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

For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage of their consoles. The PS5 changed that with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy expansion with off-the-shelf SSDs. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's relatively small 825GB of initial storage. Now, you can install high-performance PC SSDs, like the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to significantly increase your game library with load times nearly as fast as the console's internal drive.

TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:

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Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

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Crucial T500

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Samsung 990 Evo Plus

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WD_Black P40

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There are some important considerations. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 (or better) M.2 SSD. While the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, the 2280 form factor is most common. A heatsink is strongly recommended due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 drives; the PS5's internal space isn't ideal for passive cooling. The heatsink shouldn't exceed 11.25mm in height. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.

Storage capacity is a matter of personal preference. A 1TB drive doubles your storage, sufficient for many gamers. Larger 4TB drives offer significantly more space but come at a higher price.

*For Xbox owners, see our best SSDs for Xbox Series X roundup.*

Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains

What do you look for in a PS5 SSD? Poll Image

High storage capacity – got a massive gaming library?The fastest speeds – who doesn't love quick loads?PCIe 5.0 – for futureproofingA built-in heatsink – the PS5 gets toastyLow price – just give me a drive that gets the job done

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PS5 SSD Basics

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Many SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Due to increased competition, you can find high-speed, affordable drives for under $100. However, prices increase significantly with capacity; larger drives (e.g., 8TB) can cost over $500.

Ensure your NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD has maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm (including heatsink). The PS5's limited space necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance throttling. Most drives include a heatsink; otherwise, ensure any separately purchased heatsink meets the height requirements (under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below).

You need at least a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or faster. Most SSDs advertise these speeds. The PS5's internal speed test typically peaks around 6500MB/s, so significantly faster drives offer minimal additional benefit. Consider the drive's warranty (typically five years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating its endurance.

NAND memory type (QLC, TLC, MLC) affects endurance and price. TLC NAND, used in the drives listed here, offers a good balance. QLC is cheaper, less durable; MLC is most durable, most expensive.

With the PS5's limited initial storage (825GB), expansion is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 exceed 100GB, quickly filling storage. The M.2 slot supports 250GB–8TB of additional storage. 1TB is a popular choice, but larger capacities cater to extensive game libraries.

While an internal SSD is preferred, external hard drives offer an alternative (though PS5 games can't run from them). External SSDs offer faster speeds than traditional hard drives, useful for transferring data or playing PS4 games.

For PS5 SSD installation assistance, see our guide on upgrading PS5 storage.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

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Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink make this SSD a strong contender.

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Product Specifications:

Capacity: 1TB
Sequential read speed: 7,100MB/s
Sequential write speed: 5,800MB/s
NAND type: 3D TLC
TBW: 700TB

Pros: Excellent value, high read speed

Cons: Not the absolute fastest drive available.

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX remains a top choice, offering excellent performance at a competitive price. While newer drives exist, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize their increased speeds. Its 700TBW rating is sufficient for most gamers.

2. Crucial T500

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Best Budget PS5 SSD

Crucial T500

A cost-effective 1TB drive with high speeds and a built-in heatsink.

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Product Specifications:

Capacity: 1TB
Sequential read speed: 7,300MB/s
Sequential write speed: 6,800MB/s
NAND type: Micron TLC
TBW: 600TB

Pros: TLC 3D NAND flash memory, impressive speeds

Cons: No 4TB option.

The Crucial T500 provides excellent value, combining high performance with affordability. Its inclusion of a heatsink eliminates the need for a separate purchase.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

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Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Excellent performance at a reasonable price, though a separate heatsink is required.

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Product Specifications:

Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
Sequential read speed: 7,250MB/s
Sequential write speed: 6,300MB/s
NAND type: Samsung V-NAND TLC
TBW: 600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)

Pros: Excellent performance for the price, extremely fast load times

Cons: Doesn't include a heatsink.

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus delivers strong performance without a premium price tag. While it lacks a heatsink, this is easily remedied with a separate purchase.

4. WD_Black P40

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Best External PS5 SSD

WD_Black P40

1TB of external storage with fast read speeds. Note: PS5 games cannot be run directly from this drive.

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Product Specifications: