitive prices. While higher capacities cost more (e.g., 8TB drives can exceed $500), many excellent options are available for under $100. Ensure your chosen drive meets the PS5's dimensional requirements (110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm including heatsink) and the minimum read speed of 5500MB/s. The PS5's installation process includes a speed test to verify compatibility. Faster speeds beyond 6500MB/s offer minimal additional benefit for PS5 gaming.

Consider the warranty (typically five years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's lifespan. Most drives use TLC NAND, offering a good balance of performance and endurance. QLC is less durable, while MLC is more expensive and generally unnecessary for gaming.

Given the limited base storage, expansion is often necessary. Games frequently exceed 100GB, quickly filling available space. The M.2 slot allows for significant expansion (250GB-8TB). While external hard drives offer additional storage for PS4 games, they cannot run PS5 titles.

Detailed SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Our top pick offers excellent value with fast read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s) and an included heatsink. While not the absolute fastest, its performance is more than sufficient for PS5 gaming and its price is very competitive.

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential Read Speed: 7,100MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 5,800MB/s
• NAND Type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB

2. Crucial T500: Provides excellent value and speed with a built-in heatsink.

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential Read Speed: 7,300MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 6,800MB/s
• NAND Type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a reasonable price, but requires a separate heatsink.

• 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)

4. WD_Black P40: A fast external SSD, ideal for additional storage of PS4 games and data transfer, but cannot run PS5 games.

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential Read Speed: 2,000MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 2,000MB/s
• NAND Type: WD TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is an SSD worth it? Yes, if you frequently play multiple games or large live-service titles.
• What speed SSD? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). Speeds above 6,500MB/s offer diminishing returns for PS5.
• Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
• Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize their full capabilities.

Remember to consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for installation assistance. Upgrading your PS5's storage is a straightforward process, even for those without extensive hardware experience.