A compelling feature of Sony's PlayStation 5 is its M.2 slot, which accommodates a second internal solid-state drive to supplement the gaming console's standard SSD. However, you need a drive that meets Sony's exacting standards for interface, thickness, speed, and more. Fortunately, many of today's PCI Express 4.0 NVMe SSDs qualify as PS5-compatible, even some that aren't expressly marketed as such. We can help: We're veteran testers of digital storage way back into the platter drive days, and we have reviewed many PS5-friendly SSDs. Below, we've lined up the details on our favorites, including our top performance pick, Crucial's T500. Then comes a buying guide that will tell you all you need to know about choosing the right model. Installing the secondary stick may take some work—click here, and we'll show you how—but it will let you keep a much larger game library on hand.
Overview
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![Crucial T500]()
Best High-Performance SSD for the PS5Crucial T500
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![Acer Predator GM7000]()
Best Blend of Features and Performance in an SSD for the PS5Acer Predator GM7000
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![Samsung SSD 990 Pro]()
Best Dual-Use (PS5 or PC) Internal SSDSamsung SSD 990 Pro
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![WD Black SN850X]()
Best SSD With a Robust Heatsink for the PS5WD Black SN850X
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![TeamGroup T-Force Cardea A440 Pro Special Series]()
Best SSD With High (4TB) Capacity Options for the PS5TeamGroup T-Force Cardea A440 Pro Special Series
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![Kingston Fury Renegade SSD]()
Best Budget SSD for the PS5Kingston Fury Renegade SSD
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![Seagate Game Drive PS5 External SSD]()
Best External SSD for PS5Seagate Game Drive PS5 External SSD
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Crucial T500]()
Best High-Performance SSD for the PS5Crucial T500
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
Micron's Crucial T500 is among the best full-featured PCIe 4.0 internal solid-state drives you can buy for building or upgrading a high-end PC.Specs & Configurations
Bus Type PCI Express 4.0 Capacity (Tested) 2 Controller Maker Phison Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280 Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 7400 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 7000 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 1200 Warranty Length 5 Learn More Crucial T500 Review -
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![Acer Predator GM7000]()
Best Blend of Features and Performance in an SSD for the PS5Acer Predator GM7000
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
With blistering throughput speeds and fine benchmark results, Acer makes a splash with its Predator GM7000, the first PCI Express 4.0 SSD in its line and every bit as lethal as its gaming laptop and monitor brandmates.Specs & Configurations
Bus Type PCI Express 4.0 Capacity (Tested) 2 Controller Maker InnoGrit Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280 Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 7400 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 6700 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 1200 Warranty Length 5 Learn More Acer Predator GM7000 Review -
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![Samsung SSD 990 Pro]()
Best Dual-Use (PS5 or PC) Internal SSDSamsung SSD 990 Pro
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
Samsung's SSD 990 Pro is a zippy PCI Express 4.0 internal drive that's a step up from its predecessor, offering excellent performance for creative tasks, if not necessarily for gaming.Specs & Configurations
Bus Type PCI Express 4.0 Capacity (Tested) 2 Controller Maker Samsung Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280 Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type MLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 7450 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 6900 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 600 Warranty Length 5 Learn More Samsung SSD 990 Pro Review -
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![WD Black SN850X]()
Best SSD With a Robust Heatsink for the PS5WD Black SN850X
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
The WD Black SN850X takes the company's flagship PCIe 4.0 gaming SSD and makes it even better, offering higher capacity and improved test results (including a new PC Labs record in the 3DMark Storage benchmark). About all it lacks is hardware-based security.Specs & Configurations
Bus Type PCI Express 4.0 Capacity (Tested) 2 Controller Maker SanDisk Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280 Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 7300 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 6600 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 1200 Warranty Length 5 Learn More WD Black SN850X Review -
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![TeamGroup T-Force Cardea A440 Pro Special Series]()
Best SSD With High (4TB) Capacity Options for the PS5TeamGroup T-Force Cardea A440 Pro Special Series
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
Billed as "Made for the PS5," TeamGroup's T-Force Cardea A440 Pro Special Series SSD also works well with laptop or desktop PCs. The PCIe 4.0 drive proved fast in our testing, though its overall throughput fell a touch short of its rated speeds.Specs & Configurations
Bus Type PCI Express 4.0 Capacity (Tested) 2 Controller Maker Phison Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280 Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 7400 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 7000 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 1400 Warranty Length 5 -
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![Kingston Fury Renegade SSD]()
Best Budget SSD for the PS5Kingston Fury Renegade SSD
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
The Kingston Fury Renegade SSD offers good value in a PCI Express 4 high-performance gaming SSD, with benchmark scores that were solid, though out of the top tier.Specs & Configurations
Bus Type PCI Express 4.0 Capacity (Tested) 2 Controller Maker Phison Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280 Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 7300 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 7000 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 2000 Warranty Length 5 Learn More Kingston Fury Renegade SSD Review -
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![Seagate Game Drive PS5 External SSD]()
Best External SSD for PS5Seagate Game Drive PS5 External SSD
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Game Drive External SSD is pricey, but it's a good performer and a worthy companion for the PlayStation 5, with looks and RGB lighting that evoke the history of Sony's console.Specs & Configurations
Capacity (Tested) 2 Interface (Computer Side) USB-C Internal or External External Rated Maximum Sequential Read 1000 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 1000 Warranty Length 3 Learn More Seagate Game Drive PS5 External SSD Review -
Compare Specs
![Seagate Game Drive External SSD [for PS5]](https://sm.pcmag.com/t/pcmag_uk/review/s/seagate-ga/seagate-game-drive-ps5-external-ssd_qtu9.640.jpg)
Our Pick | ||||||||||
Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best High-Performance SSD for the PS5 | Best Blend of Features and Performance in an SSD for the PS5 | Best Dual-Use (PS5 or PC) Internal SSD | Best SSD With a Robust Heatsink for the PS5 | Best SSD With High (4TB) Capacity Options for the PS5 | Best Budget SSD for the PS5 | Best External SSD for PS5 | Best High-Performance SSD for the PS5 | Best Blend of Features and Performance in an SSD for the PS5 | Best Dual-Use (PS5 or PC) Internal SSD |
Internal or External | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | External | Internal | Internal | Internal |
Internal Form Factor | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | |
Interface (Computer Side) | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | USB-C | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 | M.2 Type-2280 |
Capacity (Tested) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
NAND Type | TLC | TLC | MLC | TLC | TLC | TLC | TLC | TLC | MLC | |
Controller Maker | Phison | InnoGrit | Samsung | SanDisk | Phison | Phison | Phison | InnoGrit | Samsung | |
Bus Type | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | PCI Express 4.0 | |
NVMe Support | ||||||||||
Rated Maximum Sequential Read | 7400 | 7400 | 7450 | 7300 | 7400 | 7300 | 1000 | 7400 | 7400 | 7450 |
Rated Maximum Sequential Write | 7000 | 6700 | 6900 | 6600 | 7000 | 7000 | 1000 | 7000 | 6700 | 6900 |
Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating | 1200 | 1200 | 600 | 1200 | 1400 | 2000 | 1200 | 1200 | 600 | |
Warranty Length | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Buying Guide: The Best SSDs for PS5 in 2026
In selecting the internal SSDs featured above, the main requirement—other than proving their overall mettle as solid gaming SSDs in our benchmarking—was that they meet Sony's official criteria for use with a PS5. Most but not all of our choices are marketed by their manufacturers as PS5-friendly. (We also include one external SSD, the PS5-oriented Seagate Game Drive. Although you can't run PS5 games straight from it—it's usable only as supplemental storage—it is steeped in the PlayStation aesthetic and makes a good game library for the brand-faithful.)
On the other hand, a number of M.2 solid-state drives—some touted as PS5-compatible—fall short in one requirement: Their rated data transfer speed or throughput is short of the recommended 5,500MBps. This is the only spec for which Sony allows some wiggle room. However, we're still not recommending any below the 5,500Mbps speed threshold, since many of these drives also lack a dynamic random access memory cache (DRAM), instead using a bit of your computer's system memory as a cache. The PlayStation 5 does not support this kind of scheme, a fact that can potentially reduce drive performance when the drive is under duress.
PS5 Drive Size: How Tall and Long Can a PS5 SSD Be?
For obvious reasons, an SSD's physical height is a critical factor in determining its PS5 compatibility. "Height," in this case, is its thickness. Sony recommends that any SSD for the PS5 have a heat dissipation device—a heatsink or heat spreader—which will add to its bulk. But it can only be so big and still fit.
(Credit: Molly Flores)The secondary drive must fit in the PlayStation's M.2 bay, which allows a total thickness of 11.5mm (up to 8mm from above the board and up to 2.5mm from below it). This eliminates most drives with nonremovable, finned heatsinks, but some manufacturers are developing compact heatsinks and thin heat spreaders for use in confined spaces.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)As for drive length, the PS5 supports drives from 30mm to 110mm long. In practical fact, all our picks (and indeed most consumer M.2 SSDs) are the Type-2280, or 80mm, length.
The Upgrade: How to Install an SSD in Your PS5
Installing a second SSD in your PlayStation 5 (see our how-to guide) is not difficult. The only tools you'll need are a small (#1) Philips screwdriver and perhaps a pair of tweezers for screw handling.
(Credit: Will Greenwald)Your first step is to run a system update. Then, you turn off the console's power, add a heatsink or spreader to the SSD if one isn't already in place, and remove the PS5's side panel. (That can be done without tools but may require a little muscle and care.)
Next, remove the expansion slot cover and the M.2 screw, seat the new SSD in the expansion slot, insert the spacer as indicated, and screw the drive into place. Then you close the PS5 back up, format the new drive, and you're good to go.
Whether you managed to nab your PS5 for close to its $499.99 list price or paid a significant premium during the pandemic, plenty of fast, affordable M.2 PCI Express 4.0 solid-state drives can fit in its secondary slot. And if you haven't bought a PS5 quite yet, there'll be all the more compatible SSDs to choose from when you finally get your console.
So, Which PS5 SSD Upgrade Should You Buy?
Our key measure, all else being equal on the spec front, is to look at the cost per gigabyte for any drive you are looking at, using the current sale price. SSD prices tend to rise and fall, and it's often possible to score more capacity than you might think if you shop around. If you look at the cost per gigabyte, a little math can make it easy to compare the relative value of two drives of different capacities.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)The PlayStation 5's built-in SSD has a capacity of 825GB, of which 667GB is free out of the box. Generally, you should be able to fit nine or 10 AAA games on the drive—today's titles, on average, take 50GB to 60GB of storage, although some are considerably larger. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War takes the franchise's trend toward ballooning file sizes to a new high by filling nearly 220GB, so your available space may be gone sooner than you'd think. Fortunately, the PS5 supports secondary drives with capacities ranging from 250GB to a whopping 4TB.
We've also broken out the specs on our favorite tested PlayStation 5-compatible solid-state drives. Since your console has that open M.2 slot, you might as well put it to good use. While SSD prices are moderate at the moment, it's wise to future-proof your PS5 by getting the highest-capacity drive you can afford and loading it with your favorite games. Happy fragging!