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

In the past few console generations, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, with the PlayStation 5, Sony introduced a groundbreaking feature: an internal M.2 PCIe slot that allows users to expand their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move marked a significant departure from Sony's previous practices, such as pairing the PS Vita and PSP with costly proprietary memory cards. With the PS5's base storage at 825GB, which can quickly become insufficient, the ability to install high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX—our top pick—has been a game-changer, allowing for faster game loading times akin to the console's built-in SSD.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9See it at Amazon### Crucial T500

0See it at Amazon### Samsung 990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy### WD_Black P40

1See it at Amazon

When expanding your PS5's storage, there are specific requirements to consider. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or better M.2 drive to achieve SSD speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a substantial leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The physical size of the drive is less of a concern, as the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, though the M.2 2280 is most common. Additionally, a built-in heatsink is recommended due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs, which can affect performance if not managed properly. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, ensuring it fits within the PS5's compact SSD slot.

Choosing the right capacity depends on your needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to store numerous games or a few large titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For those with extensive libraries, larger options like 4TB are available, though at a higher cost.

For Xbox owners, our guide to the best SSDs for Xbox Series X can be a valuable resource. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.

A variety of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, and with increased competition, you can find high-speed, budget-friendly options under $100. Larger drives, like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, come at a higher cost, typically over $500. When choosing an SSD, ensure it's 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 compact SSD slot can generate heat, necessitating a heatsink to prevent performance throttling or damage. Most drives include an optional heatsink, but if purchasing separately, ensure it's under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

Your chosen SSD should have a sequential read speed of at least 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer speeds around 7,000–7,500MB/s, which is more than adequate for the PS5's speed test, which typically peaks at around 6,500MB/s. Checking the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), is also crucial. Most SSDs come with a five-year warranty and ratings like 700TBW, indicating their expected lifespan.

Consider the type of NAND memory used in the SSD. QLC, TLC, and MLC are the common types, with TLC offering a good balance between performance and price, which is why it's used in the SSDs recommended here.

Given the PS5's limited 825GB storage (or 1TB in the PS5 Slim), and the large sizes of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, expanding storage is often necessary. The M.2 slot allows for 250GB to 8TB of additional internal storage, with 1TB being a popular choice for its balance of capacity and cost. For even larger libraries, 4TB options are available.

Beyond internal SSDs, you can use an external hard drive for storage. While these can't run PS5 games directly, they are useful for storing and quickly accessing PS4 titles or reducing the need to redownload large games.

For those needing help installing a PS5 SSD, our guide on upgrading PS5 storage is a helpful resource. No hardware expertise is required to make the upgrade.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With its high read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is perfectly optimized for quick data loading on the PS5. 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 is one of the earliest SSDs designed specifically for the PS5 and continues to be a top choice. While it may not match the speed of some newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize those speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB model, it's an unbeatable value.

This SSD boasts sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, well within the PS5's compatibility range. Although these speeds are primarily achievable on a PC, the PS5's test rates it at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for fast loading of PS5 games.

However, the 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's guaranteed to handle up to 700TB of data over its lifetime. This is unlikely to be a concern for most PS5 users, as it would require filling the drive 700 times.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### Crucial T500

0A 1TB drive that delivers high speeds and includes a heatsink, all at a budget-friendly 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 excellent value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced at just over $100, this 1TB SSD comes with an integrated heatsink, fitting seamlessly into the PS5's limited space.

Don't worry about sacrificing speed for the price; the T500's Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures it keeps pace with top-tier SSDs. Expect read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and seamless data transfers.

If 1TB isn't enough, the 2TB version of the Crucial T500 offers more space and even faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200 and the same five-year warranty. Unfortunately, a 4TB option is not available.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung 990 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 delivers top performance without a high price tag. Although its endurance rating is lower than the 990 Pro, this isn't a concern for console use. The 2TB model, with a 1,200TBW rating, should last well beyond the needs of most gamers.

Speed is crucial, and the 990 Evo Plus offers read speeds up to 7,250MB/s. The PS5's test rated it at 6,137MB/s, more than fast enough for PS5 games. In testing, it loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in 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 might impact peak performance in professional workloads. However, this doesn't affect its performance on the PS5, which can't utilize the full rated speed anyway. You'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, but they're affordable and widely available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with impressive 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection makes this an ideal external SSD. 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, offering a hassle-free storage solution. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing large games and playing PS4 titles.

With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, the WD_Black P40 is significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it ideal for quickly transferring data, such as when moving games from a PS4 to a PS5.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Absolutely, an SSD is a worthwhile investment for PS5 owners. With system files consuming a significant portion of the 825GB internal storage, leaving only about 650GB usable, and even the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offering limited storage, an SSD becomes essential if you enjoy juggling multiple games or playing expansive live service titles.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

For the PS5, you'll need an SSD with a minimum read speed of 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement easily. While higher speeds are beneficial, anything above 6,500MB/s is more than adequate unless you're frequently transferring large files.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be pricey, 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 you can find significant discounts.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not necessary for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and while PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible, the PS5 can't fully utilize their higher speeds. Opting for a PCIe 4.0 SSD is a more cost-effective choice.