One great feature of the PS5 is that it can handle solid-state drives (SSD) separate from, and faster than, its internal SSD. A wide variety of SSDs are available from different manufacturers, such as Samsung and Western Digital. However, when it comes to capacity and PS5 compatibility, it may be unclear which SSD is best for you.
We've compared 13 bestselling PS5 SSDs available online and put them to the test to recommend the best one for you.
We tested each product for the following:
Which product ended up being the best of the best? We'll also tell you how to pick the best PS5 SSDs on your own in our buying guide, so read on for more shopping tips.
Yasuhiro Yamaguchi has appeared on several Japanese TV shows and on YouTube as an entertainer specializing in gaming under the name Yamaguchi Quest. He's also written many online articles introducing a variety of games. Currently, Yasuhiro is in charge of articles related to gaming devices at mybest, writing articles with the intent of helping out new and beginner gamers.
The reading and writing capability of an SSD is crucial. It is also important to measure actual performance, as opposed to the published values. We used benchmark testing to measure the actual performance of each tested SSD. Software: PCMark 10Computer used: Astromeda SIRIUS Gaming PCCPU: Core i7-12700FGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070TiGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti, Memory: 16 GB.Measurements were taken in the above conditions, and products were rated using the score criteria.
Temperature is the key factor in determining an SSD's performance degradation and overall durability. We paid close attention to how much the temperature rose during the benchmark reading and writing test. The software and evaluation criteria are listed below.Software: CrystalDiskInfoComputer used: Astromeda SIRIUS Gaming PCCPU: Core i7-12700FGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070TiGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti, Memory: 16 GB.[Score]Exceptional: 86 degrees Fahrenheit (able to be used for extended periods, performance does not deteriorate easily)Very good: 95 degrees Fahrenheit (performance does not deteriorate easily, but there is a possibility of future difficulties with increases in game sizes)Good: 104 degrees Fahrenheit (there is performance degradation to some degree, and there is a large possibility of future difficulties with increases in game sizes)Average: 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit (the possibility of performance degradation rises even with small increases in load size)Slightly unsatisfactory: 122 degrees Fahrenheit (unusable for very long periods of time, performance degradation may be apparent at this level)Unsatisfactory: 140 degrees Fahrenheit (performance degradation is likely and the unit cannot be used for long periods of time)Very unsatisfactory: 158 degrees Fahrenheit (heatsinks are required, performance degrades considerably in its current form)The SSDs were tested in accordance with the above conditions, measuring the highest temperature and the lowest temperature one minute after the end of the benchmark. Each drive was rated per the score criteria values.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Not all SSDs are compatible with the PS5. Differences come down to specifications such as connector type, interface, and body size. If even one of the requirements is not met, you won't be able to use the SSD with your device.
Working out which products are PS5-compatible just by looking through the specifications can be tricky and time-consuming. Plus, some terms require a degree of technical know-how to understand.
For your convenience, all of the products in this ranking are PS5 compatible. All you need to do is refer to the guide below and choose the SSD that best fits your needs.
You may be wondering how to install a new SSD in your PS5. Many people have the impression that it is difficult. Fortunately, unlike in a PC, it's actually very easy to set up an SSD in a PS5.
Start by removing the cover of the PS5 from the upper left corner. You'll see the cover for the SSD underneath. Remove it, install the new SSD, and screw the cover shut again to complete your installation.
The process doesn't require any expertise or specialized tools, only a screwdriver, making it easy for anyone to do.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best PS5 SSDs.
Each drive has a reading and writing value published to use as a guide to its performance. The higher the value, the higher the speed.
In many cases, however, the published values do not reflect actual usage conditions, as measurement standards and environments can differ between manufacturers. This means that the published value doesn't always accurately reflect the performance of the drive.
This is where benchmark testing comes in. Here at mybest, we used PCMark 10 benchmark software to compare SSDs and determine which are faster when used for gaming.
During testing, we found that some of the SSDs with lower published scores actually ran faster than those with higher scores. Benchmark software is designed to test SSDs in actual usage conditions, so you can use the benchmark instead of the published score if you're looking to buy based on speed.
PCMark 10 software is designed to provide statistics based on actual usage conditions. With SSDs, this refers to the measurement of loading speeds, which is particularly important in gaming.
A read/write speed score of 4.00 in our benchmark test means a smooth, continuous performance even for large titles exceeding 100 GB. Future releases will likely be more graphic-intensive and take up more drive capacity, factors which will affect the read/write speed. If you want to fully enjoy the latest games without any lag, we recommend an SSD with a score of 4.00 or above.
Your SSD can heat up if you're using it for a long time or loading a heavy amount of content. M.2 SSDs heat up more easily because they are internal and therefore not exposed to outside air.
If an SSD reaches a temperature of more than 113 degrees Fahrenheit, it is generally believed that performance suffers, and as a result, games start up and load more slowly.
Thermal throttling in an SSD keeps the temperature from rising above a certain level, reducing any possible risks. With time and use, however, the thermal throttling itself may degrade in quality, so an SSD resistant to temperature rise may have a longer life span.
One way to reduce heat in your SSD is by choosing a model with a heatsink. A heatsink works like armor to enhance cooling performance.
When measured, SSDs with and without heatsinks showed differences of nearly 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature, range of temperature increase, and overall performance all improved in SSDs with heatsinks installed.
Heatsinks are especially recommended for gamers who play for extended periods of time.
The Kingston Fury Renegade and Aorus Gen4 7000s both had lower average temperatures and better cooling performance.
The Kingston Fury Renegade, in particular, achieved a benchmark score above 3,000 and a very low maximum temperature of 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. It is one of the more stable models, with almost no performance degradation due to heat.
Even during high-data scenes and long periods of gameplay, the Kingston Fury Renegade showed practically zero performance issues or choppiness.
Capacity, of course, is important when choosing an SSD. SSDs range from around 256 GB to 4 TB, and the larger the capacity, the more expensive the drive.
Recently, the latest and most popular titles demand larger and larger capacity requirements. With some new games coming in at over 160 GB, we recommend a capacity of 2 TB or more.
2 TB would give you enough data to comfortably download 15 games at around 100 GB each. Even if you don't plan on playing that many games now, you won't have to delete anything to make space later down the line.
With many more titles coming to the PS5 in the near future, it's better to go with a larger capacity.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing Speed | Resistance to Speed Drops | Connection form | Width | Depth | Height | Weight | Interface | Storage capacity | Reading speed ( stated by maker) | Writing speed (stated by maker) | Warranty included (maker) | Waterproofing | ||||||
1 | Kingston Fury Renegade | ![]() | 4.73 | This Top-Level SSD Stays Under 95°F | 4.76 | 4.72 | Internal | 0.93 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.413 in. | 1.23 oz. | PCIE | 2,000 GB | 7,300 MB/s | 7,000 MB/s | |||
2 | Aorus Gen4 7000s | ![]() | 4.69 | A Balanced Drive for Cooling Performance and Read/Write Speed | 4.88 | 4.57 | Internal | 3.25 in. | 5.25 in. | 1.25 in. | 1.41 oz. | PCIE | 1,000 GB | 7,000 MB/s | 5,500 MB/s | |||
3 | Corsair MP600 Pro LPX | ![]() | 4.55 | Fast Reading and Writing Plus Heatsink Cooling | 4.32 | 4.72 | Internal | 0.91 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.43 in. | 1.44 oz. | PCIE | 2,000 GB | 7,100 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s | |||
4 | SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS 990 PRO | ![]() | 4.44 | Fast Reading and Writing, Sufficient Cooling With No Heatsinks | 4.92 | 4.17 | Internal | 0.87 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.09 in. | 0.32 oz. | PCIE | 2,000 GB | 7,450 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s | |||
5 | Adata Legend 960 Max | ![]() | 4.43 | Adequate Cooling, Exceptional Reading and Writing Speeds | 4.90 | 4.17 | Internal | 0.91 in. | 3.17 in. | 0.42 in. | 1.3 oz. | PCIE | 2,000 GB | 7,400 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s | |||
6 | Western Digital WD_Black SN850X | ![]() | 4.41 | Good Reading and Writing Speeds for Gaming, Low Average Temperature | 4.83 | 4.17 | Internal | 0.87 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.09 in. | 0.26 oz. | PCIE | 1000 GB | 7,300 MB/s | 6,300 MB/s | |||
7 | SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS 980 PRO | ![]() | 4.35 | Sufficient Reading, Writing, and Cooling, Even Without Heatsinks | 4.54 | 4.23 | Internal | 0.87 in. | 3.16 in. | 0.09 in. | 1.92 oz. | PCIE | 1000 GB | 7,450 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s | |||
8 | Seagate FireCuda 530|ZP1000GM30013 | ![]() | 4.29 | Average In Terms of Reading, Writing, and Cooling | 4.30 | 4.29 | Internal | 0.87 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.08 in. | 0.28 oz. | PCIE | 1,000 GB | 7,300 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s | |||
9 | Patriot Viper Viper VP4300 | ![]() | 4.25 | Fast, Smooth Reading and Writing But Poor Cooling | 4.71 | 3.99 | Internal | 0.87 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.31 in. | 0.882 oz. | PCIE | 1,000 GB | 7,400 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s | unknown | ||
10 | XPG Gammix S70 Blade | ![]() | 4.14 | Excellent Reading and Writing, Poor Cooling Performance | 4.70 | 3.84 | Internal | 0.87 in. | 3.15 in. | 0.17 in. | 0.4 oz. | PCIE | 2,000 GB | 7,400 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s |
Kingston is an American manufacturer of independent memory modules. Its Fury Renegade has a powerful heatsink made of black aluminum.
The Kingston Fury Renegade ranked one of the highest in the reading and writing benchmark test. It should easily be able to handle large, high-definition games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Armored Core.
When measuring the degree of performance degradation, this drive had a maximum temperature of 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit and an average of 88.7 degrees Fahrenheit, both of which are quite low. This means it will operate comfortably over long hours of play or high-load scenes. This SSD has a winning combination of reading and writing speed and cooling performance, making it a good recommendation for users looking for either quality.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.93 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.413 in. |
Weight | 1.23 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 2,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,300 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 7,000 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
The Gen4 7000s is from Aorus, a manufacturer of computer parts such as motherboards and graphics cards. This drive is advertised as having high-level heat dissipation capabilities with an advanced nanocarbon coating.
In the reading and writing benchmark test, the Gen4 7000s received a score high enough to run up-to-date titles such as Street Fighter 6 without any difficulty.
With both a low maximum temperature of 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit and a low average temperature of 92.3 degrees Fahrenheit, the nanocarbon coating evidently helps its cooling performance. This makes the drive suitable for long hours of gameplay and when loading large amounts of data. It is a well-balanced option with a heatsink and fast reading/writing capabilities.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 3.25 in. |
Depth | 5.25 in. |
Height | 1.25 in. |
Weight | 1.41 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,000 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 5,500 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
Corsair is a gaming mouse and headset manufacturer. Their MP600 Pro LPX has a low-profile aluminum heatsink that increases the efficiency of heat dissipation.
It scored lower in the benchmark test compared to some of the other models we tested, but it will still able to boot and load faster than the PS5's internal drive.
In the test for performance degradation, the MP600 Pro LPX reached a maximum temperature of 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit and an average temperature of 87.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you'll get top-level cooling performance, enabling gameplay over long periods and under heavy loads without processing issues or lag.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.91 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.43 in. |
Weight | 1.44 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 2,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,100 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,800 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
The 990 PRO from Samsung is equipped with its own SSD controller, promising to maintain comfortable speeds even without a heatsink.
It received one of the highest read/write scores among the products we tested, so you shouldn't experience any issues even with large, next-gen games like Armored Core 6.
The 990 PRO reached a maximum temperature of 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit and a low average temperature of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you'll rarely experience any lag or processing issues, even with large files. The drive also cools itself without a heatsink, so it's longer-lasting.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.09 in. |
Weight | 0.32 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 2,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,450 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,900 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
Adata is a Taiwan-based memory manufacturer. The Legend 960 Max claims to enhance cooling performance with its aluminum alloy surface, which allows for a higher rate of heat transfer.
This drive earned a high read/write speed score, and games with very large file sizes and quality graphics, such as Horizon Forbidden West, are sure to run quickly and comfortably with this SSD. This is a particularly good choice if you're looking for speed.
In performance degradation testing, the Legend 960 Max had a high temperature of 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit and an average temperature of 106.7 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature difference shows a good heat transfer rate from the surface of the SSD to the heatsink, making it difficult for heat to build up.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.91 in. |
Depth | 3.17 in. |
Height | 0.42 in. |
Weight | 1.3 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 2,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,400 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,800 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
US company Western Digital manufactures HDDs and flash memory drives. The WD_Black SN850X supports Game Mode 2.0 with fast loading.
Its read/write score in the benchmark test was high enough that it can smoothly load and play large games with crisp graphics such as Elden Ring.
The WD_Black SN850X costs around two hundred dollars for a 2 TB model, which is very reasonable considering its performance capabilities.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.09 in. |
Weight | 0.26 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,300 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,300 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
Samsung is a South Korean manufacturer of a wide variety of items, from smartphones to memory devices. The 980 PRO is controller-operated and aims to maximize reading and writing performance.
It scored excellently in the benchmark test, slightly above the standard for fast read/write speeds. This means that for high-definition games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, booting and loading will be a little faster than the PS5's internal SSD.
The maximum temperature reached 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit, but the average temperature was low at 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit. This difference shows that even without the heatsink, this drive has sufficient cooling capabilities.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.16 in. |
Height | 0.09 in. |
Weight | 1.92 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,450 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,900 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
The FireCuda 530 is from Seagate, a U.S.-based HDD manufacturer. This product is advertised as being the industry's highest class in data storage endurance.
Its benchmark test scored a little lower than other SSDs that meet the PS5's recommended requirements. It does not cause too much delay when loading, but it may not be the first choice if you value faster load times.
The maximum temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit and the average was 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit, which is similar to normal SSDs. The temperature never exceeded 113 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that the cooling performance is adequate.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.08 in. |
Weight | 0.28 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,300 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,900 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
Patriot Viper manufactures DDR4 and other memory products. The Viper VP4300 comes with two types of heatsinks: one made of thin graphene and the other a high-cooling aluminum type. These can be switched to suit the environment.
It scored high above the standard for read/write speeds in the benchmark test, making it capable of easily handling even the latest, big titles at 4K resolution.
The maximum temperature was 113 degrees Fahrenheit and the average temperature was slightly higher at 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Testing was interrupted at times when the temperature exceeded 113 degrees Fahrenheit, so players may experience the same processing and lag issues when playing for several hours.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.31 in. |
Weight | 0.882 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,400 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,800 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | unknown |
Waterproofing |
XPG manufactures computer cases, memory, and other products for gamers. XPG's Gammix S70 claims to reduce heat generation by up to 20% with the help of its aluminum heatsink.
Its read/write score in the benchmark test was high enough that graphic-intensive games with 4K resolution can start and load without any problem. Based on its score, it is capable of playing even big title games to be released in the future.
In the performance drop-off test, the maximum temperature was 116.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average temperature was slightly higher than other SSDs at 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures above 113 degrees Fahrenheit, processing large amounts of data caused lag during long gaming sessions.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.17 in. |
Weight | 0.4 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 2,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,400 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,800 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
The Rocket 4 Plus from Sabrent, a manufacturer of a wide range of computer-related devices from microSD cards to USB hubs, is a renewed version of a model released in 2020 offering improved performance.
In the benchmark test, it scored slightly lower than other SSDs. Although it is adequate in terms of performance, it is not among the fastest PS5-compatible SSDs.
When measuring performance degradation, the Rocket 4 Plus registered a high maximum temperature of 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit and a low average temperature of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the low average, the high maximum temperature means that processing may slow down or lag, depending on the size of the game.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.86 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.11 in. |
Weight | 0.2 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,100 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 5,300 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
Addlink is a Taiwanese Manufacturer that produces a range of SSDs. The AddGame A95 boasts high-performance cooling due to its shark fin design and head-conductive silicon mat.
It fully met the criteria for a fast SSD in the benchmark test. Standard titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Final Fantasy 7 remake should be able to run smoothly.
In terms of performance degradation, however, the maximum temperature reached 123.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature was a high 116.6 degrees Fahrenheit. At high temperatures like this, this drive is not recommended for gameplay over long periods of time or games with large file sizes.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 3.15 in. |
Height | 0.36 in. |
Weight | 0.7 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 7,200 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 6,000 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
Crucial is a manufacturer of computer memory modules and SSDs, among other products. The P5 Plus is advertised as being twice as powerful as the model from the previous generation.
Its benchmark score was one of the highest among all the SSDs tested. Games with large file sizes, such as Armored Core 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, started and loaded smoothly.
In performance testing, the maximum temperature reached 129.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature was 115.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Since these are both quite high, there's a high possibility of performance degradation and lagging when loading large files or gaming for long stretches.
Connection form | Internal |
---|---|
Width | 0.86 in. |
Depth | 3.14 in. |
Height | 0.09 in. |
Weight | 0.59 oz. |
Interface | PCIE |
Storage capacity | 1,000 GB |
Reading speed ( stated by maker) | 6,600 MB/s |
Writing speed (stated by maker) | 5,000 MB/s |
Warranty included (maker) | |
Waterproofing |
We selected 13 different PS5-compatible SSDs from leading retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy to determine our top recommendations.
To find these products, we evaluated our selection based on the following seven criteria.
Products we tested
The reading and writing capability of an SSD is crucial. It is also important to measure actual performance, as opposed to the published values. We used benchmark testing to measure the actual performance of each tested SSD.
Measurements were taken in the above conditions, and products were rated using the score criteria.
Temperature is the key factor in determining an SSD's performance degradation and overall durability. We paid close attention to how much the temperature rose during the benchmark reading and writing test. The software and evaluation criteria are listed below.
The SSDs were tested in accordance with the above conditions, measuring the highest temperature and the lowest temperature one minute after the end of the benchmark. Each drive was rated per the score criteria values.
No. 1: Kingston|Fury Renegade
No. 2: Aorus|Gen4 7000s
No. 3: Corsair|MP600 Pro LPX
No. 4: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS|990 PRO
No. 5: Adata|Legend 960 Max
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices