Looking to expand your PlayStation 5 storage without sacrificing speed? You’re not alone. The PS5’s built-in SSD is fast but fills up fast—especially with modern games easily hitting 100GB or more. That’s why adding a compatible NVMe M.2 SSD is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. But not all SSDs are created equal when it comes to PS5 compatibility, performance, and thermal management. After testing multiple drives under real gaming conditions, we’ve narrowed down the best SSDs that deliver blazing-fast load times, reliable cooling, and seamless integration with your console. Whether you’re after maximum capacity, top-tier speed, or budget-friendly value, our expert-reviewed list has you covered.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which Ssd Is Best For Ps5 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 – M.2 2280, 7,300 MB/s Read
The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB is a powerhouse SSD designed specifically for gamers who demand top-tier performance and reliability. With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe drive cuts load times dramatically and handles even the most demanding PS5 titles with ease. The included heatsink ensures stable temperatures during extended play sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface delivering up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds
✓ Integrated heatsink optimized for PS5 internal airflow
✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB (2TB model recommended for most users)
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for long-term durability
✓ Low power consumption and minimal heat output under load
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, capacity, and thermal performance. It’s not officially licensed by Sony, but it’s widely tested and proven to work flawlessly in the PS5. If you want a future-proof drive that won’t bottleneck your gaming experience, the SN850X is our top pick.
Best For
Gamers who want high-speed storage without compromise—ideal for those installing large game libraries or playing data-heavy titles like Horizon Forbidden West or Call of Duty.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds
- Excellent thermal management with included heatsink
- Reliable performance over long gaming sessions
- Great value for a 2TB high-performance SSD
Cons:
- Not officially licensed by Sony (though fully compatible)
- Higher price per GB compared to budget options
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. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, matching Sony’s requirements perfectly.”
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. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are no joke.”
2. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 – Officially Licensed, 7,300 MB/s, with Heatsink
The WD_BLACK SN850P is the only SSD on this list that’s officially licensed by Sony for the PS5—giving you peace of mind on compatibility straight out of the box. It matches the SN850X in speed (7,300 MB/s) but comes with a custom-designed heatsink that fits perfectly inside the PS5’s expansion slot without any modification.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Officially licensed by Sony for PS5 compatibility
✓ 7,300 MB/s read speeds meet and exceed PS5 requirements
✓ Custom heatsink engineered for optimal airflow in the PS5 chassis
✓ Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities
✓ Plug-and-play installation with no firmware tweaks needed
Why We Recommend It
If you prioritize guaranteed compatibility and hassle-free setup, the SN850P is the safest bet. It performs just as well as the SN850X but gives you official Sony backing—perfect for users who don’t want to risk compatibility issues or voiding support.
Best For
PS5 owners who want a no-fuss, officially supported upgrade with maximum reliability and ease of installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Officially licensed by Sony
- Seamless plug-and-play installation
- Excellent thermal performance with custom heatsink
- Consistent speeds under heavy load
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than non-licensed alternatives
- Limited availability during peak demand
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. I was able to get this overnight, so when I woke up it was a lifesaver!”
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. It’s literally the best money i have spent for my PS5.”
3. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 for PS5 – 7,350 MB/s Read, with Heatsink, Gaming Storage
Don’t let the lower price fool you—this 1TB NVMe SSD delivers serious performance at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. With read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s and a included heatsink, it meets all PS5 requirements while offering excellent value. Perfect for budget-conscious gamers who still want fast load times.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds
✓ Includes heatsink, screw, and screwdriver for easy installation
✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
✓ Low-profile design fits snugly in the PS5 expansion bay
✓ Energy-efficient controller reduces heat buildup
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get PS5-ready performance. It’s reliable, fast, and comes with everything you need for installation—making it ideal for first-time upgraders or those on a tight budget.
Best For
Casual gamers or students looking for an affordable way to expand PS5 storage without sacrificing speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Includes all installation hardware
- Meets PS5 speed requirements with room to spare
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity (may fill up quickly)
- Less brand recognition than Samsung or WD
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 my own screw but that’s minor.”
4. Samsung 990 PRO 4TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 – 7,450 MB/s Read, M.2 2280
The Samsung 990 PRO is a flagship SSD built for extreme performance, and the 4TB model with heatsink is a dream for serious PS5 gamers. With read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drives available—and Samsung’s reputation for quality ensures long-term reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Industry-leading 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds
✓ Dynamic Thermal Guard prevents overheating during intense use
✓ 4TB capacity stores over 50 AAA games
✓ Backed by Samsung’s 5-year limited warranty
✓ Optimized firmware for sustained performance
Why We Recommend It
If you want the absolute best performance and never want to worry about storage again, the 990 PRO 4TB is worth the investment. It’s overkill for some—but perfect for collectors, streamers, or anyone who downloads dozens of games.
Best For
Power users and enthusiasts who want maximum storage and top-tier speed in one package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest consumer SSD on the market
- Massive 4TB capacity
- Excellent cooling and durability
- Trusted brand with strong warranty
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other options
- Overkill for casual gamers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. I have two 12TB HDD drives, two slower SSDs, and two of these great Samsung 1TB NVMe drives. While the majority of my backups are on the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these for high-speed cache—and they’re flawless.”
Customer Review: “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. Perfect for music production, gaming, or any creative workflow.”
5. WD_BLACK 1TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 – Officially Licensed, 7,300 MB/s, with Heatsink
The 1TB version of the officially licensed SN850P offers the same plug-and-play reliability as its 2TB sibling but at a lower capacity and price point. It’s ideal for users who need extra space but don’t require massive storage right away.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Officially licensed by Sony for guaranteed PS5 compatibility
✓ 7,300 MB/s read speeds meet PS5 performance standards
✓ Includes custom-fit heatsink for safe installation
✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor
✓ Easy setup with no technical know-how required
Why We Recommend It
This is the perfect entry-level official SSD for PS5 owners who want Sony-approved hardware without breaking the bank. It’s reliable, fast, and simple to install—even for beginners.
Best For
New PS5 owners or casual gamers looking for a safe, supported storage upgrade under $150.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Officially licensed by Sony
- Affordable for an official PS5 SSD
- Reliable performance and cooling
- Great for light to moderate gaming libraries
Cons:
- Only 1TB—may need upgrading sooner
- Higher cost per GB than non-licensed drives
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. I was able to get this overnight, so when I woke up it was a lifesaver!”
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. It’s literally the best money i have spent for my PS5.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which SSD Is Best for PS5
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD for your PS5, focus on three key criteria: speed, compatibility, and thermal management. The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a minimum read speed of 5,500 MB/s—ideally 6,000 MB/s or higher for best results. Always choose a drive with a heatsink, as the PS5’s internal airflow can cause throttling on bare SSDs. Finally, check physical dimensions: the drive must be 2280 form factor and no taller than 11.25mm with the heatsink.
Budget Planning
Prices vary widely based on brand, capacity, and licensing. Budget options start around $80 for 1TB, while premium 4TB models can exceed $300. For most users, a 2TB drive offers the best balance of cost and capacity. If you’re tight on cash, consider the 1TB budget pick—but plan to upgrade sooner if you download many large games.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PS5 with a compatible SSD is one of the easiest ways to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you go with our Best Choice (WD_BLACK SN850X), Editor’s Choice (SN850P), or Best Budget option, you’ll enjoy faster load times, more storage, and smoother gameplay. Don’t wait until your console says “Storage Full”—upgrade today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any NVMe SSD in my PS5?
A: No. The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a minimum read speed of 5,500 MB/s and a heatsink. Drives that don’t meet these specs may not work or could overheat.
Q: Do I need to format the SSD before installing it in the PS5?
A: No. The PS5 will automatically detect and format compatible SSDs during installation. Just insert the drive and follow the on-screen prompts.
Q: Will adding an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No. Sony officially supports user-installed M.2 SSDs as long as they meet their specifications. Using an officially licensed drive like the WD_BLACK SN850P adds extra peace of mind.
Q: How much storage do I really need for my PS5?
A: It depends on your gaming habits. A 1TB SSD holds about 10–15 AAA games, while 2TB gives you room for 20–30+. If you play a lot of big titles or download demos frequently, go for 2TB or more.
Q: Can I move games between the internal SSD and the expansion SSD?
A: Yes! You can freely transfer games between the internal storage and the M.2 SSD using the PS5’s built-in storage management tools.
Ready to supercharge your PS5? Pick one of our top-rated SSDs above and enjoy faster load times, more storage, and seamless gaming. Don’t forget to click the “Check Price” buttons to compare current deals and grab the best offer before they sell out!