Top PS5 SSDs of 2025: Fastest M.2 Options for Your Console

With the advent of the PS5, Sony took a significant leap forward by integrating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing gamers to enhance the console's storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move stands in stark contrast to the expensive memory cards bundled with the PS Vita and PSP, marking a refreshing shift. Given the PS5's modest 825GB of internal storage, the addition of a high-end PC SSD like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top pick, enables gamers to store more games and enjoy loading speeds 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 to consider when upgrading your PS5 with an SSD. Firstly, you need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a notable improvement over Gen 3 M.2 SSDs at 3,500MB/s. You'll also need an M.2 drive, typically an M.2 2280 due to its widespread availability, though the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes.

We highly recommend selecting an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot location can lead to heat buildup. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height to fit within the PS5's constraints. PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat under load, and a heatsink is crucial to prevent performance throttling and ensure the drive's longevity. You can opt for an SSD with an integrated heatsink or purchase one separately.

When choosing the capacity, consider your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your available space and allowing for a substantial game library. However, if you're looking to archive a vast collection, larger capacities like 4TB are available, albeit at a higher cost.

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

The market offers a variety of SSDs compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Competition has intensified over the years, resulting in high-speed, affordable options available for under $100. Larger capacities, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, come with a significantly higher price tag, often exceeding $500.

Ensure your chosen 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, necessitating a heatsink to prevent performance issues or damage. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to purchase one separately, it must be under 8mm in height above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

You'll need a PCIe 4.0 SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most modern PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, typically offering speeds around 7,000-7,500MB/s. When installing an SSD, the PS5 conducts a speed test, peaking at around 6,500MB/s, making significantly faster drives unnecessary for PS5 use.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the SSD. Most come with a five-year warranty and a TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the amount of data the drive can handle over its lifespan. The type of NAND memory is also crucial, with QLC, TLC, and MLC options available. TLC, used in our recommended drives, offers a balance between endurance and cost.

Given the PS5's limited 825GB storage and the PS5 Slim's 1TB, additional storage is often necessary. Large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can quickly fill up space. The M.2 expansion slot supports capacities from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for its balance of capacity and price. For larger libraries, 4TB options are available.

While internal SSDs are the preferred storage solution, external hard drives can also be used for storing PS5 games, though they cannot run them. They are useful for avoiding the need to redownload large games, and PS4 titles can be played directly from these drives.

For guidance on installing your PS5 SSD, refer to our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is required to complete the process.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With impressive read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is optimized for swift data loading. It's an excellent value option, offering high performance at a reasonable price. While not the fastest drive on the market, it's more than capable for PS5 use, providing speeds that match or even exceed the console's built-in SSD for most games.

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 is one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and continues to be a top choice. Though it may not compete with newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize those higher speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it offers a cost-effective solution without compromising performance.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, making it an affordable and convenient option for PS5 users. At just over $100, it provides a significant performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus, with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s. The use of Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures reliable performance, and the included heatsink saves the hassle of finding a compatible one.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TBSequential read speed7,300MB/sSequential write speed6,800MB/sNAND typeMicron TLCTBW600TBPROSTLC 3D NAND flash memoryImpressive speedsCONSNo 4TB optionThe Crucial T500 is a standout for those seeking a budget-friendly SSD. It doubles the PS5's storage and offers high performance, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to expand their library without breaking the bank.

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 excellent performance at a reasonable price. While it doesn't come with a heatsink, one can be easily purchased separately. Its endurance rating is lower than the more expensive 990 Pro, but it's still more than sufficient for console use. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it provides fast load times for PS5 games.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1This 1TB external SSD connects to the PS5 via USB, offering a convenient storage solution without the need for internal installation. With read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, though it cannot run PS5 games directly. It's a versatile option, compatible with multiple platforms, and ideal for storing PS5 game data to avoid redownloading.

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 excellent external SSD for those who prefer not to open their console. It's perfect for storing PS5 games and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Given the PS5's limited internal storage, an SSD is highly beneficial for gamers with extensive libraries or those who frequently switch between games. It's a worthwhile investment among PS5 accessories.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

An SSD with a minimum read speed of 5,500MB/s is required for the PS5. Opting for speeds above 6,500MB/s ensures optimal performance without the need for excessive speed.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

Amazon Prime Day in July, as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, are ideal times to purchase a PS5 SSD at a discounted price.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not necessary for the PS5, as the console only supports PCIe 4.0 speeds. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's requirements.