Your PS5’s internal storage fills up faster than anyone expects, and with modern titles routinely swallowing 100GB or more, a compatible M.2 expansion drive has become essential rather than optional. The good news is that installing one is genuinely simple, and prices per terabyte have fallen far enough that doubling or tripling your console’s capacity no longer feels like a luxury purchase in 2026.
Not every NVMe drive is a good fit, though. Sony requires a PCIe Gen 4 drive with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s and, crucially, adequate cooling via a heatsink. Below we cover exactly what to look for and then review standout options ranging from officially licensed WD_BLACK drives to fast, heatsink-equipped value picks that slot right into the expansion bay.
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Watch: Best M.2 SSD For PS5 2026 — Video Review
How to Choose a PS5 SSD
- Meet Sony’s speed floor: Choose a PCIe Gen 4 drive rated for at least 5,500 MB/s sequential reads so games load exactly as they do from the built-in storage.
- Heatsink is non-negotiable: The expansion slot runs hot, so pick a drive with a low-profile heatsink or add one to prevent thermal throttling and shutdowns.
- Right physical size: Only single-sided or heatsink-equipped M.2 2280 drives fit cleanly under the bay cover, so confirm the form factor before buying.
- Capacity for the long haul: 2TB is the current sweet spot for most players, while 1TB suits lighter libraries and 4TB future-proofs a big collection.
- Officially licensed vs third-party: Licensed drives guarantee a perfect fit and cooling, but well-reviewed third-party drives with heatsinks often deliver the same experience for less.
The Best PS5 SSDs Reviewed
WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB
Officially licensed by Sony, this drive is engineered specifically for the PS5, arriving with a properly sized heatsink and validated performance that clears Sony’s requirements with ease. If you want the safest possible choice with zero guesswork about compatibility or cooling, this is the drive that simply works the moment you close the expansion cover.
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB
A darling of the PC world, the 990 PRO brings elite Gen 4 speeds up to 7,450 MB/s to the PS5 and pairs beautifully with a low-profile heatsink. Its efficiency and endurance make it a superb long-term pick, and it doubles as a top-tier boot drive if you ever repurpose it for a desktop build later on.
Acer Predator GM7 2TB
This drive hits the sweet spot of speed and value, delivering reads up to 7,400 MB/s that comfortably exceed the console’s needs. It is a smart choice for players who want flagship-class throughput without paying flagship prices, though you will want to pair it with a compatible heatsink for sustained sessions.
MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB
Purpose-built for the PS5, this option ships with a heatsink already attached and uses TLC NAND for dependable sustained performance. Rated well above Sony’s 5,500 MB/s minimum, it is a tidy all-in-one package for buyers who would rather not source and install a separate cooler themselves.
WD_BLACK SN850P 1TB
The 1TB version of WD’s licensed drive is the ideal entry point for players with a focused library who mostly rotate a handful of titles. You get the same guaranteed compatibility and included heatsink as the larger model at a lower cost, adding a meaningful chunk of fast, ready-to-use storage in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a heatsink on my PS5 SSD?
Yes. The expansion slot generates significant heat, and without a heatsink the drive can throttle or trigger a thermal shutdown. Choose a drive with one pre-installed or add a low-profile heatsink yourself.
How fast does the SSD need to be?
Sony specifies a PCIe Gen 4 drive with a minimum sequential read of 5,500 MB/s. Faster drives are fine and future-proof, but the console will not load games meaningfully quicker beyond that threshold.
Is installation difficult?
Not at all. You remove the console’s side panel, unscrew the expansion bay cover, seat the drive with a single screw, and let the PS5 format it automatically. The whole process takes only a few minutes.
Can I move my games between internal and expansion storage?
Yes. PS5 games run directly from the M.2 drive, and you can freely copy or move titles between the internal storage and your expansion drive through the console’s storage settings menu.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your PS5’s storage is one of the easiest and most satisfying upgrades you can make in 2026. For guaranteed peace of mind the officially licensed WD_BLACK SN850P is the obvious pick, while the Samsung 990 PRO offers elite speed for enthusiasts. Whatever you choose, confirm it is a Gen 4 drive with proper cooling and you will never fight the storage warning again.
