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You’ll need only the best SSD for PS5 if you want to maintain top performance on Sony’s latest console without having to constantly engage in inventory management. In 2024, there are more options than ever for competitively priced console-compatible Gen 4 NVMe SSD models for the system which makes now the perfect time to invest.
For as much as we love the PS5, we should stress that you don’t get much usable storage out of the box. The base system contains just 677.2GB of usable space once the OS and other essential software is installed from the quoted 825GB on the box. That’s been heightened slightly with the release of the PS5 Slim which now rocks 1TB, however, you’re still looking at around 17% less room when accounting for the system files. That’s where the best SSD for PS5 comes in clutch.Â
We’re all about helping you to get the best user experience from your PS5, that’s why we’re also rounding up all the best external hard drives for PS5 and the best monitors for PS5 as well. What’s more, there’s also the best PS5 controllers if you’re looking to invest in something a little more pro-level. With no more preamble, let’s delve into our hand-picked choices.
1. WD Black SN850P – The best overall SSD for PS5
WD Black SN850P
Sequential performance
7,300 MB/s read ; 6,300 MB/s write
Capacity
1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Strong sequential performance
- Officially licensed
- High quality heatsink
- No 500GB or 8TB option
When it comes to the best overall SSD for PS5, the WD Black SN850P wins out. It’s due to a number of factors including its competitive pricing, strong heatsink, and most pressing, the leading sequential performance. You can expect speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s which caps out at what Gen 4 is able to do and blows the doors off the minimum recommended specs for the console.
We like the WD Black SN850P for its ease of use, too. It’s officially licensed by Sony which means it’s been rigorously tested in the console so you can be sure of top end speeds and easy compatibility. What’s more, this is the NVMe SSD backed by Sony architect Mark Cerny, and the man certainly knows a thing or two about console hardware.
That’s to say nothing of the competitive pricing, worldwide availability and the different capacities which are available either. You can pick the WD Black SN850P up in either 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB. You can expect to pay around $110 for 1TB, $180 for 2TB, and $349.99 for 4TB, however, prices are fluctuating often, especially with sales common in 2024.Â
2. Kingston Fury Renegade – The best value SSD for PS5
Kingston Fury Renegade SSD
Sequential performance
Up to 7,300 MB/s (read) ; 7,000 MB/s (write)
Capacities
500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Aggressive pricing
- Thrives in 2TB and 4TB
- Stunning heatsink
- Weaker speeds at 500GB and 1TB
When it comes to sheer value for money, the Kingston Fury Renegade reigns supreme. The PS5-compatible heatsink model of the leading Gen 4 NVMe SSD features exceptional sequential performance of up to 7,300 MB/s but undercuts most of its competition. You can expect to pay just under the $90 mark for 500GB, around the $120 price range for 1TB, just under $200 for 2TB, and $400 for 4TB which is excellent value for money.
What we like the most about the Kingston Fury Renegade SSD is its powerful Phison E18 controller which is among the absolute best you’ll find in a PS5 SSD. What’s more, it’s backed up by a sturdy and strong aluminium heatsink which is a perfect fit for the console’s dedicated M.2 port, essential because there’s no native heat spreading there otherwise. The aggressive pricing, build quality, and sequential performance make it an easy choice for anyone wanting an excellent SSD for PS5 in 2024.
3. Seagate Game Drive – The best budget SSD for PS5
Seagate Game Drive M.2
Sequential performance
Up to 7,300 MB/s (read) ; 6,000 MB/s (write)
Capacities
1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Good capacity range
- Officially licensed
- Strong pricing
- Not the fastest NVMe
Few storage companies are as revered as Seagate and that’s for good reason. The company has a stellar reputation for external hard drives for the PS5 but has now made a budget-priced NVMe model specifically for Sony’s latest system that doesn’t disappoint. With 1TB hovering around the $100 mark and 2TB costing you around $190, the Seagate Game Drive earns its spot as the best budget SSD for PS5 around.
Furthermore, you’re not sacrificing sequential performance or build quality to keep the costs down either, which is usually an unfortunate factor with some lesser reputable brands. It’s capable of sequential speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s which caps out at the limit of Gen 4 with strong write performance of 6,000 MB/s exceeding the minimum recommended figures considerably. There are other faster performers on this list, but for the price point, this one is easy to recommend.Â
4. Addlink Addgame A95 – The best high capacity SSD for PS5
Addlink Addgame A95
Sequential performance
Up to 7,000 MB/s (read) ; 6,000 MB/s (write)
Capacities
1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
- Mammoth storage amount
- Effective heatsink
- Wavering availability outside US
- Seriously expensive
If you’re someone who downloads a ton of games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog or just enjoys having a wealth of titles ready to go then the Addlink Addgame A95 is the perfect choice. This 8TB variant is ideal for those wanting the biggest amount of overhead possible from the system, since the storage support was doubled from 4TB to 8TB in a firmware update last year.Â
Keep in mind, however, that the Addlink Addgame A95 doesn’t come cheap in 8TB capacity as you can expect to pay around the $850 mark. We should stress that sales are common and you could find it cheaper, but be prepared to throw down a serious chunk of change for all the storage you’ll ever need. It’s particularly important given the fact that some of the best PS5 games are pushing upwards of 100GB now.
5. PNY XLR8 SSD Gaming Kit – The best SSD and heatsink combo
Sequential performance
Up to 7,500 MB/s (read) ; 5,650 MB/s (write)
Capacities
1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Strong pricing
- Outstanding external heatsink
- Average write speeds
While the majority of PS5 SSDs in our roundup are Gen 4 NVMe models wrapped in an aluminium heatsink, PNY has bucked the trend with the XLR8 SSD Gaming Kit which combines the CS3140 with a specially engineered heatsink. The heatsink itself is designed to replace the console’s M.2 port which means you’re benefiting from better cooling potential here.
In our testing we found that the PNY XLR8 Gaming Kit is one of the most consistent performers despite its more humble specs on paper. That’s because while many Gen 4.0 drives can technically push up to 7,300 MB/s, many are throttled by the console’s lack of cooling solution. What’s more, if you ever wanted to upgrade the SSD in the future, you can re-use the standalone heatsink for any compatible M.2 Gen 4.0 model, too.Â
Best SSD for PS5 in 2024 – FAQs
Investing in one of the best SSDs for PS5 can be a costly process, that’s why it helps to be informed. We’re answering all your burning questions below to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
What is the absolute best SSD for PS5?
We think that the WD Black SN850P is the best SSD for PS5 available in 2024. That’s thanks to its lightning fast sequential performance, decent heatsink, strong price, and officially licensed nature.
What SSD is recommended by Sony for PS5?
PlayStation architect Mark Cerny recommends PS5 users to use a WD Black SN850 as that’s the model he used originally when firmware was updated to unlock the console’s M.2 port. We think you should opt for an officially licensed model, but any that are above 5,500 MB/s sequential performance with a dedicated heatsink should work.
Does a PS5 SSD need a heatsink?
Yes, any PS5 SSD needs to utilize a dedicated heatsink whether that’s built onto the Gen 4 NVMe model or something that can be attached. Running an SSD without a heatsink could lead to thermal throttling, decayed performance, and even damage the drive after prolonged use.
