Expanding the storage of a PlayStation 5 has transitioned from a luxury to a practical necessity, as modern game file sizes routinely exceed 100GB. The console’s internal SSD, while fast, can quickly become a bottleneck for players who maintain a diverse library of titles. Fortunately, Sony’s support for user-installed NVMe SSDs provides an elegant solution, allowing for seamless expansion that matches the performance of the built-in drive. However, navigating the compatibility requirements—specific speed thresholds, physical dimensions, and mandatory cooling—can be daunting. This guide distills extensive testing and market analysis to identify the best SSD options for the PS5 in 2026, balancing speed, reliability, thermal management, and value to ensure a hassle-free upgrade that dramatically improves your console’s utility.
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: The All-Around Champion
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX stands as the most well-rounded and recommended SSD for the majority of PS5 owners. It reliably exceeds Sony’s 5,500MB/s sequential read requirement with speeds up to 7,100MB/s, ensuring full compatibility and optimal performance in all games. Its key advantage is the inclusion of a low-profile, pre-installed heatsink that conforms to the PS5’s strict 11.25mm height limit, making installation a simple, plug-and-play affair without the need for additional parts. Available in capacities up to 8TB and backed by a five-year warranty, it offers peace of mind and long-term value. Crucially, it is frequently available at a competitive price point, especially the 1TB and 2TB models, providing an exceptional balance of performance, convenience, and cost that is difficult to surpass.
Crucial T500: The Budget-Conscious Performer
For users willing to undertake a minor additional step to save money, the Crucial T500 represents outstanding value. This drive offers impressive sequential read speeds up to 7,300MB/s, surpassing many competitors, and is often available at a lower cost than bundled heatsink models. It can be purchased as a bare drive, allowing you to pair it with a third-party, PS5-compatible heatsink—a combination that can be more economical. Crucial also sells a version with an attached heatsink for those preferring a complete solution. Its performance is more than adequate for the most demanding PS5 titles, making it an intelligent choice for cost-aware gamers who do not want to compromise on speed. The primary limitation is its current maximum capacity of 4TB, which is still ample for most users.
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus: The Purpose-Built Solution
The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is engineered specifically for the PS5’s expansion bay, featuring a unique heatsink design that replaces the console’s internal metal cover. Sabrent claims this integrated approach provides superior thermal dissipation compared to standard attached heatsinks. While its advertised speeds (7,000MB/s read) are slightly lower than some competitors, they still comfortably meet and exceed Sony’s specifications. This drive is best suited for users who prioritize a tailored, precision-fit cooling solution and are less concerned with achieving the absolute highest benchmark numbers. It is a premium option, often carrying a higher price per gigabyte, but it appeals to those seeking a meticulously designed, console-specific upgrade from a brand with a strong reputation in storage.
Samsung T7/T9: Essential External Storage for Game Management
While external SSDs cannot run PS5-native games, they serve a critical role in a comprehensive storage strategy. The Samsung T7 (and its faster successor, the T9) is an excellent tool for storing PS5 games in a “cold storage” state. Transferring a game from an external SSD to the PS5’s internal storage is significantly faster than re-downloading it, a major advantage for those with data caps or slower internet. Furthermore, these drives are perfect for storing and directly playing a library of PS4 titles, which do not require the internal SSD’s speed. Reliable, compact, and available in capacities up to 4TB, an external SSD like the Samsung T7 is a cost-effective companion to an internal NVMe upgrade, ensuring your entire game library remains accessible without constant deletion.
Key Considerations for PS5 SSD Upgrades
Selecting the right SSD involves more than just picking the fastest model. Capacity is the primary driver; 1TB or 2TB drives offer the best value, effectively doubling or tripling usable space, while 4TB and 8TB options cater to extensive libraries at a premium. Compatibility is non-negotiable: the drive must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe model, include an effective cooling solution (either integrated or added separately) that fits within the PS5’s physical constraints, and reliably achieve sequential read speeds above 5,500MB/s. There is no benefit to purchasing a newer, more expensive PCIe Gen5 drive, as the PS5’s hardware cannot utilize its advanced capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice harmonizes proven performance, robust thermal management, a trustworthy warranty, and a price that aligns with your storage needs, transforming your console’s flexibility and eliminating the constant struggle with storage management.
