How to Choose the Right Storage Device for Your PS5

Owning a PlayStation 5 is an amazing experience — until you realize how quickly that 825GB of built-in storage runs out. Between massive next-gen titles, updates, and downloadable content, it doesn’t take long before you’re forced to delete games just to install new ones.

Thankfully, Sony designed the PS5 with flexibility in mind. You can expand your storage using an internal M.2 NVMe SSD, or connect an external SSD or HDD via USB. But before you rush out to buy one, it’s important to understand which type of storage best fits your gaming habits, budget, and performance expectations.

This guide will walk you through every detail — from internal and external storage options to installation, compatibility, and long-term reliability.

Note that you may check this subreddit if you’re looking for the best internal or external storage for PS5 in 2025.

Understanding PS5 Storage Options

The PS5 gives players three main ways to increase storage space. Each has different pros, cons, and ideal use cases. Choosing correctly can save you money and prevent frustration later.

1. Internal M.2 NVMe SSD

This is the best and fastest option for expanding your PS5’s game storage.
The M.2 NVMe drive installs directly inside the console, connecting through a high-speed PCIe 4.0 interface that matches the PS5’s native SSD speed.

Advantages:

• Next-gen speed: Games load instantly, with no lag or bottlenecks.
• Native compatibility: You can install and play PS5 games directly from it.
• Seamless integration: Once formatted, the system treats it as part of your main storage.

Things to note:

Installing it requires removing the PS5 side panel and a small screw, but the process is very straightforward. Sony even provides an official guide for it. It’s also essential to choose an SSD with a heatsink — this keeps the drive cool during long gaming sessions and ensures stable performance.

2. External USB SSD

If you don’t want to open your PS5, an external USB SSD is an excellent alternative.
These drives plug directly into the console’s USB port and provide fast read/write speeds, though still slower than an internal NVMe SSD.

Advantages:

• Quick setup: Just plug and format — no tools required.
• Fast transfers: Much quicker than an HDD for moving or backing up games.
• Ideal for PS4 games: PS4 titles run beautifully from external SSDs.

Limitations:

You can store PS5 games on an external SSD, but you cannot play them directly from it. You’ll need to move them back to internal or M.2 storage before playing.

3. External HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

The traditional external hard drive remains the cheapest way to expand storage.
It’s slower than SSDs but still useful for PS4 games, videos, screenshots, and backups.

Advantages:

• Massive capacity for a low price: Great for archiving your library.
• Simple setup: Plug-and-play through USB.
• Perfect for PS4 and media: Ideal for older titles or large media collections.

Limitations:

Because of its mechanical design, an HDD is slower, noisier, and less durable. It’s not suitable for running PS5 games, which require SSD-level speed.

External Drives: SSD vs HDD

When deciding between an external SSD and HDD, it helps to think about how you use your console most.

External SSD

External solid-state drives use flash memory, which offers blazing-fast speeds, no moving parts, and higher reliability.

Why choose an SSD:

• Faster game loading and file transfers.
• Portable, silent, and resistant to physical shock.
• Perfect for running PS4 games at higher performance levels.

Downside: Higher cost per gigabyte. You’ll pay more for less capacity compared to an HDD.

External HDD

External hard drives use spinning disks to store data. They’re much cheaper for large storage but slower and less durable.

Why choose an HDD:

• Huge capacity — up to 8TB or more for a reasonable price.
• Great for archiving PS4 games, screenshots, and videos.
• Simple plug-and-play setup.

Downside: Slower transfer speeds and occasional noise or vibration.

The Best Storage Setup for Most Players

The ideal configuration often depends on how you use your PS5, but for most gamers, the perfect balance looks like this:

• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD (1TB–2TB): Your main drive for PS5 games you play frequently. Enjoy native speeds and zero compromises.
• External USB SSD (1TB or more): A fast solution for PS4 games and short-term PS5 backups.
• External HDD (2TB–4TB): A cost-effective library for archived titles, saved captures, and updates you don’t need daily.

This setup lets you have both speed and space, ensuring you never hit storage limits while keeping your favorite games accessible.

Final Tips Before You Buy

Before spending your money, keep these points in mind:

1. Check firmware updates for your chosen SSD. Many brands release performance and stability improvements.
2. Confirm heatsink size. Some oversized heatsinks may not fit properly inside the PS5 bay.
3. Buy from official retailers or verified online stores to avoid counterfeit drives that could fail prematurely.
4. Plan for the future. Games are getting larger — investing in a 2TB SSD now can save you from upgrades later.
5. Back up regularly. Even reliable drives can fail. Always keep your save data backed up to the cloud or a second device.

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Wrapping Up

Expanding your PS5’s storage is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
Whether you choose an internal SSD for next-gen speed or an external drive for extra space, having more room means more freedom to enjoy your library without constantly deleting games.

If you’re serious about performance, go for a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with a proper heatsink. If you’re on a budget, pair an external HDD with a smaller SSD for the best of both worlds.

Either way, your PS5 will thank you — and you’ll finally have the space to install everything you want, from massive AAA titles to indie gems.