Running out of storage on your PlayStation 5? It’s a common gamer dilemma! Those stunning next-gen titles eat up space faster than a hungry Pac-Man. While the PS5 comes with a speedy internal drive, its usable 667GB fills up surprisingly quickly. Deleting games just to make room for new ones is a real pain, isn’t it?
Thankfully, upgrading your PS5’s storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD is straightforward and can significantly enhance your gaming experience. But you don’t need to break the bank to get top-tier performance. We’ve scoured the market to find the best cheap SSD for PS5 options that offer fantastic value without compromising on speed or reliability. Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage solution for your console!
What to Look for in a PS5 SSD?
Before we jump into our top picks, a quick primer on PS5 SSD requirements:
* Form Factor: M.2 NVMe SSD (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 sizes supported).
* Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4.
* Minimum Read Speed: Sony recommends 5,500 MB/s or faster. While some slightly slower drives might work, faster is always better for optimal performance.
* Capacity: 250GB to 8TB. For games, 1TB or 2TB is usually the sweet spot.
* Heatsink: Crucial for sustained performance and preventing thermal throttling. Many SSDs come with one pre-installed, or you’ll need to add one yourself.
Now, let’s explore some of the best cheap SSD for PS5 contenders!
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed…
The WD_BLACK SN850P isn’t just an SSD; it’s practically a seamless extension of your PS5. Being officially licensed by PlayStation means you can simply plug it in, format, and play, with zero compatibility worries. This drive comes with a pre-attached, optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5, ensuring top-notch thermal management right out of the box. If you want a hassle-free, premium experience that performs flawlessly, this one’s a top contender, often found at competitive prices for the quality it offers.
-
Key Features:
- Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring seamless compatibility.
- Optimized heatsink designed for easy PS5 M.2 slot installation.
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB, providing ample game storage.
- Allows direct gameplay from the drive, eliminating transfers.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
-
Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and easy installation thanks to official licensing.
- Pre-installed, high-performance heatsink.
- Exceptional read/write speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Reliable brand with a strong reputation in gaming storage.
- Bonus PlayStation Plus trial is a nice perk.
-
Cons:
- While competitive for its features, it might be slightly pricier than non-licensed alternatives.
- 2TB might be more than some “cheap” shoppers are looking for, but great for value.
-
User Impressions: Users consistently praise its “plug and play” nature for the PS5, noting its lightning-fast load times and how games run flawlessly directly from the drive. Many comment on the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink and the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product.
2. BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5…
While not an internal M.2 upgrade for running PS5 games, the BUFFALO External SSD offers incredible value as a versatile storage solution, especially if you have a large library of PS4 games or want to quickly offload PS5 games. Its compact and rugged design makes it perfect for on-the-go use, whether for gaming data, photos, or documents. It’s a reliable, shock-resistant drive that provides fast external storage and frees up your internal drive for those demanding PS5 titles.
-
Key Features:
- Compact and reliable external SSD, ideal for on-the-go data.
- Compatible with PS4/PS5 (for storing and playing PS4 games, or storing PS5 games).
- Faster than traditional HDDs for quicker data copying.
- Shock-resistant and durable design for drop protection.
- USB 3.2 connectivity, supporting both USB-C and USB-A.
- Includes a 3-year warranty (when registered).
-
Pros:
- Excellent value for external storage.
- Highly portable and robust design.
- Great for offloading PS5 games or running PS4 games directly.
- Wide compatibility beyond just gaming consoles (Macs, PCs).
- Good warranty period for peace of mind.
-
Cons:
- Cannot run PS5 games directly from this external drive; they must be transferred to the internal SSD to play.
- Slower than internal NVMe SSDs.
- Takes up a USB port on your console.
-
User Impressions: Customers love the Buffalo SSD for its portability and ruggedness, making it a favorite for traveling gamers or those who need quick access to their data. It’s highly rated for its ease of use and reliability as a backup or expanded storage for PS4 titles.
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an internal PS5 SSD that delivers top-tier performance without the top-tier price tag. It boasts incredibly fast read and write speeds that far exceed Sony’s recommendations, ensuring lightning-fast load times and seamless gameplay. Crucially, it comes with a built-in heatsink, saving you the hassle and cost of buying one separately. Plus, its power efficiency means less strain on your console. This drive offers an outstanding balance of speed, convenience, and value.
-
Key Features:
- Exceptional PCIe Gen 4 performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management and sustained performance.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers and seamless performance.
- Fully compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Comes with a five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds, ideal for PS5 game performance.
- Heatsink included, simplifying installation and ensuring thermal stability.
- Energy-efficient design.
- Robust 5-year warranty.
- Excellent value for a high-performance drive with a heatsink.
-
Cons:
- May still be a bit more expensive than bare drives, but the included heatsink justifies the cost.
-
User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the Lexar NM790 as a “set it and forget it” solution for their PS5. They rave about the noticeable reduction in load times and the ease of installation due to the pre-attached heatsink. It’s often praised as a reliable and high-performing upgrade that delivers on its promises.
4. Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 1TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe…
The Fikwot FX991 is a dark horse in the race for the best cheap SSD for PS5, offering impressive speeds and features at a very competitive price point. With read/write speeds that rival much more expensive drives, it ensures your games load quickly and run smoothly. It comes equipped with a high-conductivity graphite heatsink and boasts intelligent thermal management, helping it maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions. For those seeking serious speed on a budget, Fikwot delivers.
-
Key Features:
- Lightning-fast PCIe Gen 4×4 speeds: up to 7100MB/s read, 6100MB/s write.
- Auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and power efficiency management.
- Equipped with a high-conductivity graphite heatsink for excellent thermal management.
- Utilizes HMB and smart SLC cache for outstanding performance.
- Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, and AES-256 encryption.
- Excellent compatibility with PS5, laptops, and desktops.
- Backed by a 5-year service or 600TBW warranty.
-
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for its price point.
- Effective thermal management with included heatsink.
- Advanced technologies (HMB, SLC cache) for enhanced performance.
- Strong 5-year warranty provides good peace of mind.
- Highly compatible with PS5 and other devices.
-
Cons:
- Less recognized brand compared to industry giants, which might deter some buyers.
- The “graphite heatsink” might be less robust than a full metal heatsink on other models.
-
User Impressions: Many users are pleasantly surprised by the Fikwot FX991’s performance, stating it offers “great bang for your buck.” They report significant improvements in load times and game responsiveness on their PS5, often highlighting it as a solid, budget-friendly choice that performs like a premium drive.
5. Fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 Internal Gaming SSD…
If your primary goal is expanding your PS5 storage on a tight budget, the Fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD is an excellent consideration. While its quoted read speed of 4800MB/s is slightly below Sony’s recommended 5500MB/s, many users find that drives around this speed still perform admirably for PS5 games, offering a smooth experience without breaking the bank. It comes with a graphite heat dissipation sticker to help with thermals and boasts wide compatibility, making it a versatile and affordable choice for expanding your game library.
-
Key Features:
- Adopts PCIe Gen4 x4 technology, compatible with NVMe1.4 protocol.
- Read speeds reaching 4800MB/s, designed for PS5 compatibility.
- Available in capacities from 500GB to 4TB.
- Includes a graphite heat dissipation sticker for thermal management.
- Wide compatibility for PS5, desktops, and laptops.
- Offers a 5-year after-sales service and lifetime technical support.
-
Pros:
- Very cost-effective way to expand PS5 storage.
- Decent speed that often performs well for PS5 titles despite being under “recommendation.”
- Thermal solution (sticker) included.
- Excellent customer support and warranty (5 years).
- Versatile for use in other devices too.
-
Cons:
- Read speed of 4800MB/s is technically below Sony’s official 5500MB/s recommendation for optimal PS5 performance.
- Graphite sticker is less effective than a full metal heatsink.
-
User Impressions: Users find the Fanxiang SSD to be a fantastic budget option for their PS5, noting that while it’s not the absolute fastest, it offers a noticeable improvement over base storage and handles most games well. It’s often chosen for its great price-to-capacity ratio and reliable performance for everyday gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PS5 SSDs
Q1: Do I really need an SSD for my PS5?
A: Not strictly needed to play games from the console’s internal storage, but highly recommended! The PS5’s built-in storage fills up quickly. An M.2 NVMe SSD expands your storage significantly, letting you install more games without constantly deleting and re-downloading them, and potentially reducing load times for games stored on the expansion drive.
Q2: Can any M.2 NVMe SSD work with the PS5?
A: No, not just any. The PS5 requires a specific type: an M.2 NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface and a recommended read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. It also must have a heatsink to prevent overheating and maintain performance.
Q3: Is it difficult to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible M.2 slot. You’ll need a screwdriver, but the process involves removing a single side panel, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then putting everything back. Many online tutorials and Sony’s official guide make it easy for anyone to do.
Q4: Do external SSDs work for PS5 games?
A: External SSDs (like the Buffalo one reviewed) can be used to store PS5 games, but you cannot play PS5 games directly from them. To play a PS5 game stored on an external drive, you must transfer it back to the console’s internal storage or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD. However, external drives are excellent for playing PS4 games directly or for archiving PS5 titles.
Q5: Why is a heatsink so important for a PS5 SSD?
A: High-performance NVMe SSDs generate a lot of heat, especially under heavy load (like during gaming). Without a proper heatsink, the drive can overheat, leading to “thermal throttling” where its performance is intentionally reduced to prevent damage. A heatsink dissipates this heat, ensuring the SSD consistently runs at its optimal speed and lifespan.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your warranty. Sony explicitly supports user installation of these drives, provided you follow their official guidelines.
Q7: Is a 1TB SSD enough, or should I go for 2TB?
A: This depends on your gaming habits! A 1TB SSD will add significant space, typically enough for 15-25 large PS5 games. If you have a massive game library, regularly play many different titles, or anticipate downloading future large games, a 2TB SSD offers even more peace of mind and often better long-term value.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cheap SSD for PS5
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming setup. It frees you from the constant struggle of managing game installs and ensures you have enough room for all the fantastic titles coming out.
Our top picks for the best cheap SSD for PS5 prove that you don’t need to empty your wallet to get a high-performing, reliable storage expansion. Whether you opt for the seamless official integration of the WD_BLACK, the robust value of the Lexar, or the surprising speed of the Fikwot and Fanxiang, you’ll be significantly enhancing your PS5 experience. Choose wisely, install confidently, and get back to enjoying your games!