Are you tired of constantly deleting games to make space on your PlayStation 5? Do you wish your load times were even faster, getting you into the action quicker? You’re not alone! While the PS5 is a fantastic console, its internal storage can feel a bit cramped, especially with today’s massive game files. Luckily, upgrading your PS5’s storage with an internal NVMe SSD is straightforward and offers a dramatic improvement to your gaming experience.
Choosing the best SSD for PS5 can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, reviewing 10 top-tier SSDs that are perfect for your PlayStation 5. We’ll break down what makes each one stand out, so you can pick the perfect drive to level up your console.
Why Upgrade Your PS5’s Storage?
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly go over why an SSD upgrade is a game-changer for your PS5:
- More Space: The most obvious benefit! Store dozens more games, updates, and media without constantly managing your library.
- Faster Load Times: While the PS5’s built-in SSD is super fast, adding a compatible Gen4 NVMe SSD means you’ll continue to experience lightning-quick loading, often on par with or even faster than the console’s native drive.
- Play Directly from the Drive: Unlike external hard drives, an internal NVMe SSD allows you to play PS5 games directly from it, just like the console’s built-in storage.
- Future-Proofing: As games get larger and more graphically demanding, extra fast storage becomes even more crucial.
Key Considerations When Choosing a PS5 SSD
When looking for the best SSD for PS5, keep these vital factors in mind:
- Interface: You need a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD. This is non-negotiable for PS5 compatibility.
- Speed: Sony recommends a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. All the drives on our list exceed this.
- Heatsink: This is crucial! SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance. All our recommended drives either come with a pre-installed heatsink or have an optimal low-profile design.
- Capacity: Decide how much extra space you need. Common capacities are 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB.
- Form Factor: The PS5 requires a 22mm wide M.2 SSD (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 lengths are supported, with 2280 being the most common).
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – our top picks for the best SSD for your PS5!
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive with Heatsink
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a gaming powerhouse designed to give you a serious edge. While it’s a stellar choice for PCs, its blazing speeds and robust features make it an absolute contender for the top spot on your PS5. With insane read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and advanced thermal management, you’ll experience ridiculously short load times and smooth gameplay, even during the most intense gaming sessions.
- Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read
- Optional heatsink version for peak performance
- Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
- Capacities up to 8TB (though we’re focusing on 2TB here)
- Pros:
- Extremely fast, exceeding PS5 requirements
- Excellent thermal management with the integrated heatsink
- Designed for high-performance gaming
- Cons:
- No specific PS5 branding (but fully compatible)
- WD_BLACK Dashboard features (like RGB control) are Windows-only
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise its blazing speed and seamless integration into their PS5, noting a tangible improvement in game loading. The heatsink is highly effective, keeping temperatures in check even during extended play.
See it on Amazon here
2. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2 Internal Solid State Drive
When it comes to flash memory, Samsung is a name that commands respect, and their 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD lives up to the hype. This drive offers near-max PCIe 4.0 performance, boasting incredible read/write speeds that will significantly reduce your loading screens. What truly makes it stand out is its “Made with PS5 in mind” design, featuring an ultra-slim integrated heatsink specifically engineered to fit and perform optimally within your PlayStation 5, ensuring cool and consistent performance.
- Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over 980 PRO
- Ultra-slim integrated heatsink, specifically designed for PS5
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB
- Pros:
- Exceptional speed and random performance
- Reputable brand with high-quality components
- Heatsink perfectly sized for PS5 installation
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- May be overkill for users not focused on absolute top-tier speeds
- User Impressions: Gamers consistently report lightning-fast load times and seamless performance. Many appreciate Samsung’s reliability and the peace of mind knowing the heatsink is purpose-built for the PS5.
See it on Amazon here
3. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed for PlayStation 5
For those who want absolute peace of mind regarding compatibility, the WD_BLACK SN850P is your go-to. This SSD is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, meaning it’s been tested and approved by Sony themselves for worry-free installation and guaranteed performance. It comes with a brand-new, optimized heatsink tailor-made for the PS5’s M.2 slot, and even includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe to kickstart your gaming library.
- Key Features:
- Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles
- Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s
- 14-day PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe trial included
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB
- Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and performance with PS5
- Easy, worry-free installation
- Excellent speeds for seamless gameplay
- Bonus PlayStation Plus trial
- Cons:
- Price might be slightly higher due to official licensing
- No significant performance jump over non-licensed high-end drives
- User Impressions: PS5 owners rave about the simplicity of installation and the instant recognition by the console. The “officially licensed” badge provides great confidence, and the performance consistently meets high expectations.
See it on Amazon here
4. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD
The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is built for serious gamers who demand extreme performance. This SSD not only meets but exceeds all of Sony’s PS5 M.2 performance requirements, ensuring that even the largest game files load faster than ever directly from the drive. It features a pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader that’s perfectly designed to fit within the PS5’s constrained M.2 slot, effectively dispersing heat and preventing throttling during intense gaming sessions.
- Key Features:
- Exceeds all Sony PS5 M.2 performance requirements
- Up to 7,100MB/sec sequential read and 6,800MB/sec sequential write speeds
- Pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader
- Available in capacities from 500GB to 4TB
- Pros:
- Outstanding speed and consistent performance
- Optimized heatsink fits PS5 without issue
- Reliable brand in PC components and gaming
- Cons:
- Might be slightly thicker than some other low-profile heatsinks
- Could be considered premium priced for some budgets
- User Impressions: Users frequently commend its robust build quality and the noticeable improvement in load times. The low-profile heatsink is a big plus, as it simplifies installation and fits perfectly.
See it on Amazon here
5. fanxiang 4TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with Heatsink
If capacity is your top priority, the fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD offers an enormous amount of space for your gaming library. This drive leverages PCIe Gen 4 x 4 technology, delivering impressive sequential read/write speeds of up to 7300/6300 MB/s. What makes it stand out is its unique heatsink design specifically crafted to ensure efficient thermal control, preventing slowdowns even during marathon gaming sessions. With 20+ years of manufacturing experience, fanxiang aims to provide reliable storage at a competitive price for avid gamers and professionals alike.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 performance with up to 7300/6300 MB/s read/write speeds
- Unique heatsink design for effective thermal control
- Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage
- 5-year service and lifetime technical support
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory
- Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Excellent speeds for gaming and productivity
- Effective and unique heatsink design
- Strong warranty and customer support
- Cons:
- Brand may be less familiar to some users
- 4TB might be overkill for casual gamers
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the incredible storage capacity, allowing them to download games without hesitation. The performance is consistently reported as fast and stable, with the heatsink doing its job well.
See it on Amazon here
6. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC NVMe PCIe 4.0
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a high-speed, compatible, and value-packed SSD for their PS5. This drive boasts impressive read/write speeds up to 7450/6500 MB/s, ensuring lightning-fast game loading and file transfers. Its standout feature is the thoughtful inclusion of an uninstalled heatsink, screws, and a screwdriver right in the box, making installation a breeze for any user. Plus, it utilizes a 1mm graphene composite heat sink for efficient cooling, keeping your drive running smoothly.
- Key Features:
- Up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds
- Compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs
- Comes with uninstalled heatsink, screws, and screwdriver
- Utilizes 1mm graphene composite heat sink
- High-quality 3D NAND flash and Maxio MAP1602 controller
- Pros:
- Exceptional speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements
- All necessary installation tools included
- Effective cooling solution
- Competitive pricing for its performance
- Cons:
- Heatsink requires manual installation (though tools are provided)
- Brand is newer compared to industry giants
- User Impressions: Customers love the all-inclusive package, making the installation process incredibly easy. The reported speeds are consistently high, and the drive performs reliably, staying cool under load.
See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a compelling option that balances high performance with excellent power efficiency, setting it apart from many competitors. Boasting exceptional speeds up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, it’s easily twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. Its intelligent design, which includes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0, allows for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance, all while consuming up to 40% less power than typical DRAM cache-enabled Gen 4 SSDs. This means a cooler and potentially longer-lasting drive for your PS5.
- Key Features:
- Up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- Designed with a heatsink for optimal cooling
- Up to 40% less power consumption than some PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds meeting PS5 needs
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated heatsink
- Trusted brand in memory solutions
- Cons:
- 1TB capacity might be limiting for some users with large game libraries
- Performance difference might not be noticeable to casual users
- User Impressions: Users frequently highlight its impressive speed and how well it integrates with the PS5. The lower power consumption is a subtle but appreciated benefit, contributing to overall system stability.
See it on Amazon here
8. Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for PS5&PC, PCIe Gen4
The Fikwot FX910 is a solid performer offering extreme speeds and robust cooling, making it a reliable choice for both your PS5 and PC. With read speeds up to 7300MB/s and write speeds up to 6200MB/s, you’ll experience ultra-fast boot-ups and smooth multitasking. Its key feature is the built-in graphite heatsink, which effectively keeps the SSD cool and stable even under heavy workloads, ensuring consistent peak performance during demanding gaming sessions. Plus, its plug-and-play simplicity and 5-year guarantee add to its appeal.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds up to 7300MB/s read, 6200MB/s write
- Built-in graphite heatsink for advanced cooling
- Wide compatibility with PS5 and desktop PCs
- Plug-and-play installation, no driver required
- 5-year after-sales service and 24/7 support
- Pros:
- Excellent performance for gaming
- Effective built-in cooling with graphite heatsink
- Very easy to install
- Strong warranty and customer support
- Cons:
- Brand less established than some giants
- Read speed is slightly lower than some top-tier options on this list
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the straightforward installation and the immediate boost in storage and speed. The heatsink effectively manages heat, and the overall reliability is often praised.
See it on Amazon here
9. Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD for PS5 2TB Internal
The Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD is another fantastic choice for dedicated PlayStation fans, largely due to its official licensing and optimized design. Built with matching firmware to seamlessly work with all PS5 models, it provides total peace of mind regarding compatibility. The custom heatsink is a standout, engineered to minimize thermal throttling and maintain peak performance even during marathon gaming sessions. You can download, update, and play all your PS5 and PS4 games directly from this drive, experiencing absolute performance with speeds up to 7300/6000MB/s.
- Key Features:
- Officially licensed with matching firmware for all PS5 models
- Custom heatsink to minimize thermal throttling
- Play PS5 and PS4 games directly from the drive
- Up to 7300/6000MB/s read/write speeds
- Industry-leading 5-year warranty
- Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and seamless integration with PS5
- Highly effective custom heatsink
- Reliable performance and strong brand reputation
- Excellent 5-year warranty
- Cons:
- May command a slightly higher price due to official licensing
- Write speed is a bit lower than some top-end competitors
- User Impressions: PS5 owners consistently praise its flawless installation and how smoothly it operates. The official licensing is a significant draw, giving users confidence in its long-term compatibility and performance with their console.
See it on Amazon here
10. Kingston Fury Renegade 2TB PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD
The Kingston Fury Renegade is a high-performance SSD built for gamers who demand the best. It delivers incredible PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe performance, with speeds reaching an impressive 7300MB/s. What makes it particularly versatile is its availability with either a heatsink or a low-profile heat spreader, giving users options depending on their specific needs and console setup. “PS5 Ready” is more than just a tagline; this drive is engineered to integrate smoothly and supercharge your PlayStation 5’s storage and speed, handling the heaviest gaming workloads with ease.
- Key Features:
- Incredible PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe performance up to 7300MB/s
- Available with heatsink or low-profile heat spreader
- Slim M.2 2280 form factor
- High capacities up to 4TB
- “PS5 Ready” design
- Pros:
- Outstanding speed and reliability
- Choice of heatsink or low-profile heat spreader
- Trusted brand in memory and storage
- Excellent for demanding gaming and creative tasks
- Cons:
- Heatsink option may be slightly bulkier than some custom PS5 heatsinks
- Premium performance comes with a premium price tag
- User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the drive’s raw speed and its ability to drastically cut down load times. The option for different heat dissipation solutions is a plus for those with specific preferences.
See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with one of these high-performance NVMe SSDs is undoubtedly one of the best enhancements you can make to your gaming setup. Whether you prioritize an officially licensed drive, the absolute fastest speeds, or massive storage capacity, there’s a perfect option on this list for you. Say goodbye to deleting games and hello to a seamless, faster, and more expansive gaming experience. You’ll wonder how you ever gamed without it!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need an SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5 comes with a fast internal SSD, but its usable space is limited. Adding another compatible internal NVMe SSD allows you to significantly expand your game library, download more titles, and still enjoy the same lightning-fast load times as the console’s built-in storage.
Q2: What kind of SSD does the PS5 use?
A2: The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD. It must be a specific size (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factor), with 2280 being the most common. It also needs to meet or exceed a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s.
Q3: Do all PS5 SSDs need a heatsink?
A3: Yes, Sony strongly recommends (and practically requires) a heatsink for any M.2 SSD installed in the PS5. High-speed SSDs generate a lot of heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down performance over time. All the drives on our list either come with an integrated heatsink or are designed to work with one.
Q4: How much storage do I need for my PS5 SSD?
A4: This depends on your gaming habits. 1TB is a good starting point for most users, allowing space for 15-25 modern PS5 games. 2TB is a popular choice for avid gamers, providing ample room for a large library. 4TB is for the ultimate collectors who want to download everything without worrying about space.
Q5: Is it hard to install an SSD in a PS5?
A5: No, it’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 to make SSD installation accessible. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver. The process involves removing the PS5’s side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. There are plenty of official guides and video tutorials available online.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A6: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official installation guidelines and do not damage the console in the process.
Q7: Can I use an external SSD for PS5 games?
A7: You can use an external SSD (or HDD) to store PS4 games and play them directly. However, to play PS5 games, they must be stored on the console’s internal SSD or an installed internal M.2 NVMe SSD. You can transfer PS5 games to an external drive for storage, but you’ll need to move them back to an internal drive to play them.