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

In the evolution of gaming consoles, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) marked a significant advancement by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing gamers to expand their storage using off-the-shelf SSDs. This move by Sony was a refreshing change, especially considering the limited 825GB of built-in storage and the past practice of pairing devices like the PS Vita and PSP with expensive proprietary memory cards. Now, enthusiasts can enhance their gaming experience by installing high-performance PC SSDs, such as our top pick, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, which offers nearly the same fast loading times as the console's native drive.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9See it at Amazon### Crucial T500

0See it at Amazon### Samsung 990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy### WD_Black P40

1See it at Amazon

When selecting an SSD for your PS5, there are specific requirements to consider. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 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 compatible with M.2 drives of various sizes, but the M.2 2280 format is the most common and recommended. Additionally, due to the potential for heat generation under load, an SSD with a built-in heatsink is advisable. The heatsink should not exceed a height of 11.25mm to fit within the PS5's designated slot.

Choosing the right capacity depends on your needs. A 1TB drive can effectively double your storage, allowing for a substantial game library or at least enough space for games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 alongside a couple of others. For those with expansive collections, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though these come at a higher cost.

A variety of SSDs are now available that are well-suited for the PS5's M.2 slot. With increased competition, you can find high-speed, cost-effective drives under $100. Larger drives, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, are pricier, often exceeding $500.

To ensure compatibility, install an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with dimensions up to 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact design necessitates a heatsink to manage heat and prevent performance throttling. Most drives offer an optional heatsink, but if purchasing separately, ensure it fits within the PS5's height limits.

The PS5 requires an SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 SSDs exceed this threshold, typically offering speeds around 7,000-7,500MB/s. The console performs its own speed test upon SSD installation, ensuring compatibility with PS5 games. Drives exceeding 6,500MB/s are more than adequate for PS5 gaming.

When evaluating SSDs, consider the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A typical rating might be 700TBW, indicating the drive should last until that amount of data is written. The type of NAND memory used—QLC, TLC, or MLC—also impacts durability and cost, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

With the PS5's limited storage and the space demands of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, additional storage is often necessary. The M.2 expansion slot supports capacities from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for balancing capacity and cost. For those looking to store a large game library, options up to 4TB are available.

While internal SSDs are the preferred option for running PS5 games, external hard drives can be used for storage and playing PS4 titles, offering convenience without the need to redownload large games.

For guidance on installing a PS5 SSD, check out our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5 storage, designed to be user-friendly even for those new to hardware modifications.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With blistering read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load up data quickly every time. See it at Amazon

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 fastest drive around

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX has been a standout choice since its introduction as a PS5-compatible SSD. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 itself can't fully utilize higher speeds, making the MP600 Pro LPX's performance more than sufficient. Priced attractively at around $80 for the 1TB model, it offers great value for money.

With a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, it comfortably meets the PS5's requirements. Real-world performance on the PS5 is rated at around 6,500MB/s, ensuring fast load times for most games, comparable to the console's internal drive.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, which is more than enough for most gamers. This rating ensures longevity, though it's less relevant for those who won't repurpose the drive for more demanding applications.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### Crucial T500

0A 1TB drive that hits high speeds and includes a heatsink for use with the PS5, all for less than you’d expect. See it at Amazon

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 offers exceptional value, with a performance upgrade over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it provides 1TB of storage with an integrated heatsink, saving you the hassle and cost of finding a compatible external heatsink. Its 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, making it ideal for quick game boots and transfers.

While the 1TB model offers solid performance, upgrading to the 2TB version increases storage and speeds further, with a TBW rating of 1,200. Unfortunately, there isn't a 4TB option for those with extensive libraries.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung 990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy

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 money
• Extremely fast load times

Cons:

• Doesn't come with a heatsink

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus strikes a balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive option for PS5 users. Although it has a lower endurance rating than the more expensive 990 Pro, its performance remains robust for gaming. With a read speed of up to 7,250MB/s, it delivers fast load times, achieving 6,137MB/s on the PS5's test, ensuring smooth gameplay.

As a DRAM-less SSD, it's optimized for console use rather than professional workloads. Keep in mind, you'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, but these are affordable and readily available.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with blistering 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection allows this option to act like an external SSD rather than a traditional hard drive. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications Capacity: 1TB Sequential read speed: 2,000MB/s Sequential write speed: 2,000MB/s NAND type: WD TLC TBW: 600TB

Pros:

• Faster than traditional hard drive
• Multiplatform support

Cons:

• Can't run PS5 games

The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that offers a convenient way to expand storage without opening your PS5. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing game data, eliminating the need to redownload large titles. It supports PS4 games playable directly from the drive and offers faster transfer speeds than traditional hard drives, with up to 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Absolutely. With the PS5's internal storage largely occupied by system files, an additional SSD can significantly enhance your gaming experience, especially if you enjoy having multiple games installed simultaneously.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

Look for an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. PCIe 4.0 drives easily 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?

The best times to purchase a PS5 SSD are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday, when discounts are commonly available.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

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