Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? You’re not alone! Modern games are massive, and before you know it, your console’s internal drive is screaming for mercy. Upgrading your PS5’s storage is practically a necessity for any serious gamer, but finding the right drive that balances performance with affordability can be a tricky quest. That’s where Lexar comes in, offering some fantastic options that deliver great value. If you’re looking for the Lexar best affordable SSD for PS5, you’ve landed in the right spot!
In this article, we’ll dive into five top Lexar SSDs that can help you expand your game library, cut down on load times, and get back to what you love doing – gaming! We’ll explore both external and internal options, highlighting what makes each a standout choice for your console.
Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD is a fantastic choice for gamers needing extra storage on the go or a convenient way to manage their PS5 game library. This 2TB version offers a substantial amount of space, perfect for offloading your PS5 games to free up internal storage or for playing your entire PS4 library directly from the drive. Its sleek, durable metal design means it won’t just perform well, it’ll look good doing it and can handle being tossed in your bag. With blazing-fast transfer speeds, you won’t be waiting around when moving files.
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Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, mobile devices, and more.
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained high performance.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for a portable SSD, great for transferring large game files.
- Slim and portable, easy to carry.
- Robust build quality with thermal control.
- Versatile compatibility across multiple devices.
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Cons:
- PS5 games cannot be played directly from this external drive; they must be transferred back to the internal SSD.
- Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatible ports, which some older devices lack.
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User Impressions: Gamers love the SL500 for its snappy performance and compact form factor. Many appreciate how quickly they can move games between their PS5 and the external drive, and PS4 titles load seamlessly. The build quality also receives high marks for feeling premium and sturdy.
Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
When 2TB just isn’t enough, the Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD steps up to the plate, offering double the storage capacity without compromising on speed or design. This is the ultimate solution for gamers with an ever-growing digital library of PS4 titles they want to keep accessible, or for those who frequently juggle multiple PS5 games and need ample space to store them externally. It shares all the fantastic features of its smaller siblings, just with even more room to breathe. For many, this might just be the Lexar best affordable SSD for PS5 for external storage, offering a massive amount of space at a competitive price point.
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Key Features:
- Massive 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, mobile devices, and more.
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained high performance.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Huge storage capacity means less worrying about deleting games.
- Retains the excellent speed and portability of the SL500 series.
- Robust build and effective thermal management.
- Ideal for backing up or storing a large number of PS5 games.
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Cons:
- Same limitation as other external drives: PS5 games must be moved to the internal drive to play.
- Higher upfront cost due to the larger capacity.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the sheer convenience of having 4TB of super-fast storage. It’s often described as a “game-changer” for those who hated constantly deleting and re-downloading games. The speed is consistently praised, making the transfer process painless.
Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
If you’re looking for an entry-level capacity with premium performance, the Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD is an excellent starting point. It packs the same impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds and the sleek, durable design of the SL500 series into a more budget-friendly 1TB package. This makes it a perfect choice for gamers who need a reliable boost to their PS5 storage but might not require the immense capacity of the 4TB model. It’s an efficient and portable solution for managing your PS4 game backlog or as a temporary offload point for PS5 titles.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity, a great balance of storage and value.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, mobile devices, and more.
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained high performance.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money, offering high speed at a lower price point.
- Extremely portable and durable.
- Fast data transfer speeds for efficient game management.
- Ideal for those with smaller game libraries or as a secondary storage solution.
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Cons:
- Capacity might be limiting for very extensive game collections.
- Still subject to the external drive limitation for playing PS5 games.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the 1TB SL500 for its fantastic speed-to-price ratio. It’s often chosen as a solid, dependable external drive for general gaming use, providing a noticeable improvement in game loading times for PS4 titles. Its compact size is also a big plus for users on the go.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
The Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub isn’t just an SSD; it’s a versatile toolkit for content creators and gamers alike. While it offers a solid 1TB of storage and fast 4K recording capabilities, its standout feature is the integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports. This makes it incredibly useful for those who need extra connectivity alongside expanded storage. Its IP65 dust-proof and water-resistant rating also means it’s built to withstand the elements, making it a rugged choice for adventurous users. For a multi-functional external device, this could be a strong contender for the Lexar best affordable SSD for PS5 if you value versatility.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design with an integrated hub (four USB Type-C ports).
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Supports seamless 4K recording (e.g., Apple ProRes).
- Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Unique built-in hub expands connectivity options.
- Rugged design is ideal for travel and outdoor use.
- Good speeds for PS4 game playback and PS5 game storage.
- Highly versatile for different devices and use cases.
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Cons:
- Slightly slower transfer speeds than the SL500 series.
- The hub might be overkill if you only need plain storage.
- PS5 games must be transferred to play.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the innovative hub feature, especially those who work with multiple devices. Its robust build is a frequent highlight, giving peace of mind for on-the-go usage. While some note the speeds aren’t the absolute fastest for portable drives, they are still more than adequate for most gaming and data transfer needs.
Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD…
Now, for something truly next-gen: the Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD. This isn’t just any SSD; it’s a powerhouse designed for the most demanding applications, including accelerating AI and providing lightning-fast game loads. While the PS5 itself only officially supports PCIe Gen4, this Gen5 drive is fully backward compatible and far exceeds the console’s speed requirements (5,500 MB/s or faster). Installing this internally means you can play your PS5 games directly from this expanded storage, making it the ultimate performance upgrade for your console. Its advanced heat control and DRAM/SLC caches ensure sustained peak performance, making it a stellar choice for a premium, high-capacity internal PS5 storage upgrade.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for efficient performance.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads.
- Ideal for AI PCs, and fully compatible (and exceeding requirements) for PS5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled speed, significantly faster than PS5’s internal drive requirements.
- Allows direct play of PS5 games from the expanded storage.
- Advanced thermal management for consistent performance.
- Future-proof technology with PCIe Gen5.
- Massively reduces game load times and improves system responsiveness.
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Cons:
- Gen5 speeds are overkill for the PS5, meaning you won’t utilize its full potential on the console.
- Installation requires opening your PS5 console.
- Typically a higher price point than external portable SSDs.
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User Impressions: Users installing this drive (or similar high-end NVMe drives) in their PS5s report astonishingly fast load times and seamless performance. PC users, in particular, laud its cutting-edge speeds for heavy workloads and gaming. For PS5 owners, the “install and forget” nature of internal expansion for playing games directly is a major highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions about PS5 SSD Upgrades
Q1: What kind of SSD do I need for my PS5?
A1: For playing PS5 games directly from expanded storage, you need an internal M.2 NVMe SSD that meets Sony’s specifications: PCIe Gen4 x4 technology with a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster, and with a heatsink attached. For storing PS5 games or playing PS4 games, an external USB SSD is also a great, more affordable option.
Q2: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external Lexar SSD?
A2: No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from any external USB SSD. External drives like the Lexar SL500 are fantastic for storing PS5 games to free up your console’s internal drive, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal M.2 SSD (either the console’s built-in one or an added internal NVMe like the NM1090 PRO) to play them. However, you can play PS4 games directly from an external USB SSD.
Q3: Why should I choose a Lexar SSD for my PS5?
A3: Lexar offers a great balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. Their drives consistently deliver good speeds and come with solid warranties, making them a trustworthy choice for expanding your PS5 storage without breaking the bank. They also provide options for both external and internal expansion, catering to different needs.
Q4: How do I install an internal NVMe SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an internal NVMe SSD (like the Lexar NM1090 PRO) in your PS5 involves a few steps: turning off and unplugging your console, removing the side cover, unscrewing the M.2 expansion slot cover, inserting the SSD (and ensuring it has a heatsink), and then reassembling. Sony provides detailed instructions on their support website, and there are many helpful video tutorials available. It’s a straightforward process, but ensure you follow the steps carefully.
Q5: Is a PCIe Gen5 SSD like the NM1090 PRO overkill for the PS5?
A5: Yes, in terms of raw speed, a PCIe Gen5 SSD is technically overkill for the PS5. The PS5’s M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen4, meaning a Gen5 drive will operate at Gen4 speeds. However, Gen5 drives are fully backward compatible. While you won’t utilize its maximum 14,000 MB/s potential, the NM1090 PRO still significantly exceeds the PS5’s minimum 5,500 MB/s requirement, offering top-tier Gen4 performance and excellent future-proofing for PC usage.
Q6: What’s the main difference between external and internal SSDs for PS5 storage?
A6: The key difference lies in functionality:
– Internal M.2 NVMe SSDs (like the Lexar NM1090 PRO) plug directly into the PS5’s expansion slot, allowing you to play PS5 games directly from them. They meet the high-speed requirements of PS5 games.
– External USB SSDs (like the Lexar SL500 or Professional Go) connect via a USB port. They are great for storing PS5 games (which must be transferred to the internal drive to play) and playing PS4 games directly. They offer convenience and portability.
Q7: Do Lexar SSDs come with a warranty?
A7: Yes, all the Lexar SSDs reviewed here come with a five-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind regarding your investment. This is a standard and generous warranty period for high-quality storage devices.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your PS5’s storage is a smart move, and Lexar offers some fantastic solutions whether you’re looking for an ultra-fast internal upgrade or a flexible external drive. For sheer value and speed in a portable package, any of the SL500 series models stand out, providing a Lexar best affordable SSD for PS5 for external storage. If you want the ultimate performance for directly playing PS5 games from expanded storage, the Lexar NM1090 PRO, despite its Gen5 overhead, is a robust and future-proof choice.
No matter which Lexar drive you choose, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a much larger game library with faster access times. Happy gaming!