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

In the past, gamers were limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony's decision to include an internal M.2 PCIe slot in the PS5 marked a significant shift, allowing users to expand their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing change, especially considering the PS5's base storage of 825GB. Now, you can enhance your PS5 with high-end PC SSDs like our top pick, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, which offers load times nearly as fast 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 AmazonThere are specific requirements you must meet to ensure compatibility with the PS5. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, capable of speeds up to 7,500MB/s, which is a substantial upgrade over the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates various M.2 drive sizes, but the most common and recommended is the M.2 2280.

It's also crucial to use an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat, and the PS5's SSD slot isn't ideal for passive airflow. The heatsink must not exceed 11.25mm in height, which is a standard most SSDs meet. You can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.

When choosing capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to store multiple games, including large titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Larger options, such as a 4TB drive, are available but come with a higher price tag.

If you're an Xbox owner, see our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series XContributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains*

Numerous SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, offering high-speed and affordable options, often under $100. Larger capacities, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can exceed $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 confined space and high temperatures necessitate a heatsink to prevent performance throttling or damage.

Your SSD should achieve sequential read speeds of at least 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives offer speeds around 7,000–7,500MB/s, which the PS5 will test and cap at around 6,500MB/s. Check the drive's warranty, which often covers five years and includes a TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating its endurance.

The type of NAND memory used in the SSD is crucial. Options include QLC, TLC, and MLC, with TLC offering a balanced performance and cost, ideal for gamers. Given the PS5's limited storage, expanding with a 1TB to 4TB SSD can accommodate large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3.

While an internal SSD is preferred, an external hard drive can store PS5 games for later use, though they cannot be played directly from it. PS4 games, however, can be played from an external drive.

For installation help, refer to our guide on upgrading your PS5 storage, which is user-friendly and doesn't require advanced technical skills.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD ensures quick data loading. It's an excellent value option, offering high performance at a reasonable price. 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 was one of the first SSDs designed for the PS5 and remains a top choice. Though it doesn't match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 can't fully utilize these speeds anyway, making the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX a cost-effective and efficient choice.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0Offering 1TB of storage with a heatsink for less than expected, the Crucial T500 is a budget-friendly option. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TBSequential read speed7,300MB/sSequential write speed6,800MB/sNAND typeMicron TLCTBW600TBPROSTLC 3D NAND flash memoryImpressive speedsCONSNo 4TB optionThe Crucial T500 provides excellent value, doubling the PS5's storage without the need to purchase an additional heatsink. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures high performance, with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung990 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 offers top performance at a reasonable price, though it requires a separate heatsink. It's ideal for gamers, with fast load times and a high endurance rating.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1With 1TB of storage and read speeds up to 2,000MB/s, the WD_Black P40 serves as an efficient 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 via USB, offering faster speeds than traditional hard drives. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing them and playing PS4 titles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Absolutely. The PS5's internal storage is limited, with only about 650GB available for games. Expanding with an SSD is essential for gamers who juggle multiple titles or play games that grow in size with updates.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You need an SSD with a minimum read speed of 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are optimal for the PS5.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

Prime Day in July and Black Friday/Cyber Monday are ideal times to find discounts on PS5 SSDs.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No. The PS5 supports PCIe 4.0, and while PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible, they won't provide additional speed benefits on the console, making PCIe 4.0 drives a more cost-effective choice.