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The best PS5 and Xbox storage upgrades, in plain English

Big games fill a console fast. We read the expert tests and boiled them down: which drives fit each console, how hard they are to install, and which are worth the money.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 4 storage upgrades
  • 7 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best for PS5 Samsung 980 Pro with Heatsink $180–$250 Fast, reliable and comes with the heatsink PS5 needs. See details Most space for PS5 WD_Black SN850P for PS5 $150–$300 Officially licensed for PS5, up to 8TB. See details Best for Xbox Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox $110–$360 Plugs into the back and just works. See details Best value for Xbox WD_Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox $80–$240 Usually cheaper than Seagate, with a longer warranty. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

PS5 and Xbox need different kinds of drives.

PS5: an M.2 SSD with a heatsink

The PS5 has a slot inside for an M.2 SSD (a small, very fast storage stick). It needs a heatsink (a metal cooler on top) to stay cool. Installing takes a small screwdriver and about 10 minutes.

Xbox: an official expansion card

Xbox Series X and S games only play from the console's own storage or an official expansion card, which plugs into the back like a game cartridge. Regular USB drives can store those games and play older Xbox One games, but can't run new ones.

How much space?

Big games take about 50 to 150 GB each. 1TB holds roughly 8 to 15 large games, and 2TB is the sweet spot for most players.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

DriveBest forTypical priceTypeSizesPS5?
1. Samsung 980 Pro with Heatsink Best for PS5 $180–$250M.2 SSD with heatsink1TB or 2TBYes
2. WD_Black SN850P for PS5 Most space for PS5 $150–$300M.2 SSD with heatsink1TB to 8TBYes
3. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Best for Xbox $110–$360Expansion card512GB, 1TB or 2TBNo
4. WD_Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Best value for Xbox $80–$240Expansion card512GB, 1TB or 2TBNo

The 4 best storage upgrades, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best for PS5

Samsung 980 Pro with Heatsink

  • M.2 SSD with heatsink
  • 1TB or 2TB
  • Get the heatsink version

$180–$250typical price

Fast, dependable and ready for PS5. TechRadar names it the best SSD for PS5, and Tom's Guide and Reviewed both found its performance strong and steady.

Works with

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S

What testers liked

  • Excellent, consistent speed.
  • Built to last a long time.
  • The heatsink comes attached and stays put.

Common complaints

  • Not the very fastest drive, and some cost less.
  • Only the heatsink version fits the PS5 properly.

Skip it if: They need 4TB or more. The WD_Black SN850P (#2) comes in bigger sizes.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Reviewed.

#2Most space for PS5

WD_Black SN850P for PS5

  • M.2 SSD with heatsink
  • 1TB to 8TB
  • Officially licensed for PS5

$150–$300typical price

The officially licensed PS5 drive, with sizes up to 8TB. TechRadar names it the best high-capacity PS5 SSD, and Reviewed and Tom's Guide liked the speed of WD's SN850 drives.

Works with

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S

What testers liked

  • Officially licensed for PS5.
  • Comes in big sizes, up to 8TB.
  • A heatsink that keeps it cool.

Common complaints

  • Poor value at the smaller 1TB and 2TB sizes.
  • Average speed for the price.

Skip it if: 1TB or 2TB is enough. The Samsung 980 Pro (#1) is usually the better deal at those sizes.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechRadar, Reviewed, Tom's Guide.

#3Best for Xbox

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox

  • Expansion card
  • 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
  • No tools needed

$110–$360typical price

The original official Xbox card. TechRadar names it the best Xbox storage, Windows Central calls it an almost-perfect solution, and T3 calls it a no-brainer upgrade.

Works with

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S

What testers liked

  • Plugs into the back, no tools or setup.
  • Plays Xbox Series X|S games right from the card.
  • Reliable over several years of use.

Common complaints

  • Expensive, especially the 2TB size.
  • A 1TB card shows about 920GB of usable space.

Testers disagree on: Speed. Windows Central found it as fast as the Xbox's own storage. TechRadar measured it slightly slower.

Skip it if: You want to save money. The WD_Black C50 (#4) usually costs less for the same job.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechRadar, Windows Central, T3.

#4Best value for Xbox

WD_Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox

  • Expansion card
  • 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
  • 5-year warranty

$80–$240typical price

Does the same job as Seagate's card, usually for less. TechRadar names it the best-value Xbox storage, and Windows Central gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Works with

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S

What testers liked

  • Usually cheaper than Seagate's card.
  • Plug-and-play, and plays Series X|S games directly.
  • Sturdy design, and a 5-year warranty (two years longer than Seagate's).

Common complaints

  • Still costs more per GB than regular SSDs.
  • The 2TB size is pricey.

Testers disagree on: Speed. Windows Central saw no difference from the Xbox's own storage. TechRadar found load times a little longer.

Skip it if: They mostly play older Xbox One games. A cheaper USB drive works for those.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from TechRadar, Windows Central.

How we pick

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