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

For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage of their consoles. The PS5 changed this with its inclusion of an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy expansion with off-the-shelf SSDs. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's relatively small 825GB of initial storage. Now, you can add high-performance PC SSDs, like the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to significantly expand your game library with load times nearly as fast as the console's internal drive.

TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:

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

Crucial T500
See it at Amazon

Samsung 990 Evo Plus
See it at Best Buy

WD_Black P40
See it at Amazon

There are some important considerations. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 (or higher) M.2 SSD. While the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, a 2280 drive is the most common and recommended. A built-in heatsink is also crucial, as PCIe 4.0 drives generate significant heat. The heatsink shouldn't exceed 11.25mm in height. You can choose an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.

Storage capacity depends on your needs. A 1TB drive doubles your storage, sufficient for many gamers. Larger 4TB drives offer more space but come at a higher price.

*For Xbox owners, see our best SSDs for Xbox Series X roundup.* Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains

See Results

PS5 SSD Basics

Many excellent SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Competitive pricing means you can find high-speed drives for under $100. Larger capacities (e.g., 8TB) increase significantly in price.

Ensure your NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD has maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm (including heatsink). The PS5's limited space necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance throttling. Most drives include one; otherwise, ensure any separately purchased heatsink meets the height requirements.

You need at least a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or faster. Most drives advertise this; the PS5 also runs its own speed test upon installation. Drives significantly faster than 6500MB/s offer minimal additional benefit for the PS5.

Check the warranty (typically five years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's endurance. The drives listed use TLC NAND, offering a balance of performance and durability.

Given the PS5's limited initial storage, expansion is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 easily exceed 100GB. The M.2 slot allows for 250GB–8TB expansion, with 1TB often being a good balance of capacity and cost. Larger capacities are available for extensive game libraries.

While an internal SSD is preferred, external hard drives (though not for PS5 games) offer additional storage and facilitate transferring games between consoles. See our guide on upgrading your PS5 storage for installation assistance.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD provides fast load times. Despite not being the absolute fastest, it offers excellent value at around $80 for a 1TB version. Its 700TBW rating is sufficient for most gamers.

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 absolute fastest drive

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

This 1TB drive offers high speeds and a heatsink for under $100, doubling your console's storage. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory delivers excellent performance. Read speeds reach 7,300MB/s, and write speeds hit 6,800MB/s. A 2TB version offers even faster speeds and higher TBW.

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

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

This drive offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. While it lacks a heatsink (requiring a separate purchase), its speed is more than sufficient for PS5 games. The 2TB version boasts a 1200 TBW rating.

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, fast load times

Cons: Doesn't include a heatsink

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

This external SSD offers 1TB of storage and 2,000MB/s read speeds via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. While it can't run PS5 games, it's faster than traditional hard drives and useful for storing PS4 games and transferring data.

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: Can't run PS5 games

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5? Yes, if you play many games or live-service titles, an SSD significantly expands storage and improves load times.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds; PCIe 4.0 drives offer better value.