Choose a PS5 with a disc drive if you own PS4 or PS5 game discs, want to buy or borrow physical games, or play movies from discs. Choose the Digital Edition if you buy games through PlayStation Store and do not need disc playback. If you already have a Digital Edition, a separate drive can be added only to supported console models.
What changes between the two PS5 options?
The disc-drive PS5 plays compatible PS5 and PS4 game discs as well as downloaded games. The Digital Edition has no drive included and plays games you download. That difference matters most if you already own discs or want the choice to buy, borrow, or resell physical copies.
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Sony’s US product page lists a 1TB disc-drive PS5 and an 825GB Digital Edition. These are the storage figures on that page, not universal specifications for every region, bundle, or model; check the local listing for the exact console you are considering. Sony’s US PS5 buying page
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Which one fits your games and media?
| Need | PS5 with disc drive | Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Existing PS4 or PS5 game discs | Plays compatible game discs | Cannot use game discs |
| Buying games | Physical discs and digital downloads | Digital downloads |
| Eligible PS4 disc-game upgrade | May claim an eligible upgrade; the original disc is still required to play | Cannot use a PS4 disc to claim or play the disc-based upgrade |
| Movie discs | Drive-equipped models support specified disc formats | No disc playback unless you add a compatible drive |
| Adding disc capability later | Drive is built in | Possible only for supported model groups with a separately sold drive |
| Storage on Sony’s reviewed US page | 1TB | 825GB |
This is a capability comparison, not a guarantee that physical games will always cost less or that one model is the better deal. The sources do not establish comparable current prices or bundle values, so compare live local listings before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
Check your PS4 games before choosing
PlayStation Support says the PS5 is backward compatible with the majority of PS4 games, but compatibility is not universal. A PS4 game disc can be used only in a PS5 with a disc drive; Sony states, “PS4® game discs can’t be used with the PS5 Digital Edition.” PS3 game discs are not supported. For a particular title, check its compatibility details rather than assuming it will work. PlayStation Support: PS5 backward compatibility
PS4 disc upgrades are not the same as owning a digital copy
Some PS4 disc games have an eligible upgrade offer to a digital PS5 version. The offer and any upgrade price depend on the game. You need a disc-drive PS5 to use the disc-based offer, and the original PS4 disc must remain inserted each time you play the upgraded PS5 game. PlayStation Support: upgrading a PS4 game to a PS5 version
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
Can you add a drive to a Digital Edition later?
Yes, but only if your console is a compatible model. Sony’s product information identifies the separately sold drive for specified slim Digital Edition CFI-2000 and CFI-2100 model groups; its US buying page also lists PS5 Pro compatibility. The drive supports 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and supported game discs. Internet access is required to pair the drive with the console during setup. Sony: PS5 Disc Drive
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Find the console’s model number on the console or its packaging.
- Compare that number with Sony’s current compatibility information for the drive before ordering.
- Plan to connect the console to the internet for the initial pairing process.
Do not assume that a drive sold for one PS5 model fits another; confirm the exact model group on Sony’s page.
Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
What Sony’s US page says about future physical releases
As of the date checked, Sony’s US PS5 buying page displayed a notice that newly released PlayStation games would be available for purchase in digital format only from January 2028. The notice also says discs for games released before January 2028 can continue to be played on the console. This is wording on Sony’s US page and should not be treated as a global policy statement; check the relevant regional page for current terms. Sony’s US PS5 buying page
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Make the choice based on what you actually use
- Choose the disc-drive PS5 if you own compatible PS4 or PS5 discs, expect to borrow or buy physical games, want disc-based movie playback, or want both physical and digital options.
- Choose the Digital Edition if your games are digital and you do not need disc playback. If you may want a drive later, first verify that the specific Digital Edition model supports Sony’s add-on drive.
Check the exact regional SKU, included storage, bundle contents, and local price before you purchase; Sony’s listed options and bundles can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
- 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
- Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
- Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Rank #4
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
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.
