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

With the advent of the PS5, Sony introduced a groundbreaking feature by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing gamers to expand their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing departure from the past, where gamers were often tethered to the limited storage that came with consoles. Previously, Sony had paired devices like the PS Vita and PSP with costly proprietary memory cards, making the PS5's new feature even more appreciated, especially given its modest 825GB of internal storage. Now, you can enhance your gaming experience by installing high-end PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top recommendation, which offers loading times 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 keep in mind. First, you must use a PCIe 4.0 or higher drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s—a significant leap over the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 is designed to accommodate any size of M.2 drive, but sticking with an M.2 2280 drive is recommended due to their widespread availability.

We also suggest selecting an SSD with a built-in heatsink. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, and fortunately, most SSDs fit within this limit. A heatsink is crucial because PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat under load, and the PS5's SSD slot location doesn't promote ideal airflow. You can opt for an SSD with an integrated heatsink or purchase one separately; both options are effective.

When it comes to capacity, choose based on your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient to double your storage capacity, accommodating a substantial number of games or allowing you to install titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 alongside a couple of others. If you require more space, larger 4TB drives are available, though they come 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*

A variety of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, thanks to increased competition that has driven down prices. High-speed, affordable drives can be found for less than $100, while larger drives like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital can exceed $500.

Ensure your SSD meets the PS5's specifications: an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's design can lead to high temperatures, necessitating a heatsink to prevent performance throttling or drive damage. Most drives come with an optional heatsink, but if purchasing one separately, it should fit within the height restrictions of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

Beyond size, your SSD should have a minimum sequential read speed of 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 SSDs are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, providing ample choices. The PS5 will run its own speed test upon installation, with a peak speed of around 6,500MB/s, making significantly faster drives unnecessary.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of your drive. SSDs typically come with a five-year warranty and a TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating how much data the drive can theoretically handle before failing. The type of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, or MLC—also affects endurance and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited storage and the size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, expanding storage is essential. The M.2 slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB offering a good balance of capacity and price. Larger capacities up to 4TB are available for extensive gaming libraries.

In addition to internal SSDs, external hard drives can be used for storage, though they can't run PS5 games. They are useful for storing larger games and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive.

For guidance on installing your PS5 SSD, refer to 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 impressive read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is designed for quick data loading. 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 specifically marketed for the PS5 and continues to be a top performer. Although it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 can't fully utilize speeds beyond its own 6,500MB/s test peak. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective choice.

This SSD boasts sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, fitting well within PS5-compatible parameters. On the PS5, it performs at around 6,500MB/s, ensuring fast loading times for most PS5 games.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's designed to handle up to 700TB of data over its lifetime. This is more than sufficient for most PS5 users, though it might be a consideration if you plan to repurpose the drive later.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0Offering 1TB of storage with a heatsink for just over $100, this SSD provides great value and performance. 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, surpassing the performance of its predecessor, the P5 Plus. With a heatsink included, it fits perfectly into the PS5's limited space. The drive's Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures high performance, with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s.

For those needing more space, the 2TB version offers increased storage and even faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200. Unfortunately, a 4TB option is not available.

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 impressive performance without a high price tag. Although it has a lower endurance rating than the 990 Pro, it's more than adequate for console use. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it performs well on the PS5, with load times comparable to the built-in drive.

This SSD lacks a built-in heatsink, requiring a separate purchase. However, affordable heatsinks are widely available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1With 1TB of storage and read speeds of 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, this SSD serves as an effective external storage solution. 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 via USB, bypassing the need to access the PS5's internal M.2 slot. While it can't run PS5 games, it's perfect for storing them and playing PS4 titles directly. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC, offering versatile storage options.

With speeds significantly higher than traditional hard drives, the WD_Black P40 is ideal for quick data transfers, such as moving data from a PS4 to a PS5.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Given that a significant portion of the PS5's internal 825GB SSD is used by system files, leaving around 650GB for games, expanding storage is crucial for avid gamers. The PS5 Slim offers more storage, and the PS5 Pro ups it to 2TB, but for those with extensive libraries or who play multiple games simultaneously, an SSD upgrade is one of the best investments you can make.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

An SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s is required. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this standard, and speeds of 6,500MB/s or higher are recommended for optimal performance.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be a costly addition, but prices have decreased over time. Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are ideal times to find discounts on these drives.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not necessary for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and the additional cost for PCIe 5.0 drives isn't justified given the PS5's limitations on utilizing their full potential.