The 7 Best PS5 SSDs of 2026

Why We Chose This Product:

The WD_BLACK SN850P earns the top spot by combining official PlayStation 5 licensing with top-tier sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. Its factory-installed heatsink is built to fit the exact dimensions of the PS5 expansion slot, removing all installation guesswork. It strikes the perfect balance of reliability, speed, and thermal control for seamless console expansion.

Who Is It For:

PlayStation 5 gamers who want a high-performance 2TB drive backed by official console licensing for complete plug-and-play setup. It is ideal for players building a medium-to-large digital game collection. Pick a bare drive if you already own a custom third-party heatsink.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink delivers near-theoretical limits of PCIe Gen4 speed with sequential reads hitting 7,450 MB/s. Equipped with Samsung's proprietary controller, integrated DRAM, and an advanced thermal heatsink, it ensures zero performance throttling during continuous heavy transfers. It stands out for users seeking uncompromised hardware engineering.

Who Is It For:

Gamers and power users who demand the absolute maximum performance possible out of the PCIe 4.0 specification for heavy file transfers and gaming. It suits players who frequently move massive game files back and forth. Choose a simpler DRAMless drive if you only care about casual game installs.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Lexar EQ790 with Heatsink offers an unbeatable entry point for seamless PS5 installation, coming pre-fitted with a low-profile aluminum heat spreader. Despite its lower price tag, it reaches top-tier sequential speeds up to 7,400 MB/s read. It provides maximum convenience and high speed for gamers avoiding high-tier brand markups.

Who Is It For:

Console owners looking for an affordable, hassle-free internal drive that requires zero extra assembly before insertion into a PS5. It fits budget-conscious gamers adding 1TB of quick expansion. If you want to hold 20+ massive AAA titles simultaneously, opt for the 2TB version instead.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Lexar EQ790 2TB Bare Drive is the budget-friendly sweet spot for users seeking large-capacity storage expansion without paying for a pre-installed heatsink. Utilizing an efficient 12nm controller and HMB technology, it easily pushes 7,400 MB/s speeds while keeping operating temperatures manageable. It offers substantial savings for PC rigs or modular PS5 setups.

Who Is It For:

PC builders with integrated motherboard heatsinks or PS5 owners who already own a custom third-party cooling cover. It is ideal for shoppers looking to maximize 2TB storage capacity per dollar spent. Choose a pre-heatsink model if you want a complete out-of-the-box console solution.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Lexar EQ790 4TB provides elite storage volume at a far more accessible cost per gigabyte than rival 4TB Gen4 drives. Delivering top-tier speeds up to 7,400 MB/s, it eliminates the need to constantly delete and re-download massive modern games. It is the premier choice for build-it-yourself power users requiring maximum internal capacity.

Who Is It For:

Enthusiast gamers and digital collectors who want to store an entire library of modern titles on a single drive without ever uninstalling games. It serves high-capacity PC and console builds perfectly. If you only play a few active titles at a time, smaller 1TB or 2TB options save significant money.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Bare Drive delivers premier PCIe 4.0 performance and onboard DRAM caching for desktop motherboards with integrated thermal spreaders. Reaching random speeds up to 55% faster than previous generations, it handles operating systems, game loading, and direct-storage PC titles effortlessly. It provides absolute performance reliability in a bare drive format.

Who Is It For:

Desktop PC builders whose motherboards already come equipped with built-in thermal heatsinks and spreaders. It is ideal for gamers needing top-tier 1TB OS and primary game boot drives. If installing directly into a PS5 without extra parts, select a version with an attached heatsink.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Crucial P310 2TB stands out for its extensive platform compatibility and power-efficient design, making it an excellent upgrade for modern gaming handhelds and PCs alike. Delivering impressive Gen4 speeds up to 7,100 MB/s, it accelerates boot times and game launches while keeping power consumption low. It offers practical, high-speed storage across diverse devices.

Who Is It For:

Gamers upgrading portable handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Ally X or Legion Go that require energy-efficient M.2 drives. It fits PC users looking for a versatile Gen4 drop-in storage expansion. For direct PS5 console expansion, a model with a built-in heatsink is recommended.