Running low on game space? Standard PS5 SSD fills up fast. Modern games often need 100GB or more, quickly overwhelming capacity. Good news: adding a high-performance SSD solves this.
Getting a PS5 SSD upgrade is a smart move. You gain room for more games. A good SSD also keeps load times quick, maybe even faster than the console’s original drive.
Our guide shows top 2025 options. We help pick the right PS5 hard drive for your needs and cash. We tested official products and third-party choices offering great value. Find reliable picks here.
List of The Best SSDs for PS5 in 2025
Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5
Seagate’s Game Drive M.2 SSD is the top pick for PS5 storage expansion in 2025. It’s officially licensed, so compatibility with PlayStation 5 is guaranteed. No guesswork needed.
You can get it in 1TB or 2TB sizes. Performance is strong, hitting read speeds near 7,300 MB/s and write speeds around 6,000 MB/s. Our tests showed it moves big game files fast and reliably.
Pros:
- Officially licensed by Sony
- Excellent performance in real-world testing
- Pre-installed heatsink for optimal cooling
- Well-priced, especially in the 1TB configuration
- Simple plug-and-play installation
Cons:
- No 4TB option available
- Premium price compared to some alternatives
- Limited color options
WD Black SN850X 8TB SSD
Got a massive game library? Hate deleting titles? The WD Black SN850X 8TB fixes that. This PS5 SSD upgrade offers huge space – easily holds dozens of the biggest AAA games at once.
It pushes what’s possible for internal drives right now. It hits 7,300 MB/s reads and 6,300 MB/s writes. Yes, it’s a big investment. But the price per GB looks better when you see how much space you get. Stays cool under pressure too.
Pros:
- Enormous 8TB capacity
- Consistent performance even when nearly full
- Includes pre-installed PS5-compatible heatsink
- Official PlayStation certification
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Very expensive initial investment
- Overkill for casual gamers
- Average performance compared to premium alternatives
- Not the best value in smaller capacities
Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade
The Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade hits a sweet spot between speed and cost. It’s a great pick for a mid-range PS5 SSD upgrade, hitting read speeds near 7,400 MB/s – comfortably faster than Sony’s minimum.
Its slim heatsink fits easily inside the console’s bay. Strong cooling keeps temps low during long play sessions, preventing slowdowns common in other drives.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Ultra-thin yet effective heatsink
- Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities
- Frequently on sale
- Strong endurance ratings
Cons:
- Less recognizable brand than Samsung or WD
- Heatsink design isn’t as premium-looking
- Software support limited compared to bigger brands
PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD
PNY’s XLR8 CS3140 is 2025’s surprise standout. This drive outperforms its price, matching pricier drives while staying budget-friendly.
It hits 7,500 MB/s reads and 6,850 MB/s writes – among our list’s speediest. In real use, it did well: shifted 100GB of games in under 45 seconds. Also stayed cool.
Pros:
- Outstanding speed-to-price ratio
- Robust aluminum heatsink included
- Often heavily discounted during sales
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
- Attractive design with optional RGB (for PC use)
Cons:
- Customer support isn’t as comprehensive as premium brands
- Slightly higher power consumption
- Warranty period shorter than some competitors
Samsung 990 Pro
Samsung’s top drive remains a leader in 2025. The 990 Pro hits Gen 4 NVMe’s peak speeds, reaching reads near 7,450 MB/s.
It stands out through great build quality and reliability. Samsung makes all parts themselves – controller to NAND flash. This leads to consistent performance and long life. For users wanting the top-tier PS5 hard drive upgrade, this is it.
Pros:
- Class-leading performance
- Superior build quality and reliability
- Excellent thermal management
- Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options
- Comprehensive Samsung Magician software support (for PC)
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Overkill for many games that don’t benefit from the extra speed
- Heatsink adds to the already high cost
Teamgroup MP44
Teamgroup’s MP44 is a surprise performer in PS5 storage expansion options. This lesser-known brand delivers a drive getting you most premium drive performance, often for 30% less money.
It hits 7,000 MB/s reads and 6,500 MB/s writes. Performance meets Sony’s rules easily. Real tests showed it loaded games just as fast as pricier drives. A smart pick for careful spenders.
Pros:
- Exceptional value
- Strong performance in gaming scenarios
- Effective included heatsink
- Often aggressively priced during sales
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
Cons:
- Less established brand
- Limited customer support
- Warranty process can be cumbersome
- Packaging and presentation feel budget
Samsung 980 Pro
Still great in 2025, the Samsung 980 Pro remains a solid choice for PlayStation 5 storage. Its refined tech offers great reliability, and lower prices now make it very affordable.
It hits 7,000 MB/s reads and 5,100 MB/s writes – easily passing Sony’s needs. Best part? Its famous durability: the 1TB model handles 1,200 TB of writes. This drive will likely last longer than your PS5 itself. Stays cool too.
Pros:
- Proven track record of reliability
- Excellent thermal management
- Frequently discounted due to age
- High endurance ratings
- Strong five-year warranty
Cons:
- Older technology than newer models
- Slightly slower write speeds
- May not support future PlayStation features
Kingston KC3000 2TB
The Kingston KC3000 represents excellent value in the mid-range segment, delivering impressive performance without breaking the bank. This drive utilizes the latest Phison E18 controller paired with Micron’s TLC NAND to achieve read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s.
What makes the KC3000 particularly appealing for replacement is its consistently strong performance even when the drive is nearly full. Many SSDs slow down as they fill up, but our testing showed the KC3000 maintaining its speed admirably even at 80% capacity.
Pros:
- Consistent performance regardless of fill level
- Good thermal efficiency
- Strong five-year warranty
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable brand reputation
Cons:
- Heatsink sold separately on some models
- Unexciting design
- Software utilities less polished than competitors
Crucial T700 4TB
The Crucial T700 pushes the envelope of what’s possible with PCIe 4.0 technology. With sequential read speeds approaching 7,400 MB/s and write speeds of 6,800 MB/s, this drive is among the fastest compatible options for your best internal SSD for PS5 upgrade.
The 4TB model in particular offers an excellent balance of capacity and performance, giving you enough space for even the most extensive game libraries. Crucial’s parent company, Micron, manufactures the NAND flash used in many competing drives, so you’re getting components directly from the source.
Pros:
- Top-tier performance
- Excellent 4TB value proposition
- Direct from NAND manufacturer
- Good thermal efficiency
- Strong reliability track record
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Heatsink costs extra on some models
- Less flashy than gaming-branded alternatives
Patriot Viper VP4300 Lite 4TB
The Patriot Viper VP4300 Lite targets gamers specifically with its aggressive styling and performance-focused design. Despite the “Lite” moniker, there’s nothing lightweight about its capabilities—read speeds hit 7,400 MB/s with write speeds of 6,700 MB/s.
What makes this drive particularly noteworthy is its excellent cooling solution. The included aluminum heatsink with integrated thermal pad does an exceptional job managing temperatures, preventing the performance degradation that can occur during extended gaming sessions on lesser drives.
Pros:
- Gaming-optimized firmware
- Excellent thermal management
- Aggressive styling
- Strong performance in sustained workloads
- Good value at 4TB capacity
Cons:
- Gaming aesthetics might not appeal to everyone
- Slightly higher power consumption
- Less established in SSD market than some competitors
Comparison of the Best SSDs for PS5
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison table of all the SSDs featured in this guide:
| Model | Capacities | Read Speed | Write Speed | Heatsink Included | Warranty |
| Seagate Game Drive | 1TB, 2TB | 7,300 MB/s | 6,000 MB/s | Yes | 5 years |
| WD Black SN850X | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | 7,300 MB/s | 6,300 MB/s | Yes | 5 years |
| Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,400 MB/s | 6,400 MB/s | Yes | 5 years |
| PNY XLR8 CS3140 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,500 MB/s | 6,850 MB/s | Yes | 3 years |
| Samsung 990 Pro | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,450 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s | Yes* | 5 years |
| Teamgroup MP44 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,000 MB/s | 6,500 MB/s | Yes | 5 years |
| Samsung 980 Pro | 1TB, 2TB | 7,000 MB/s | 5,100 MB/s | Yes* | 5 years |
| Kingston KC3000 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,000 MB/s | 6,000 MB/s | No** | 5 years |
| Crucial T700 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,400 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s | Yes* | 5 years |
| Patriot Viper VP4300 Lite | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 7,400 MB/s | 6,700 MB/s | Yes | 5 years |
*Some models available with or without heatsink **Heatsink sold separately
How do We Test SSDs for PS5?
We test drives how you’d actually use them, not just with numbers. Here’s our process:
- PS5 Built-in Benchmark: First, we run Sony’s own tool. It gives a standard read speed number – key for game performance.
- Big Game Moves: We time moving large games (100GB+) between the console’s PS5 storage and the new drive. This shows real transfer speed.
- Loading Times Checked: We measure how long different games take to load. We compare this against the internal drive, from big open worlds to smaller indie titles.
- Heat Tracking: Using tools, we watch drive temps during long play sessions. This spots any slowdowns from overheating.
- Value Judged: Finally, we weigh price against performance, capacity, and features. We find the best bang for your buck.
This real-world testing means our picks reflect what you’ll actually experience with your PS5.
FAQ
Can I use a PS5 SSD with the PS5 Slim?
Yes! PS5 Slim uses the same M.2 slot as the original model. Any compatible SSD works fine with both. Putting it in differs a bit. On Slim, find the cover part with a tiny triangle. Pull that section away until it clicks. But the slot itself and what drives work stay identical.
Heads up: some third-party cooling setups that replace the whole bay cover might not fit right inside Slim’s new shape. If your drive already has a heatsink attached – which we suggest – no problem.
Which SSDs are compatible with the PS5?
For an SSD to be compatible with the PS5, it must meet these specific requirements:
- Interface: PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
- Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
- Read Speed: At least 5,500 MB/s (all drives in our list exceed this)
- Capacity: Between 250GB and 8TB
- Heatsink: Required (either pre-installed or added separately)
- Size with Heatsink: Must not exceed 110mm (length) x 25mm (width) x 11.25mm (height)
Key requirements are PCIe Gen 4.0 (Gen 3.0 drives won’t work) and a heatsink. Without good cooling, NVMe drives can get too hot during gaming. This might slow them down or cause damage.
Every drive we picked meets Sony’s rules. You can buy knowing they’ll work right with your console.
Adding more PS5 storage isn’t tricky. This guide gives you what you need to pick the right drive. Want max space, top speed, or a great deal? An option here fits your gaming needs.
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