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

Boost Your PS5 Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage. The PS5, however, offers a welcome change with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This guide highlights the top SSD choices to significantly enhance your PS5's gaming experience.

TL;DR - Top PS5 SSD Picks:

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX See it at Amazon

Best Budget: Crucial T500 See it at Amazon

Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus See it at Best Buy

Best External: WD_Black P40 See it at Amazon

PS5 SSD Considerations:

• Interface: Requires at least a PCIe 4.0 (Gen 4) drive for speeds up to 7,500MB/s. Gen 3 drives are significantly slower.
• Form Factor: M.2 is essential. While various sizes exist, the 2280 is the most common and recommended.
• Heatsink: Crucial due to PCIe 4.0 drives generating heat. The PS5's internal space limits airflow. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink (max 11.25mm height) or purchase a compatible separate heatsink.
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice offering a substantial storage increase. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available but at a higher cost.

Detailed SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value, high read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s), includes heatsink. A strong contender despite not being the absolute fastest.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential Read Speed: 7,100MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 5,800MB/s
• NAND Type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB

2. Crucial T500: Best budget option, high speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read), includes heatsink. Offers excellent performance for the price.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential Read Speed: 7,300MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 6,800MB/s
• NAND Type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance, fast load times, but requires a separate heatsink. Excellent value for the speed offered.

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)

4. WD_Black P40: Best external option, faster than traditional hard drives (2,000MB/s read), but cannot run PS5 games directly. Ideal for PS4 game storage and data transfer.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential Read Speed: 2,000MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 2,000MB/s
• NAND Type: WD TLC
• TBW: 600TB

PS5 SSD FAQ:

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Absolutely, especially if you play multiple games or live-service titles.
• Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0).
• Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer significant discounts.
• PCIe 5.0 necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds.

Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation assistance. [link-to-installation-guide] (Replace with actual link if available)