Top PS5 SSDs for 2025: Fast M.2 Options

With the evolution of console storage, Sony took a significant leap forward with the PS5 by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot. This feature allows gamers to expand the console's storage beyond the initial 825GB, a welcome change from the days when gamers were limited to the built-in storage of their consoles. This upgrade is especially beneficial considering Sony's history with overpriced memory cards for the PS Vita and PSP. Now, players can enhance their PS5 with high-end PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top recommendation, which offers performance 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 upgrading your PS5's storage. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a significant improvement over 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 the PS5's SSD slot has limited airflow, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, ensuring it fits within the console's constraints.

When selecting the capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple games, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and a few others. For those with larger libraries, a 4TB drive is an option, though it comes with a higher price tag.

PS5 SSD Basics:

The market offers a variety of SSDs compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Competition has driven down prices, making high-speed, affordable drives readily available, often under $100. Larger capacities, like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can exceed $500. Ensure your SSD meets the PS5's size requirements of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink, to prevent overheating and performance throttling. Most drives come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to purchase one separately, ensure it fits within the height limits of 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 5,500MB/s. The PS5 conducts a speed test upon installation, typically peaking at around 6,500MB/s, so faster drives may not offer additional benefits for PS5 games. Consider the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), which indicates the drive's lifespan. The type of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, or MLC—also affects durability and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited storage and the size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, 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. Alternatively, external hard drives can store PS5 games for later reinstallation, though they cannot run PS5 games directly. For PS4 titles, external SSDs offer a convenient solution.

For installation guidance, refer to our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5 storage, designed to be accessible even for those new to hardware modifications.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With blistering read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load up data quickly every time. 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 around

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 drives, the PS5 cannot fully utilize such speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective solution. Its sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speed of 5,800MB/s are well-suited for PS5 games, though actual speeds on the console may be around 6,500MB/s. The 700TBW durability rating is more than sufficient for most gamers, ensuring long-term reliability.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive that hits high speeds and includes a heatsink for use with the PS5, all for less than you’d expect. 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 exceptional value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly within the PS5's limited space. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND memory ensures high read speeds of up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds of 6,800MB/s, making it ideal for quick game loading and data transfers. While it lacks a 4TB option, the 2TB version offers increased storage and even faster speeds with a 1,200TBW rating.

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 money
• Extremely fast load times

Cons:

• Doesn't 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. With sequential read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it performs well on the PS5, loading games like Metaphor: Refantazio in just 4.37 seconds. As a DRAM-less SSD, it's less suited for professional workloads but perfectly fine for gaming. You'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, but these are affordable and widely available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with blistering 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection allows this option to act like an external SSD rather than a traditional hard drive. 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 drive
• Multiplatform support

Cons:

• Can't 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. While it cannot run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing game data, saving you from redownloading large titles like Spider-Man 2. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC, making it a versatile choice. With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, ideal for quick data transfers.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Yes, an SSD is highly beneficial for the PS5. With system files consuming a portion of the 825GB internal SSD, leaving around 650GB for games, additional storage becomes essential for gamers with multiple titles or those who enjoy live service games that grow over time. Upgrading with an SSD is one of the best investments for enhancing your PS5 experience.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

For the PS5, you should opt for 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 more than sufficient for gaming needs.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be a costly addition, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where significant discounts are often available.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the investment for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and cannot fully utilize the higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer the best value and performance for PS5 users.