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

Enhance Your PS5 Experience: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage. The PS5 changed this with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This is a welcome upgrade, especially considering the PS5's relatively small initial storage (825GB). Now, you can significantly increase your game library with high-speed SSDs, offering near-native load times.

TL;DR: Top PS5 SSD Picks

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (See it on Amazon)

Best Budget: Crucial T500 (See it on Amazon)

Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus (See it at Best Buy)

Best External: WD_Black P40 (See it on Amazon)

Key Considerations:

• PCIe 4.0 (or higher): Essential for optimal speeds (up to 7,500MB/s).
• M.2 Form Factor: While size variations exist, the 2280 is most common.
• Heatsink: Crucial for preventing overheating, especially with PCIe 4.0 drives. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height. Many SSDs include one; otherwise, purchase a compatible separate heatsink.
• Capacity: 1TB is a good balance of capacity and price, effectively doubling your storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available but cost significantly more.

What to Look For in a PS5 SSD:

• High storage capacity
• Fastest speeds
• Built-in heatsink
• Low price (for budget options)

PS5 SSD Essentials:

Numerous compatible SSDs are available at various price points. While higher capacities command higher prices (e.g., 8TB drives can exceed $500), many high-speed drives are available for under $100. Ensure your chosen SSD meets the PS5's dimensions (110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm including heatsink) and minimum read speed (5500MB/s). The PS5's installation process includes a speed test to verify compatibility.

Consider the SSD's warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating its lifespan. Most drives utilize TLC NAND, offering a good balance of performance and endurance.

Given the PS5's limited base storage, expanding storage is highly recommended, especially for gamers with large libraries or those playing space-intensive titles. While external hard drives can store PS4 games and prevent redownloading, they cannot run PS5 games.

Detailed SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value with high read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s) and a pre-installed heatsink. A 1TB version can be found for around $80. TBW rating is 700TB.

2. Crucial T500: Best budget option, offering 1TB with a heatsink for a reasonable price. Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s. TBW rating is 600TB.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a competitive price, but requires a separate heatsink. Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s. TBW varies by capacity.

4. WD_Black P40: A fast external SSD (2,000MB/s read speed) offering convenient storage for PS4 games and data transfer, but PS5 games cannot be run from it.

PS5 SSD FAQ:

• Is an SSD worth it? Yes, for most gamers, especially those with large game libraries or who play space-intensive titles.
• What speed SSD? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
• Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
• Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize their full capabilities.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the best SSD to enhance your PS5 gaming experience. Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation assistance.