If you’re looking to breathe new life into your PS4 or PS5, upgrading to a high-performance SSD is one of the smartest moves you can make. Not only does it drastically reduce game load times, but it also improves system responsiveness and gives you the storage space needed for today’s massive game files. With so many options on the market, finding the best SSD for PS4 (and PS5 compatibility) can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve tested and compared the top models based on speed, reliability, ease of installation, and value for money. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this guide will help you pick the perfect SSD upgrade.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What’S The Best Ssd For Ps4 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 for PS5 with Heatsink, 7350MB/s Read Speed
This SSD delivers blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance at a competitive price. Designed for gamers who want serious upgrades without overspending, it supports PCIe Gen4x4 and hits up to 7350MB/s read speeds—perfect for reducing load times in PS4 and PS5 games.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4x4 interface with up to 7350MB/s read speed
✓ Includes pre-installed heatsink for optimal thermal management
✓ Easy installation with included screwdriver, screw, and standoff
✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
✓ Durable build with strong reliability for daily gaming
Why We Recommend It
It strikes the perfect balance between speed, price, and ease of use. The included installation kit makes it beginner-friendly, while the performance rivals much more expensive drives. For anyone upgrading their PS4 or expanding PS5 storage, this is a smart, future-proof choice.
Best For
Gamers looking for high-speed performance and hassle-free installation at a budget-friendly price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent read/write speeds for the price
- Comes with everything needed for installation
- Heatsink keeps temps low during long gaming sessions
- Works seamlessly with PS5 and most M.2 slots
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity may fill up quickly with modern games
- No official PlayStation licensing (still works perfectly)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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 since I had lost my factory set screw.”
Customer Review: “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 so far. Installation was also pretty easy, I did have to use…”
2. Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5, 7450MB/s Read Speed
As one of the fastest consumer SSDs on the market, the Samsung 990 Pro delivers elite-level performance with 7450MB/s read speeds and top-tier endurance. It’s built for serious gamers and power users who demand maximum speed and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing 7450MB/s read and 6900MB/s write speeds
✓ Integrated heatsink for sustained performance under load
✓ Samsung’s advanced V-NAND and controller technology
✓ 2TB capacity offers ample space for dozens of games
✓ Backed by Samsung’s reputation for quality and durability
Why We Recommend It
This drive is built like a tank and performs like a race car. Whether you’re installing it in a PS5 or using it as a primary drive in a high-end PC, the 990 Pro handles everything with ease. It’s overkill for basic use—but perfect if you want the absolute best.
Best For
Enthusiasts and competitive gamers who want top-tier speed, brand trust, and long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Among the fastest NVMe SSDs available
- Excellent thermal performance with heatsink
- High endurance rating (1200 TBW for 2TB model)
- Seamless compatibility with PS5 and most systems
Cons:
- Premium price tag compared to alternatives
- Overkill for casual gamers or light use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded from a slower Gen3 drive and the difference is night and day. Boot times, game loads, everything is faster. Samsung quality is unmatched—I trust this drive for my entire library.”
Customer Review: “Installed in my PS5 in under 10 minutes. No issues with heat or performance drops. Worth every penny if you want the best.”
3. WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5, 7300MB/s Read Speed
The WD_BLACK SN850X offers near-top-tier performance at a more accessible price. With 7300MB/s read speeds and a sleek heatsink design, it’s a favorite among gamers who want speed without the premium cost.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7300MB/s read speeds for lightning-fast loading
✓ Includes optimized heatsink for PS5 compatibility
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB (though 1TB is most budget-friendly)
✓ Low latency and high IOPS for smooth gameplay
Why We Recommend It
It delivers almost the same performance as flagship drives but costs significantly less. The SN850X is reliable, easy to install, and ideal for upgrading your PS4 or expanding PS5 storage without breaking the bank.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers who still want high-speed performance and solid build quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Heatsink included and PS5-ready
- Fast and consistent speeds under load
- WD_BLACK’s gaming-focused reputation
Cons:
- 1TB may feel limiting for large game libraries
- Not officially licensed by Sony (still works perfectly)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability.”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness.”
4. WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, 7300MB/s Read Speed
This is the officially licensed SSD for PlayStation 5, meaning it’s been tested and approved by Sony for seamless compatibility. With 7300MB/s speeds and a custom heatsink, it’s built specifically for PS5 expansion.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Officially licensed by Sony for PS5 compatibility
✓ 7300MB/s read speed for ultra-fast game loads
✓ Optimized heatsink designed for PS5’s internal layout
✓ 2TB capacity stores up to 50+ modern games
✓ Easy plug-and-play installation
Why We Recommend It
If you want peace of mind and guaranteed compatibility, this is the one to get. You won’t have to worry about firmware issues or fit problems—it’s made for the PS5, plain and simple.
Best For
PS5 owners who want a hassle-free, Sony-approved storage upgrade with no compatibility concerns.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Officially licensed by Sony
- Perfect fit and performance in PS5
- Reliable and fast with excellent thermal design
- Great capacity for a growing game library
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than non-licensed alternatives
- Overkill for PS4-only users
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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 they video they have is very easy to follow. I was able to get it installed and setup in a matter of 10 minutes.”
Customer Review: “Very easy to install the video in the description is a perfect step by step installation. It performs well, no noise. I also have no issues with it over heating. All my games download fast and are easily accessible.”
5. WD_BLACK SN850P 4TB NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, 7300MB/s Read Speed
The ultimate storage solution for serious gamers, this 4TB SSD offers massive capacity and top-tier speed. It’s the only officially licensed 4TB SSD for PS5, making it ideal for those who never want to delete games again.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Largest officially licensed SSD for PS5 (4TB)
✓ Stores up to 100 games (depending on size)
✓ 7300MB/s read speed with optimized heatsink
✓ Sony-approved for guaranteed compatibility
✓ Future-proof storage for years of gaming
Why We Recommend It
If you’re tired of managing space or deleting favorites, this drive solves that problem for good. It’s expensive, but for collectors and hardcore gamers, it’s worth every penny.
Best For
Gamers with large libraries who want maximum storage without compromise.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highest capacity officially supported by PS5
- No need to manage or delete games frequently
- Fast, reliable, and PS5-optimized
- Excellent long-term investment
Cons:
- Very high upfront cost
- Overkill for casual or occasional gamers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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 they video they have is very easy to follow. I was able to get it installed and setup in a matter of 10 minutes.”
Customer Review: “Very easy to install the video in the description is a perfect step by step installation. It performs well, no noise. I also have no issues with it over heating. All my games download fast and are easily accessible. I have so much more memory space now.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Ssd For Ps4
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for PS4, we focus on four key areas: speed, capacity, compatibility, and value. Look for NVMe M.2 drives with PCIe Gen4 support (even if your PS4 uses Gen3, it’s backward compatible and great for PS5). A heatsink is highly recommended to prevent thermal throttling. Capacity should match your needs—1TB is minimum for modern gaming, while 2TB or more is ideal for heavy users.
Budget Planning
Prices range from around $80 for a 1TB budget drive to over $400 for a 4TB premium model. Set a budget based on your storage needs and gaming habits. If you mostly play indie or older titles, 1TB may suffice. For AAA games (which can be 100GB+ each), aim for 2TB or more. Remember: spending a little more now can save you from upgrading again in a year.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PS4 or PS5 with an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. Whether you prioritize speed, capacity, or ease of use, there’s a drive on this list that fits your needs. Don’t settle for slow load times—invest in performance and enjoy your games the way they were meant to be played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any SSD for my PS4?
A: The PS4 supports SATA SSDs (2.5-inch), but for the best performance and future-proofing, we recommend an NVMe M.2 SSD if you’re also planning to use it in a PS5. Note that the PS4 doesn’t support NVMe natively, so M.2 drives are primarily for PS5 upgrades.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my SSD in the PS5?
A: Yes! The PS5’s internal space generates heat, and a heatsink helps maintain peak performance by preventing thermal throttling. All drives listed here include one.
Q: Will a faster SSD reduce game load times significantly?
A: Absolutely. Upgrading from a stock HDD to an SSD can cut load times by 50% or more. With a high-speed NVMe drive, you’ll see near-instant boots and seamless transitions in supported games.
Q: Is it hard to install an SSD in a PS5?
A: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 for user upgrades. Simply remove the side panel, locate the M.2 slot, insert the SSD, and secure it with a screw. Most drives come with installation guides or videos.
Q: Should I buy an officially licensed SSD?
A: Only if you want guaranteed compatibility and peace of mind. While third-party drives often work perfectly, Sony-approved models like the WD_BLACK SN850P ensure no firmware or fit issues.
Ready to upgrade your gaming experience? Choose one of our top-rated SSDs and say goodbye to long load times forever. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab the best deal today!