The best SSD for PS5
Store more games on your console with the best SSD for PS5.
The best SSD for PS5 enables you to upgrade your PlayStation's storage without having to use a bulky external hard drive. Because let's face it, these days 825GB of internal space just isn't enough. For instance, just three modern titles – God of War Ragnarök, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and The Last of Us Part I – will already take up over 200GB.
It's fairly easy to install the best SSD for PS5. Simply pop off the faceplate, unscrew the SSD slot and pop the card in. If you scroll down to the bottom of this article, you'll find a video tutorial and more info to help you out.
If you'd rather just plug in an external device, no problem! We also have a guide to the best external hard drive for PS5. Also see our roundups of the best TV for PS5 and the best PS5 controllers.
The best SSD for PS5 right now
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The best PS5 SSD overall
Capacity: 500GB-4TB
Speed: Up to 7,300MB/s
Seagate has a long history with Sony, and this is our top choice based on quality and speed. It goes up to a speedy 7,000MB/s, making it quicker than the PS5's own internal SSD. It comes in sizes up to 4TB. And there's a heatsink option available too.
The best cheap SSD for the PS5
Capacity: 500GB-2TB
Speed: Up to 7,000MB/s
The 1TB model of this SSD is the cheapest on our list, yet will happily reach speeds of up to 7,000MB/s. Sadly that pricing doesn't scale, so if you're after a 2TB drive you'll save by instead opting for the Seagate above or scrolling down to the Crucial P5 Plus.
The best SSD with a pre-fitted heatsink
Capacity: 1TB
Speed: Up to 7,000MB/s
Fitting a heatsink isn't difficult, but if you're unsure about it, here's an excellent option. It's one of the few PS5-compatible SSDs that isn't going to scalp you on having a heatsink pre-fitted, and it's a solid performer with decent speeds of up to 7,000MB/s.
The best SSD for PS5 for speed
Capacity: 250GB-2TB
Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s
Samsung's a trusted brand, and this is a quality product at a decent price. You can choose to have it with or without a heatsink, and the 1TB variant offers incredible speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s. Plus the free Samsung software optimises performance.
A quality option for the PS5
Capacity: 500GB-2TB
Speed: Up to 6,600MB/s
This SSD's max speed of 6,600MB/s is lower than others on this list, but you're unlikely to notice much of a difference. And the 2TB model is lovely and cheap. So if you want a lot of SSD storage and don't mind fitting your own heatsink, this is a good choice.
Very fast and great value
Capacity: 1-2TB
Speed: Up to 7,400MB/s
The second fastest SSD on our list, this can clock up to 7,400MB/s, and yet the price is very reasonable. Even better, it comes with two heatsinks; amusingly if you're planning to install the VP4300 in your PS5 it's best to fit them on top of one another.
The best SSD for PS5: what you need to know?
If you're set on installing the best SSD for PS5, you're going to need to do a bit of homework first. There are some very strict rules when it comes to the best SSD for PS5, and if you don't meet the requirements your SSD may not be compatible with your console.
So what are the important bits to know? Your SSD has to be a PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD between 250GB and 4TB with a read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster, it needs to be 22mm in width, and it has to have a heatsink. If you're not familiar with Heatsink technology, this bit of kit ensures your internal SSD doesn't overheat whilst in your console which is a very important detail to make sure everything runs smoothly. Most PS5-specific SSDs come with a pre-installed Heatsink, but make sure to double check in case you have to buy the Heatsink casing separately. Heatsinks are inexpensive and fairly easy to install, and you can definitely save some money by going down the route of buying an SSD without a Heatsink already installed.
How to install a PS5 SSD.
Below is a thorough video directly from Sony showing how to install an internal SSD. You don't need much: a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver, a surface top to work on and a well lit room are all you really need. A small flashlight (or your phone torch) is also a great idea to have at hand to help you see what you're doing better. Either read up on the official installation guidance, or check out the below video for a step-by-step tutorial.
Looking for more gaming goodness? Check out our guide to the best TV for PS5 and the best free PS5 games. Also make sure to check out our updated PS5 review.
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Jim McCauley is a writer, performer and cat-wrangler who started writing professionally way back in 1995 on PC Format magazine, and has been covering technology-related subjects ever since, whether it's hardware, software or videogames. A chance call in 2005 led to Jim taking charge of Computer Arts' website and developing an interest in the world of graphic design, and eventually led to a move over to the freshly-launched Creative Bloq in 2012. Jim now works as a freelance writer for sites including Creative Bloq, T3 and PetsRadar, specialising in design, technology, wellness and cats, while doing the occasional pantomime and street performance in Bath and designing posters for a local drama group on the side.