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

Over the past few console generations, gamers have often been limited by the storage capacity that comes with their consoles. However, Sony made a significant change with the PS5 by introducing an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing gamers to expand their storage using off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing departure from Sony's earlier practices with the PS Vita and PSP, which were paired with costly proprietary memory cards. The PS5's base storage of 825GB can feel restrictive, but with the ability to install high-end PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, you can significantly enhance your gaming experience with near-instant game loading times.

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 for PS5 SSDs. You 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. Additionally, an M.2 drive is essential, and while the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the M.2 2280 drive is the most common and recommended choice.

We highly recommend selecting an SSD with a built-in heatsink, adhering to a maximum height of 11.25mm. PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat under load, and the PS5's SSD slot isn't ideal for passive cooling. A heatsink is crucial to prevent overheating and performance throttling. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.

When considering capacity, think about your storage needs. A 1TB drive is typically sufficient, doubling your available space and allowing you to install several large games, including heavyweights like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. If you require more space, consider a 4TB drive, though these 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*

A wide variety of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. With increased competition, you can now find high-speed, cost-effective drives for under $100. However, larger storage options like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital can cost over $500.

Ensure you select an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's internal space can become quite warm, making a heatsink necessary to prevent performance issues or damage. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need a separate one, ensure it's less than 8mm above or 2.45mm below the SSD.

You'll need an SSD with at least a PCIe 4.0 interface and sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or higher. Most modern PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer speeds between 7,000–7,500MB/s, ensuring plenty of options. The PS5 will test the drive upon installation, and speeds typically peak around 6,500MB/s, making faster drives unnecessary.

Check the warranty and endurance rating of the SSD. Most SSDs offer a five-year warranty and are rated in TBW (Terabytes Written), which indicates the amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifespan.

The type of NAND memory used in the SSD also matters. There are three common types: QLC, TLC, and MLC, with endurance decreasing from MLC to QLC. TLC NAND, used by the SSDs listed here, offers a good balance between performance and price.

Given the PS5's 825GB storage and the PS5 Slim's 1TB, additional storage is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can easily consume over 100GB each. The M.2 slot allows for 250GB to 8TB of additional storage, with 1TB being a popular choice for balancing capacity and cost.

For those looking for additional storage without internal expansion, an external hard drive or SSD can be used. While PS5 games can't be played directly from external SSDs, they can store game data to avoid redownloads, and PS4 titles can be played from them.

Need help installing your PS5 SSD? 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 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is optimized for quick data loading 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 one of the first SSDs marketed for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs might be faster, the PS5 can't fully utilize these speeds, making the MP600 Pro LPX a cost-effective solution at around $80 for a 1TB drive.

This SSD achieves sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, which the PS5 tests at around 6,500MB/s, more than sufficient for loading PS5 games quickly.

The 1TB version of the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX has a durability rating of 700TBW, which is more than enough for most gamers. This rating is unlikely to be reached unless you plan to use the drive in a professional setting after its PS5 tenure.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive with high speeds and a built-in heatsink, perfect for the PS5, 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 offers excellent value, providing a performance boost over the previous P5 Plus. At just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly into the PS5's compact space, doubling your storage without the need for an additional purchase.

With Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, the T500 delivers read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers.

While 1TB may not be enough for everyone, the 2TB version offers increased storage and even faster speeds, though it does not come in a 4TB option.

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 high performance without a high price tag. Though its endurance rating is lower than the 990 Pro, it's more than adequate for console use, with the 2TB version rated for 1,200TBW.

With a read speed of up to 7,250MB/s, the PS5 tests it at around 6,137MB/s, which is still fast enough for smooth game loading. It loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in just 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the PS5's internal drive.

Note that the 990 Evo Plus is a DRAM-less SSD, which doesn't impact its performance on the PS5. However, you'll need to purchase a separate heatsink as Samsung does not include one with this model.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with read speeds up to 2,000MB/s and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, making it a versatile 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 to the PS5 via USB, eliminating the need to open the console for installation. It's compatible with other platforms like Xbox and PC, but cannot run PS5 games directly.

It offers storage for PS5 game data, saving time on redownloads, and allows PS4 games to be played directly from the drive. With read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, it's much faster than traditional hard drives, ideal for transferring data between consoles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

The PS5's internal storage of 825GB is partially occupied by system files, leaving about 650GB for games. While the PS5 Slim and Pro offer more storage, avid gamers juggling multiple titles or playing large live service games will quickly need more space. An SSD is a valuable investment for expanding your PS5's storage capacity.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

For the PS5, an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s is necessary. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are more than sufficient for PS5 gaming.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have been dropping. To get the best deals, consider shopping during Amazon Prime Day in July, or during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0 and cannot utilize the full speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more economical choice.