Key takeaways
- Sequential read speed: Sony requires at least 5,500MB/s, but headroom helps, so drives rated between 7,000 and 7,450MB/s give you the smoothest install and load experience.
- Heatsink and cooling: The expansion slot has almost no airflow, so a low-profile heatsink or a purpose-built PS5 model prevents throttling during long sessions.
- Capacity: A 1TB drive holds a handful of large titles, but 2TB is the sweet spot in 2026 if you install several AAA games at once.
- NAND and cache: TLC NAND with a healthy SLC cache sustains write speeds better than budget QLC when you copy huge game folders.
- Physical fit: Confirm the drive plus heatsink stays under 8mm total height so the expansion cover closes cleanly.
What's inside
The PlayStation 5 shipped with a generous but ultimately finite amount of internal storage, and in 2026 a single blockbuster install can swallow well over 100GB before you have even downloaded the day-one patch. Adding a compatible M.2 NVMe drive is the cleanest way to stop the endless dance of deleting and re-downloading games, and thankfully the market is now packed with Gen4 drives built specifically for Sony’s console.
This guide focuses on drives that clear the PS5’s minimum 5,500MB/s read requirement, run cool enough to avoid thermal throttling, and physically fit inside the expansion bay with a heatsink attached. Below you will find our picks along with a plain-English breakdown of what actually matters when you shop.
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Watch: Best M.2 SSD For PS5 2026 — Video Review
How to Choose a PS5 M.2 SSD
- Sequential read speed: Sony requires at least 5,500MB/s, but headroom helps, so drives rated between 7,000 and 7,450MB/s give you the smoothest install and load experience.
- Heatsink and cooling: The expansion slot has almost no airflow, so a low-profile heatsink or a purpose-built PS5 model prevents throttling during long sessions.
- Capacity: A 1TB drive holds a handful of large titles, but 2TB is the sweet spot in 2026 if you install several AAA games at once.
- NAND and cache: TLC NAND with a healthy SLC cache sustains write speeds better than budget QLC when you copy huge game folders.
- Physical fit: Confirm the drive plus heatsink stays under 8mm total height so the expansion cover closes cleanly.
The Best PS5 M.2 SSDs Reviewed
WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB
Officially licensed by Sony, the WD_BLACK SN850P is the closest thing to a plug-and-play upgrade. It ships with a pre-fitted heatsink sized exactly for the bay, hits up to 7,300MB/s reads, and requires zero guesswork about compatibility, which makes it the safest recommendation for anyone who just wants it to work.
Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink 2TB
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink pushes sequential reads up to 7,450MB/s and pairs that speed with excellent sustained write performance thanks to its mature controller. Its integrated heatsink is slim enough for the PS5 while also making the drive a strong dual-purpose pick for a gaming PC.
Lexar NM790 2TB with Heatsink
For gamers chasing value, the Lexar NM790 delivers up to 7,400MB/s reads and a single-sided design that runs cool with its included low-profile heatsink. Its generous SLC cache keeps large PS5 game transfers moving quickly without the price premium of the big-name flagships.
Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 2TB
Corsair built the MP600 PRO LPX specifically with the PS5 in mind, using a compact aluminium heatspreader that clears the bay easily. With up to 7,100MB/s reads and 5,800MB/s writes, it comfortably exceeds Sony’s requirement and has been a proven, reliable choice since the expansion feature launched.
fanxiang S660 1TB
If you want extra space on a tight budget, the fanxiang S660 offers a bundled heatsink and up to 5,000MB/s reads, which still clears the console’s minimum with room to spare. It is a sensible entry point for players who mostly need to house a couple of extra titles rather than an entire library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a heatsink for a PS5 SSD?
Yes. The expansion slot has minimal airflow, and without a heatsink a fast Gen4 drive can throttle or, in the worst case, trigger a thermal warning. A drive with a pre-attached low-profile heatsink removes all the guesswork.
How much speed does the PS5 actually require?
Sony specifies a minimum sequential read of 5,500MB/s. Every drive in this guide exceeds that, and the faster 7,000MB/s-plus models give you a little extra headroom for the smoothest experience.
Can I install one myself without voiding the warranty?
Absolutely. The expansion bay is user-serviceable by design, requiring only a Phillips screwdriver. Following Sony’s on-screen prompts to format the drive takes just a few minutes.
Is 1TB enough or should I get 2TB?
A 1TB drive is fine if you play a small rotation of games, but 2TB has become the default in 2026 because modern AAA installs are so large that the extra capacity quickly pays for itself.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your PS5 storage is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can make, and any drive on this list will end the frustration of managing a cramped internal SSD. If you value absolute peace of mind, the officially licensed WD_BLACK SN850P is the effortless choice, while the Samsung 990 PRO and Lexar NM790 reward shoppers who want flagship speed or standout value respectively.
