With less than a measly terabyte of storage on the PlayStation 5, saving just a few of the best PS5 games on the console will eat up most of its space. That makes alternative storage solutions a necessity, and M.2 SSDs, like our favorite Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, make for the easiest and fastest way to increase space for your gaming library.
TL;DR - These are the Best PS5 SSDs
- Corsair MP600 Pro LPX – Best Overall
- Crucial T500 – Best Budget
- Kingston Fury Renegade – Best High Performance
- Seagate FireCuda 530 – Best Alternative
- WD_Black SN850P – Best High Capacity
- WD_Black P40 – Best External
- PNY XLR8 Gaming Kit – Best Heatsink
Even though the PS5 is seriously lacking in space, the inclusion of an M.2 expansion slot means it’s relatively simple to add up to a sizable 8TB SSD right into the console. However, not just any old SSD is compatible, it needs to have a PCIe 4.0 interface, read speeds above 5,500 MB/s, and a small enough form factor to fit in the PS5’s tight quarters. Things also get toasty in that slot, so a heatsink prevents bottlenecking and performance dips.
After you’ve covered those basics, you have the freedom to choose just about any drive. But there’s a lot out there, so we’ve made your life a little easier by finding the seven best PS5 SSDs that work flawlessly with the console.
If you're an Xbox owner, see our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series X.
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best overall PS5 SSD
You can’t do much better for a PS5 SSD than the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX. It’s not the fastest drive out there, but it’s plenty speedy enough. And with the chunky in-built heatsink, plus a price that often drops well below that of other SSDs of similar speeds, it’s the best PS5 SSD for those who want large and reliable expanded storage.
The 1TB version can hit a read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds of 5,800MB/s. For less than a hundred bucks, that’s not too shabby. And if you want to double the storage to 2TB you’ll get a higher 6,800MB/s write speed for under $200. It’s an impressive cost-to-performance ratio, with the pre-installed heatsink making full use of the slim expansion of the PS5.
The five-year warranty isn’t exactly anything special (almost all the SSDs on this list come with a similar guarantee), but it’s just the cherry on top of an SSD that essentially has everything the average PS5 player will need for a very competitive price.
2. Crucial T500
Best budget PS5 SSD
The Crucial T500 is the best-value SSD around, with nice performance bump from P5 Plus, which previously held this spot. For just over $100, comes a drive offering 1TB of storage with a heatsink attached – only $15 more than the non-heatsink model – and is perfectly sized to slot into the cramped quarters of the PS5. Not only does this drive double the storage on the console, but the hassle of finding and spending extra cash on an absolutely necessary heatsink that fits can be avoided.
Afraid of losing fast speeds with such a great-priced SSD? Don’t be, as the T500 keeps up with the best high-performance drives thanks to the Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory – a solid step up from the QLC NAND seen in many budget SSDs. Max read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s can be expected from the 1TB drive. Write speeds aren’t shabby either, hitting up to 6,800MB/S. So, everything from game boots and saves to transferring massive gameplay clips will be fast and seamless.
If 1TB doesn’t seem like enough storage, bumping up to the Crucial T500 2TB SSD sees a big increase in storage space and even faster speeds. The TBW rating is also doubled to 1,200 compared to the 1TB drive, though it still offers the same 5-year warranty found on most SSDs. Unfortunately, a 4TB option isn’t available for the biggest game library.
3. Kingston Fury Renegade
Best high performance PS5 SSD
If you value speed in a PS5 SSD above all else, look no further than the Kingston Fury Renegade. It’s one of the fastest drives on the market, with the 1TB version rated at a read speed of 7,300MB/s and write speed of 6,000MB/s, while the 2TB option boosts a 7,000MB/s write speed.
Simply put, it is very fast – possibly even too fast for most people. Those high speeds are only going to come in handy when transferring large files to and from your console – like if you’re moving game data or huge video and screenshot collections between drives – and won’t make a hugely noticeable difference in-game.
Still, it’s impressive, and if you’re tempted don’t be won over by the cheaper non-heatsink model. The absence of thermal distribution will limit the read and write speeds the SSD can sustain. If you’re going to reach for the moon, you may as well as splash the cash to get there.
4. Seagate FireCuda 530
Best alternative PS5 SSD for high performance
The Seagate FireCuda 530 is another of the fastest PS5 SSDs you can get right now. Its 1TB model matches the read and write speeds of the Kingston above, while its 2TB version is rated at reading 7,300 MB/s and writing a slightly lower 6,900 MB/s. In practice, that’s a rather negligible difference, especially in gaming.
When you’re looking to buy, check which of the two drives is cheaper at that moment or if one might be about to go on sale. Then pick whichever is cheaper. And as ever, we’d recommend the version that comes with a heatsink built in. If you’re paying this kind of money for a storage drive, you’ll want as much thermal protection as you can get.
5. WD_Black SN850P
Best high-capacity PS5 SSD
Essentially a slightly spruced-up version of the WD_Black SN850X with a PlayStation logo slapped on the front, there isn’t much the WD_Black SN850P can do that its slightly cheaper cousin can’t. Its one saving grace is its size. Alongside the regular 1TB and 2TB models comes a mammoth 4TB option.
It’s the kind of storage drive you can buy knowing you’re unlikely to ever fill it up – or at least, you won’t need to clear it out for a couple of years. There are several 4TB options out there, but the WD_Black SN850P works so well because of its 7,300MB/s read speed, its price and its ready-installed heatsink, which many drives at this storage size skimp on.
Coming in at $549.99, it’s the best option for those who want a lot of storage to play with, though it’s very much a luxury. You could buy a second PS5 with the money you’ll spend on buying one of these SSDs, but that’s the price you pay for peace of mind..
6. WD_Black P40
Best external PS5 SSD
The WD_Black P40 is not your traditional hard drive. Instead, it’s an external SSD that connects to the PS5 over USB, skipping the hassle of using a screwdriver to open up the M.2 expansion slot on the console. Plus, it’s not exclusive to the PlayStation, so this 1TB works perfectly as an external SSD for Xbox or PC. However, some caveats come with this storage solution.
Unlike the internal SSDs we recommended in this guide, the WD_Black P50 can’t run PS5 games that are installed on it. Their file data can be stored quite happily, saving the hassle of redownloading the almost 100GB Spider-Man 2 whenever you want to get back to web-slinging. At least PS4 titles can still be played directly from this USB drive, making space for newer PS5 games on the internal storage.
Though the WD_Black P40 can’t hold a candle to the speeds of internal PS5 SSDs, it's significantly faster than typical hard drives, tapping out at an impressive 2,000MB/s read speed with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. That speediness can be especially handy for quickly transferring data from the PS4 to PS5 when setting up the new console.
7. PNY XLR8 Gaming Kit
Best PS5 SSD with standalone heatsink
The PNY XLR8 gaming kit is more peculiar than other PS5 SSDs. Included is the PNY XLR8 SSD, which boasts a respectable 7,500 MB/s read speed and 5,650 MB/s write speed. But the real draw is the bespoke heatsink mounted to the underside of a plastic shield that replaces the PS5’s original SSD slot cover.
It’s one of the more compact heatsink designs and has been created to maximize cooling. Manufacturer PNY claims it can improve airflow by up to 40 percent, which is especially useful if you’ve parked your PS5 in a tight spot with little airflow and need to be doubly sure your SSD is keeping cool. Plus, with what is essentially a detachable heatsink, the SSD can double as a back-up or future storage device for your gaming PC. A two-in-one deal.
How to Choose the Best PS5 SSD
A healthy amount of SSDs are available that pair perfectly with the PS5’s M.2 slot. Given there’s more competition than even just a couple of years ago, you’ll find plenty of high-speed, low-cost drives for a sub-$100 price tag. If you’re looking to amp up storage, you’ll find the price of these drives rises exponentially; 8TB drives will run you well over $500. And Sony doesn’t guarantee compatibility with any SSD, so adhere to all the specifications requirements.
You’ll want to ensure you install an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with maximum dimensions of 110 x 25 x 11.25 mm or 4.33 x 0.984 x 0.442 inches, including the heatsink. Clearly, the PS5 has some cramped, shallow quarters, leading to high temps, rendering a heatsink absolutely necessary to prevent bottlenecking or damage to the drive. Luckily, most drives come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to venture out on your own to grab one, be sure it fits height requirements of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
Beyond size requirements, the SSD must offer sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or faster. You’ll usually want something above that to ensure quick loads and optimal run speeds. Quick write speeds are a nice bonus to consider for faster saves.
Given the PS5 only offers 825GB of space and the PS5 Slim has 1TB, you’ll more than likely want and/or need more storage. Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Baldur’s Gate 3 take up well over 100GB each when installed, so you’re storage will fill up quickly. The M.2 expansion slot lets you add 250GB-8TB of speedy internal storage. If you’re looking to put your massive gaming library on the device, you’ll want a larger capacity. Maybe even an 8TB drive that the PS5 recently started supporting. Otherwise, 1TB seems to be the sweet spot between capacity and price.
Beyond an internal SSD, which should be your preferred storage option, you can use an external hard drive. Some external SSD offerings hit relatively high speeds. You can’t run PS5 games on them. However, it will save you the hassle of redownloading larger games, while PS4 titles can be played right on the drive.
Looking for assistance in installing your PS5 SSD after puchase? Be sure to check out our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. Luckily, you don't need to be hardware aficionado to figure it out.
PS5 SSD FAQ
Is a SSD worth it for PS5?
A good chunk of the PS5’s internal 825GB SSD is taken up by system files, leaving you with a little over 650GB of usable storage space. The PS5 Slim adds a bit more storage, and we're hopeful the PS5 Pro, rumored to be released at the end of 2024, amps up the storage even more. If you dedicate yourself to only a few games at a time those smaller storage amounts should probably be enough. But if you like having several games on the go, or are a fiend for live service games that tend to balloon in size as more updates and content packs are added, you’ll soon find yourself hitting the limits of the PS5’s storage. At that point, get yourself an SSD. It's one of the best PS5 accessories you can invest in.
Is the SN850X good for PS5?
It sure is. The WD_SN850X is one of the more popular picks, thanks to its high read and write speeds, as well as the fact its predecessor, the WD_SN850, launched early in the PS5’s lifespan. It’s comparable to the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, although that drive often drops to a lower price.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
You’ll need an SSD that’s rated with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. In practice, it’s difficult not to find a PCIE 4.0 drive that ticks that box. The higher the speed the better, but unless you’re looking to regularly transfer lots of files back and forth from your drive, anything 6,500MB/s or above should do you absolutely fine.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
PS5 SSDs are a surprisingly expensive add on to any PS5 console purchase. Prices have dropped pretty signicantly over the years, but if you're hoping to save as much money as possible, there are a few different times that are best for buying an SSD. The first big one is Amazon Prime Day, which usually takes place in July every year. After that, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are an excellent time to find big discounts on PS5 SSDs online.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?
No, it is not worth buying a PCIe 5.0 SSD for PS5. The PS5 supports PCIe 4.0, and though PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0, the console can’t take advantage of the full read and write speeds of the latest drives. That means it’s not worth the extra money, especially when you can often find PCIe 4.0 SSDs for far less.
Callum Bains is a freelance tech contributor and writer for IGN, with work seen on MSN, Yahoo and more.
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