For most buyers, get the PS5 Slim with a disc drive. It runs current PS5 games, plays the overwhelming majority of PS4 titles, accepts used and new game discs, and includes 1TB of internal storage. Choose the PS5 Slim Digital Edition only if your library is entirely downloaded and you want the lowest official entry price. Choose the PS5 Pro if you have a strong 4K/120Hz television or monitor and will pay substantially more for sharper image quality, advanced ray tracing, PSSR upscaling and 2TB of storage. A used PS4 makes sense for a strict budget or a specific PS4-only need, not as the normal choice for a new buyer.
This guide compares the four options by price, storage, disc ownership, graphics, PS4 compatibility, future releases and used-hardware risk, then gives a decision path for each type of buyer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
PlayStation options at a glance
| Console | U.S. RRP (April 2, 2026) | Storage listed by Sony | Disc drive | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 Slim | $649.99 | 1TB | Built in | Most buyers; physical and digital libraries |
| PS5 Slim Digital Edition | $599.99 | 825GB | None; compatible drive can be added | Download-only players seeking the lowest official price |
| PS5 Pro | $899.99 | 2TB | None; Sony Disc Drive sold separately | Enthusiasts with a high-quality 4K/120Hz display |
| Used PS4 | Not standardized by Sony | PS4 Slim configurations up to 1TB | Depends on the unit | Strict budgets, children or a specific PS4 requirement |
The listed prices are Sony Interactive Entertainment U.S. recommended retail prices. Retailer pricing, bundles, taxes and prices in other countries can differ. Sony does not publish a standardized used-PS4 price or warranty because those depend on the seller and the individual console.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why the PS5 Slim disc model is the default recommendation
The current PS5 model with a built-in Blu-ray drive is the least restrictive purchase. It plays PS5 and PS4 game discs, runs downloaded games, and gives you the option to buy used physical software, resell games or borrow discs. Its 1TB internal SSD is also larger than the Digital Edition’s listed 825GB.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
That flexibility matters because a digital-only purchase cannot read a PS4 disc collection later. The disc model also avoids paying for a separate drive if you change your mind. At Sony’s April 2026 U.S. RRP, it costs less than the PS5 Pro while retaining access to the same broad PS5 software catalog.
Who should choose it
- You own PS4 or PS5 discs, or expect to buy used games.
- You want one console for both downloads and physical media.
- You are replacing an older PlayStation and want the safest compatibility choice.
- You do not have a 4K/120Hz display that would make the Pro’s image upgrades easier to see.
When the PS5 Slim Digital Edition is the better buy
The Digital Edition is sensible when every game you own is downloaded, you do not collect discs and the lower official price matters more than physical-media flexibility. Sony lists 825GB of storage and no built-in drive. You can add a compatible Disc Drive later, but that changes the total cost and requires an internet connection to pair the drive during setup.
Buying digital also means accepting the rules of the PlayStation Store: games are tied to your account, and you cannot trade or lend a digital license like a disc. A digital console is therefore best for a buyer who has already decided that convenience and downloads outweigh resale value and used-game bargains.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck these points before choosing digital
- Confirm that every PS4 disc you might want to keep has a digital replacement or that you are willing to abandon it.
- Allow for the smaller listed storage capacity when choosing large modern game installs.
- Price the console together with the optional drive if you might want discs later; the apparent saving can shrink.
- Remember that adding the drive does not turn the console into a used-PS4 replacement for every accessory or workflow.
What the PS5 Pro adds—and who can see the difference
Sony positions the PS5 Pro as an image-quality upgrade rather than a separate game platform. Its launch configuration includes a 2TB SSD, advanced ray tracing, high-frame-rate gameplay and AI-driven upscaling called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). The goal is to preserve sharper detail while maintaining smoother performance in games that support the relevant enhancements.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The Pro is most defensible for an enthusiast with a high-quality 4K/120Hz display, a seating position close enough to reveal fine detail, and a willingness to pay the premium. On a basic 1080p television, or when you normally play at 60Hz, the visible benefit is likely to be smaller because the display cannot show as much of the extra resolution, frame-rate headroom or ray-tracing detail.
Important Pro limitation: no built-in disc drive
The PS5 Pro does not include a disc drive in its standard configuration. Sony’s compatible Disc Drive is a separate accessory. If you need PS4 or PS5 discs, add that accessory and its cost before comparing the Pro with a disc-equipped PS5 Slim. Disc-based upgrades also require a console that can read the original disc.
Choose the Pro when all of these are true
- You already own, or plan to buy, a 4K/120Hz-capable display.
- You care about image clarity, ray-traced lighting and performance modes more than the lowest purchase price.
- You want 2TB of listed internal storage without starting with the smaller Digital Edition capacity.
- You accept that the disc drive is an additional purchase if you use physical games.
PS4 games and discs on PS5
Backward compatibility is one of the PS5’s strongest reasons to buy new. Sony said at the PS5 launch in 2020 that more than 99% of the 4,000-plus PS4 games were playable on PS5 on day one. Sony’s current support information describes the compatible catalog as the overwhelming majority of PS4 games and thousands of titles.
Recommended Free Tools
Compatibility is not the same as identical performance in every title. A game can run through backward compatibility while still retaining its original resolution, frame-rate cap or online-service status. Check an individual game’s current support listing if a particular title is the deciding factor.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Playing a PS4 disc
A PS4 game disc works only in a PS5 model with a disc drive. Insert the disc, install or download any required data and keep the disc in the drive whenever you launch the game. The PS5 Digital Edition cannot read PS4 discs, even though it can run many of the same games when obtained digitally.
Upgrading a PS4 disc to a PS5 version
Eligible disc-based upgrades also require a PS5 with a drive because the console must verify the original disc. A digital-only PS5 cannot perform that verification. Upgrade eligibility, pricing and whether the disc must remain inserted are set by the publisher and can differ by game, so check the game’s store page before assuming an upgrade is included.
Physical ownership versus an all-digital library
| Question | Disc-equipped PS5 | Digital Edition | PS5 Pro standard configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can it read PS4 discs? | Yes | No | No, unless the separate Disc Drive is installed |
| Can it play downloaded games? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can you buy used discs or resell games? | Yes | No | Only with the separate drive |
| Can a drive be added later? | Not needed | Yes; compatible drive and internet pairing required | Yes; Sony Disc Drive sold separately |
Physical ownership can reduce software costs over time because discs can be bought second-hand, lent to a household member or resold. Digital ownership is quieter and more convenient, but it depends on account access and store availability. Neither format removes the need for downloads and updates for many games.
Storage: 825GB, 1TB or 2TB
Sony lists 825GB for the PS5 Digital Edition, 1TB for the disc-equipped PS5 and 2TB for the PS5 Pro launch configuration. The difference is practical: large current-generation installs can fill the smaller drive sooner, especially if several games remain installed simultaneously.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If you choose the Digital Edition, plan your library around its listed capacity or budget for compatible SSD expansion later. The Pro’s 2TB capacity is useful, but it should not by itself justify the price if you do not also value its graphics features. Storage is an ongoing convenience factor; ray tracing and PSSR are the Pro’s performance reasons.
Is a used PS4 still worth buying?
A used PS4 can be the right low-cost console for a child, a second room or a player focused on a particular PS4-only title or peripheral. Sony describes the PS4 Slim as slimmer and lighter than the original PS4, with configurations offering up to 1TB of storage.
It is not the default recommendation for a new buyer because it gives up PS5 performance, PS5-only releases and the faster current-generation experience, while most PS4 games already run on PS5. The financial advantage is real only if the seller’s price and condition are attractive; Sony does not establish a universal used-market value or warranty.
Used-PS4 inspection checklist
- Confirm the exact model. Verify whether it is a PS4 Slim, original PS4 or PS4 Pro, and check the advertised storage.
- Test startup and shutdown. The console should boot without repeated database-rebuild messages, unexpected power loss or overheating warnings.
- Check the disc drive. Insert and eject a known-good disc, listen for grinding and verify that the game is recognized.
- Test ports and networking. Confirm HDMI output, USB ports, Wi-Fi and, if needed, wired Ethernet.
- Inspect the controller. Check stick drift, trigger function, charging and wireless pairing; replacing a controller changes the real cost.
- Verify account removal. The seller should deactivate the console from their account and reset it so you can sign in with your own account.
- Get written return terms. A short test period or seller warranty is more valuable than an unverified low price.
Future releases and the 2028 digital-only statement
Sony’s current PS5 product page states: “From Jan. 2028, newly released games on PlayStation will be available for purchase on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital format only.” This is a statement about newly released games from that date; it does not erase your existing discs or automatically make every older title digital-only.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If you expect to buy new releases for several years, a PS5 is the safer platform than a used PS4 because PS5-only software is already part of the market and future releases are designed around current hardware. The statement also means a disc drive remains most valuable for your existing PS4/PS5 collection and for physical games that are available before the policy takes effect, rather than as a guarantee that every future release will ship on a disc.
Decision guide by buyer type
Choose the PS5 Slim with disc drive if…
You want the least complicated answer, own any discs, shop used games, or want the freedom to change formats later. It covers the broadest set of use cases without paying the Pro premium.
Choose the PS5 Slim Digital Edition if…
Your library is already digital, your internet connection is reliable for downloads, you do not need PS4 discs and the lower official price is important. Treat the optional drive as a future cost, not a free upgrade.
PC 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 & 11Crashes, 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 minuteChoose the PS5 Pro if…
You are an enthusiast who can see and appreciate improvements on a 4K/120Hz display, wants advanced ray tracing and PSSR-supported image quality, and accepts the separate-drive issue and higher total spend.
Choose a used PS4 if…
Your budget is tightly capped, you need a second or child-friendly console, or one specific PS4 game or accessory is the priority. Buy only after testing the hardware and securing clear return terms.
Bottom line
The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is the strongest all-purpose choice in 2026: current PS5 games, broad PS4 compatibility, physical-media support and 1TB storage in one machine. Go digital for a deliberate download-only setup, go Pro for display-driven enthusiast upgrades, and buy a used PS4 only when its lower, seller-dependent price outweighs the loss of PS5 performance and future access.
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.
