Top PS5 SSDs for 2025: Fast M.2 Options

Over the past few console generations, gamers were often limited by the built-in storage of their consoles. However, Sony made a significant leap forward with the PS5 by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to expand storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a stark contrast to their previous strategy with the PS Vita and PSP, which used notoriously expensive memory cards. The PS5's base storage of 825GB can quickly become insufficient, but now you can enhance your gaming experience by installing high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top recommendation, which offers nearly identical loading speeds to 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 a few restrictions to consider. You need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a significant upgrade from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates various sizes of M.2 drives, but an M.2 2280 drive is recommended due to its commonality.

It's also advisable to choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink. The size of the heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height. PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate considerable heat, and the PS5's internal slot has limited airflow, making a heatsink essential to prevent performance throttling. You can opt for an SSD with an integrated heatsink or purchase a separate one that fits the PS5's specifications.

When it comes to capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to store numerous games, or at least a few hefty titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Larger capacities like 4TB are available but 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*

Numerous SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, thanks to increased competition driving down prices. You can find high-speed, cost-effective drives for under $100, while larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital can cost over $500.

Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm or 4.33" x 0.984" x 0.442", including the heatsink. The PS5's internal environment can get hot, necessitating a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance issues. Most SSDs offer an optional heatsink, but if purchasing separately, ensure it fits within the height limit of 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

For optimal performance, select an SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives exceed this, typically ranging from 7,000 to 7,500MB/s. The PS5 conducts a speed test upon installation, ensuring the drive is fast enough for PS5 games, with a peak speed around 6,500MB/s.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), when selecting an SSD. A five-year warranty and a high TBW rating indicate a reliable drive. SSDs typically use QLC, TLC, or MLC NAND memory, with TLC offering a good balance of durability and cost, suitable for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited base storage and the large 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 balancing capacity and cost. For larger libraries, 4TB options are available.

In addition to internal SSDs, external hard drives can be used for storage. While they can't run PS5 games, they are useful for storing PS4 titles and reducing the need to redownload large games.

For installation guidance, refer to our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No advanced hardware skills are required.

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 preinstalled 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 it doesn't match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 can't fully utilize faster speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it offers great value.

This SSD has a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, well within the PS5's compatibility range. On the PS5, it achieves speeds around 6,500MB/s, sufficient for fast game loading.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's warrantied to handle 700TB of data over its lifetime. This is ample for most PS5 gamers, who are unlikely to reach this limit.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, all 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 is a budget-friendly SSD with impressive performance. Priced just over $100, it provides 1TB of storage with an attached heatsink, making it an ideal fit for the PS5.

The T500 uses Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, offering read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game loading and data transfers.

For those needing more space, the 2TB version offers increased storage and even faster speeds, with a doubled TBW rating of 1,200TB. Unfortunately, a 4TB option is not 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 offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. While it has a lower endurance rating than the more expensive 990 Pro, it's still more than sufficient for console use.

The drive's sequential read speed is up to 7,250MB/s, though the PS5 rates it at around 6,137MB/s, which is still fast enough for PS5 games. In testing, it loaded games slightly faster than the console's native drive.

Note that the Samsung 990 Evo Plus is a DRAM-less SSD, which affects peak performance in professional workloads but is not a concern for PS5 gaming. You will need to purchase a separate heatsink, which is affordable and readily available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1This 1TB external SSD offers read speeds of 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, making it a fast alternative to traditional hard drives. 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 installation. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC.

While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing PS5 game data, saving time on redownloads. PS4 games can be played directly from this drive, freeing up internal storage for PS5 titles.

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

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves about 650GB of usable space after system files. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer more storage, but for avid gamers with multiple titles or those who play live service games, an additional SSD is a valuable investment.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

Choose an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. PCIe 4.0 drives typically meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are more than sufficient for most users.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have dropped over time. Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are excellent times to find discounts on PS5 SSDs.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost for the PS5, as the console can't fully utilize their speeds. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's performance needs.