The best PS5 SSDs

There are a lot of great games to play on PS5, but the console’s paltry 825 GB of built-in storage will only let you experience a handful at a time, depending on their file sizes. If you’re looking for the best PS5 SSD that allows you to fit as many of the best PS5 games, updates, apps, screenshots, and saves as you want, you’ve come to the right place.

Expanding the storage of your PlayStation 5 isn’t as expensive (or as difficult) as you may fear. And, best of all, many M.2 SSDs are compatible, so you can shop for the one that’s right for your budget. However, there are some requirements. First is speed. Per Sony, the one you choose needs to be a PCIe 4.0 model with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. All of our options below meet that criterion.

Secondly, while the PS5 can handle one M.2 SSD of at least 250 GB and up to 4 TB (8 TB, thanks to a software update) in capacity, the SSD needs its own heatsink to operate properly. Most of our picks come with one pre-installed, a convenience that usually results in a slightly higher price than their heatsink-less counterparts. But if you find a great deal on a heatsink-less model, this low-profile heatsink is just $10.99 at Amazon and can be installed in minutes.

For each SSD, we’ve listed the specs provided by the manufacturer, but it’s important to note that their speed may not directly impact load times or gameplay.

Best-value PS5 SSDs

Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Image: Corsair

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX SSD is a good one to get when the price dips as low as it currently has. The MP600 yields a slightly faster read speed than Samsung’s 980 Pro below. You can find the 1 TB version SSD for $89.99 (normally $184.99). You’re getting about 14 GB per dollar spent, which is among the best value on this page. The 2 TB version costs $164.99 (normally $209.99).

Samsung 980 Pro

Image: Samsung

The Samsung 980 Pro M.2 SSD is likely the most popular option, due to being one of the debut PCIe 4.0 SSDs on the market. It’s also a good value, thanks to its great performance, falling price, and wide availability.

Despite its solid performance, it’s worth noting that there are reports of the 980 Pro, specifically its 2 TB version, failing for some people (via Puget Systems). There were enough affected that Samsung issued new firmware that you should install to it via Samsung’s Magician software for PC. However, you’ll need either a desktop or a laptop with an available M.2 port to do this, or you can try to use this M.2 to PCIe adapter.

It’s possible that you may never experience a problem (some Polygon staffers use this model inside of their PS5s without issue), but you should at least know what you’re getting into. Currently, you can pick up either 1 TB or 2 TB models at Amazon for $119.74 and $174.99, respectively.

Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade

Image: Adata

If you want a nice chunk of speedy storage for under $100, the Adata XPG Gammix S70 SSD offers the best bang for your buck. Amazon is currently discounting the 1 TB version of the S70 to just $89.99 (normally $109.99), and the 2 TB version is on sale for $169.99 (normally $209.99).

Fastest PS5 SSDs

WD Black SN850X

Image: Western Digital

WD Black, an offshoot of Western Digital, also makes an M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 modeled after its SN850X line of SSDs. Right now, you can find the 2 TB SN850X with a heatsink at Amazon for $179.99 (originally $199.99). You can also find the 1 TB version at Amazon for $109.99 (originally $179.99).

Samsung 990 Pro SSD

Image: Samsung

The newer Samsung 990 Pro promises even faster sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s. However, it’s a bit more expensive than the above WD Black recommendation, and you’ll have to foot the bill for the heatsink. The 1 TB version (sans heatsink) starts at $129.99 (the 2 TB model is also available for around $189.99).

4 TB PS5 SSDs

WD Black SN850X

Image: Western Digital

If you’re comfortable installing an M.2 heatsink, the heatsink-less version of the SN850X is just as fast as the heatsink-equipped version above but slightly cheaper. The 4 TB model costs $399.99 and is currently available at Best Buy.

Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Image: Corsair

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is making another appearance here. Its 4 TB model comes in at $329.99. That’s considerably cheaper than the SN850X above, and it’s the one you should get, given its slightly increased speed and having a built-in heatsink.

Crucial P3

Image: Crucial

The Crucial P3 SSD is available in sizes ranging from 500 GB to 4 TB, and the 4 TB model goes for $344.99. While the 4 TB model of the P3 offers a substantial value, we wouldn’t suggest going this route if the 4 TB SN850X is available for a similar price.

Kingston Fury Renegade

Image: Kingston

The Kingston Fury Renegade SSD is available in sizes that range from 500 GB to 4 TB. If you’re in the market for a larger size, B&H Photo currently has the 4 TB M.2 SSD for a whopping $449.99 (normally $749.99). Again, it’s not a great value, but it exists, and it’s fast.

External PS5 hard drives

There are even bigger hard drives out there that can attach via USB to your PS5. However, these can only be used to store a PS5 game’s installation files, not to actually play it (although PS4 games can be both stored and played from an external hard drive). To play PS5 games that you’ve offloaded, you’ll need to transfer the files from the external storage to the console’s internal SSD. This might not sound like a stellar solution, but it’s a clever alternative to redownloading games over and over.

WD Black D30

Image: Western Digital

The WD Black D30 Game Drive is a stocky, external drive available in 500 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB configurations. The Game Drive uses a USB-C-to-A interface that offers transfer speeds of up to 900 MB/s. The 1 TB and 2 TB configurations are also available for $109.99 (normally $149.99), and $149.99 (normally $239.99).

WD Black P40

Image: Western Digital

The WD Black P40 Game Drive SSD offers a slimmer storage solution than the D30 that’s a little more expensive, due to its slimmer design and faster transfer speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. Best Buy currently has the 1 TB WD Black P40 model available for $119.99 (normally $179.99), and the 2 TB SSD costs $329.99.

Update (April 25): Checked all products for price accuracy and availability.