Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Buy the disc console if you will use physical PS5 or PS4 games or disc movies. Buy the Digital Edition if your library and future purchases are digital. The gap is smaller than it once was: some Digital Editions can add a disc drive later. That only works for specific model groups, so check the model number first.
The two consoles side by side
Figures below come from Sony’s UK pages, so specifications and availability may differ in your market.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Feature | PS5 with disc drive | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Stated storage | 1 TB | 825 GB |
| Built-in disc drive | Yes | No |
| Physical PS5 and PS4 games | Yes, on Blu-ray discs | Only with a compatible add-on drive |
| Digital downloads from PlayStation Store | Yes | Yes |
| Optional disc drive | Not needed | Sold separately, for specified model groups only |
Sources: PlayStation, PS5 consoles page and the CFI-21XX instruction manual. Sony describes the Digital Edition as “An all-digital version of the PS5 console with no disc drive.”
Recommended Free Tools
Both consoles download digital games. The real difference is whether you can use physical discs.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
A quick decision guide
Choose the disc console if…
- You own physical PS4 or PS5 games, or plan to buy used or discounted discs.
- You want to watch Blu-ray, DVD or 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. Sony’s support page lists support for these formats on disc-capable PS5 systems.
- You want the larger stated capacity (1 TB).
Choose the Digital Edition if…
- Your library is already on PlayStation Store and you are comfortable buying that way.
- You have no use for discs and prefer a console without a built-in drive.
- You are fine with 825 GB, or plan to manage installed games.
Think twice about the Digital Edition if…
- You might want discs later. An add-on drive costs extra and works only with certain models (see below).
- You have an original CFI-1000 Digital Edition. Sony’s support page says it does not support disc-based games or media.
Storage: read the numbers carefully
Sony lists 1 TB for the disc console and 825 GB for the Digital Edition. These are the custom SSD capacities as stated, not free space. System software and installed games use part of it, so usable space will be lower on both.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adding a disc drive to a Digital Edition
Sony’s CFI-ZDD1-series Disc Drive is sold separately. Sony’s support page identifies it as an add-on for CFI-2000 Digital Edition and CFI-7000 model group consoles. Sony’s UK console page specifies CFI-2000 and CFI-2100 Digital Edition model groups and PS5 Pro.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #3
- 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; Ultra HD Blu-ray, up to 100GB/disc.
- 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: Playstation 5 PS5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, AC Power Cord. HDMI cable.
Rank #2
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, Disc Drive, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold separately
- Find your exact model number before buying. The original CFI-1000 Digital Edition is excluded from disc use.
- Pairing the drive with the console during setup requires an internet connection, according to Sony.
- Add the drive’s price to the console price when comparing. This article states no prices because they vary by market, retailer and bundle. Compare same-market prices at the time you buy.
How to weigh the price difference
- Estimate how many discs you would buy in the next two years and whether used or discounted copies would offset the console price.
- Check current prices for both consoles in your country, including any bundles.
- If you are on the fence, price the Digital Edition plus the compatible drive. If that total approaches the disc console’s price, the disc model is the simpler choice.
- If you are certain you will stay digital, the Digital Edition is built for that.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
