2026 is already shaping up to not be the year I had hoped for the best cheap PS5 SSDs. High-capacity NVMe SSDs have shot up in price over the last few months, likely a knock-on effect from the ongoing RAM supply crisis. As a result, finding some of the top-performing drives at reasonably discounted prices isn't an easy feat, but there are still some savings to be found if you know where to look.
That roadblock hasn't stopped us from scouring every inch of the internet to pick out the best SSDs for PS5 for this list. We've tried to ensure everything included has been tested by a member of our team at one time or another, but one of the most important factors you need to consider with any SSD is whether or not it includes a heatsink. Heatsinks are vital to ensuring the best performance and the best lifespan of your drive, so don't ignore them. That's where one of the best PS5 heatsinks can come in handy.
If you'd prefer an external SSD instead, our roundup of the best external PS5 hard drives is your best bet. But what's great about an internal SSD is that not only can it considerably boost your storage and out-match that of even the PS5 Pro, but it can actually run PS4 games if you have any you want to grab from PlayStation Plus or your game library.
Best cheap PS5 SSD deals – US
Best cheap PS5 SSD deals – UK
FAQs
What SSD do you need for PS5?
There are a few strict requirements that an NVMe SSD needs in order to work natively inside your PS5. Firstly, it needs to be Gen 4.0 with a minimum sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, 22mm in width, and have some form of heatsink attached. Many PS5 SSDs now come with their own included heatsinks, either built on or external in the package to replace the system tray, but if not, you can pick them up cheaply enough.
Can I use a Gen 5 SSD with the PS5?
The M.2 slot in the PS5 maxes out at Gen 4, meaning the latest and greatest SSDs for gaming won't work inside it. Having said that, sticking to older Gen 4 SSDs while the biggest tech brands release the latest and greatest SSDs can mean you'll be more likely to find the older models at a bargain, especially the more attention starts to stray towards the next-generation in storage.
Is a 1TB SSD enough for PS5?
We personally feel like 1TB is the sweet spot for most PS5 players as it more than doubles your overall available storage for competitive rates. It's in striking that crucial price-to-performance ratio that the true strengths of these Gen 4x4 models can excel. However, for those after more overhead, 2TB can give you even more breathing room. Given that price of SSDs in general is coming down, you may find you have enough in your budget for some 2TB options that offer you a little more futureproofing, so be sure to be on the lookout for them.
Why does my PS5 only have 667.2 GB usable storage?
Although the claimed storage space available on the launch PS5 is 825 GB, realistically, you're looking at 667.2 GB once you factor in the operating system and included software. This is still enough space for a few games on the go at once, but as next-gen games continue to get larger, it can be really useful to have more storage space to play with. It's a similar situation for the PS5 Slim as while it advertises a 1TB onboard SSD, in reality, you will have around 848GB of space for all your game downloads.
God of War Ragnarok's file size is 84.09 GB, while Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is reportedly 147.57 GB, for example. These two titles are prime examples of how, sooner or later, most people will need to expand their storage if they don't want to keep deleting/downloading games on a regular basis.
Fortunately, the PS Slim model improved things a bit by introducing 1TB of built-in storage, which is doubled with the newer PS5 Pro. That being said, it can still fill up fast due to the increasingly demanding storage requirements of new games.
Additionally, here's how to get the most out of your console with the best PS5 accessories, the best TV for PS5 as well as the best PS5 headset on the market today. Not to mention, here's where to find the best cheap PS5 game sales from God of War and Horizon to Marvel's Spider-Man and The Last of Us.
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