If your PlayStation 5’s storage is constantly running out, you’re not alone. With modern games taking up over 100GB each, upgrading your PS5 with a high-speed NVMe SSD is one of the best moves you can make.
Sony’s PS5 and PS5 Pro both support PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 M.2 NVMe drives that meet the console’s minimum speed requirement of 5,500 MB/s. Below, we’ve ranked the 10 best SSDs for PS5 based on speed, reliability, heat management, and value.
🧠 What to Look for in a PS5 SSD
Before jumping into the list, here’s what matters most:
- Interface: PCIe Gen 4.0 ×4 NVMe M.2 (2280 form factor)
- Sequential Read Speed: Minimum 5,500 MB/s
- Heatsink: Required (either built-in or purchased separately)
- Capacity: 1TB–4TB recommended for best value
🏆 Top 10 PS5 SSDs (2026 Ranking)
| Rank | SSD Model | Read Speed | Capacity Options | Heatsink | Best For | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Seagate FireCuda 540 (Gen 5) | 10,000 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Yes | Best Overall | $149–$399 |
| 2️⃣ | WD Black SN850X | 7,300 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Optional | Performance & Reliability | $129–$349 |
| 3️⃣ | Samsung 990 Pro (with Heatsink) | 7,450 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Yes | Speed & Efficiency | $139–$379 |
| 4️⃣ | Corsair MP700 Pro | 12,400 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Yes | Gen 5 Future-Proofing | $179–$399 |
| 5️⃣ | Crucial T500 (with Heatsink) | 7,400 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Yes | Great Value | $109–$299 |
| 6️⃣ | Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus-G | 7,200 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Optional | Gaming Optimization | $119–$329 |
| 7️⃣ | ADATA Legend 960 Max | 7,400 MB/s | 1TB–2TB | Yes | Budget Pick | $99–$199 |
| 8️⃣ | PNY XLR8 CS3140 | 7,500 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Optional | Balanced Choice | $119–$299 |
| 9️⃣ | TeamGroup T-Force Cardea A440 Pro | 7,400 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Yes | Stylish & Cool | $109–$289 |
| 🔟 | Lexar NM790 (with Heatsink) | 7,400 MB/s | 1TB–4TB | Yes | Affordable All-Rounder | $99–$249 |
💬 Editor’s Picks
🥇 Best Overall: Seagate FireCuda 540
The FireCuda 540 tops nearly every 2025 benchmark. As a Gen 5 SSD, it delivers blistering speeds up to 10,000 MB/s, ensuring ultra-fast load times and smooth performance for PS5 and PS5 Pro users. It’s officially licensed for PlayStation and includes a low-profile heatsink.
🧩 Best Value: Crucial T500
Crucial’s T500 (with heatsink) offers top-tier performance at an affordable price. It’s consistently praised by Tom’s Hardware and TechRadar for excellent thermals and reliability.
⚡ Fastest Drive: Corsair MP700 Pro
If you want to future-proof your setup, the Corsair MP700 Pro is the fastest Gen 5 drive currently compatible with PS5. It’s overkill for most, but perfect for enthusiasts.
🔧 Installation Tips
- Update your PS5 firmware to the latest version.
- Remove the side panel and locate the M.2 slot.
- Insert the SSD at a 30° angle and secure it with the screw.
- Replace the cover and format the SSD via PS5 settings.
Sony’s built-in speed test will confirm your new drive’s performance.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for maximum speed, the best value, or a simple plug-and-play upgrade, all 10 of these SSDs are fully PS5-compatible and gamer-approved.
For most gamers, the Seagate FireCuda 540 or WD Black SN850X will deliver the perfect mix of performance and reliability — ensuring your PS5 library loads faster than ever.
