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

In recent console generations, gamers have often been constrained by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony has made a significant leap forward with the PlayStation 5 by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot. This innovative feature allows users to expand their storage using off-the-shelf SSDs, a refreshing change from the days of the PS Vita and PSP, which were notoriously paired with expensive proprietary memory cards. With the PS5's modest 825GB of built-in storage, this expansion option is particularly valuable. Enthusiasts can now enhance their gaming experience by installing high-performance PC SSDs, such as our top pick, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, which offers load times nearly as fast as the console's proprietary 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 a few important considerations when choosing an SSD for your PS5. Firstly, you must opt for a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a marked improvement over the 3,500MB/s offered by Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. Additionally, you need an M.2 drive, and while the PS5 can accommodate various sizes, the M.2 2280 drives are the most common and recommended.

We strongly suggest selecting an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the size restriction for the heatsink is 11.25mm in height. This is crucial because PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat under load, and the PS5's SSD slot area has limited passive airflow. A heatsink is essential to prevent the drive from overheating and throttling its performance. You can choose an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase a separate one that meets the size requirements.

When it comes to capacity, consider your specific needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient for most users, effectively doubling the PS5's storage and allowing for a substantial game library. However, if you require more space, larger 4TB drives are available, albeit 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 available that are perfectly compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. With increased competition in recent years, you can find high-speed, cost-effective drives for under $100. For those needing more storage, prices increase significantly; larger drives, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can exceed $500.

Ensure you install an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD, with dimensions not exceeding 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's internal space is limited, leading to higher temperatures, which necessitates a heatsink to avoid performance throttling or drive damage. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to purchase one separately, ensure it fits within the height requirements of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

Beyond size, you need at least a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or faster. Most SSDs advertise their sequential read and write speeds, giving you a good indication of performance. The PS5 conducts its own speed test upon installation, verifying if the drive is suitable for running PS5 games. In my experience, this test typically caps at around 6,500MB/s, so SSDs much faster than this may not offer significant benefits for the PS5. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated for around 7,000–7,500MB/s, providing ample options.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the drive, usually measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). This indicates the drive's lifespan in terms of data written before potential failure. For instance, a 700TBW rating means the drive should last until at least that point, though it's unlikely most PS5 users will reach this limit.

Also, check the type of NAND memory used in the SSD. The three common types—QLC, TLC, and MLC—vary in endurance, with QLC being the least durable and MLC the most. QLC drives are typically more affordable, while MLC drives are pricier and often aimed at professional users rather than gamers. The SSDs listed here use TLC NAND, offering a balanced performance and cost.

Given the PS5's 825GB of storage and the PS5 Slim's 1TB, additional storage is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can each take up over 100GB, quickly filling available space. The M.2 expansion slot allows for adding 250GB to 8TB of fast internal storage. A 1TB drive strikes a balance between capacity and price, though larger capacities are available for extensive game libraries.

While an internal SSD is the preferred storage solution, you can also use an external hard drive. Some external SSDs offer high speeds, though they cannot run PS5 games directly. They are useful for storing PS5 games to avoid redownloading and can play PS4 titles directly from the drive.

For guidance on installing your PS5 SSD, check out our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No need to be a hardware expert to get it done.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With impressive read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD ensures quick data loading every time. 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. Though it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize drives faster than its own test threshold of around 6,500MB/s. At a competitive price point of around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective choice.

This SSD boasts a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, making it compatible with PS5 games. Although these speeds are optimized for PC, the PS5 still rates it at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for most PS5 games.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's guaranteed to function until that data volume is written. Most PS5 users are unlikely to reach this limit, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive with high speeds and an included heatsink, all for a surprisingly affordable 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 exceptional value, stepping up from the previously recommended P5 Plus. For just over $100, you get 1TB of storage with a heatsink, only $15 more than the non-heatsink version. It fits perfectly into the PS5's compact space, effectively doubling your storage without the added cost of a separate heatsink.

The T500 maintains high performance with Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, achieving read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s. This ensures fast game loading and seamless data transfers.

For those needing more space, the 2TB version offers increased storage and faster speeds, with a doubled TBW rating of 1,200TB. Unfortunately, there's no 4TB option available.

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 provides top performance without the high price tag. While its endurance rating is lower than the pricier 990 Pro, it's more than sufficient for console use. The 2TB version I tested is rated for 1,200TBW, well beyond typical gaming needs.

Speed is crucial, and while rated at 7,250MB/s, the PS5 test clocked it at 6,137MB/s, still fast enough for PS5 games. In testing, it loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in just 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the native drive's 4.47 seconds.

Note that the 990 Evo Plus is a DRAM-less SSD, which may affect peak performance in professional workloads but is irrelevant for PS5 gaming. Since it doesn't come with a heatsink, you'll need to purchase one separately, which are affordable and widely available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1With 1TB of storage and read speeds up to 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, this external SSD offers a convenient storage solution. 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 to the PS5 via USB, eliminating the need to open the console for internal SSD installation. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC, making it a versatile storage solution.

However, it cannot run PS5 games directly; it's ideal for storing game data to avoid redownloading large files. PS4 titles can be played directly from the drive, freeing up internal storage for PS5 games.

With read speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it an efficient choice for data transfers, especially when setting up a new console.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves you with about 650GB of usable space after system files. The PS5 Slim offers more storage, and the PS5 Pro ups it to 2TB. If you play a few games at a time, this might suffice, but for those with larger game libraries or who enjoy live service games that grow with updates, additional storage is essential. An SSD is a valuable investment for expanding your PS5's storage capacity.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You should choose an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement. While higher speeds are beneficial, anything above 6,500MB/s is generally sufficient unless you're frequently transferring large files.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be a significant additional expense. Prices have decreased over time, but to maximize savings, consider purchasing during Amazon Prime Day in July, or during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, when discounts are often substantial.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost 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 are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's performance needs.