8 Best SSD for PS5 under $150

The PlayStation 5 comes with only 825GB of internal storage, but between massive game files and quick downloads, that space fills up fast. Adding an external M.2 NVMe SSD is an easy way to get more storage without sacrificing speeds. With a dizzying number of SSD options, finding the right affordable Gen4 drive can be a challenge. In this guide, we count down the top 8 best SSDs for PS5 expansion under $150 that deliver lightning-quick loading.

1. WD Black 1TB SN850

The WD Black SN850 is lightning fast with reads up to 7000MB/s and writes up to 5300MB/s, all thanks to its blazing PCIe 4.0 interface. With capacities up to 2TB, it's one of the speediest Gen4 NVMe SSDs around. With a heatsink, it allows top performance for gaming and creative work. At 1TB, you get the perfect balance of speed, endurance, and value.

Pros:

• Blazing fast Gen4 speeds

• High endurance rating

• Brand reputation of WD

Cons:

• Higher cost per GB than some models

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

2. Crucial P5 Plus 1TB

The Crucial P5 Plus flies at reads up to 6600MB/s and writes up to 5000MB/s on the 1TB model. It pairs Micron's advanced 3D NAND with a clever controller to achieve twice the speed of PCIe 4.0 drives. With endurance rated at 600TBW and a reassuring 5 year warranty, it's built to last. At 1TB you get stellar speeds without emptying your wallet.

Pros:

• Competitively priced

• Micron 3D NAND for reliability

• 5 year warranty

Cons:

• Susceptible to throttling

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

3. Samsung 980 Pro 1TB

The Samsung 980 Pro earns praise for its mix of speed and longevity. As a premium Gen4 TLC drive, it rockets to 7450MB/s reads and 6900MB/s writes with over 1 million IOPS. Samsung's renowned V-NAND teams with a new controller for industry-leading pace a better than the 970 EVO Plus. The 1TB heatsink option means top Samsung quality without straining your budget.

Pros:

• Samsung reliability and value

• High read/write and IOPS performance

• Good thermal management

Cons:

• Not best value for heavy workloads

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

4. Kingston Fury Renegade 1TB

The Kingston Fury Renegade unleashes astonishing speeds up to 7300MB/s reads and 7000MB/s writes thanks to its PCIe 4.0 x4 muscle. It pairs 3D TLC NAND with the latest tech for sustained swiftness. A graphene aluminum heat spreader keeps it cool under pressure. Backed by a sturdy 5 year warranty, the 1TB model offers quality performance for a competitive cost.

Pros:

• Top-tier speeds up to 7300 MB/s

• Graphene heatspreader for cooling

• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Higher cost per GB than some drives

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

5. PNY XLR8 CS3140 1TB

The PNY XLR8 CS3140 delivers affordable PCIe 4.0 storage without compromising on pace. With the compact M.2 form factor and potent Phison E18 controller, sequential speeds top out at 7500MB/s reads and 5650MB/s writes. The Gen4 x4 interface enables massive throughput perfect for gaming and design work. While not the quickest available, the 1TB model is great value for next-gen speeds.

Pros:

• Cost-effective PCIe 4.0 performance

• Compact M.2 2280 form factor

• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Lower speeds than premium models

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

6. XPG 1TB GAMMIX S70 Blade

The XPG 1TB GAMMIX S70 Blade boasts excellent transfer rates on both PS5 and PC thanks to its Gen4 x4 interface. With up to 7400MB/s reads and 6800MB/s writes plus 720K IOPS, it meets Sony's PS5 storage expansion criteria. It pairs 3D NAND with an SLC caching algorithm and DRAM cache. The sleek M.2 2280 form factor and bold style make this a solid choice for lightning quick PCIe 4.0 performance on a budget.

Pros:

• Good value for performance

• Verified PS5 compatibility

• SLC caching and DRAM for speed

Cons:

• Smaller brand than rivals

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

7. Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB

Backed by storage giant Seagate, the FireCuda 530 Gen4 SSD delivers frighteningly fast speeds up to 7300MB/s reads and 6000MB/s writes. Seagate utilizes premium 3D TLC NAND along with a potent E18 controller and 12Gbps interface pushing the limits of PCIe 4.0. With the heatsink 1TB model, it retains affordability while meeting PS5 standards out of the box.

Pros:

• Incredible Gen4 speeds up to 7300 MB/s

• 1275 TBW endurance rating

• Seagate 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Higher cost per GB than budget models

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

8. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 1TB

The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is a high-end PCIe 4.0 SSD specifically optimized for the PS5. It offers incredible Gen4 performance with blazing fast sequential reads up to 7100MB/s and writes up to 6800MB/s. The PCIe 4.0 x4 interface provides massive bandwidth and low latency perfect for high fps gaming. The MP600 PRO LPX exceeds Sony's requirements so you can enjoy lightning fast game load times when expanding your PS5's storage.

Pros:

• Pre-installed heatsink

• Corsair reputation

• Compact M.2 2280 form factor

Cons:

• Slower than some PCIe 4.0 models

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

Note: In this article, we covered the best SSD for PS5 under $150. However, prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest updated prices using the Amazon links provided.

Conclusion

Boosting your PS5's storage with an external M.2 SSD is a slick way to expand your game library without slowing down. All of our top picks satisfy Sony's performance standards, so you can enjoy next-gen quickness without blowing your budget. For most players, the 1TB models strike the perfect balance of capacity, pace, and price. Be sure to verify heating needs and compare warranty lengths as you shop. Install your new SSD and you'll have plenty of space to build the ultimate game collection.

FAQ -  SSD for PS5

Do I need a new SSD for my PS5?

The PS5 comes with 825GB of internal SSD storage. While that may be enough for light gamers, heavy users will likely want to expand the storage. An SSD upgrade lets you store more games without slowing down load times.

What specs are important for a PS5 SSD?

Sony requires M.2 NVMe SSDs for PS5 that deliver at least 5,500MB/s sequential read speed and PCIe Gen4 x4 interface. You’ll also want to match or exceed the built-in storage on metrics like IOPS, endurance, and capacity.

Do I need a heatsink with my PS5 SSD?

Sony recommends an effective heatsink to maintain speed and prevent thermal throttling. Many SSDs now come with integrated or attachable heatsinks that meet Sony guidelines. Going heatsink-less may compromise performance.

How much storage space do I need?

With game file sizes ballooning over 100GB, 1TB and 2TB SSDs are popular PS5 upgrade options. A 1TB drive doubles the usable space while 2TB quadruples it, giving you room for 20-40 average sized games.

Is it safe to install an SSD myself?

Sony provides clear instructions on safely installing a compatible PS5 SSD in the expansion slot, making DIY upgrades straightforward. Just take care not to damage any internal components.

Will using a new SSD void my PS5 warranty?

No. Sony confirms adding a compatible M.2 SSD to the PS5 expansion slot does not void the system's warranty. But you’ll want to keep the original SSD intact in case you need to return the console for repair.

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