Top PS5 SSDs for 2025: Speed Upgrades

For several console generations, gamers were limited to the built-in storage of their consoles. The PS5 changed this with its inclusion of an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy expansion with off-the-shelf SSDs. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's relatively small initial storage capacity of 825GB. Now, you can add high-performance PC SSDs, like the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to dramatically increase your game library with load times nearly as fast as the console's internal drive.

TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:

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There are some important considerations. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 (or better) M.2 SSD. While the physical size isn't strictly limited, a 2280 drive is recommended for compatibility. A heatsink is also crucial due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 drives; the PS5's internal space doesn't provide sufficient passive cooling. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink, or purchase one separately, ensuring it doesn't exceed the 11.25mm height restriction.

Storage capacity is up to you. A 1TB drive effectively doubles your storage, sufficient for many gamers. Larger 4TB drives offer significantly more space but come at a higher price.

*For Xbox owners, see our best SSDs for Xbox Series X roundup.*

*Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains*

What do you look for in a PS5 SSD?

High storage capacity – got a massive gaming library?The fastest speeds – who doesn't love quick loads?PCIe 5.0 – for futureproofingA built-in heatsink – the PS5 gets toastyLow price – just give me a drive that gets the job done

Answer
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PS5 SSD Basics

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Many SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Due to increased competition, high-speed, affordable drives are readily available for under $100. However, prices increase significantly with larger capacities; high-capacity drives (e.g., 8TB) can cost over $500.

Ensure your NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD has maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm (including heatsink). The PS5's limited space necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance throttling. Most drives include one; otherwise, ensure any separately purchased heatsink fits within the 8mm height restriction.

You need at least a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or faster. Most SSDs advertise these speeds; the PS5 will also run its own speed test upon installation. Drives significantly faster than 6500MB/s offer little additional benefit for the PS5.

Consider the warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's endurance. While most gamers won't reach the TBW limit, it's relevant if you plan to reuse the drive in other systems. Also note the NAND type (QLC, TLC, MLC); TLC is a good balance of performance and cost for gaming.

Given the PS5's limited base storage, expansion is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 easily exceed 100GB. The M.2 slot supports 250GB–8TB additions; 1TB is a popular choice balancing capacity and price. Larger capacities cater to extensive game libraries.

While an internal SSD is preferred, external hard drives (though not for PS5 games) can store PS4 games and reduce redownload needs. See our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation assistance.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

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Best PS5 SSD

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 an early PS5-compatible SSD and remains a strong contender. While not the absolute fastest, it offers excellent value at around $80 for 1TB. Its speed is more than sufficient for PS5 games, and the included heatsink is a plus. The 700TBW rating is unlikely to be a limiting factor for most gamers.

2. Crucial T500

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Best Budget PS5 SSD

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 1TB with a heatsink for just over $100. Its speed is comparable to higher-priced options, thanks to Micron TLC 3D NAND. A 2TB version offers increased capacity and speed, but a 4TB option is unavailable.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

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Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

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 excellent performance at a reasonable price. While lacking a heatsink (requiring a separate purchase), its speed is more than adequate for PS5 gaming. The TBW rating is sufficient for console use.

4. WD_Black P40

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Best External PS5 SSD

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 offering faster speeds than traditional hard drives. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's useful for storing PS4 games and transferring data between consoles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

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Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

An SSD is highly recommended if you play multiple games or live-service titles that expand over time. The PS5's base storage fills quickly.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

At least 5,500MB/s read speed is required. 6,500MB/s or faster is ideal, though higher speeds offer diminishing returns.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer significant discounts.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No. The PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds; PCIe 4.0 drives offer sufficient performance at a lower cost.