Buying guide for best PlayStation consoles
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Sony has had a grip on the gaming world for several decades with their trademark PlayStation consoles — and the PlayStation 5 continues to be one of the most popular among avid gamers.
A powerful console with spectacular graphics and a superb gaming experience, the PS5 offers a plethora of titles gamers love, including God of War, Gran Turismo and The Last of Us. Since its release in 2020, the PS5 has seen some upgrades, from the PlayStation 5 Slim to the PlayStation 5 Pro. And because it’s Sony’s current flagship console, more upgrades are sure to come until Sony launches its 10th generation of consoles.
The BestReviews Testing Lab analyzed the best PlayStations and put the PS5 to the test so you can decide for yourself which one sounds right for your gaming needs. Our favorite is the powerful PlayStation 5 Pro, but if you want something more affordable, Sony still supports the previous-generation PS4; it’s a fine console for casual gamers who want a balance of value and high-performance gaming. Plus, we’ve also reviewed a retro PlayStation console for gamers who want to play classic PS1 games from the ’90s.
Which PlayStation console is best?
PlayStation 5 Pro
Best of the BestStorage: 2TB | Disc Drive: No | Controller: DualSense | USB Ports: 4 | Backward Compatibility: PS4
Those looking for the most powerful PlayStation console should look no further than the PS5 Pro. It improves on the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim in multiple departments, including graphics, which is a massive reason why it’s so popular among hardcore gamers.
The visual upgrades over other PS5 consoles are noticeable. This is especially true when playing graphics-intensive games such as The Last of Us II and Demon’s Souls. Its 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor powers it, and it has 16GB of RAM, making it one of the most powerful consoles ever.
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution delivers outstanding clarity on 4K TVs. And support for 60- and 120-hertz displays makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced games. Plus, the console’s “advanced ray tracing experience” provides superb realism for an immersive gaming experience.
It comes with the same Dual Sense wireless controller included with the PS5. “The DualSense has a satisfying rumble to it,” our tech and gaming tester Quentyn Kennemer said. “And the haptic analog triggers (called adaptive triggers) offer variable resistance, which greatly aids in immersion.”
If you don’t already own a PS5, the PS5 Pro is hands down the way to go. It offers a gaming experience few other consoles can compete with, and you’ll get many of the same features available on other PS5 consoles, such as backward compatibility with PS4 games. Though it doesn’t have a disc drive, it boasts a massive 2TB hard drive, which is more than enough to store several of your favorite digital titles.
PlayStation 4 Slim
Best Bang for the Buck
Storage: 1TB | Disc Drive: Blu-Ray Player | Controller: DualShock 4 | USB Ports: 2 | Backward Compatibility: No
The PS4 Slim is a fine choice for those who want an affordable gaming console with a high-performance output. Unless you’re a hardcore gamer who wants the best graphics possible, the PS4 is still one of the best PlayStation consoles, and you can score one in the $300 range.
The best thing about the PS4 is that there are so many excellent titles to choose from. Some of the most popular PS4 games include critically acclaimed titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto V and God of War. You won’t have to worry about finding discs either, as this console has a 1TB storage drive for downloading digital games from the PlayStation Online store.
In fact, if you’ve never owned a PS5 or PS4, you might not be able to tell the difference between the two right away, which speaks volumes about how terrific the PS4 is. The graphics are excellent in their own right, and Sony still offers some support for the console. That may end sooner than later, but for now, the PS4 is an excellent budget-friendly option for casual gamers.
PlayStation 5
Excellent Performance
Storage: 825GB | Disc Drive: 4K Blu-Ray Player | Controller: DualSense | USB Ports: 4 | Backward Compatibility: PS4
The original PlayStation 5 has been relegated to the background in favor of the PS5 Slim and the PS5 Pro. However, when we tested it, we found it’s still an excellent choice — and you can often find it on sale at a nice discount.
The PS5 is available in both disc and digital models, meaning you can opt for one with a disc drive to play hard-copy games, or you can choose one that can only play purchased games from the PlayStation Online store. It’s a matter of preference, but it’s worth noting that the digital-only model is typically $100 cheaper. And, said Kennemer, “PlayStation Online is very smooth — just as good as Xbox Live these days.”
The PS5 has plenty of power and speed for most gamers’ needs. “PS5 games can load levels in single-digit seconds thanks to its blistering-fast storage architecture,” Kennemer said. “Some open-world games can take up to 20 to 30 seconds for an initial load.” The PS5 has 825GB of storage space for downloading games and other files, 16GB of memory and four USB ports for charging controllers and other peripherals.
The only PlayStation console that has an edge over the original PS5 is the PS5 Pro. While there is a significant difference in graphics and processing performance between those two models, there’s also a $200 difference in cost and a $300 difference if you want an optical drive for the PS5 Pro. If you don’t care for the upgrade in graphics, you’ll be more than satisfied with the original PS5.
PlayStation Classic
Retro Gaming
Storage: 16GB | Disc Drive: No | Controller: PlayStation Classic | USB Ports: 2 | Backward Compatibility: No
Here’s the scenario: You’re not interested in either a PS5 or a PS4, but you still want something fun for occasional gaming. You also don’t like any of the newer games available on either of those consoles and prefer to play older video games. That’s where the PlayStation Classic can be your best friend.
Those with fond memories of playing classic PS1 games can do so with the PlayStation Classic. It has the look of the original PS1, but instead of using CDs, it emulates games using an open-source emulator. There are 20 titles available for play right out of the box, including some beloved favorites, such as Twisted Metal, Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid.
Plus, the PlayStation Classic comes with two controllers for multiplayer action with a friend. Easy to operate, it remains the best choice for anyone looking for a convenient way to play some of the most popular PS1 games from the ’90s.
PlayStation 5 Slim
Compact and Powerful
Storage: 1TB | Disc Drive: Detachable Blu-Ray Disc Player | Controller: DualSense | USB Ports: 2 | Backward Compatibility: PS4
Sony has followed the same pattern for all of its PlayStation consoles. A few years after the release of the original PlayStation, PS2, PS3 and PS4 consoles, Sony released a slimmer, more compact version of each one — and now there’s the PlayStation 5 Slim.
The PS5 Slim is about 30% smaller than the original, much bulkier PS5. It’s more convenient for those with limited shelf space, and its shallow profile makes it more suitable for tucking away in drawers. Despite its reduced size, the PS5 Slim offers the same performance as the PS5 and is also available in both disc and digital-only models.
Unless you can find the original PS5 for a cheaper price, there’s no reason you shouldn’t get the PS5 Slim. The only notable differences are the presence of two USB-C ports on the PS5 Slim instead of one, and the hard drive is considerably large at 1TB rather than 825GB. It’s the ideal choice if you don’t want a console to take up too much real estate in your living room or home entertainment center.
How we analyzed
We researched every PlayStation console available on the market to determine the five best options for both casual and hardcore gamers. We considered many factors, including price, specs, performance, the title library and the overall gaming experience. Most consoles available are versions of the PS5, but there are still a few models of the PS4 for sale, as well as an upgraded retro version of the original PlayStation.
Slim vs. Pro
Historically, both Sony and Microsoft have released new iterations of their flagship consoles about once every 10 years, with a smaller budget version of the console being released at the midway point of the console’s life cycle. Recently, both manufacturers have changed their strategies, and instead of introducing completely redesigned consoles every decade, they’re now taking a more Apple-like approach and releasing moderate upgrades every few years.
As a result, there are three versions of the PlayStation 5: the original PlayStation 5, the PlayStation 5 Slim and the PlayStation 5 Pro.
The PS5 Slim is a compact yet competent console that delivers the basics and performs identically to the original PlayStation 5. It plays all the PS5 titles and allows access to the PlayStation Store to buy games and other media.
The PS5 Pro is a gaming and multimedia powerhouse that delivers on every promise. It has an advanced graphics processor and an upgraded central processor that is significantly more powerful than the PS5 and the PS5 Slim. Dedicated gamers will appreciate the support for 4K games and their performance when paired with 120-hertz displays. Plus, the PS5 Pro offers double the internal storage space, with 2TB.
Sony exclusives
The PS5 brings a new generation of Sony’s exclusive fan-favorite franchises, so gamers can experience their favorite characters with powerful new graphics and room-shaking sound. Sony’s most popular exclusive game franchises include:
The God of War series. Gamers have loved the Greek mythology motif as they battle Kratos, a Spartan warrior, out for revenge against various Greek gods. Each title has seen more intense action than the last, and loyal gamers have kept the franchise alive since 2005. God of War Ragnarok is the latest installment in the series.
The Gran Turismo series. Since 1997, gamers have hit the road in this racing simulation. Racing enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate details in both cars, landscapes and game modes available in Gran Turismo 7, the latest entry in the series.
The Last of Us series. The Last of Us Remastered was one of the 10 bestselling games on the PS4, and Sony capitalized on the success of the first game with a phenomenal sequel on the PS5, The Last of Us II. The series is set in a postapocalyptic United States where danger is lurking around every corner.
Peripheral vision
While the PlayStation 5 offers many of the same titles and features as its primary competitor, the Xbox Series X|S, there is one key area where Sony provides a gaming experience that Microsoft can’t match: virtual reality. The “PlayStation VR 2” is a unique headset that comes with two controllers and lets players enter a 360-degree world, immersing them in new environments for exciting new challenges.
The PlayStation VR 2 supports more than 350 exclusive titles, many of which create unique experiences. PlayStation VR 2 kits are sold separately and can cost as much as a console — but the transformative experience of playing virtual games is definitely worth it.
Tips
Before buying a PlayStation console, consider the following tips:
- With the PlayStation Portal Remote Player, you can play your PS5 console over your home Wi-Fi. It’s an excellent alternative for those who prefer a handheld gaming experience rather than playing on a TV.
- All PS5s allow users to upgrade their internal storage easily. By swapping in an M.2 solid-state hard drive, users can increase their console’s capacity and speed up its performance. Solid-state hard drives perform much faster than hard disk drives, but it’s worth noting that M.2 SSDs are sold separately and can cost well over $100.
- The PS5 supports “remote play,” meaning you can use your Windows- or Mac-based computer to stream games from your PS5. While game streaming typically requires a robust in-home network, it allows you to enjoy your PS5 titles from any computer in your home. You can enable game streaming by going to “Settings” and then “Remote Play Connection Settings.”
FAQ
Q. Can I play my PlayStation 4 games on the PlayStation 5?
A. Yes, all PS5 consoles can play 99% of PS4 games. The only games that aren’t supported are marked with a “PS4 Only” tag in the PlayStation Store.
Q. How many controllers come with the PlayStation 5?
A. Every PS5 console comes with one controller. However, some retailers bundle multiple DualSense controllers. Plus, you can opt for a third-party controller if you want something more affordable to bolster your multiplayer activity.
Q. Is a PlayStation Plus subscription required to play games on the PlayStation 5?
A. While a PlayStation Plus subscription will unlock additional features with most games, it’s not required to enjoy the primary content from any game you purchase. Benefits of being a PlayStation Plus member include access to online gameplay, free games each month, exclusive discounts and sales, and the ability to save your game content in the cloud.
Our expertise
Kevin Luna has written hundreds of articles for BestReviews as an expert on tech and electronics. He’s owned many gaming consoles, including several PlayStations, and has tried every PlayStation console at least once (though he has spent the most time playing the PS2, PS3 and PS4). He’s familiar with the gaming experience Sony offers with its PlayStation consoles and is aware of how the specs and design of each console influence its performance.
