Top PS5 SSDs for 2025: Fast M.2 Options for Your Console

Over the past few console generations, gamers were often limited by the built-in storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony made a significant change with the PS5 by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to expand storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move is a stark contrast to their previous practices with the PS Vita and PSP, which used prohibitively expensive memory cards. With only 825GB of internal storage on the PS5, this upgrade option is a game-changer, enabling you to install high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top pick, to accommodate more games with load times 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 AmazonThere are specific requirements for the SSDs you can use. You need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s—a vast improvement over the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The drive must be an M.2 type, and while the PS5 accommodates all current M.2 drive sizes with its screw holes, sticking with the common M.2 2280 drives is recommended.

We also suggest opting for an SSD with a built-in heatsink, which should not exceed 11.25mm in height. PCIe 4.0 SSDs tend to generate significant heat, and the PS5's SSD slot area isn't designed for optimal passive airflow. A heatsink is crucial to prevent overheating and performance throttling. You can choose an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase a separate one that fits the PS5's specifications.

When it comes to capacity, select an SSD size based on your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For those with extensive gaming libraries, larger drives up to 4TB are available, though they come at a higher cost.

If you're an Xbox owner, see our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series XContributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains*

A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5’s M.2 slot. With increased competition, you can find high-speed, affordable options under $100. Larger capacities, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can cost over $500.

Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions up to 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's tight space can lead to high temperatures, necessitating a heatsink to prevent performance issues. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, make sure it fits within the height limit of 8mm above or 2.45mm below the SSD.

Your SSD should achieve sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, ensuring fast performance. The PS5 runs its own speed test upon installation, capping at around 6,500MB/s, so faster drives aren't necessary.

Check the warranty and endurance rating (TBW) of the drive. A five-year warranty and a TBW rating indicate the drive's lifespan. The type of NAND memory (QLC, TLC, MLC) also matters, with TLC NAND offering a balanced performance and cost, which is used in the SSDs listed here.

Given the PS5's limited storage and the size of modern games, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, additional storage is often essential. The M.2 expansion slot supports 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a cost-effective choice. Larger capacities up to 4TB are available for extensive libraries.

In addition to internal SSDs, you can use an external hard drive. While they can't run PS5 games, they're useful for storing PS4 games and avoiding redownloads.

For installation help, refer to our guide on upgrading PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is needed to upgrade.

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 ensures quick data loading. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TBSequential read speed7,100MB/sSequential write speed5,800MB/sNAND type3D TLCTBW700TBPROSExcellent valueHigh read speedCONSNot the fastest drive aroundThe Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While newer, faster SSDs exist, the PS5 can't fully utilize their speeds. At around $80 for a 1TB model, it's a cost-effective option.

This SSD offers sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, making it compatible with PS5 requirements. The PS5 tests it at around 6,500MB/s, still fast enough for most games.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's designed to handle extensive use before potential failure. This isn't a concern for most console gamers, but it's something to consider if repurposing the drive for other uses.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive with high speeds and a heatsink for the PS5, at a competitive price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TBSequential read speed7,300MB/sSequential write speed6,800MB/sNAND typeMicron TLCTBW600TBPROSTLC 3D NAND flash memoryImpressive speedsCONSNo 4TB optionThe Crucial T500 offers great value, with improved performance over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. For just over $100, you get 1TB of storage with a heatsink, saving you from purchasing one separately.

With Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, it maintains high performance, with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s. This ensures quick game boots and data transfers.

The 2TB version offers doubled storage and TBW, but no 4TB option is available for those with larger libraries.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TB – 4TBSequential read speed7,250MB/sSequential write speed6,300MB/sNAND typeSamsung V-NAND TLCTBW600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)PROSExcellent performance for the moneyExtremely fast load timesCONSDoesn't come with a heatsinkThe Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance without a high price tag. It has a lower endurance rating than the 990 Pro, but it's sufficient for console use. The 2TB model is rated for 1,200TBW, far more than most gamers will need.

Its rated read speed is 7,250MB/s, but the PS5 tests it at around 6,137MB/s, still fast enough for PS5 games. It loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the built-in drive.

As a DRAM-less SSD, it has lower peak performance in professional workloads, but this doesn't affect PS5 performance. You'll need to buy a separate heatsink, though they're affordable and available on Amazon.

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 makes this an excellent external SSD option. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TBSequential read speed2,000MB/sSequential write speed2,000MB/sNAND typeWD TLCTBW600TBPROSFaster than traditional hard drive Multiplatform supportCONSCan't run PS5 gamesThe WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, avoiding the need to open the PS5. It's compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. However, it can't run PS5 games directly; it's ideal for storing games and PS4 titles that can be played from the drive.

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

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

With a significant portion of the PS5’s 825GB SSD taken by system files, leaving around 650GB usable, additional storage is beneficial for gamers with multiple games or those that grow with updates. An SSD is one of the best accessories for the PS5.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

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

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

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

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs aren't worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and can't utilize the full speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more cost-effective choice.