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. The PS5 changed that with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for off-the-shelf SSD expansion. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's relatively small 825GB of initial storage. Now, high-performance PC SSDs, like the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, can significantly expand your game library with near-instant load times, rivaling the console's internal drive.

TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:

Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

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Crucial T500

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Samsung 990 Evo Plus

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WD_Black P40

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There are some important considerations. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 (or better) M.2 SSD. While the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, the 2280 is most common. A heatsink is highly recommended due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 drives; the PS5's internal design isn't ideal for passive cooling. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately, ensuring it doesn't exceed 11.25mm in height.

Capacity depends on your needs. A 1TB drive effectively doubles your storage, while larger 4TB options offer significantly more space at a higher cost.

For Xbox owners, see our best SSDs for Xbox Series X roundup.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains

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PS5 SSD Basics

Many SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Competition has driven down prices, with many high-speed drives available for under $100. Larger capacities, however, increase exponentially in price. Ensure your drive is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm (including heatsink). The PS5's compact design necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance throttling. Most drives include one; otherwise, ensure any separately purchased heatsink meets the height requirements.

A minimum sequential read speed of 5500MB/s is required. Most drives advertise this; the PS5 also performs its own speed test during installation. While speeds above 6500MB/s are achievable, the PS5 won't fully utilize them. Consider the warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's endurance. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and affordability for gamers. The drives listed here use TLC NAND.

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 supports 250GB–8TB additions. 1TB is a popular choice, but larger capacities cater to extensive game libraries. External hard drives offer additional storage, but PS5 games cannot be run from them; however, they are useful for PS4 games and storing game files.

See our guide on upgrading your PS5 storage for installation assistance.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

With read speeds up to 7100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD provides fast load times.

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Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7100MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 5800MB/s
• NAND type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB

Pros: Excellent value, high read speed

Cons: Not the absolute fastest drive available.

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was an early leader and remains a strong contender. While newer drives offer higher speeds, the PS5 can't fully utilize them. Its affordability makes it a compelling option.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

A 1TB drive with high speeds and a built-in heatsink, offering excellent value.

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Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7300MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6800MB/s
• NAND type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros: TLC 3D NAND flash memory, impressive speeds.

Cons: No 4TB option.

The Crucial T500 provides a great balance of performance and price, including a heatsink and using Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

Excellent performance at a competitive price, but requires a separate heatsink.

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Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
• Sequential read speed: 7250MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6300MB/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 include a heatsink.

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus delivers strong performance without a premium price tag. Note that it requires a separately purchased heatsink.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

1TB of external storage with fast read speeds (2000MB/s) via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. Cannot run PS5 games directly, but suitable for PS4 games and data transfer.

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Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 2000MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 2000MB/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 a faster external storage option than traditional hard drives, useful for PS4 games and data transfer between consoles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

An SSD is highly recommended if you play multiple games or live service titles that grow in size. The PS5's initial storage fills quickly.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

At least 5500MB/s read speed is required. Most PCIe 4.0 drives exceed this; 6500MB/s or higher is generally sufficient.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer significant discounts.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No. The PS5 only supports PCIe 4.0, so the extra speed of PCIe 5.0 is wasted.