The Best PS5 SSDs You Can Buy in 2025: Speedy M.2 Drives for Your Console

For several console generations, gamers were limited to the built-in storage. The PS5 changed that with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD upgrades. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's limited base storage (825GB). Now, you can install high-performance PC SSDs, like the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to significantly expand your game library with near-instant load times, rivaling the console's internal drive.

TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
See it at Amazon

Crucial T500
See it at Amazon

Samsung 990 Evo Plus
See it at Best Buy

WD_Black P40
See it at Amazon

There are some key considerations. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 (or higher) M.2 SSD. While the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, a 2280 drive is most common. Crucially, a heatsink is recommended due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 drives; the PS5's internal space isn't ideal for passive cooling. The heatsink shouldn't exceed 11.25mm in height. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.

Storage capacity depends on your needs. A 1TB drive doubles your storage, sufficient for many gamers. Larger 4TB drives offer a massive library 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 future-proofingA built-in heatsink – the PS5 gets toastyLow price – just give me a drive that gets the job done

See Results

PS5 SSD Basics

Many excellent SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Competitive pricing means you can find high-speed drives for under $100. Larger capacities (e.g., 8TB) significantly increase the price. Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive with 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 meets the height requirements (under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below).

A minimum sequential read speed of 5500MB/s is required. Most drives exceed this; however, the PS5's internal testing peaks around 6500MB/s, so significantly faster drives offer diminishing returns. Check the warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's endurance. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and affordability for gamers; avoid QLC for better longevity.

With the PS5's limited base storage (825GB or 1TB for the Slim), an SSD upgrade is highly recommended, especially considering the large file sizes of modern games (e.g., Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Baldur's Gate 3). The M.2 slot allows for 250GB–8TB expansion; 1TB is a popular choice. While external hard drives can store games (PS4 titles playable directly), they cannot run PS5 games.

See our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for installation assistance.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
With read speeds up to 7100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD provides excellent value and fast load times. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7100MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 5800MB/s
• NAND type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB

Pros: Excellent value, high read speed

Cons: Not the fastest drive available.

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was an early leader and remains a strong contender. While newer drives offer higher speeds, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize those gains, and the MP600 Pro LPX's affordability makes it a compelling choice. Its 700TBW rating is sufficient for most users.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

Crucial T500
A 1TB drive with high speeds and a heatsink, offering excellent value. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7300MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6800MB/s
• NAND type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros: TLC 3D NAND flash memory, impressive speeds

Cons: No 4TB option

The Crucial T500 delivers high performance at a budget-friendly price, including a heatsink. Its read and write speeds are excellent, making it a strong contender for value.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Excellent performance at a competitive price. See it at Best Buy.

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB–4TB
• Sequential read speed: 7250MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6300MB/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 great performance without a premium price. While it lacks a heatsink, a separate purchase is readily available and affordable.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

WD_Black P40
1TB of storage with fast read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 2000MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 2000MB/s
• NAND type: WD TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros: Faster than traditional hard drives, 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 cannot run PS5 games, it's useful for storing and transferring data, and playing PS4 titles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5? Yes, if you play multiple games or live-service titles that frequently update, an SSD is highly recommended to avoid storage limitations.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5? At least 5500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6500MB/s or higher provides excellent performance without significant extra cost.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD? Amazon 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 support PCIe 5.0 speeds; PCIe 4.0 drives offer sufficient performance at a lower price.