How do you expand your PS5 storage?

The PlayStation 5 comes with an internal SSD as standard, offering 1 terabyte of storage on the PS5 Slim and 2 TB on the PS5 Pro. That's fine for the average gamer, but if you play lots of games or download large updates and media, you'll quickly notice that you're reaching your storage limit. Fortunately, there are 2 ways to expand your PS5 storage: through internal storage, by adding an extra SSD, and external storage, by using an external hard drive or SSD through the USB port. Both options have their own pros and cons, and we'll help you make the best choice.

Protocol type

For an internal SSD, you need to make sure it supports the M.2 NVMe protocol, as this protocol is compatible with the PS5. This is the only type of SSD the PS5 supports for storage expansion. It's also important that the SSD has a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s to function optimally. Also check carefully whether the SSD has a heatsink, or cooling system, as this keeps the SSD cool during intensive use. A good cooling system prevents overheating, which can extend the lifespan of the SSD and improve your PS5's performance.

Storage capacity for games

Internal SSDs for the PS5 come in different capacities, ranging from 250 GB to as much as 4 TB. How much extra storage you need depends on the number of games you want to install and how much space you think you'll need for updates and media. For the average gamer, 250 GB is often enough to store around 4 extra games. However, if you're a real gaming enthusiast and like to keep the latest titles on your console at the same time, a larger SSD of 2 or 4 TB can be more worthwhile. With 4 TB, for example, you'll have room for 60 extra games, which is ideal for people who want to play several games at once.

Game transfer speed

Another advantage of internal storage is transferring speed. SSDs for the PS5 can transfer data extremely quickly, which means you can move PlayStation 5 games from storage to your console in 2 minutes. This ensures you can quickly get back to gaming without unnecessary waiting times. With an internal SSD, you can download games quickly and start playing straight away, which you can't do with external storage.

Game playback speed

With internal storage, you can play games immediately without first transferring files, resulting in a smoother gaming experience. The speed of the internal SSD ensures that games start quickly, without delay or stuttering. This is one of the main advantages compared with external storage, where you first need to transfer the files to your PS5 before you can play. If speed and ease of use are important to you, an internal SSD is a great choice.

In addition to internal storage, you can use external storage to expand your PS5's storage capacity. This is a flexible option because you can use an external HDD or SSD that connects to your PS5 through the USB port. The advantage of external storage is that you can easily add extra space without having to open up the PS5. However, external storage does have a few disadvantages, especially when it comes to speed and the convenience of playing directly.

If you want the fastest performance and direct access to your games, choose an internal SSD. This doesn't just offer the best speed but also ensures a seamless gaming experience without extra waiting times. However, if you need a lot of storage space and don't mind waiting for file transfers, external storage is a great solution. Both options have their advantages, so it depends on your personal preferences and needs.