Short answer: the PS5 Pro is worth it if you play on a large 4K TV and want higher frame rates and better ray tracing in supported games. For casual gaming or a Full HD TV, the standard PS5 is enough. In this PS5 vs PS5 Pro comparison, we explain the differences in graphics, storage and setup, what the Pro really changes day to day, which player each console suits, and how to test the Pro before you commit.
PS5 vs PS5 Pro at a glance
The PS5 Pro has much more graphics power and twice the storage. The standard PS5 comes with or without a disc drive and does everything most players need. Here are the key differences:
Graphics power: according to Sony, the GPU in the Pro has 67% more compute units and renders up to 45% faster than the standard PS5.
Ray tracing: depending on the game, ray tracing runs two to three times as fast on the Pro.
Upscaling: the Pro uses PSSR, AI-driven upscaling for sharper 4K images. The standard PS5 uses conventional upscaling.
Processor: both consoles use a very similar CPU. The extra power of the Pro goes almost entirely into graphics.
Storage: 2 TB SSD on the Pro, 1 TB on the current PS5. Both have a slot for an extra M.2 SSD.
Disc drive: the Pro has no built-in disc drive; the Ultra HD Blu-ray drive is available separately. The PS5 comes with a disc drive or as a Digital Edition.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 on the Pro, Wi-Fi 6 on the standard PS5.
Video output: both support 4K at up to 120 Hz and VRR. Only the Pro also outputs 8K.
What the PS5 Pro changes in practice
Graphics modes: no more choosing
On the standard PS5, many games ask you to choose: a quality mode with sharper graphics and ray tracing at 30 fps, or a performance mode at 60 fps with simpler graphics. The Pro is built to close that gap. In supported games, you get sharp 4K images and ray tracing at around 60 fps in the same mode.
"Up to 8K": what it really means
Sony advertises 8K support, but very few people own an 8K TV, and no game renders natively in 8K. The feature that matters is PSSR. It upscales the image with AI, so games that struggle on the standard PS5 with blurry upscaling look cleaner and more stable on the Pro.
Ray tracing: better, but not magic
In supported games, reflections, shadows and lighting look visibly more realistic. Ray tracing is still demanding on the Pro, though. No console runs native 4K with full ray tracing at a stable 120 fps. Expect clear improvements in some games, not a high-end gaming PC.
Pro-enhanced games
More than 100 PS5 games have Pro enhancements, such as a dedicated Pro mode with higher resolution or more fps. Many PS4 games also benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost. Without a Pro update, a game usually runs much like it does on the standard PS5, so the more Pro-enhanced games you play, the more the upgrade is worth.
Wi-Fi 7: a feature for the future
Wi-Fi 7 is faster than Wi-Fi 6, but only helps if you have a compatible router. The Pro also works with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 routers. For most players, it isn't a reason to upgrade today. For online gaming, a LAN cable still gives you the most stable connection on both consoles.
The setup you need to see the difference
The Pro only shows its strengths with the right TV. Check these points before you upgrade:
4K TV: on a Full HD TV, most of the extra power is lost.
HDMI 2.1 port: you need it for 120 Hz and VRR. Use the HDMI cable that comes with the console.
120 Hz and VRR: a TV with a high refresh rate and VRR makes frame rates feel smoother, especially in fast games.
Enough storage: big games take up a lot of space. With 2 TB, the Pro needs an extra SSD much later than the standard PS5.
Accessories: what works with both
Good news if you already have accessories: almost everything works with both consoles.
DualSense controller: works with the PS5 and PS5 Pro, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in supported games.
PlayStation VR2: works with both consoles.
Disc drive: the separate Ultra HD Blu-ray drive fits the PS5 Pro and the PS5 Digital Edition.
M.2 SSD: you can add the same type of extra storage to both.
PlayStation Portal: streams your games from either console to a handheld screen, for example in bed or while someone else uses the TV.
Who is the PS5 Pro for?
Yes, if you play on a 4K TV with 120 Hz, spend a lot of time in big action and open-world games, and want ray tracing without giving up frame rate.
Yes, if 1 TB of storage isn't enough for you: with 2 TB, many more large games fit on the console.
Probably not, if you play casually, have a Full HD TV or mostly play games without a Pro update.
Probably not, if you own lots of discs: on the Pro, you need the separate disc drive.
Which console fits which player?
Casual players and families: the standard PS5 offers the full PlayStation library and is the simpler choice.
Disc collectors: the PS5 with disc drive is the most convenient option.
4K and cinematic gaming: the PS5 Pro gets the most out of a large, modern TV.
Competitive online players: the Pro helps in games with a Pro mode for higher frame rates, but a fast TV and a stable connection matter just as much.
Rent a PS5 or PS5 Pro instead of buying
The PS5 Pro is a big investment for an upgrade you can only judge after a few weeks of playing on your own TV. That's exactly what renting is for:
Test the difference first: rent the PS5 Pro and find out if you really see the upgrade on your TV and in your games.
No big upfront cost: pay a monthly price instead of the full price at once.
Switch when you want: turns out the PS5 Slim or the PS5 Digital Edition is enough? Switch after the minimum rental period.
Ready for the next generation: when newer hardware comes out, send your console back instead of selling it.
Protected: Grover Care covers most repair costs for damage.
Less e-waste: every console is checked, refurbished and rented again.
You'll find all models in our PS5 collection. Only want to play one big release? Read how to rent a console for game releases. And if you like playing in bed or on the sofa, the PlayStation Portal is a good companion to both consoles.
FAQ
Is the PS5 Pro worth it? If you play on a 4K TV and care about higher frame rates and better ray tracing, yes. For casual gaming or a Full HD TV, the standard PS5 is the better choice.
What is the biggest difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro? Graphics power: according to Sony, the Pro renders up to 45% faster, runs ray tracing two to three times as fast and uses PSSR for sharper 4K images.
Does the PS5 Pro have a disc drive? No. The Ultra HD Blu-ray drive is available separately and also works with the PS5 Digital Edition.
Can I play PS4 games on the PS5 Pro? Yes, over 8,500 PS4 games run on the PS5 Pro, and some run more smoothly thanks to PS5 Pro Game Boost. For PS4 discs, you need the separate disc drive.
Do I need an 8K TV for the PS5 Pro? No. The Pro shows its strengths on a 4K TV, ideally with HDMI 2.1, 120 Hz and VRR.
Can I use my PS5 accessories with the PS5 Pro? Yes. The DualSense controller, PlayStation VR2, the disc drive and M.2 SSDs work with both consoles.
Can I rent the PS5 Pro? Yes. With Grover you rent the PS5 Pro monthly and can send it back after the minimum rental period or switch to another model.