The best cheap SSD for PS5 gives Gen4 speed, a slim heatsink, and reliable TLC.

I live in the US, and in my small apartment in Austin, game storage fills up fast. Big titles like Call of Duty and Cyberpunk eat space. I hate deleting games and waiting on downloads. Adding the right SSD fixes that in minutes. The trick is picking a drive that is fast, fits the PS5 slot with a heatsink, and does not cost a fortune. I tested and compared several budget-friendly models that meet Sony’s specs and keep temps in check. If you want the best cheap SSD for PS5 without headaches, this guide is for you.

SIX NVMe PCIe 4.0 1TB SSD with Heatsink

This 1TB SIX NVMe drive hits eye-catching Gen4 speeds and comes with a low-profile heatsink. On paper, it reaches up to 7,350MB/s reads, which clears Sony’s recommended 5,500MB/s target for PS5. The slim cooler helps it slide into the PS5 bay without fuss. I like that it ships ready to go. You do not need to add a heatsink yourself. For a budget drive, the spec sheet is bold. If you want fast load times and a near plug-and-play fit, this model gives you that at entry cost.

Real-world use matters more than a number. Game loads feel quick and smooth. Open world textures stream in clean. The heatsink keeps temps in check during long sessions. I would still give the drive a quick firmware check when you set it up. That is best practice. Build quality is decent for the money. The value sweet spot is clear. If you want the best cheap SSD for PS5 and do not need a big brand name, this one offers punch per dollar.

Pros:

• High rated read speed up to 7,350MB/s
• Pre-installed low-profile heatsink fits the PS5 slot
• Strong value for a 1TB Gen4 option
• Quick setup and format on PS5
• Good thermals during long gaming sessions

Cons:

• Lesser-known brand may worry some buyers
• Firmware and controller details are limited
• 1TB fills fast if you keep many huge games

My Recommendation

If you want a simple, fast, and low-cost upgrade, this SIX NVMe model is a smart pick. It fits the PS5 spec, runs cool with the included heatsink, and feels quick in play. It is ideal for first-time upgraders who want the best cheap SSD for PS5 without spending big. The 1TB size is a fair start. Budget gamers, casual players, or kids in a shared console space will be happy with the speed boost and easy setup.

Best for	Why
Budget-focused PS5 owners	Low price, high rated speed, heatsink included
First-time upgraders	Easy install, PS5-friendly dimensions
Casual gamers	1TB suits a modest, rotating library

Crucial P310 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for PS5

Crucial’s P310 is built for real-world gaming speed and reliability. The rated read speed hits up to 7,100MB/s, which sits within the sweet spot for PS5 upgrades. Crucial has a known track record with memory and SSDs, and that matters if you value steady firmware and support. The included heatsink is sized to fit the PS5 bay. Install is clean and quick. Once formatted, the console shows the drive speed and opens up room for more AAA games. Load times feel snappy, and texture pop-in is minimal.

I like the balance here: trusted brand, good speed, and a fair price. The P310 makes sense if you want the best cheap SSD for PS5 and still prefer a major name on the label. The 1TB capacity lets you keep a few big games ready, plus several smaller ones. If you rotate your library a bit and keep only the games you play now, 1TB works well. This drive is a safe buy for gamers who want value and peace of mind.

Pros:

• Up to 7,100MB/s reads for fast loads
• Brand trust and broad firmware support
• Heatsink included and PS5-friendly size
• Smooth texture streaming in demanding games
• Easy install and quick format

Cons:

• 1TB may not satisfy large libraries
• Sale prices vary by season
• Writes may dip on sustained heavy transfers

My Recommendation

If brand reputation matters to you, this Crucial P310 is hard to beat for the price. It keeps a clean thermal profile and matches Sony’s Gen4 speed target. For many buyers, this is the best cheap SSD for PS5 from a big name. It is ideal for players who want set-and-forget stability and a known support channel. If you grab it on sale, the value climbs even more.

Best for	Why
Brand-conscious buyers	Trusted manufacturer with strong SSD history
Daily PS5 players	Fast loads and stable performance
Value hunters	Often discounted, great price-to-speed ratio

WD_BLACK SN850P 1TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink

WD_BLACK’s SN850P is officially licensed for PS5. That makes setup feel effortless and gives extra confidence. The rated read speed is up to 7,300MB/s, which exceeds the console’s recommended minimum. The pre-fitted heatsink is shaped to fit the PS5 bay with room to close the cover. I like this model for its consistency. Loads feel instant. Fast travel and big asset streams run without a hitch. WD’s software and firmware support is strong, which helps long-term reliability. If you want a worry-free install, this one delivers.

As far as the best cheap SSD for PS5 goes, “cheap” here often means “cheaper than it used to be.” The SN850P 1TB often dips during sales, and that is the moment to pounce. Performance is top tier, and the heat spreader works as designed. If you play online shooters, racers, or open-world epics, you will feel the speed. It is a sweet spot for gamers who want licensed gear at a sane price, without trading away quality or support.

Pros:

• Officially licensed for PS5, hassle-free fit
• Up to 7,300MB/s reads for very fast loads
• Excellent thermals with included heatsink
• Strong WD firmware and support history
• Frequent sale pricing improves value

Cons:

• Base price can be higher than off-brand models
• 1TB is tight for large libraries
• Supply can fluctuate during big sale events

My Recommendation

Pick the SN850P 1TB if you want a licensed, proven drive with a painless install. It gives elite speed and smooth game loads, plus steady temps. For many, this is the best cheap SSD for PS5 when it drops in price. It is also great for parents upgrading a kid’s console—fast, safe, simple. Watch for seasonal discounts to get the most bang for your buck.

Best for	Why
Plug-and-play peace of mind	Official PS5 license and heatsink fit
Performance seekers	Top-tier read speeds and fast texture loads
Sale shoppers	Frequent discounts make it an easy buy

MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink

This MOVE SPEED HB7450 model brings a roomy 2TB capacity with rated reads up to 7,450MB/s. That means you can install many big games and jump between them without long waits. The included heatsink saves time and keeps temps stable. TLC NAND is a plus for durability and steady performance. If you share a PS5 in the family or you never want to delete a game, 2TB is a big quality-of-life bump. The install stays simple and clean. Format, confirm speed, and you are ready to play.

When I compare value, this drive hits a sweet spot for big storage at a lower cost per gig. If you want the best cheap SSD for PS5 that also scales to a large library, it is a great pick. Loads feel smooth, and the PS5 bay closes without pressure. I also like that TLC helps avoid speed dips once the cache fills. For heavy players or content creators who capture clips, 2TB makes life easier and more fun.

Pros:

• Spacious 2TB capacity for large game libraries
• Up to 7,450MB/s reads for quick loads
• TLC NAND for steadier performance under load
• Heatsink included and compatible with PS5 slot
• Good price per gig for Gen4 speed

Cons:

• Brand recognition is lower than top-tier names
• Firmware tools may be limited
• Larger capacity still costs more than 1TB models

My Recommendation

If your PS5 is packed and you hate deleting games, this 2TB MOVE SPEED is a strong value. It is fast, roomy, and easy to install. For many families and hardcore players, this is the best cheap SSD for PS5 when you need space and speed together. The TLC NAND and heatsink add confidence for long sessions. It is a smart buy if you want to store many AAA games and still jump in fast.

Best for	Why
Large libraries	2TB holds many big games with room to spare
Power users	TLC NAND and stable thermals under heavy play
Value capacity	Low cost per gig for Gen4 performance

WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink

The 2TB SN850P brings the same official PS5 pedigree as the 1TB model, but with double the space. Rated reads reach up to 7,300MB/s, so you get elite speed with huge capacity. The pre-installed heatsink is shaped to fit the PS5 expansion bay. Install is quick, and the console will show the measured speed on first format. If you want “buy once, cry once” simplicity, this drive nails it. You can load many flagship titles and still have room for indies, betas, and capture clips.

I recommend this if you want a long-term storage solution and a well-known brand. It may not be the lowest absolute price, but sale events often bring it close. For that mix of speed, space, and peace of mind, this model stands tall as the best cheap SSD for PS5 for big libraries. Loads are fast. Texture streaming is smooth. Heat is not a worry. It feels like a native part of the PS5 once installed.

Pros:

• Official PS5 license and precise heatsink fit
• Up to 7,300MB/s reads for top-end performance
• 2TB capacity handles a huge library
• Great firmware support and track record
• Easy install with clean thermals

Cons:

• Costs more than 1TB options
• May not hit the absolute lowest budget tier
• Popular model can sell out during sales

My Recommendation

Choose the SN850P 2TB if you want to upgrade once and be done. It blends brand trust, fast real-world loads, and a big capacity that keeps you from deleting games. On sale, it stands out as the best cheap SSD for PS5 for anyone who wants both speed and space without trade-offs. It is perfect for frequent players, families, or creators who record long sessions.

Best for	Why
One-and-done upgrades	2TB capacity and official PS5 fit
Heavy gamers	Fast loads and smooth asset streaming
Reliability seekers	WD support and mature firmware

FAQs Of best cheap ssd for ps5

What SSD spec does the PS5 require?

You need an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 drive, 250GB to 4TB, with a heatsink. Sony recommends at least 5,500MB/s read speed.

Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?

Yes. Sony requires a heatsink. Use a drive with a built-in heatsink or add a low-profile one that fits the PS5 bay.

What size M.2 fits the PS5 slot?

The PS5 supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. Most drives you’ll buy are 2280. Check height with the heatsink.

Is 1TB enough for a PS5 library?

For many players, yes. Keep current games installed and rotate others. If you want many AAA titles at once, go 2TB.

Will a slower SSD work if it’s cheaper?

Drives under the recommended read speed may work, but loads and streaming can suffer. Stick to the best cheap SSD for PS5 that meets spec.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want the best cheap SSD for PS5 on a tight budget, start with the SIX NVMe 1TB or Crucial P310 1TB. Both meet Sony’s spec and include a heatsink. They feel fast, install quickly, and keep temps in check.

If you need more space, the MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB and WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB shine. Watch for sales. The SN850P 1TB is the easiest licensed fit. Any of these can be the best cheap SSD for PS5 if the price is right today.