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

In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony's innovative approach with the PS5, which includes an internal M.2 PCIe slot, has revolutionized this aspect. This feature allows users to expand their storage using off-the-shelf SSDs, a significant departure from the costly proprietary memory cards used with the PS Vita and PSP. With the PS5's base storage of 825GB, this upgrade option is particularly welcome. High-end PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX can be installed, offering nearly the same fast loading times as 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 Amazon

There are specific requirements for the SSDs you can use with the PS5. You need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates various sizes of M.2 drives, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended. Additionally, due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs and the limited airflow in the PS5's SSD slot, a heatsink is essential. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.

When selecting the capacity, consider your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple large games. For those with extensive libraries, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though at a higher cost.

For Xbox owners, check out our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series X. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.

PS5 SSD Basics:

A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, offering high-speed and affordable options. With increased competition, you can find sub-$100 drives that meet the PS5's requirements. Larger capacities, like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, come at a higher price, often exceeding $500.

Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions not exceeding 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact design can lead to high temperatures, making a heatsink crucial to prevent performance throttling or damage. Most drives offer an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, ensure it fits within the height limit of 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

Your SSD should have a sequential read speed of at least 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, providing ample choice. The PS5's speed test, which runs during installation, will confirm if the drive is fast enough for PS5 games, typically peaking at around 6,500MB/s.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the drive, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A typical warranty lasts five years, and the TBW rating indicates the drive's lifespan. The type of NAND memory used—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects endurance and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited base storage and the size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, additional storage is often necessary. The M.2 expansion slot supports 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a cost-effective option. For larger libraries, 4TB drives are available. External SSDs can also be used for storage, though they cannot run PS5 games directly.

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 its impressive read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load data quickly every time. See it at Amazon

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 was among the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize those speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective option.

Rated for a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, it's well-suited for PS5 use. In practice, the PS5 rates it at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for fast game loading.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, which is unlikely to be reached by most PS5 gamers. This rating is more relevant if you plan to use the drive in other high-write environments like editing rigs.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive that hits high speeds and includes a heatsink for use with the PS5, all for less than you’d expect. See it at Amazon

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 excellent value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly into the PS5. It doubles the console's storage and eliminates the need for an additional heatsink purchase.

With Micron TLC 3D NAND, it achieves read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers. The 2TB version offers even more storage and faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200TB, though it lacks a 4TB option.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung990 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 offers high performance at a reasonable price. While it has a lower endurance rating than the 990 Pro, it's more than adequate for console use. The 2TB version is rated for 1,200TBW, which is ample for most gamers.

With a rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, the PS5's test shows it at 6,137MB/s, still fast enough for PS5 games. It loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in just 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the native drive. Note that it's a DRAM-less SSD, but this doesn't impact PS5 performance. You'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, which is affordable and widely available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with blistering 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection allows this option to act like an external SSD rather than a traditional hard drive. See it at Amazon

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 connects via USB, offering a convenient storage solution without needing to open the PS5. It's compatible with multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC. However, it cannot run PS5 games directly, though it can store them and play PS4 titles.

With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it ideal for transferring data from PS4 to PS5.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves about 650GB for games after system files. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer more storage, but if you play multiple games or enjoy live service games that grow with updates, additional storage is essential. An SSD is one of the best PS5 accessories to invest in.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You need an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement. Speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal unless you're frequently transferring large files.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be expensive, but prices have dropped over time. The best times to buy are during Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when significant discounts are available.

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 cannot fully utilize the speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's performance needs.