10 Best External SSDs for PS5 in 2025 (Fast, Reliable & Future-Proof)
If you’re running out of space on your PS5, you’re not alone. With game installs ballooning past 100 GB and updates adding another 20–30 GB on top, the stock 825 GB usable storage just doesn’t cut it anymore.
That’s where external SSDs come in.
They’re faster than old-school HDDs, more durable, and most importantly—they make storing your PS4 games, gameplay captures, and even PS5 backups a breeze. While PS5 games can’t be played directly from external SSDs, you can transfer them back and forth quickly without re-downloading.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through, first, 10 of the best external SSDs for PS5. Please note that these aren’t M2.SSDs that can be inserted into the PlayStation 5 console. These are plain yet powerful SSDs that are supported not only on PlayStation but also on Windows, Mac, and other compatible devices.
And then, I will cover the best internal SSDs for PS5 (also known as M2.SSD).
Table of Contents
Best External SSDs for PS5
WD Black P40
Let’s start strong. The WD Black P40 isn’t just fast—it’s blisteringly fast.
If your setup supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (some newer PS5 docks and PCs do), you’re looking at transfer speeds above 2,000 MB/s. That’s almost too fast for a console. It handles massive files, gameplay footage, and backup transfers without even flinching.
- Speeds rival internal NVMe SSDs
- Excellent thermals thanks to its metal body
- Looks and feels premium
You need the right port to fully utilize its power. On PS5, you won’t get Gen 2×2 support—but even at Gen 2×1, it still beats most drives.
If you’re after raw speed, this is the beast to get. Especially useful if you do a lot of transferring or record high-res gameplay clips.
Crucial X10 Pro
If your gaming happens across locations—or you just throw stuff in your bag and hope for the best—the Crucial X10 Pro is a no-brainer.
With IP55-rated protection and solid read speeds (~2,100 MB/s), it’s both fast and adventure-proof. It may not have the absolute fastest write speeds, but for game transfers, it’s more than capable.
Best part? It’s ultra-portable. About the size of a key fob, but powerful enough to store your entire PS5 archive.
A sweet mix of speed, portability, and durability. Great for students, travelers, and messy desks.
WD Black P50
Now this one hits the sweet spot.
The WD Black P50 is basically the P40’s slightly older brother. It delivers read/write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, uses the same solid enclosure, and works flawlessly with PS5’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.
Unlike the P40, you won’t need Gen 2×2 support to max it out. It gives you 90% of the speed at 70% of the price.
If you want performance without shelling out for the absolute best, the P50 is the most balanced buy right now.
Samsung T7 Shield
Samsung’s SSDs have always been about reliability, and the T7 Shield pushes that reputation further with IP65-rated dust/water resistance and military-grade drop protection.
It’s a bit slower, with speeds around 1,050 MB/s, but that’s still solid for PS4 game storage, backups, and even some moderate PS5 file transfers.
Not the fastest—but the best choice if you’re clumsy or always on the move.
Crucial X6
Not every SSD needs to break benchmarks. The Crucial X6 is the kind of storage that’s perfect if you need mass space at minimum spend.
With read speeds around 800 MB/s, it’s still 4x faster than your average hard disk. For storing PS4 games, videos, screenshots, or games you don’t play often—it’s more than enough.
Your budget hero. Great for casual gamers and backup freaks.
SanDisk Extreme Portable V2
This one’s a popular pick—and for good reason. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 offers up to 1,050 MB/s read/write speeds, decent durability (IP55 rated), and is small enough to live in your pocket.
It also comes with 256-bit AES encryption, in case you’re storing sensitive data alongside your game captures.
A solid middle-ground option for gamers who want performance, security, and durability in one sleek unit.
Sabrent Rocket Nano
Looking for something ultra-compact? The Sabrent Rocket Nano is smaller than a lighter but packs a serious punch.
Speeds go up to 1,000 MB/s, and it comes in an aluminum alloy casing that helps keep thermals low. It’s a favorite among digital nomads, streamers, and anyone who needs a backup SSD that fits literally anywhere.
A niche favorite that delivers surprisingly well. Ideal for those who love tiny tech.
ADATA SE900G
Yes, it has RGB—and no, it’s not just for looks.
The ADATA SE900G lights up while offering up to 2,000 MB/s read/write speeds. It’s a bit flashier than others, but that makes it a cool addition to RGB-heavy gaming setups.
If you want style and substance, this one earns gamer cred without compromising on performance.
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
LaCie is usually known for its video editing drives, but the Rugged SSD Pro works just as well for PS5 backups.
With IP67 protection, 3-meter drop resistance, and 2,800 MB/s speeds (over Thunderbolt), this one’s more than the PS5 needs—but it’s futureproofed for life beyond gaming.
A tank of an SSD. Expensive, but practically unkillable.
Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD
Seagate’s FireCuda Gaming SSD is another flashy pick, made with gamers in mind. RGB lighting, aggressive styling, and 2,000 MB/s speeds make it a competitive option.
It works seamlessly with the PS5’s USB interface and comes with Seagate’s decent warranty and support.
It may be more flash than function—but if you love the look and want solid speeds, you’ll enjoy this one.
Best M2.SSDs for PS5
Here are the best M2.SSDs for PS5 that you can install PS5 games on and play with native experience. It is important to pick an M2.SSD that has a heatsink. I am currently using Samsung 990 Pro, with heatsink in my PS5.
WD Black SN850P (PS5‑licensed)
- Read/Write: ~7,300 MB/s read, ~6,600 MB/s write
- Official PlayStation license, built-in heatsink matching PS5 design, PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe, capacities up to 8TB, 5‑year warranty.
Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD
- Read/Write: ~7,300 MB/s read, ~6,000 MB/s write
- Official Sony license, easy installation, PCIe Gen 4 speeds, optimized for PS5 storage expansion.
WD Black SN850X (bare)
- Read/Write: Up to 7,300 MB/s read, 6,600 MB/s write
- PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, high endurance, ideal for adding custom heatsinks, 5‑year warranty.
Samsung 990 Pro (with heatsink)
- Read/Write: 7,450 MB/s read, 6,900 MB/s write
- PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, integrated heatsink, low power consumption, exceptional thermal control.
Lexar PLAY 2280 SE
- Read/Write: ~7,000 MB/s read, ~6,000 MB/s write
- Pre-installed heatsink, PS5-ready, includes installation tools, budget-friendly high capacity.
Lexar NM790 (with heatsink)
- Read/Write: ~7,000 MB/s read, ~6,200 MB/s write
- PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, great price-to-performance ratio, available in 1TB–4TB, slim heatsink design.
Biwin Black Opal NV7400
- ASIN: B0CD6X5M7M (2TB)
- Read/Write: Up to 7,370 MB/s read, 6,336 MB/s write
- Affordable, low operating temps (~48°C under load), single-sided design for PS5 compatibility.
Corsair MP600 PRO LPX (8TB)
- Read/Write: ~7,000 MB/s read, ~6,100 MB/s write
- Massive capacity up to 8TB, built-in heatsink, optimized firmware for PS5, 5‑year warranty.
Acer Predator GM7000 (4TB)
- Read/Write: ~7,400 MB/s read, ~6,400 MB/s write
- Competitive pricing for high capacity, PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, durable design, 5‑year warranty.
SK hynix Platinum P41 (2TB)
- Read/Write: ~7,000 MB/s read, ~6,500 MB/s write
- Consistent Gen 4 performance, excellent reliability, energy-efficient, solid thermal control.
Final Thoughts
The PS5’s built‑in SSD is lightning‑fast—but its storage fills up before you know it. That’s where these M.2 SSDs come in. Unlike external drives, they let you store and play PS5 games natively, with load times as quick (or quicker) than the factory drive.
Here’s the quick hit:
- Go for the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X/SN850P if you want maximum speed and long‑term reliability.
- Choose Corsair MP600 PRO LPX (8TB) or Lexar PLAY 2280 SE if you crave massive game libraries without constant swapping.
- Pick Biwin NV7400 or Lexar NM790 if you want solid performance without breaking the bank.
With the right M.2 SSD, you can forget the hassle of deleting titles or waiting hours to re‑download a 100GB game—your PS5 will feel like it just leveled up.
If you just need a storage option to save media files or PlayStation games that you could move into internal drive:
- Go with the WD Black P40 or P50 if speed is your priority
- Choose Crucial X10 Pro for rugged portability
- Pick Samsung T7 Shield or Crucial X6 if you want durability or budget wins
As long as you understand that PS5 won’t play native games directly from external drives, any of these SSDs will elevate your storage game—and save you from the agony of re-downloading 100 GB every time you swap titles.
Last update on 2024-11-21 using Amazon Product Advertising API.
