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Investing in one of the best PS5 SSDs is the perfect way to give yourself all the room you need to launch and play many more games than what the default internal storage can typically allow. Out of the box, you’re only working with a usable 667.2 GB of space in total before you’ve even installed your first title onto the console, which can clog up quickly with only a few triple-A titles on the drive itself. 

Simply put, at the very least, the best PS5 SSDs are easily capable in keeping up the sequential performance of the internal storage drive, but some can even exceed this rate, with the fastest models we’ve had our hands on pushing well passed 7,000 MB/s in some instances. This is due to advanced specifically engineered PS5 heatsinks, as well as advancements made from the likes of the Phison E18, and other in-house controllers, too. Halfway through 2022, we’re nearing the cap for what’s possible with Gen 4.0 NVMe SSDs, so we’re expecting rates nearing the 8,000 MB/s mark before the console’s lifespan is finished. 

Of course, external PS5 hard drives are valid storage types as well and tend to come in cheaper than installing an M.2 SSD into your PS5. Keep in mind, though, that you cannot launch PS5 games off of an external drive as you can when going internal, so that’s something to consider, too. Below, we’ve rounded up our top PS5 SSD picks to suit most budgets and preferences to give you an encompassing view of what’s possible right now. We’ve also got the best cheap PS5 SSD deals (opens in new tab) roundup, too. 

Best PS5 SSD 2022 – Internal options

Looking at Sony’s official spec requirements, we can share in brief the key specs that internal M.2 PS5 SSD options will require:

• PCIe Gen4 interface
• 250GB – 4TB capacity
• 5,500MB/s read speed or faster
• 22mm width (do not go for 25mm units)
• Heatsink required (built-in or DIY)

The first point is key here, as this rules out all of the PCIe 3.0 models so don’t go for those. We also reckon the 1TB models are going to be the sweet spot – but so do a lot of folks by the looks of it, with the being very popular already. However, manufacturers will know they can’t produce these quick enough so keep checking back and the stock will come.

1. Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink

The best PS5 SSD overall

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7,300 / 6,000 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 800,000 / 1,000,000 IOPSWrite endurance: 1275TBWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Heatsink model available+Excellent speeds+Seagate pedigree

Reasons to avoid

-Limited availability right now

Technically, this was the first confirmed for PS5 SSD, the Seagate FireCuda 530 is the latest from the brand and fulfills all of the requirements laid out in Sony’s M.2 article. Touted to have blistering speeds, and confirmed to have all the next-gen tech within it, this really is a quality PS5 SSD internal option. The fact that it also comes with its own heatsink (as shown in the picture above) is also a bonus – no DIY jobs on that front with this drive. Although a non-heatsink version is also available if you’d rather attach your own. We’ve picked out some decent, but affordable PS5 heatsinks below. 

When it comes to peak storage performance, there’s probably little if anything quicker than the Seagate Firecuda 530

The transfer speeds are top drawer with Seagate claiming that it beats off the SN850 by edging over that 7,000MB/s mark – rather than aiming solely for it. Crucially it’s got the latest in tech inside it as it sports 3D TLC NAND memory and next-gen PCIe 4.0. 

It’s also worth remembering that Seagate and Sony go way back (relatively) when it comes to drives for PlayStation consoles. The officially licensed – and some of the best PS4 externals were all made by Seagate, and even the best options when updating or upgrading your PS3 hard drive were Seagate drives too. This history matters as it means you can have faith in Seagate, and have confidence in its FireCuda 530 SSD for your PS5. 

2. ADATA XPG Gammix S70 Blade

The best value PS5 SSD with heatsink

Specifications

Capacities: up to 2TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7,400 / 6,800 MB/sRandom read/write speed: up to 750,000 IOPS IOPSWrite endurance: 1480 TBWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Incredible price point that offers great value+Impressive speeds+Includes a heatsink

Reasons to avoid

-Heatsink instructions are hard to find

XPG may not be one of the larger names in our roundup, however, the Gammix S70 Blade certainly deserves a high billing for its affordable price point, integrated heatsink, and stellar sequential performance. A 1TB model will run you just $130, though is frequently on sale for $119.99, and we’ve spotted the 2TB variant that we tested available for as low as $219.99, too. All told, this is an incredible value given the sequential performance on offer which is certainly worth considering in 2022.

Despite Adata stating that the claimed up to 7,400 / 6,800 MB/s read and write speeds would be capped at 6,100 MB/s by the PS5’s OS, our testing actually revealed read speeds of over 6,200 MB/s once formatted. As expected, transferring files across from the console’s internal storage to the XPG Gammix S70 was no problem at all, and we didn’t notice any difference in performance when running games from this drive compared to the console itself.  

Keep in mind that there are no instructions for how to install the included heatsink though. However, scanning the QR code on the box did point us in the direction of FAQs, and then a guide (opens in new tab), to tell us how to do it. Once that’s covered, it’s all smooth sailing from there, and you’re well on your way to doubling (or even tripling) your storage space. 

If you’ve been holding out on upgrading your PS5 SSD for a larger capacity drive to become more affordable, then the Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade presents a great opportunity to future-proof your console without breaking the bank.

3. Samsung 980 Pro 1TB Heatsink

Still one of the best PS5 SSDs around

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: PCIe Gen 4.0 x4Read/write speed: 7000 / 5100 MB/sRandom read / write speeds: 1,000,000 IOPS / 1,000,000 IOPSDRAM cache: 2GB LPDDR4Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Unbelievable performance+Matches the PS5’s own SSD+Own proprietary heatsink

Reasons to avoid

-Pricier than most

The Samsung 980 Pro is still one of the best PS5 SSDs on the market especially considering that the heatsink model is now widely available, and frequently discounted, too. While this drive may no longer be the absolute fastest Gen 4.0 unit that you can slot into your Sony system, the overall all-star sequential rates of up to 7,000 MB/s read cannot be denied. 

While Gen 4 drives running the likes of the Phison E18 controller are going to offer more consistent, and faster overall random performance, the Samsung 980 Pro matches the console’s internal storage and is usually available substantially cheaper than newer drives on the market. The addition of a dedicated heatsink custom-made for the system is going to be ideal for anyone preferring the plug and play approach as opposed to having to go all-DIY, too. 

The addition of this Heatsink model will be welcome for Sony PS5 owners for sure

It’s still one of the fastest drives going, offering speeds that can surpass the 7,000MB/s mark, which is frankly ludicrous – but excellent for those wanting something that will run the PS5’s custom SSD as close as it can. 

4. WD Black SN850 1TB Heatsink

The best PS5 SSD from Western Digital

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: AIC PCIe 4.0 x4Read/write speed: 7000 / 5300 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 1,000,000 MB/s / 750,000 MB/s DRAM cache: 1GB DDR4SLC cache: 300GB dynamicWrite endurance: 600TBWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Heatsink model +Crazy fast speeds+WD quality

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks the Phison E18 controller -Pricier than most other PS5 SSDs

The WD SN850 Black‘s performance is such that it’s got all the hallmarks of a quality internal PS5 SSD. Sharing all that makes WD’s other SN variants great, it’s a supreme drive that doesn’t break the bank either. 

Utilizing that awesome PCIe Gen 4 technology, the 1TB model can claim to reach basically ridiculous speeds of up to 7000mb/s read and 5300mb/s write speeds. Our testing found that the WD Black SN850 did indeed reach the proposed rates, scoring 6,996 read and 5,205 write speeds respectively – we told you, it’s ridiculous.

No question, the WD Black SN850 is up there with the very best PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSDs

The 500GB model is often at a great price too, but you can go big with the 2TB model to make sure you’re covered for hopefully the entire PS5 lifespan. Given this is what Mark Cerny himself has chosen, this is as close to an absolute shoo-in for the one of the best PS5 SSD as it gets right now.

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5. PNY XLR8 SSD Gaming Kit

The best-designed PS5 SSD heatsink combo

Specifications

Capabilities: Up to 4TBInterface: NVMe PCIe Gen 4 x4Read/write speed: 7,500 / 6,850 MB/s Random read/write speed: Not officially statedWrite endurance: Not officially statedWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Fast sequential performance+Included heatsink is stellar +Replaces the PS5’s M.2 port cover

Reasons to avoid

-Pricier at higher configurations

Combining the prowess of the PNY CS3140 with the company’s brand new, specifically engineered PS5 heatsink, the PNY XLR8 SSD Gaming Kit delivers on its all-in-one promise for fuss-free expansion. 

In our testing, we found that this combo resulted in some of the fastest sequential performance that we’ve ever seen in all our time benching PS5 SSDs, with Sony’s official post-format numbers giving us 6,547.477 MB/s. This figure certainly lives up to the quoted sequential read capabilities of the drive and proves that a smarter-designed heatsink really can squeeze some extra juice out when needed. 

We’ve seen PS5 heatsinks that replace the console’s M.2 port before, but what makes PNY’s model different is the thick aluminium heat spreader that positions itself on top of the drive which is built into the cover. The brand claims that this provides up to 40% better airflow, and judging from the performance we found in our testing, we’re inclined to believe it. Most PS5 SSDs tend to top out at around the 5.5 GB/s read mark, but we were able to clock an extra 1 GB/s here, likely due to the heatsink in place.

The PNY XLR8 SSD 1TB Gaming Kit excels as one of the best-performing drives we’ve ever used in the console

Our review unit came in a 1TB configuration, which we have long since considered to be the sweet spot as far as that all-important price-to-performance ratio is considered. 

However, if you’re after even more storage for your game libraries, both physical and virtual, there’s also the addition of 2TB and 4TB models as well, though the prices do reach the upper-end of the spectrum. As is the case with many SSDs running the Phison E18 controller, the PNY XLR8 SSD Gaming Kit isn’t the cheapest Gen 4 drive solution on the market, but it does happen to be one of the best in 2022.

• Read more: PNY XLR8 SSD 1TB Gaming Kit review

6. Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus Heatsink

The best PS5 SSD for higher capacities

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7,000 / 6,600 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 350,000-650,000 / 700,000 IOPSWrite endurance: up to 3000 (4TB model)Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Brilliant performance+Stellar heatsink+Beautifully designed 

Reasons to avoid

-One of the most expensive on the market -Random performance isn’t as strong

The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is a great SSD based on numbers and performance. It’s got the speeds and the SSD Gen4 chops to keep up with the best of them, offering speeds easily in the reaches of Sony’s recommendations – transferring 68GB’s worth of F1 2021 to the drive from the console took just 55 seconds, and you can begin playing Spider-Man: Miles morales in less than 24 seconds from booting the game. Technically, It falls a bit short when compared to the very fastest on this list but when you’re in this territory, the differences, on a practical scale, are negligible. 

All told, this is a very quick SSD

Secondly, perhaps more so than those speedier counterparts, this drive offers exceptional bang for buck value. Its price-to-terabyte ratio is very good and generally hovers around the $189 / £170 mark. For comparison, this would be a record low for either the SN850 or the Samsung 980 PRO.

And thirdly, the cherry on top which means it really does offer a complete, great-value package is the bespoke PS5 design and heatsink. This is a brilliant interpretation of the heatsink required for a PS5 SSD, and even goes beyond that – it’s more than just a heatsink. It also replaces the entire PS5 SSD bay panel, becoming part of your PS5 itself. This means the heatsink/panel can let out heat from the whole by, as opposed to an attached heatsink doing all the work and remaining within a covered bay. Clever. (So clever, in fact, that you can buy the panel separately (opens in new tab) to use with whatever SSD you like.)

We’ve looked at the 1TB and 2TB and can wholeheartedly recommend this drive in both those capacities – as well as the other ones, frankly. It really is an excellent all-in-one PS5 SSD solution in every way.

7. Kingston Fury Renegade 2TB

The best SSD for seriously fast sequential performance

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: PCIe 4.0 NVMeRead/write speed: 7,300 / 7,000 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 1,000,000 / 1,000,000 IOPSWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Built-in graphene heat spreader+Incredible sequential performance+Powered by the Phison E18

Reasons to avoid

-One of the most expensive PS5 SSDs

The Kingston Fury Renegade is one of the fastest and most consistent Gen 4.0 NVMe SSDs, which is powered by the Phison E18 controller. The result is a drive that excels with sequential read rates of upwards of 8,600 MB/s in our testing. While a little on the pricier side, especially in the 2TB configuration like with our review unit, the performance on display really does justify the asking price. What’s more, this PS5 SSD comes wrapped in its own graphene heatsink, so there’s no need for a bulky DIY route here. 

There’s no debate that the Kingston Fury Renegade SSD is one of the fastest Gen 4.0 models on the market right now

The Kingston Renegade SSD keeps things aesthetically simple, with a monochrome design language for all the difference when inside your console. What you will know, though, is just how good this surprisingly slender graphene heatsink actually does at keeping those temperatures down. In our testing, we clocked this drive at a maximum operating temperature of 68 degrees, far below the danger zone, and running commonly between 45 and 55 degrees when in-game. It was only when deliberately stress testing that we saw the heat pique, so you’ve got little to worry about here. 

If you’re after a Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD that’s ready to be slotted straight into your PS5 console offering sequential performance pushing that 7,000 MB/s mark, then the Kingston Fury Renegade truly lives up to its namesake. While the 2TB model carries an MSRP of $425, as one of the most expensive PS5 SSDs you can get, we’ve seen it commonly selling for around the $318 mark more regularly since launch. What’s more, for the best price-to-performance ratio, the Kingston Renegade 1TB is likely to be the sweet spot for your PS5 console at only $189.99. 

• Read more: Kingston Fury Renegade SSD review

8. Crucial P5 Plus

The best budget internal PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: up to 2TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 6,600 / 5,000 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 630,000 / 700,000 IOPSWrite endurance: 600TBWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Crucial quality in its DNA+Speedy+Latest SSD tech and innovations

Reasons to avoid

-Heatsink required-Availability is limited

A brand new entry from known storage specialists, Crucial, the P5 Plus is the latest PS5 SSD to be confirmed as compatible with Sony’s latest console. 

Built on Crucial’s Micron Advanced 3D NAND tech, the P5 Plus offers – according to Crucial – speeds of up to 6,600MB/S which means it easily clears Sony’s target speed, while not going totally mental like the SN850 above – plus, it ticks every other box too. It comes in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities but, like most drives – of all stripes – we recommend the 1TB model based on overall bang for buck, and the storage space you get for your money.

The main caveat here is that you will need to attach your own SSD heatsink at home before installing it in your PS5. This isn’t too much of a hassle, particularly if you’re familiar with PC part tinkering, and don’t mind some occasional electronic DIY. Just make sure you select one that fits Sony’s criteria (like the ones below), and won’t make your SSD oversized.

9. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX 2TB

The best PS5 SSD for a quality heatsink

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7100 / 6800 MB/sRandom read / write speeds: up to 1,000,000 IOPS / 1,200,000 IOPSEndurance: 1,400 TBWWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+One of the better-included heatsinks+Performance on par with internal storage+Stellar design and build quality

Reasons to avoid

-Didn’t quite hit projected speeds

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is one of the better-designed PS5 SSDs with a built-in heatsink that we’ve come across and it’s got the performance speeds to match. While our review unit didn’t hit the projected 7,100MB/s max sequential read speeds, instead of clocking in at a still-respectable 5,581.505MB/s, you’re still getting a more-than-competent drive for everyday use on your PS5. 

File transfer times of the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX were impressive to say to least, especially as far as the bigger titles were concerned. Red Dead Redemption 2, with its massive 116.3GB, was written to the NVMe drive in only 1 minute 13 seconds. You can expect games in the sub-100GB range to take well under a minute, as we found with Demon’s Souls (53.65GB) which took 46.11 seconds, and Ghost of Tsushima (59.13GB) which made the leap in 46.67 seconds. 

If you’ve got an extensive back catalog of smaller titles that you want to make room for on your PS5, then then this particular drive excels when more modest file sizes are involved. Platformer Astro’s Playroom (11.02GB) zipped onto the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX in 11.11 seconds, with Metro Redux (13.57GB) clocking in at just 13.98 seconds. What we’re essentially seeing here is 1GB / sec which is certainly commendable as far as Gen 4.0 is concerned. 

In-game performance is where the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX really shines, though, matching (if not surpassing) the PS5’s internal storage across the board. In our testing, we were able to launch from the main menu straight into gameplay in Ghost of Tsushima in only 3.77 seconds. What’s most impressive, though, was fast traveling between Tsushima and Iki Island – which occurred in a mere 1.81 seconds – we’re talking seriously fast stuff here! 

The MSRP of the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is respectable for a 2TB model, at $339.99, though, availability appears to be limited at the moment if you’re interested in this capacity in particular. We think it’s a fair rate given the speeds on offer and the fantastic heatsink and build quality overall. 

10. Addlink AddGame A95 2TB

The best low-profile PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: up to 4TBInterface: PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7,400 / 7,000 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 1,000,000 / 1,000,000 IOPSWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Matches native storage drive speeds+Lightning fast file transfer times +Smartly designed heatsink 

Reasons to avoid

-More expensive than other Phison E18 models

The Addlink AddGame A95 2TB NVMe Gen4x4 SSD features incredible performance on par with that of the PS5 console’s native internal storage, as well as one of the best-designed heatsinks we’ve seen on a drive. With proposed speeds of 6500 MB/s, we were impressed to see the drive register at 6569.047 MB/s instead of being clocked slightly under. However, what’s more impressive here are the file transfer times when going from the internal storage to the drive. 

Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the larger modern games in recent memory, coming in at a staggering 110.9 GB file size. The Addlink AddGame A95 2TB made short of work of it when transferring from the console to it directly; it only took 1 minute and 17 seconds in total. For those playing along at home, that’s a blisteringly quick 1.44 GB / second, which is seriously commendable. The loading games in the game itself can be viewed as notoriously long, but in our testing, we found that the drive matched the console’s internal storage time of going from the main menu into gameplay in just 38 seconds. 

It’s a similar story with PS5 exclusive Demon’s Souls, with its 52.09 GB total file size written to the Addlink AddGame A95 2TB in only 42.02 seconds for speeds of 1.2 GB / second. As expected from other PS5 SSDs, it does typically take longer for games to come back from an M2 drive onto the internal storage, but with speeds like this, it isn’t much of a problem. Red Dead Redemption 2 took just over 8 minutes, and Demon’s Souls (roughly half its file size) clocked in at 3 minutes and 49 seconds. If you’re after a super-fast drive that performs incredibly, then the Addlink AddGame A95 is certainly a stronger contender.

11. Patriot Viper VP4300 1TB

An underrated gem of a PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: up to 2TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7,400 / 5,500 MB/sRandom read/write speed: up to 800,000 IOPSWrite endurance: 1000TBWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Excellent performance+Fast speeds+Great value+Comes with a heatsink

Reasons to avoid

-More established brands may wield more confidence

With perhaps the coolest name yet in the PS5 SSD lineup, the Patriot Viper VP4300 is a solid NVMe 4 Gen 4 SSD for your PS5 SSD – and offers good value in doing so.

First of all, it’s got the chops: its claimed speeds are up to 7,400MB/S read and up to 6,800MB/s write which is supremely fast. The real-life performance of the drive is just as tantalising as those high numbers are on paper: the Viper VP4300 easily keeps up with the likes of the much more expensive Samsung 980 Pro. Nice. Despite the price difference between these two, as a good example, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a substandard PS5 SSD at all: it’s a full-blooded PCIe 4.0 drive that can run with the best and most premium of contenders.

The Patriot Viper VP4300 also comes with two of its own heatsinks: one thin graphene layer, and one ‘full size’ aluminium one which, for what it’s worth, looks pretty cool.

12. Gigabyte AORUS Gen4 7000s

The best PS5 SSD from Gigabyte

Specifications

Capacities: up to 2TBInterface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4Read/write speed: 7,000 / 5,500 MB/sRandom read/write speed: 350,000 / 700,000 IOPSWrite endurance: 700TBWarranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+Great speeds and latest tech+Gigabyte quality+Fantastic heatsink

Reasons to avoid

-2TB model is costly 

A very smart-looking (we know, you won’t be admiring it close up once it’s inside the PS5) SSD for PS5 from Gigabyte. The company confirmed its latest NVMe SSD would play nice with the PS5 with a neat little tweet showing the drive (with heat sink) attached neatly slotting into the SSD bay. 

This drive has all the hallmarks of a brand-new PCIe 4.0 SSD, and one that’ll perform like a beast: there’s the 7,000MB/s read speed that’s fast becoming the default for PCIe 4.0 SSDs, it’s got its own compact and tidy heatsink, and it too runs 3D TLC NAND Flash. It easily outdoes the company’s PCIe 3.0 drives and reinforces the top-drawer performance and speeds that Sony is clearly aiming for folks’ additional PS5 SSD.

Heatsinks

While some PS5 SSDs come with a heatsink built-in, others do not. On the plus side, you can buy them separately from a wide range of manufacturers. They’re very easy to fit and will stop your new SSD from overheating. You can tell which SSD sticks don’t have a heatsink because you can see lots of exposed elements and the circuit board. Products with one will say on the listing page too. Sometimes built-in heatsinks drive up the cost quite a lot, so buying your own can save you a decent amount of cash. Check out some of our favorites below.

• PNY XLR8 SSD cover | $19.99 at Amazon US (opens in new tab) 
• PNY XLR8 SSD cover | £33.83 at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
• Sabrent PS5 heatsink | $16.99 at Amazon US (opens in new tab)
• Sabrent PS5 heatsink | £18.99 at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
• QIVYNSRY heatsink | $8.99 at Amazon US (opens in new tab)
• QIVYNSRY heatsink | £7.99 at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
• Ezdiy-Fab heatsink | $10.99 at Amazon US (opens in new tab)
• MHQJRH heatsink | $9.99 at Amazon US (opens in new tab)
• Eluteng heatsink | £10.99 at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
• Back to PS5 SSD list

Best PS5 SSD 2022 – external options

We’re finally able to transfer PS5 games to an external storage device, meaning we don’t have to keep redownloading games when we want to make room for other games. You can’t play these games on an external PS5 SSD, but transferring from the external to internal PS5 SSD is super quick. While PS5 games can’t be played from an external, PS4 games can, and loading times are much faster compared to your PS4 or PS4 Pro.

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1. WD Black P50 Game Drive

The best external PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: Up to 4TBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: Up to 2,000 MB/s / Up to 2,000 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Excellent speeds+Great design+Robust build+Purpose-built for gaming

Reasons to avoid

-More expensive than most

Probably the best external SSD drive we’ve tested in a while, the P50 is the best PS5 SSD right now, because it has it all: a quality, cool design, a robust build, and exquisite speeds often reserved for those drives within the best gaming PCs and on best SSD for gaming lists.

On the outside, the P50 is a military metal-styled, rectangular drive featuring sleek molded metal and the traditional WD_Black aesthetics and markings. Its USB-C port can be used on your devices as either a USB-A or USB-C connection and in our testing, we got the same speeds through either port so it shouldn’t matter which you have free or available, or if you change the device it’s used with during its lifetime. There’s a small but clear LED indicator on one of the short ends which is always a help, but one small downside is that it does get a little warm when in use so it’ll pay to keep that in mind when positioning it.

When it comes to speeds, what you’re told you’re getting and what happens is pretty much bang on. It’s incredible performance for an external SSD and the stated speeds of ‘up to 2000MB/s’ were on the money in our testing. Real-world performance-wise, the P50 gives you everything a high-quality external SSD should do: games were loaded incredibly quickly, files were retrieved in the snap of a finger, and the performance levels were incredibly consistent. It’s a surefire SSD that will rapidly improve your gaming experience by far reducing the time looking at loading screens and increasing the time when you’re actually playing. A true winner.

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2. Crucial X6 1TB

The best external PS5 SSD under $100 / £100

Specifications

Capacities: Also available in 500GB, 2TB, 4TBInterface: USB 3.1; Gen 2 Type-CRead/write speed: 800 MB/s / 800 MB/sWarranty: 3 years

Reasons to buy

+Reasonably priced+Way faster than a HDD+Lightweight and compact design

Reasons to avoid

-The cable is very short-540 MB/s is lower than other SSDs

Even with speeds of ‘only’ 540 MB/s compared to the 1000+ you’ll see on other PS5 SSDs we think the Crucial X6 is more than worth a look thanks to its excellent performance to price ratio. If you want a faster version of this drive, there’s the Crucial X8 (opens in new tab) to consider too.

When upgrading to this SSD from an older external HDD you’ll notice life is so much faster immediately. We’ve put it through various real-life tests and found that you’ll be able to shift a 30GB PS5 game in just 3 minutes 48 seconds compared to 7:16 on an HDD like Seagate’s PS4 Game Drive. A 90-second load time for a game like Resident Evil 7 was cut down to just one minute too.

The USB-C cable is very short and left the SSD hanging a bit when using the PS5 vertically. But the drive is so small and lightweight, it never feels at risk of coming loose. We just wish Sony had put one of these slots around the back too. Grabbing an extra terabyte or two of reliable and speedy storage for our PS5 and PS4 games at a reasonable price makes this very bearable though.

3. Samsung T7 Shield

The most durable external PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacity: 1TBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: Up to 1,050 MB/s / Up to 1,000 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Fast sequential performance +Small form factor +Tactile, rugged design 

Reasons to avoid

-Quite pricey for what it is 

The Samsung T7 Shield is the latest in a line of high-speed performance-first portable external SSDs with an emphasis on durability. The brand claims that the T7 boasts double the performance of the T5, and our testing proves that’s very much the case. While the 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write don’t exactly rival NVMe counterparts, as far as external drives go, the Samsung T7 Shield is certainly up there in terms of sequential performance. At $159.99 / £134.79 for a 1TB model or $289.99 / £250.99 for 2TB, it’s far from the cheapest PS5 external hard drives around, but those speeds, and tank-like shell, may justify the added cost for you. 

We found that the claimed figures were largely lived up to with game transfers, as Demon’s Souls (53.73 GB) made the leap from the PS5’s internal storage to the Samsung T7 Shield in 4 minutes 30 seconds. That’s roughly in keeping with the maximum sequential performance, and solid figures from an external drive plugged in via USB 3.2 on the back of the console. There’s also an included USB C to USB C cable in the box, too. 

Another main selling point of this drive, much like others in the line-up, is the rugged nature of its outer casing. Samsung has stated that the T7 Shield is able to withstand all manner of harsh conditions, with drop tests being done four times from three meters in the air onto solid concrete with no signs of physical damage to the casings or internals. 

We did not test this for ourselves with our loan unit, but we can tell you that the Samsung T7 Shield certainly feels sturdy in the hand. It’s wrapped in a thick rubberized coating, so we believe that it could just bounce off thick concrete without having to worry too much about it. This makes the drive ideal for anyone who tends to commute a lot with their PS5.

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4. SanDisk Extreme Portable

The best portable PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: Up to 4TBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: Up to 1,050 MB/s / Up to 1,000 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Very hardy and durable+Great speeds+Neat and tidy design

Reasons to avoid

-Durability focus might be overkill for most

If you’re looking at getting the best-protected PS5 SSD to keep that drive extra safe (and why wouldn’t you?), then the SanDisk Extreme Portable is a strong contender. This will be able to withstand any sort of accidents and is the perfect contender for those of us who are accident-prone, or who prefer to make extra sure about the protection our devices have. Its rugged-ness is proven with it being water and dust-resistant to the IP-55 standard, and it has a shock-resistant core for extra durability. 

It performs well too, offering that sweet, sweet SSD performance and speed despite the protective shell, with its speeds challenging the likes of the Samsung T5. And it is really compact, with a fit-it-in-your-pocket size. 

The safety and durability comes at a premium though and adds a bit more to the price of the drive, but it’s definitely worth it when all things are considered. The protection and durability of this SSD are excellent. And if you want some extra reassurance, you could even go for the Extreme Pro (opens in new tab) variant – but be prepared to see the cost rise significantly.

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5. WD My Passport SSD

A top PS5 SSD option from a proven name

Specifications

Capacities: Up to 4TBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: Up to 1,050 MB/s / Up to 1,000 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Great read/write speeds+Good value for SSD+Versatile – great with PCs too

Reasons to avoid

-Short cable

If you have half an eye on versatility and multi-platform use down the road, then the WD My Passport SSD is a good offering – and of course, it is a great PS5 SSD in its own right, coming from proven manufacturers of quality units. The My Passport SSD will offer write speeds of about 300Mbps, and read speeds of 390Mbps – substantially faster than its HDD brother, the My Passport, which can offer a larger capacity for your money but only gives read and write speeds of 120-130 Mbps.

While this does have an excellent role to play as a PC external SSD, it’s worth noting that if you want to do this, you’ll have to reformat it each time you want to use it as an SSD for your console or PC. It can’t, unfortunately, be both at the same time. However, the My Passport SSD’s PC pedigree does offer some flexibility and adds some versatility to this drive. For example, it’s compatible with All The USBs, including being USB-C ready, and it has an automatic backup system and handy password protection and hardware encryption security double whammy. 

6. OWC Envoy Pro Elektron

The best miniature external PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: Up to 2TBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: Up to 1,011 MB/s / Up to 1,011 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Excellent speeds+Great design+USB versatile

Reasons to avoid

-More well-known brands will carry more weight

OWC has quietly gone about its business of making neat little hard drives in recent times, and the Envoy Pro Elektron is no exception to this. It’s a fast SSD that’ll provide you with a reliable connection over USB-C or ‘regular’ USB ports and has a chic aesthetic to go with its small and robust build. That really is it in a nutshell.

A big plus to the Elektron is that it is just really neat, small and tidy – I have small hands and it’s smaller than my palm! Which is incredible really, even if it does border on ‘so small I might lose it in my pocket’ size. However, it’s chic aesthetic means it can look slick next to or on top of any gaming machine, and looks can deceive: it’s waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof. Tough.

Importantly, it’s got those beautiful SSD speeds to boot. Testing in both USB ports on a PC, the Elektron gave us readings of 469 MB/s read speed, and 462 MB/s write speed. These numbers are solid, but in practical terms they translate to the ability to speedily transfer games and saves between console generations, and as a great place to run games from itself. A neat little package.

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7. Silicon Power Bolt B75 Pro

An underrated PS5 SSD

Specifications

Capacities: up to 2TBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: 520 MB/s / 420 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Solid, shock-proof design+Light and easily transportable+Good SSD speeds

Reasons to avoid

-More well known brands might carry more weight-Short cable is a minor annoyance

Away from the mega-big boys and famous names in the external PS5 SSD market, manufacturers and brands like Silicon Power quietly go about their business of making equally dependable, robust, competitively priced, and quality hard drives. And SP’s Bolt B75 Pro SSD drive is exactly that.

This is an Incredibly light, but incredibly robust unit, which means it’s easily transportable yet you can have great confidence in it if you’re prone to mishaps, or just want that extra protection. Its military-grade shockproof, aluminium case will look after the important stuff inside easily and the casing definitely exudes the rugged quality that was intended. The unit as a whole doesn’t feel solid but that comes from its lightness – some folks may prefer a more hefty unit.

The SSD’s performance is very solid, but nothing too spectacular. As a result, if you’re after something that offers good value, want to upgrade from an existing HDD to SSD to ensure you get that better and faster performance without number chasing too much, and you want something robust then this is a great contender.

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8. Silicon Power PC60 Portable SSD

A tiny, light and reliable portable SSD

Specifications

Capacities: 960GBStorage type: SSDSequential read / write speeds: Up to 540 MB/s / Up to 500 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Great portable design+Robust but light+Reliable enough speeds

Reasons to avoid

-Plastic build feels a bit fragile

Another neat, small, and light option, this underrated little drive from Silicon Power could be a great addition as a PS5 SSD. It too will fit in the palm of your hand, and it might even be small enough to go on a bunch of keys too – well, a big bunch of keys perhaps. Its petite, featherweight design oozes portability so is great for those looking to the future for when we can move around more freely and take our games and data on the go. 

Meanwhile, the USB 3.2 connection is fast and neat, and as well as for PS5 or PS4, this is ideal for any device that’ll take it. If you’re looking for a compact PS5 SSD, then this is it. Silicon Power claims that the speeds can reach impressive levels of up to 540mb/s read and up to 500mb/s write, which would be very excellent. And while our tests (through CrystalDiskMark on the PC) didn’t quite reach those levels thanks to our results of 468mb/s read and 322mb/s write, this is still solid enough for an SSD that will happily sit next to or near your console, silently providing you with a quality service. An excellent little PS5 SSD.

How we test PS5 SSDs

You can find out the specifics of how we test SSDs in our full GamesRadar Hardware Policy, but it’s worth going stating here, too. At GamesRadar, we utilize extensive testing methods when reviewing the latest SSDs and hard drives, either for standalone write-ups or in lists just like this one. 

For PS5 SSDs, the three biggest tests that we conduct are as follows: 

• Sony’s official benchmarking speed test (which happens after a device format) 
• File transfer speed tests (from the consoles internal storage and back again) 
• In-game loading times (time clocked between menus and gameplay, etc.) 

Value for money and price-to-performance ratio are paramount when considering what makes a PS5 SSD one of the best on the market. For example, not all Gen 4.0 drives are created equal, and this is due to different NVMe M.2 slot SSDs using different controllers. We also take the quality and durability of the PS5 SSD heatsinks, should one be provided by the manufacturer as well. 

Best PS5 SSD – Frequently Asked Questions

We’re employing our knowledge and experience of the best PS5 SSDs in order to answer some of the internet’s burning questions regarding internal storage on Sony’s latest home console.