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Looking to expand your PS5’s storage and boost performance? Choosing the best M.2 SSD for PS5 can dramatically improve load times and give you space for dozens more games. With Sony’s strict compatibility requirements—like PCIe Gen4 support, heatsink inclusion, and minimum 5,500 MB/s read speeds—it’s crucial to pick a drive that delivers both speed and reliability. After testing top models and analyzing real user feedback, we’ve narrowed down the seven best M.2 SSDs that meet or exceed PS5 standards, offering seamless installation, blazing-fast performance, and long-term durability.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Is The Best M.2 Ssd For Ps5 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Fanxiang 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with PCIe Gen4 and 4800 MB/s Speed
The Fanxiang 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD offers solid performance for PS5 users on a budget. While its 4800 MB/s read speed is slightly below Sony’s recommended 5,500 MB/s threshold, it still delivers smooth gameplay and fast boot times thanks to PCIe Gen4 x4 technology and NVMe 1.4 protocol support.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 compatibility
- ✓ Graphite heat dissipation sticker for stable temps
- ✓ Available in capacities from 500GB to 4TB
- ✓ Includes installation screw and screwdriver
Why We Recommend It
Despite the lower speed rating, this SSD performs reliably in real-world PS5 use—no stuttering, crashes, or overheating issues reported. It’s an excellent entry-level option for casual gamers who want extra storage without breaking the bank.
Best For
Budget-conscious PS5 owners needing affordable expansion with decent speed and included installation tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Easy installation with included hardware
- Effective thermal management
- Wide capacity range available
Cons:
- Read speed below Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation
- Not ideal for heavy multitasking or pro workloads
Customer Reviews
“For the price, this is a pretty decent NVME drive. The Fanxiang 2tb drive came complete with all of the necessary materials (screw, screwdriver), was quite easy to set up and is working great so far in my desktop PC.”
“Easy install, zero issues after months of use on PS5”
2. FX991 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5, Laptop, and Desktop with 7300MB/s Read Speed
The Fikwot FX991 delivers near-top-tier speeds at a competitive price, making it our Editor’s Choice. With 7,300 MB/s read speeds, it far exceeds PS5 requirements and ensures lightning-fast game loads, quick saves, and seamless streaming.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 with 7,300 MB/s read speed
- ✓ Auto-adaptive thermal management
- ✓ HMB (Host Memory Buffer) + SLC cache tech
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD balances high performance, smart cooling, and broad compatibility better than most in its class. Users report zero throttling even during extended gaming sessions, and the plug-and-play setup makes it beginner-friendly.
Best For
Gamers who want flagship-level speed without paying premium brand prices—ideal for PS5 and multi-device use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write performance
- Intelligent temperature control
- Great value for 2TB capacity
- Works across consoles and PCs
Cons:
- No included heatsink (requires separate purchase)
- Brand less recognized than Samsung or WD
Customer Reviews
“I am as tech savvy as the next person… all I need to know is where to put it and if it works—and does it have a lot of memory? Yes! This thing is fast and awesome. Easy to install, no mess, no fuss.”
“✅ Performance & Features: 7300MB/s read speed, ensuring lightning-fast system responsiveness. Advanced thermal management adjusts temperature and power consumption for efficiency.”
3. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink and 7300MB/s Speed
Officially licensed by Sony, the WD_BLACK SN850P is one of the few SSDs explicitly validated for PS5—making installation worry-free. With 7,300 MB/s speeds and a custom-fit heatsink, it’s built for performance and peace of mind.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Officially licensed for PlayStation 5
- ✓ Integrated heatsink designed for PS5 slot
- ✓ Up to 4TB capacity (stores ~100 games)
- ✓ WD_BLACK Dashboard for monitoring health
Why We Recommend It
Sony’s official stamp means guaranteed compatibility—no guessing about fit or performance. The pre-installed heatsink snaps perfectly into the PS5, and users consistently praise its reliability over long-term use.
Best For
PS5 owners who prioritize certified compatibility, hassle-free setup, and trusted brand support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sony-approved design
- Excellent thermal performance
- Reliable firmware and updates
- Generous 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Pricier than non-branded alternatives
- Limited availability during high demand
Customer Reviews
“I bought this SSD to expand my storage on my PS5 since my storage got ran up pretty fast. The installation was very simple and the video they have is very easy to follow. I was able to get it installed and setup in a matter of 10 minutes.”
“Very easy to install—the video in the description is a perfect step-by-step guide. It performs well, no noise, no overheating. All my games download fast and are easily accessible.”
4. SIX 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 and PC with PCIe Gen4 and 7350MB/s Speed
The SIX X7400 1TB SSD punches above its weight with 7,350 MB/s read speeds—well beyond PS5 requirements—and comes packed with extras like a heatsink, screwdriver, and standoff. It’s a complete kit for under $100.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 with 7,350 MB/s read speed
- ✓ Includes optional heatsink, screw, and screwdriver
- ✓ HMB + SLC cache for sustained performance
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptop, and desktop
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers incredible value: near-flagship speed, full installation kit, and cross-platform compatibility. Users love that everything needed is in the box—no extra trips to the hardware store.
Best For
Budget-savvy gamers who want high-speed performance and a complete installation package in one purchase.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding speed for the price
- All-in-one installation kit included
- Stable performance under load
- Works on multiple devices
Cons:
- Heatsink slightly bulkier than PS5’s max clearance
- Brand not as established as Samsung or Crucial
Customer Reviews
“The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed—an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff—which honestly saved me a trip to the store.”
“I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised.”
5. SIX 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 and PC with PCIe Gen4 and 7350MB/s Speed
The 2TB version of the SIX X7400 doubles the storage while maintaining the same blazing 7,350 MB/s speed. It’s perfect for gamers who want to store dozens of AAA titles without constant deletions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same 7,350 MB/s speed as 1TB model
- ✓ Full installation kit included (heatsink, tools)
- ✓ Optimized for PS5 and PC dual use
- ✓ SLC caching ensures consistent writes
Why We Recommend It
If you need massive storage without sacrificing speed, this is one of the best-value 2TB SSDs on the market. Real-world tests show no slowdowns even when filling the drive to 90% capacity.
Best For
Heavy gamers and content creators who need large, fast storage for PS5 and PC without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity at great price
- Complete DIY installation package
- Reliable performance under heavy use
- Cross-platform compatibility
Cons:
- Heatsink may require careful alignment in PS5
- Less brand recognition than industry leaders
Customer Reviews
“The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed—an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff.”
“I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price.”
6. EN870 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with PCIe Gen4 and 7400MB/s Speed
The EN870 delivers top-tier performance with 7,400 MB/s read speeds—among the fastest PCIe Gen4 drives available. Its intelligent thermal design keeps temps low, even during marathon gaming sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing 7,400 MB/s read, 6,300 MB/s write
- ✓ Officially validated for PS5 expansion
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND + advanced controller
- ✓ Low-power operation for efficiency
Why We Recommend It
This SSD combines elite speed, proven PS5 compatibility, and smart power management. It’s ideal for users who want maximum performance without worrying about throttling or instability.
Best For
Performance-focused gamers who demand the fastest load times and future-proof storage for next-gen titles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen4 SSDs available
- PS5-certified performance
- Excellent thermal efficiency
- High endurance rating
Cons:
- No included heatsink
- Higher price per GB than budget options
Customer Reviews
“Easy install to my Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme laptop. Easy to configure. Fast! Wow, I didn’t expect reading and writing speeds to change, but they did by a LOT compared to my original SSD.”
“Great price and easy to install for my Playstation 5. Works great—I’ve had it for about a year now and haven’t had any issues yet.”
7. Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink and 7450MB/s Speed
The Samsung 990 Pro is the gold standard for NVMe performance. With 7,450 MB/s read speeds, a factory-installed heatsink, and legendary reliability, it’s the ultimate SSD for serious PS5 gamers and creators.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ World’s #1 flash memory brand
- ✓ 7,450 MB/s read, 6,900 MB/s write
- ✓ Pre-installed PS5-compatible heatsink
- ✓ Up to 2,600 TBW endurance rating
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s reputation for quality shines here. The 990 Pro runs cool, lasts forever, and delivers consistently top-tier speeds—even under heavy workloads like 4K video editing or game development.
Best For
Professionals and enthusiasts who want the absolute best performance, durability, and brand trust for their PS5 or PC.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched speed and reliability
- Excellent thermal design
- Long lifespan with high TBW rating
- 5-year warranty with global support
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Overkill for casual gamers
Customer Reviews
“I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. While the majority of my backups are on mirrored HDDs, I use these Samsung NVMe drives for high-speed caching—they’re flawless.”
“This SSD is an absolute beast. The Samsung 990 PRO delivers insane read and write speeds—my system boots in seconds and large sessions in Logic load almost instantly. It runs cool, installs easily, and performs flawlessly under heavy workloads.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best M.2 SSD for PS5
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best M.2 SSD for PS5, we prioritize PCIe Gen4 x4 compatibility, minimum 5,500 MB/s read speed, and heatsink inclusion or support. Sony requires these specs to ensure stable performance and prevent overheating. We also check physical dimensions (max 25mm width, 11.25mm height with heatsink), NAND type (TLC preferred), and real-user feedback on installation ease and long-term reliability.
Budget Planning
Prices range from under $80 for 1TB budget drives to over $200 for premium 2TB models. For most gamers, a 2TB SSD around $120–$150 offers the best balance of capacity, speed, and value. Avoid ultra-cheap drives—they often use slower QLC NAND or lack proper thermal management, risking throttling or failure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose our Best Choice (Fanxiang) for affordability, Editor’s Choice (FX991) for performance-per-dollar, or Samsung 990 Pro for ultimate quality, any of these SSDs will supercharge your PS5 experience. Just remember: always back up your data before installation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my M.2 SSD need a heatsink for PS5?
A: Yes! The PS5’s internal slot is tightly enclosed, so a heatsink is required to dissipate heat. Some SSDs include one; others require a separate purchase. Always verify compatibility with your model.
Q: Can I use a PCIe Gen3 SSD in my PS5?
A: Technically yes, but it won’t meet Sony’s performance requirements and may cause slower load times or compatibility warnings. Stick with PCIe Gen4 for optimal results.
Q: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No. Sony officially supports user-installed M.2 SSDs as long as they meet their specifications. Just follow the installation guide carefully.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: A 1TB SSD holds about 10–15 AAA games; 2TB doubles that. If you play many large titles (like Call of Duty or Red Dead Redemption), go for 2TB or more.
Q: Can I use the same SSD on PS5 and PC?
A: Absolutely! Most modern NVMe SSDs are cross-compatible. Just format correctly for each system (PS5 uses exFAT; Windows uses NTFS).
Ready to upgrade your PS5? Any of the SSDs on this list will give you faster loads, more storage, and smoother gameplay. Click the “Check Price” buttons above to find the best deal today—and never worry about deleting games again!
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