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

With the advent of the PS5, Sony took a refreshing approach to storage expansion by including an internal M.2 PCIe slot. This allows gamers to enhance the console's base 825GB storage, which can quickly become cramped with modern game sizes. This move was particularly appreciated when considering Sony's history with costly proprietary memory solutions for the PS Vita and PSP. Now, players can integrate high-performance PC SSDs, such as our top recommendation, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to enjoy swift loading times comparable to the console's native drive.

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

There are specific requirements for PS5-compatible SSDs. You must use a PCIe 4.0 or newer drive, capable of speeds up to 7,500MB/s, which is a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 supports M.2 drives of various sizes, but the most common M.2 2280 drives are recommended for their ubiquity.

Additionally, a heatsink is crucial due to the high temperatures generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The PS5's design limits the heatsink height to 11.25mm, ensuring that most SSDs will fit. A heatsink prevents overheating and performance throttling, and you can opt for an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.

When choosing capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage space and accommodating multiple large games. However, if you prefer a vast game library, you might opt for a 4TB drive, though these come at a higher cost.

*If you're an Xbox owner, see our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series X*

Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains

PS5 SSD Basics

The market for PS5-compatible SSDs has grown, offering a variety of high-speed, affordable options. For those looking to expand storage, larger drives like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital come at a higher price, often over $500.

Ensure your SSD fits the PS5's M.2 slot with dimensions up to 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The slot's location can cause high temperatures, necessitating a heatsink to avoid performance issues. Most drives include an optional heatsink, but if you're sourcing one separately, ensure it's under 8mm above or 2.45mm below the SSD.

The PS5 requires a PCIe 4.0 SSD with at least 5,500MB/s sequential read speeds. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, typically offering speeds between 7,000–7,500MB/s. The PS5 performs its own speed test upon installation, capping at around 6,500MB/s, so faster drives don't provide additional benefits.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), which indicates how much data the drive can handle before potential failure. The type of NAND memory, such as QLC, TLC, or MLC, affects durability and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the limited storage of the PS5 and PS5 Slim, expanding with an M.2 SSD is essential for storing large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3. A 1TB drive strikes a good balance between capacity and cost, while larger drives up to 4TB cater to extensive libraries.

Beyond internal SSDs, an external hard drive can be used for storage, though PS5 games cannot be played from them. External SSDs offer faster access to PS4 games and reduce the need for redownloading large files.

For installation guidance, consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. The process is user-friendly, requiring no advanced technical skills.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9

With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD ensures quick data loading. Its value and performance make it an excellent choice for PS5 users.

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 has been a leading choice since its introduction as a PS5-compatible SSD. While newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs offer higher speeds, the PS5 can't fully utilize them, making the Corsair a cost-effective solution at around $80 for 1TB.

Its rated speeds of 7,100MB/s read and 5,800MB/s write are well-suited for the PS5, with the console recognizing speeds around 6,500MB/s. This ensures fast loading times for PS5 games, often matching or exceeding the console's internal drive.

With a durability rating of 700TBW, the drive is designed to last through extensive use, though most gamers won't reach this limit. It's ideal for long-term use within the PS5 but may not be suitable for high-intensity tasks like video editing if removed for use in other devices.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### Crucial T500

0

Offering 1TB of storage with a heatsink for under $100, the Crucial T500 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance.

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 a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor, the P5 Plus, and remains one of the best value SSDs available. At just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly within the PS5's limited space.

Its use of Micron TLC 3D NAND ensures high read speeds of up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, making it ideal for quick game loading and data transfers. The 2TB version offers even faster speeds and a higher TBW rating of 1,200TB, though it lacks a 4TB option.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung 990 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 delivers high performance at a reasonable price, despite a lower endurance rating than the pricier 990 Pro. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it's well-suited for the PS5, achieving speeds around 6,137MB/s in console tests and offering quick load times for games.

While it lacks a built-in heatsink, one can be purchased separately for a few dollars. Its DRAM-less design doesn't impact PS5 performance, making it a solid choice for gamers looking for value without sacrificing speed.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1

With 1TB of storage and 2,000MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, the WD_Black P40 serves as a fast external SSD, suitable for both PS5 and other platforms.

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 offers a convenient storage solution without the need to open the PS5. Although it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing large game files and playing PS4 titles, making it an excellent choice for gamers needing extra space.

With speeds up to 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, ideal for quick data transfers, especially when moving files from PS4 to PS5.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

With system files consuming a portion of the PS5's 825GB SSD, you're left with around 650GB of usable space. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer slightly more storage, but for gamers juggling multiple titles, especially live service games that grow with updates, an SSD upgrade is crucial. It's one of the best investments for expanding your PS5's capabilities.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

For the PS5, you need an SSD with at least 5,500MB/s read speed. Most PCIe 4.0 drives exceed this, and speeds of 6,500MB/s or higher are ideal for smooth performance, though higher speeds offer no additional benefit for the console.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but you can save significantly during sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are prime times to snag deals on these essential upgrades.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0 and can't utilize the full speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making them an unnecessary expense compared to more affordable PCIe 4.0 options.