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If you buy and play almost everything as a download, the PS5 Digital Edition can be the right fit—provided its capacity works for your installed library and it costs meaningfully less where you live. The disc-drive PS5 also downloads digital games, while adding support for physical games and video discs. For download-heavy players, storage capacity and expansion matter more than whether a game arrives on a disc.
What changes—and what does not—between the two PS5 models?
Both models can play digital games downloaded from PlayStation Store. Sony describes the standard PS5 as supporting both Blu-ray PS5/PS4 game discs and digital downloads; the Digital Edition is all-digital. Choosing the disc model does not remove downloads from digitally purchased games.
A disc drive is useful if you already own supported game discs or expect to buy, borrow, or collect physical games. Sony says supported PS4 game discs require a disc-drive PS5, may need an update, and must remain inserted while you play. PS4 discs do not work on the Digital Edition. Sony’s guidance does not establish that every physical release avoids downloads, patches, or installation, so a disc should not be treated as a guarantee of offline or download-free play. Sony’s PS4 backward-compatibility guidance explains the disc requirement.
Compare the exact model’s storage before buying
Sony’s current US buying page lists the disc PS5 at 1 TB and the PS5 Digital Edition at 825 GB. Those are the capacities listed for the models on that page, not a measure of usable free space, and should not be assumed to describe every hardware revision or region. Check the capacity for the exact console listing you are considering. Sony’s US PS5 buying page identifies the listed models and capacities.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
For someone who keeps many large downloads installed at once, the smaller listed capacity may mean managing the installed library more often. Neither model has a special advantage for downloading just because one has a disc drive: both support digital games, and storage space is the separate constraint.
Expand storage for games you want ready to play
M.2 SSD: keep PS5 games installed and playable
A compatible M.2 SSD is the direct expansion option when you want additional PS5 game storage without routinely moving titles back and forth. Sony says M.2 storage can be used to download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games. Its US guidance specifies PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe storage, 250 GB–8 TB capacity, supported form factors 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110, and recommends sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. The drive also needs an effective heat-dissipation mechanism.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Meeting the listed speed alone does not guarantee compatibility or identical performance in every game. Check Sony’s current dimensions and requirements, the drive maker’s specifications, and fit for your console revision—including heatsink dimensions—before purchase. Sony’s M.2 installation and compatibility guidance gives the full requirements.
USB extended storage: archive PS5 games, or play PS4 games
An external USB drive can hold PS5 games, but PS5 titles stored there must be copied back to console storage or M.2 storage before they can be played. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. This makes USB useful for keeping a library archived, but less convenient if you want every stored PS5 game ready to launch. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guidance.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can you add a disc drive to a PS5 Digital Edition?
Sony lists a detachable disc drive for CFI-2000 and CFI-2100 slim PS5 Digital Edition groups, as well as PS5 Pro. Setup requires an internet connection to pair the drive. Check the console’s model number and accessory availability before relying on this option; compatibility should not be assumed for every Digital Edition. Sony’s US accessory page identifies the compatible groups and pairing requirement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose for a download-heavy library
- Check the capacity and price of the exact consoles in your market. Sony’s cited US page lists different capacities, but regional listings and hardware revisions may differ. Compare the current prices you can actually buy at; no fixed price gap applies everywhere.
- Decide whether physical games matter to you. If you own or plan to use supported PS5 or PS4 discs, the disc model preserves that option. If your purchases and play are entirely digital, the drive may go unused.
- Estimate how much you want installed at once. If the listed internal capacity is not enough, consider a compatible M.2 SSD for playable PS5 storage. Choose USB extended storage only if the copy-back step for PS5 games is acceptable.
- Compare the real total cost. Weigh the current console price against any planned M.2 expansion and, if relevant, a compatible detachable drive. A Digital Edition is a better value only if its savings and capacity suit your needs.
For a download-only buyer, choose Digital Edition when it is meaningfully cheaper and its capacity—or a planned M.2 upgrade—fits the library. If the price difference is small, the disc PS5 adds flexibility for supported physical games and video discs while retaining digital downloads.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
