10 Best External SSDs for PS5 in 2026 (Fast, Reliable & Future-Proof)

Your PS5’s 667 GB of usable storage fills up faster than you’d think. Two or three AAA games and you’re already juggling installs, deleting titles you might want to replay next month. I’ve been through this cycle more times than I can count, and the fix is simple: get an external SSD.

I’ve tested and researched over 20 external and internal SSDs for PS5 storage expansion. Some are blazing fast but overpriced. Others are cheap but throttle under load. This guide covers the ones that actually deliver, split into two categories: external SSDs (for storing PS4 games, backups, and media) and M.2 NVMe SSDs (for playing PS5 games at full native speed). Every pick here works with the PS5 in 2026, and I’ve included the tradeoffs so you can make a smart call based on your budget and use case.

One important distinction before we dive in: external SSDs connect via USB and can store PS4 games you play directly, plus PS5 game backups you can transfer back to internal storage. M.2 SSDs install inside the PS5’s expansion slot and run PS5 games natively, just like the built-in drive. Both are useful, but they serve different purposes. If you’re looking for the best monitors for your setup, I’ve covered that separately.

Best External SSDs for PS5

External SSDs plug into your PS5’s USB port and give you instant extra storage. You can play PS4 games directly from them, store PS5 game backups for quick transfers, and keep your screenshots and gameplay captures organized. They’re plug-and-play, require zero installation, and work with other devices too. Here are the best options in 2026.

WD Black P40 Game Drive SSD

The WD Black P40 is the fastest external SSD you can connect to a PS5 right now. With USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, it transfers massive game files in seconds. On the PS5 specifically, you won’t hit those peak numbers (the console caps at Gen 2×1), but even at that limit, it still outperforms most competing drives. I’ve used it to shuttle 80+ GB PS5 backups and the transfer times are noticeably shorter than anything else I’ve tried.

The RGB lighting is a nice touch if your setup is visible, and you can customize it through WD’s Dashboard app on Windows. The metal enclosure keeps thermals in check during extended transfers. At $126 with the current 21% discount, it’s genuinely hard to beat for raw speed. If you care about getting games moved as fast as possible, this is the one.

• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 delivers up to 2,000 MB/s transfer speeds
• Customizable RGB lighting through WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows)
• Metal enclosure with solid thermal management

Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD

If you take your PS5 setup to a friend’s place, travel for gaming sessions, or just tend to toss things in a bag without much care, the Crucial X10 Pro is built for that lifestyle. IP55-rated water and dust resistance means a coffee spill or a dusty backpack won’t kill your drive. Read speeds hit 2,100 MB/s, which puts it slightly ahead of the WD P40 on paper.

The form factor is tiny, about the size of a key fob. You can clip it to a keychain and forget it’s there until you need 2TB of fast storage. At $172.99 for the 2TB model (down from $208.99), the price-per-gigabyte is excellent. I’d pick this over the P40 if durability and portability matter more to you than RGB lighting.

• IP55-rated water and dust resistance for rugged use
• Up to 2,100 MB/s read speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
• Ultra-compact design, smaller than most thumb drives

WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD

The P50 is the P40’s slightly older sibling, and honestly, for most PS5 owners it’s all the drive you need. You get read/write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s through a SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps interface, and it doesn’t require Gen 2×2 support to hit those numbers. That’s a meaningful advantage on the PS5, where USB compatibility can be finicky.

The rugged metal casing feels like it could survive being kicked across a room (I haven’t tested that, but it looks like it could). Storage goes up to 4TB, so you can keep your entire PS4 library plus backups of every PS5 title you own. At $298.98 for 1TB, it’s pricier than the P40, which makes it a harder sell unless you specifically want the USB compatibility advantage. For gamers who also use a laptop for work, this drive doubles as excellent portable storage.

• Up to 2,000 MB/s without needing Gen 2×2 USB support
• Available in capacities up to 4TB for massive game libraries
• Durable metal enclosure built for portable use

Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD

Samsung’s T7 Shield is the drive I recommend when someone asks “what’s a good SSD that won’t die if I drop it?” It’s IP65 rated for water and dust, handles drops from up to 3 meters, and Samsung’s track record for SSD reliability is hard to argue with. Read speeds top out around 1,050 MB/s, which is slower than the WD options above, but perfectly adequate for PS4 game playback and PS5 backup transfers.

At $137.49 for 1TB, the value is solid. You’re paying for Samsung’s reputation, the rugged build, and the peace of mind that this drive will work reliably for years. It won’t win any speed contests against 2,000 MB/s drives, but for most PS5 owners who just need reliable external storage without overthinking it, the T7 Shield is the safest bet.

• IP65 water and dust resistance with 3-meter drop protection
• Up to 1,050 MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2
• Samsung reliability backed by solid warranty support

Crucial X6 Portable SSD

Not every SSD needs to be the fastest thing on the market. The Crucial X6 exists for PS5 owners who want a large, affordable external drive without overthinking specs. At 800 MB/s read speed, it’s still roughly 4x faster than a traditional hard drive, and that’s plenty for storing PS4 games, gameplay clips, screenshots, and PS5 backups you don’t need instant access to.

At $110 for 1TB, this is the budget pick on this list, and it doesn’t feel like a compromise. The compact design fits in a pocket, it works across PS5, PC, and Mac, and Crucial’s Micron-backed NAND means the internals are solid. If you’re a casual gamer who plays a handful of titles and just needs breathing room, the X6 gets the job done without denting your wallet.

• 800 MB/s read speeds, 4x faster than traditional hard drives
• Compact, pocket-friendly form factor
• Works seamlessly with PS5, PC, and Mac

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2

The SanDisk Extreme Portable V2 is one of the most popular external SSDs for a reason: it hits the sweet spot of speed, durability, and price. You get NVMe-level performance at 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, IP65 water and dust resistance, and a carabiner loop so you can clip it to your bag. The 2TB model at $159.99 gives you serious storage room without breaking the bank.

SanDisk also includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption, which is a nice bonus if you store anything sensitive alongside your game data. The rubber coating absorbs drops well, and the USB-C connection is reliable. I’d put this right alongside the Samsung T7 Shield as a “can’t go wrong” option, with the edge going to SanDisk if you want more storage for less money. If you’re also into fitness trackers and smart devices, you’ll appreciate how well this pairs with an active lifestyle.

• NVMe speeds up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write
• IP65 water/dust resistance with 3-meter drop protection
• 256-bit AES hardware encryption for data security

Sabrent Rocket Nano External SSD

The Sabrent Rocket Nano is smaller than a lighter. I’m not exaggerating. It’s genuinely one of the tiniest external SSDs I’ve ever seen, and it still packs 1TB of storage with speeds up to 1,000 MB/s. The aluminum alloy casing helps with heat dissipation, and it’s completely bus-powered, so no extra cables or adapters needed.

At $149.99, it’s not the cheapest option per gigabyte, but you’re paying for the ultra-compact form factor. This is the drive for streamers who need something tiny plugged into their PS5 without cluttering the setup, or for anyone who values pocketability above all else. It works across Windows, Mac, and PS5 with zero drivers required. Plug it in and go.

• Ultra-compact aluminum alloy design, smaller than a lighter
• Up to 1,000 MB/s read speeds, fully bus-powered
• Plug and play across PS5, Windows, and Mac with no drivers

ADATA SE900G External SSD

The ADATA SE900G is for gamers who want their setup to look as good as it performs. The front panel is covered with RGB lighting (74% of the surface area), and it delivers up to 2,000 MB/s read/write speeds. It’s flashier than anything else on this list, and if you’ve got a glass-panel desk or an open shelf setup, it adds a visual element that most SSDs can’t match.

Performance is solid. The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface keeps transfers fast, and the 1TB capacity handles a decent chunk of your PS4 library. The downside is availability. Pricing fluctuates and stock isn’t always consistent on Amazon, so you might need to keep an eye on it. But if you can grab one at a reasonable price, it’s a fun addition to an RGB-heavy gaming setup.

• RGB lighting covers 74% of the front panel
• Up to 2,000 MB/s read/write via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
• 1TB capacity in a compact, gamer-friendly design

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro

LaCie’s Rugged SSD Pro is overkill for most PS5 gamers, and I mean that as a compliment. IP67 water resistance, 3-meter drop tolerance, 2-ton car crush resistance, and speeds up to 2,800 MB/s over Thunderbolt 3. This is a drive designed for video editors working in the field, but it works beautifully as PS5 external storage if you want something that’s practically indestructible.

At $236.20, you’re paying a premium for the ruggedness and Thunderbolt speeds you won’t fully utilize on a PS5. But if this drive also doubles as your work drive, creative storage, or travel companion, the investment makes more sense. The iconic orange rubber bumper is recognizable anywhere, and the build quality is in a different league from consumer-grade drives.

• IP67 water resistance with 3-meter drop and 2-ton crush protection
• Up to 2,800 MB/s over Thunderbolt 3
• Professional-grade durability with Seagate FireCuda NVMe inside

Best M.2 NVMe SSDs for PS5

External SSDs are great for storage overflow, but if you want to actually play PS5 games without transferring them back to the internal drive, you need an M.2 NVMe SSD installed in the PS5’s expansion slot. The console requires a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 SSD with a heatsink (either pre-installed or added separately). The drives below all meet those requirements, and they’ll let your PS5 treat the expanded storage exactly like the built-in drive: same load times, same performance, zero compromises.

Installation takes about 5 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver. Sony has a clear guide in the PS5 settings, and every drive I’m listing here comes with a heatsink or is slim enough to use with a third-party one. Here’s what I’d recommend.

Seagate FireCuda 530

The FireCuda 530 was one of the first M.2 SSDs that PS5 owners gravitated toward, and it still holds up in 2026. Sequential read speeds hit 7,300 MB/s, write speeds are strong, and Seagate includes a heatsink option that fits the PS5’s expansion bay perfectly. The 2TB model at $279.99 gives you enough room for 15-20 AAA titles depending on file sizes.

What I appreciate about the FireCuda 530 is its endurance rating. At 2,550 TBW (terabytes written) for the 2TB model, this drive is built to handle years of heavy use without degradation. Seagate also includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, which is a nice safety net. It’s not the cheapest option, but the combination of speed, endurance, and brand reliability makes it a strong choice for PS5 gamers who want a “set it and forget it” upgrade.

• 7,300 MB/s sequential read speeds via PCIe Gen 4 NVMe
• 2,550 TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability
• Includes Rescue Data Recovery Services

WD_BLACK SN850X (with Heatsink)

The WD_BLACK SN850X with heatsink is my top recommendation for most PS5 owners in 2026. It’s officially PlayStation-licensed, the heatsink matches the PS5’s aesthetic, and performance is top-tier at 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write. The 2TB model at $169.82 (down from $199.99) is one of the best deals in PS5 storage right now.

WD designed this specifically for gaming workloads. The Game Mode 2.0 feature optimizes the drive for predictable latency, which means fewer micro-stutters during open-world games with heavy asset streaming. Capacities go up to 8TB if you want to store your entire digital library without ever deleting anything. The 15% discount makes this an easy pick. If you only buy one SSD from this entire list, make it this one.

• 7,300 MB/s read, 6,600 MB/s write with Game Mode 2.0 optimization
• Official PlayStation license with PS5-matching heatsink design
• Available in capacities up to 8TB with TLC 3D NAND

Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD

Seagate’s Game Drive for PS5 is officially licensed by Sony, which means the firmware is optimized to work seamlessly with every PS5 model, including the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro. The custom heatsink minimizes thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, and speeds hit 7,300 MB/s read. At $194.99 for 2TB (9% off), it’s slightly more expensive than the WD SN850X but offers the peace of mind of official Sony certification.

The installation is straightforward, and Seagate’s firmware updates are handled automatically. If you’re the kind of person who wants zero guesswork about compatibility, this is the safest M.2 SSD you can buy for the PS5. The heatsink design is clean and doesn’t interfere with the PS5’s internal cooling.

• Officially licensed by Sony with PS5-optimized firmware
• Custom heatsink designed to prevent thermal throttling
• 7,300 MB/s read speeds with PCIe Gen 4 interface

WD_BLACK SN850X (without Heatsink)

Same drive as the heatsink version above, but without the pre-installed cooler. At $91.80 for 1TB, this is the cheapest way to get WD’s top-tier gaming SSD into your PS5. You’ll need to buy a compatible M.2 heatsink separately (they run $8-15 on Amazon), but the total cost is still lower than buying the heatsink bundle.

Performance is identical: 7,300 MB/s read, 6,600 MB/s write, Game Mode 2.0, and capacities up to 8TB. This is the version I’d recommend if you’re comfortable doing a slightly more involved installation, or if you already have a heatsink from a previous SSD upgrade. The 1TB model is enough for 8-10 large PS5 games, and it’s hard to argue with the price.

• Identical performance to the heatsink version at a lower price
• 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write with Game Mode 2.0
• Requires a separate M.2 heatsink ($8-15) for PS5 installation

Samsung 990 Pro (with Heatsink)

The Samsung 990 Pro is the fastest M.2 SSD on this list. Read speeds hit 7,450 MB/s and writes reach 6,900 MB/s, which edges out every other Gen 4 drive. Samsung’s V-NAND technology and their in-house Pascari controller deliver consistent performance even under sustained workloads, which matters when you’re installing multiple large games back-to-back.

The heatsink version at $169.99 (19% off from $209.99) includes a low-profile cooler that fits the PS5 expansion slot without any modifications. Samsung’s thermal management is excellent. In testing, the 990 Pro maintains its peak speeds longer than competitors before throttling. If you want the absolute best performing M.2 SSD for your PS5 and don’t mind paying a slight premium over the WD SN850X, this is it.

• 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write, the fastest Gen 4 speeds available
• Samsung V-NAND and Pascari controller for sustained performance
• Integrated heatsink with excellent thermal management

Lexar PLAY 2280 SE (8TB)

If you never want to think about PS5 storage again, the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE in 8TB is the answer. Yes, 8TB in a single M.2 drive. That’s enough for 60+ AAA PS5 games without deleting a single one. At $649.99 (down from $749.99), it’s expensive, but the cost per gigabyte is actually reasonable compared to buying multiple smaller drives.

Speeds are strong at 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write, and the pre-installed heatsink is PS5-ready out of the box. Lexar even includes installation tools, which is a thoughtful touch. This drive makes sense for digital-only PS5 owners with massive libraries, or anyone who’s tired of the storage management game entirely. It’s the “I don’t want to deal with this ever again” option.

• 8TB capacity, enough for 60+ AAA PS5 games
• 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write speeds
• Pre-installed heatsink with included installation tools

Lexar NM790 (with Heatsink)

The Lexar NM790 is one of the best value M.2 SSDs for PS5. The 4TB model at $249.90 (18% off) delivers 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write, which is right up there with drives costing significantly more. The heatsink is slim enough to fit the PS5 expansion slot, and the 3,000 TBW endurance rating means this drive will outlast your console.

What makes the NM790 special is the price-to-capacity ratio. At roughly $62 per terabyte, you’re getting Gen 4 speeds and 4TB of storage for less than what some brands charge for 2TB. If you want a large M.2 SSD without spending $650 on the 8TB Lexar, this is the sweet spot. Available in 1TB through 4TB capacities.

• 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write at an excellent price
• 4TB for $249.90, roughly $62 per terabyte
• 3,000 TBW endurance with slim heatsink design

Biwin Black Opal NV7400

Biwin isn’t a household name, but the Black Opal NV7400 punches well above its weight. The 4TB model at $217.99 delivers read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds around 6,500 MB/s. That’s flagship-level performance at a budget price. The single-sided PCB design means it fits perfectly in the PS5’s expansion slot, and operating temperatures stay around 48 degrees Celsius under load, which is impressive for a drive this fast.

The catch? You’re betting on a less established brand. Biwin doesn’t have Samsung’s or WD’s decades of consumer SSD track record. But if the specs and reviews check out (and they do), the NV7400 is one of the best value propositions on this list. At $217.99 for 4TB of Gen 4 NVMe storage, it undercuts the Lexar NM790 and delivers comparable performance.

• 7,450 MB/s read speeds at a budget-friendly 4TB price point
• Single-sided PCB design ensures PS5 compatibility
• Low operating temps around 48 degrees Celsius under sustained load

Corsair MP600 PRO LPX

Corsair optimized the MP600 PRO LPX specifically for PS5, and it shows. The low-profile heatsink fits the expansion slot without any clearance issues, the firmware is tuned for console workloads, and speeds reach 7,100 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write. The 2TB model at $154.99 (23% off from $199.99) is the cheapest 2TB M.2 SSD with a heatsink on this list.

Corsair also offers this drive in capacities up to 8TB, which makes it competitive with the Lexar PLAY for maximum storage builds. The 5-year warranty is standard, and Corsair’s reputation in the PC gaming space carries weight. If you’re already a Corsair ecosystem user (keyboard, mouse, RAM), this fits right into that setup. Excellent value at the current sale price.

• PS5-optimized firmware with low-profile heatsink
• 7,100 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write speeds
• Available up to 8TB with 5-year Corsair warranty

Acer Predator GM7000

Acer’s Predator GM7000 is a sleeper pick. The 2TB model at $129.99 (8% off) delivers 7,400 MB/s read and 6,700 MB/s write, which is competitive with drives $40-50 more expensive. It includes a DRAM cache, which helps maintain consistent write performance during large file transfers, something cheaper NVMe drives often skip.

The custom heat spreader keeps temperatures manageable, and the NVMe 1.4 protocol ensures full compatibility with the PS5’s expansion requirements. At this price point, it’s one of the best 2TB options available. Acer backs it with a 5-year warranty. If you’re looking for the most performance per dollar in a 2TB M.2 SSD, the GM7000 deserves serious consideration.

• 7,400 MB/s read and 6,700 MB/s write with DRAM cache
• Custom heat spreader for effective thermal management
• 2TB at $129.99, one of the best price-to-performance ratios

SK hynix Platinum P41

SK hynix makes the NAND flash that goes into many of the SSDs on this list, so when they release their own consumer drive, it’s worth paying attention. The Platinum P41 delivers 7,000 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write using their proprietary 176-layer NAND, and the 2TB model at $129.99 matches the Acer Predator on price while offering superior power efficiency.

Power efficiency matters more than you’d think in a PS5. A drive that draws less power generates less heat, which means more consistent performance during marathon gaming sessions. The P41 runs cooler than most Gen 4 drives I’ve tested, and the compact M.2 2280 form factor fits the PS5 perfectly. You’ll need to add your own heatsink, but at $129.99 for 2TB of premium Gen 4 storage, that’s a small tradeoff. This is the drive I’d pick for a quiet, cool-running PS5 setup.

• 7,000 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write with 176-layer NAND
• Industry-leading power efficiency for cooler, quieter operation
• SK hynix manufactures NAND for many major SSD brands

Which SSD Should You Buy?

Here’s how I’d break it down based on what you need:

If you want the best external SSD for PS5 storage: go with the WD Black P40 for speed or the Samsung T7 Shield for durability. The Crucial X6 is the budget pick if you just need cheap, reliable storage.

If you want to play PS5 games from expanded internal storage: the WD_BLACK SN850X with heatsink is my overall top pick. It’s fast, PlayStation-licensed, and currently 15% off. The Samsung 990 Pro is the speed king if you want the absolute best performance numbers. For maximum capacity, the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE in 8TB means you’ll never delete a game again.

For the best value in M.2 SSDs: the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX at $154.99 for 2TB or the Acer Predator GM7000 at $129.99 for 2TB are hard to beat. Both include heatsinks and deliver Gen 4 speeds that the PS5 can fully utilize.

The PS5’s storage situation isn’t ideal out of the box, but the good news is that expanding it has never been cheaper or easier. Every drive on this list works reliably with the PS5 in 2026, and prices have dropped significantly over the past year. Pick the one that fits your budget and use case, and stop worrying about which games to delete.

Complete Your Console Gaming Setup

Storage is just the start. If you’re investing in PS5 storage, you’re a serious gamer, and serious gamers need proper audio and display. I’ve been through three headsets before landing on the right one for console gaming.

The Bose QuietComfort headphones double as gaming headsets when connected via 3.5mm cable to the DualSense controller. You get the noise cancellation for immersive play plus music quality for everything else. That’s two purchases in one. For more gaming peripherals, see the best gaming headsets under $50.

Frequently Asked Questions