Is your PlayStation 5 crying out for more space? We’ve all been there. With modern game sizes ballooning, that 825GB internal drive fills up faster than you can say “Spider-Man: Miles Morales.” If you’re tired of constantly deleting games to make room for new ones, it’s time to consider a storage upgrade. But let’s be real, you don’t want to break the bank just to store a few extra titles.
That’s where finding the best budget SSD for PS5 comes in handy. You need a drive that’s fast enough to keep up with the PS5’s demanding requirements, has enough capacity for your growing game library, and won’t cost an arm and a leg. We’ve dug deep to find 5 fantastic M.2 NVMe SSD options that offer an excellent balance of performance, capacity, and affordability, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. Get ready to expand your PS5’s horizons and say goodbye to storage woes!
What to Look For in a PS5 SSD
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly go over the key things your PS5 storage expansion needs:
- NVMe M.2 Form Factor: This is the physical type of SSD that fits into the PS5’s expansion slot.
- PCIe Gen4x4 Interface: Essential for meeting Sony’s speed requirements. Look for read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or higher.
- Integrated Heatsink: Very important! PS5 SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink prevents throttling (slowdowns) and ensures consistent performance.
- Capacity: 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB offers much more breathing room for a growing game collection.
- Reliability: You want a drive that lasts and protects your precious game data.
The Top 5 Best Budget SSDs for PS5
Here are our top picks for expanding your PS5 storage without emptying your wallet:
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed…
This WD_BLACK SN850P isn’t just a great SSD; it’s officially licensed by PlayStation, which means you can literally plug it in and play without a single worry about compatibility. It comes with an integrated, optimized heatsink specifically designed for the PS5’s M.2 slot, making installation a breeze and ensuring consistent, top-tier performance even during the most intense gaming sessions. Plus, with blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds up to 7,300MB/s, your load times will be practically non-existent.
Key Features:
– Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles
– Capacities from 1TB to 4TB (2TB model stores up to 50+ games)
– Optimized heatsink for easy, worry-free installation
– Play directly from the drive, no need to transfer games
– PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s
– Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe
Pros:
– Officially licensed for guaranteed compatibility and peace of mind
– Blazing-fast speeds drastically reduce load times
– Pre-installed, custom-fit heatsink
– Simple, plug-and-play installation
– Excellent for direct game storage and play
Cons:
– Tends to be on the higher end of “budget” but offers exceptional value
– PlayStation Plus trial might not be useful for existing subscribers
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the SN850P for its effortless installation and incredible speed. Many highlight the peace of mind that comes with the official PlayStation licensing, noting that it just “works” perfectly right out of the box. Gamers love how quickly games load and how much storage it adds without any performance hiccups.
2. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2, Speeds Up…
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is truly a performance beast, pushing the limits of what a Gen 4 SSD can do. If you’re looking for lightning-fast speeds and superior thermal control from a globally recognized leader in flash memory, this drive is a fantastic choice. Its integrated, ultra-slim heatsink is designed to keep temperatures in check, preventing performance drops during marathon gaming sessions, and it’s specifically “made w/ PS5 in mind,” ensuring seamless compatibility and a significant performance boost.
Key Features:
– Near max PCIe 4.0 performance with a built-in heatsink
– Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
– Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO
– Capacities from 1TB to 4TB
– Ultra-slim integrated heatsink designed for PS5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard
– From the world’s #1 Flash Memory Brand
Pros:
– One of the fastest consumer SSDs available
– Exceptional performance for demanding games and applications
– High-quality Samsung components ensure reliability
– Effective, slim heatsink design fits PS5 perfectly
– Large capacity options for extensive game libraries
Cons:
– Often pricier than some other “budget” options
– May be overkill for users who don’t need absolute peak performance
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the Samsung 990 PRO’s blistering speeds and reliability. Many PS5 owners report a noticeable improvement in game loading and asset streaming. The integrated heatsink is frequently mentioned as a huge plus, keeping the drive cool even under heavy load, making it a favorite for serious gamers.
3. fanxiang 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with…
For those seeking robust performance without emptying their wallets, the fanxiang S880ER 1TB NVMe SSD presents an excellent option. This drive boasts impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds, hitting up to 7100/5300 MB/s, which is more than enough to meet and exceed PS5 requirements. Designed with gamers in mind, it’s compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage, promising faster loads for an “extreme gaming experience.” Its unique heatsink design ensures efficient thermal control, meaning your drive stays cool and performs consistently, even when the action heats up.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read/write speeds up to 7100/5300 MB/s
– NVMe 2.0 technology support
– Built-in heatsink for efficient thermal control
– Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage
– High-quality 3D NAND flash memory
– 5-year after-sales service and lifetime technical support
Pros:
– Excellent speed-to-price ratio for a budget-friendly option
– Effective heatsink design prevents thermal throttling
– Good compatibility with PS5 and PC gaming
– Backed by a solid 5-year warranty
– Great value for expanding game storage
Cons:
– Less known brand compared to WD or Samsung
– Write speeds are slightly lower than premium options, but still very fast for PS5
User Impressions:
Users are pleasantly surprised by the performance of the fanxiang S880ER, especially given its competitive price point. PS5 owners note that it installs easily and delivers the fast loading times they expect. The included heatsink is appreciated, and the overall consensus is that it’s a reliable and cost-effective upgrade.
4. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC…
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 is a compelling choice for PS5 users who need significant storage without breaking the bank. Offering a generous 2TB capacity, this SSD leverages cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver lightning-fast read/write speeds up to 7450/6500 MB/s, ensuring minimal delays in game loading. What’s more, it comes with a built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink for strong cooling, plus an additional, uninstalled heatsink and tools in the box, making installation a truly “plug and play” affair with excellent thermal management.
Key Features:
– NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with speeds up to 7450/6500 MB/s
– Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs
– Available in 1TB/2TB capacities (2TB stores up to 50 games)
– Utilizes high-quality 3D NAND flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller
– Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink + additional heatsink included
– Comes with screws and screwdriver for easy installation
Pros:
– Excellent value for a 2TB capacity SSD
– Very high read speeds, ideal for PS5 game loading
– Dual cooling solution (built-in graphene + optional heatsink)
– Includes all necessary installation tools
– Rigorous testing for stability and long service life
Cons:
– Lesser-known brand name
– The additional heatsink requires manual installation (though tools are provided)
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the MOVE SPEED HB7450 for its ease of installation and generous 2TB capacity at a competitive price. Many are impressed by the reported speeds, confirming fast game loading on their PS5 consoles. The included installation tools and effective cooling are also highlighted as significant advantages, making it a popular choice for a budget SSD for PS5.
5. COLORFUL PS5 SSD 2TB, M.2 2TB SSD PS5, PCIe NVMe…
The COLORFUL CN700 PRO SSD offers an ultimate performance boost for your PS5 with its PCIe Gen4 x4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology, delivering blistering sequential read/write speeds of 7400/6600 MB/s. Engineered for gamers, this 2TB M.2 SSD drastically reduces loading times and enhances gameplay responsiveness, making it fully compatible with PS5 and gaming PCs. Its advanced thermal management, featuring a specialized graphite-coated sticker, ensures stable operation and sustained peak speeds, even during demanding gaming sessions, preventing any performance drops.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen4 x4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology
– Sequential read/write speeds of 7400/6600 MB/s
– Gaming-optimized, fully compatible with PS5 and gaming PCs
– Built with high-quality 3D NAND flash memory
– Advanced thermal management with a graphite-coated sticker
– M.2 2280 form factor for universal compatibility and tool-free installation
Pros:
– Extremely fast read and write speeds for top-tier performance
– Gaming-optimized for reduced loading times and smooth gameplay
– Effective passive cooling with graphite-coated sticker
– Universal compatibility with Gen4/Gen3 systems
– Simple, tool-free installation
Cons:
– Uses a sticker for cooling, which might be less effective than a full metal heatsink in extreme cases (though sufficient for PS5)
– Brand might be less familiar to some users
User Impressions:
Reviewers commend the COLORFUL CN700 PRO for its impressive speed and smooth performance on the PS5. Users report noticeably faster game loading and installation times. The ease of installation is a recurring positive, and while the graphite sticker for cooling might seem unconventional to some, it appears to do a fine job maintaining performance even under load. It’s seen as a strong contender for a performance-focused best budget SSD for PS5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PS5 SSDs
Q1: Do I really need an SSD for my PS5, or is the internal storage enough?
A: While the PS5’s internal storage is fast, it’s quite limited, especially with modern game sizes averaging 50GB-100GB+. An additional M.2 NVMe SSD is highly recommended if you want to install and keep more games ready to play without constantly deleting and re-downloading.
Q2: What kind of SSD does the PS5 use, and what are the speed requirements?
A: The PS5 requires an NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 SSD. Sony recommends a drive with sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s (megabytes per second) or faster. All the drives reviewed here meet or exceed this requirement.
Q3: Is a heatsink truly necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! SSDs generate heat, especially under heavy load during gaming. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing the drive from “throttling” (slowing down to protect itself) and ensuring consistent, peak performance. Without one, your SSD might perform slower than expected or even shorten its lifespan.
Q4: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 to make this upgrade accessible. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing a side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. There are many excellent video tutorials online that walk you through it step-by-step.
Q5: Can I use an external SSD with my PS5 for PS5 games?
A: Not directly. You can use an external USB HDD or SSD to store PS4 games and play them directly, or to store PS5 games for archival purposes. However, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external drive; they must be moved to either the internal storage or the installed M.2 NVMe SSD to be playable.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No, installing an officially supported M.2 SSD in the dedicated expansion slot will not void your PS5’s warranty. Sony designed this slot specifically for user upgrades. Just make sure to follow the official installation instructions carefully.
Q7: How much capacity should I get for my PS5 SSD?
A: For a budget SSD for PS5, 1TB is a good starting point, allowing you to double your usable storage. However, 2TB offers much more flexibility and will comfortably hold 25-50+ PS5 games, depending on their size. If your budget allows, 2TB is highly recommended for long-term comfort.
Ready to Upgrade Your PS5?
Expanding your PS5’s storage doesn’t have to be an intimidating or expensive ordeal. By choosing one of the best budget SSD for PS5 options listed above, you can significantly boost your console’s capacity and keep all your favorite games installed and ready to play. Say goodbye to frustrating deletions and hello to a vast, always-ready game library. Pick the one that fits your needs and budget, and get back to gaming!