Top PS5 SSDs for 2025: Fast M.2 Options

With the advent of the PS5, Sony introduced a significant upgrade by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing gamers to expand their console's storage using off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing change, especially given the PS Vita and PSP's history with pricey proprietary memory cards. The PS5 comes with an 825GB internal storage, but with the M.2 slot, you can boost it further with high-performance PC SSDs like our top pick, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, which offers loading speeds nearly as fast as the PS5'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 Amazon

When choosing an SSD for your PS5, there are a few key specifications to keep in mind. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 is compatible with any size M.2 drive, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended choice.

It's also important to select an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat, and the PS5's SSD slot has limited airflow. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height. You can either purchase an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or buy a separate one that meets the size requirements.

For capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. However, if you have a larger game library, you might opt for a 4TB drive, though these are pricier.

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

The market for PS5-compatible SSDs is thriving, offering a range of high-speed, affordable options. While smaller drives can be found for under $100, larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital can cost over $500. Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 type with dimensions not exceeding 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact SSD slot can get hot, so a heatsink is crucial to prevent performance throttling or damage. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, make sure it fits within the 8mm height limit above the SSD.

Your SSD should achieve at least 5500MB/s sequential read speed, a standard for most PCIe 4.0 drives. The PS5 will run a speed test upon installation to confirm the drive's compatibility. While drives rated above 7,000MB/s are available, the PS5's test typically peaks at around 6,500MB/s, so faster drives don't offer significant benefits for PS5 gaming.

Check the warranty and endurance rating of your SSD, typically measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A higher TBW means longer lifespan. Also, consider the type of NAND memory: QLC, TLC, and MLC, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers in terms of endurance and cost.

Given the PS5's limited internal storage and the large size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, an M.2 expansion slot is essential for adding 250GB to 8TB of storage. A 1TB drive strikes a good balance between capacity and cost, but larger drives up to 4TB are available for extensive libraries.

For additional storage, you can use an external hard drive, though these cannot run PS5 games directly. They're useful for storing PS5 game data to avoid redownloads and playing PS4 games directly from the drive.

For installation guidance, check out our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With its impressive 7,100MB/s read speed and preinstalled heatsink, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is an excellent choice for quickly loading your games on the PS5. 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 among the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5, and it remains a top performer. Though it can't match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize speeds beyond its own test limit of around 6,500MB/s. At a competitive price of about $80 for 1TB, it's a cost-effective option.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0The Crucial T500 offers 1TB of storage with high speeds and an included heatsink, all at a budget-friendly price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity1TBSequential read speed7,300MB/sSequential write speed6,800MB/sNAND typeMicron TLCTBW600TBPROSTLC 3D NAND flash memoryImpressive speedsCONSNo 4TB optionThe Crucial T500 stands out as the best-value SSD, delivering performance that rivals higher-priced models. Priced just over $100, it's an affordable way to double your PS5's storage without the added cost of a separate heatsink. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures fast read and write speeds, making it ideal for quick game loading and data transfers.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung990 Evo Plus

0The Samsung 990 Evo Plus delivers high performance at a reasonable price, though it does not come with a heatsink. See 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 great value with its high-speed performance, making it an attractive option for PS5 users. While it lacks a pre-installed heatsink, you can easily find affordable heatsinks to pair with it. Its endurance rating is lower than some premium models, but it's more than sufficient for console use.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1The WD_Black P40 offers 1TB of external storage with fast 2,000MB/s read speeds, suitable for PS5 and other platforms. 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 option, providing faster speeds than traditional hard drives and compatibility with multiple platforms. Although it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing game data and playing PS4 titles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

With the PS5's internal storage mostly occupied by system files, an SSD upgrade is highly beneficial if you play multiple games simultaneously or enjoy live service games that grow over time. It's one of the best accessories you can invest in for your PS5.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You should get an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are sufficient for PS5 gaming needs.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

The best times to buy a PS5 SSD at a discount are during Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5 as the console only supports PCIe 4.0 and can't fully utilize the higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. Stick with PCIe 4.0 SSDs for better value.