Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose PS5 storage based on how many games you want installed and ready to play at the same time—not how many games you own. Keep active PS5 games on the console or a compatible M.2 SSD; use USB extended storage to archive PS5 games or play PS4 titles. Sony does not specify one ideal capacity for every library, and game installation sizes vary too much for a reliable games-per-terabyte estimate.
Start with the games you want ready to play
Make a short list of the games you expect to play soon, then decide whether they need to be directly playable or can wait in storage. You do not need every purchased game installed at once: PS5 game data can be moved among console storage, an M.2 SSD, and USB extended storage.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Keep active PS5 games ready: use the console’s built-in storage or a compatible M.2 SSD.
- Archive PS5 games: USB extended storage can hold them, but you must copy them back to console storage or M.2 storage before playing.
- Keep PS4 games accessible: PS4 games can be stored and played from USB extended storage.
Do not size a drive by assuming a fixed number of games per terabyte. Sony’s support guidance does not publish a representative game-size average or a library-size forecast, and individual installations differ.
Which PS5 storage option fits your library?
| Storage option | PS5 games | PS4 games | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in console storage | Store and play directly | Store and play directly | Games you play frequently |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Download, store, update, and play directly | Store and play | Expanding capacity while keeping PS5 games ready to launch |
| USB extended storage | Store, then copy back to console or M.2 storage before playing | Store and play directly | Archiving PS5 games or keeping PS4 titles accessible |
Sony’s M.2 SSD installation guidance explains the expansion requirements and management options. Its USB extended storage guidance covers that separate storage role. A game’s data cannot be split across the console and an expansion location, so each game occupies one location at a time.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Choose M.2 if you want more directly playable PS5 capacity
Sony’s current US compatibility guidance lists M.2 NVMe SSDs with capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB. The drive must use PCIe Gen4 x4 and Key M; Sony recommends sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. The recommended speed is a specification guideline, not a promise that every game or drive will perform identically.
Check the complete drive and cooling assembly
An M.2 drive needs effective heat dissipation. Sony’s maximum dimensions include the heat-dissipation structure: up to 25 mm wide, lengths of 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm, and 11.25 mm thick, with additional limits above and below the board. M.2 SATA drives are unsupported. Not every drive that meets the listed specifications is guaranteed to work, so verify the exact SSD and heatsink dimensions against Sony’s current guidance and your console model before buying.
Rank #2
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
Sony says most M.2 SSDs in the supported size categories without a built-in cooling structure will fit the SSD slot, but cooling dimensions vary; check the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not add a second heatsink without checking whether the drive already has one and whether the combined assembly fits.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Move games if needed
You can download PS5 games directly to M.2 storage and move games between console, M.2, and USB extended storage. If a game on M.2 has a problem, Sony advises moving it to console storage.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
Use USB for an archive, not as a direct-play PS5 expansion
Sony’s US preparation guidance lists USB 3.0 or later extended storage from 250 GB to 8 TB. PS4 games can be played from a USB extended-storage device, but PS5 games cannot. To play a PS5 game stored on USB, copy it back to console storage or M.2 storage first. That makes USB useful when you want to keep a larger library without using directly playable capacity for every title, but transfers add a step before play.
For either expansion type, check the live Sony requirements for your region and console hardware revision before purchasing; support details may differ by model or region.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
