Top PS5 SSDs for 2025: Fast M.2 Options

In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony's PS5 introduced a game-changing feature: an internal M.2 PCIe slot that allows users to expand storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing departure from Sony's previous practices, such as the costly memory cards for the PS Vita and PSP, especially considering the PS5's initial 825GB of storage. 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 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 M.2 drive sizes, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended.

We also suggest choosing an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot area has limited airflow, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, and most SSDs meet this requirement. You can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.

When it comes to capacity, consider your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple games, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and a couple of others. For those with larger libraries, a 4TB drive is an option, though it comes with a higher price tag.

*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:

A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. With increased competition, you can find high-speed, affordable drives for under $100. 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 no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact design can lead to high temperatures, making a heatsink essential 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 limits of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

You'll need a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5500MB/s. Most SSDs advertise their read and write speeds, giving you a good idea of their performance. The PS5 conducts its own speed test upon installation, which typically peaks at around 6,500MB/s, so faster drives aren't necessary for PS5 games. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, offering plenty of options.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the drive, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A drive rated for 700TBW should last until that point, though it's unlikely most gamers will reach this limit.

The type of NAND memory used in the SSD is also important. QLC, TLC, and MLC are the common types, with QLC being the least durable and most affordable, and MLC being the most durable and expensive. TLC NAND, used in the drives listed here, strikes a balance between durability and cost.

Given the PS5's 825GB and the PS5 Slim's 1TB storage, additional space is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can take up over 100GB each. The M.2 expansion slot supports 250GB to 8TB of additional storage. A 1TB drive offers a good balance between capacity and price, but larger libraries may require more space. Most mainstream PCIe 4.0 SSDs are available up to 4TB.

For external storage, consider using an external hard drive. While external SSDs can offer high speeds, they cannot run PS5 games directly. They are useful for storing larger games to avoid redownloading, and PS4 titles can be played directly from them.

For installation guidance, check out our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is required.

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 preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is designed for quick data loading. It offers excellent value and high read speeds, though it's not the fastest drive available. The Corsair MP600 was one of the first SSDs marketed for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While it can't match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize faster drives anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective option.

This SSD has a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, making it compatible with the PS5. In practice, the PS5 rates it at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for loading PS5 games quickly.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's warrantied to last until 700TB of data is written. Most PS5 gamers won't reach this limit, making it a non-issue unless you plan to use the drive in a different setup later.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0

This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, all for a budget-friendly price. At just over $100, it's a great value, doubling your PS5's storage without the need for an additional heatsink.

The T500 uses Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, providing a performance boost over many budget SSDs. It achieves read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers.

For those needing more space, the 2TB version offers increased storage and even faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200. Unfortunately, a 4TB option is not available.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung990 Evo Plus

0

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers excellent performance at a reasonable price, though it does not come with a heatsink. It has a lower endurance rating than the more expensive 990 Pro, but this is not a concern for console use. The 2TB version is rated for 1,200TBW, which is more than enough for most gamers.

With a rated sequential read speed of 7,250MB/s, the PS5's storage test rates 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.

As a DRAM-less SSD, it has lower peak performance in professional workloads, but this doesn't affect its performance in the PS5. 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

1

The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, offering 1TB of storage with read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s. It's faster than traditional hard drives and works across multiple platforms, though it cannot run PS5 games directly.

It's ideal for storing PS5 game data to avoid redownloading large files, and PS4 titles can be played directly from it. The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection ensures quick data transfers, making it useful for moving 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 while PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible, the PS5 can't utilize their full speeds. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's requirements.