The PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition hit stores back in November 2020 and have been in high demand ever since. But which of Sony's next-gen consoles is best for you?
If you've already made up your mind, here's where to where to find a PS5 restock and the best PS5 deals on Black Friday. If not, read on and we'll help you make the right choice...
The decision really comes down to this: do you want to splash out on the full-fat PS5 or the cheaper PS5 Digital Edition? The main difference being that the former has a disc drive, and the latter doesn't.
The disc-less Digital Edition will only be able to stream games, films, music and TV shows, rather than running them straight off a CD, DVD or Blu-ray. But that's certainly not the only thing to consider when deciding between Sony's latest console.
Here, we'll run down all the major factors to take into account to help you decide which PS5 belongs under your TV...
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PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: price and availability
The standard PlayStation 5 debuted at £449 / $499 / AU$749. But in August 2022 Sony announced price hikes in the UK and Australia. The PS5 now goes for £479.99 / $499 / AU$799.95.
The disc-less PS5 Digital Edition is the cheaper option here. It started at £359 / $399 / AU$599 but Sony's August 2022 prices rises have nudge that up to £389.99 / $399.99 / AU$649.95.
Pricing the Digital Edition cheaper than the 'full-fat' PS5 mirrors the approach has taken with its Xbox Series X and all-digital Xbox Series S. After all, if you're getting less functionality you should pay less, right?
That's assuming you can find a PS5. As of late 2022, supply has eased and there are regular PS5 restocks at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, PlayStation Direct, Game and Best Buy. It's worth noting that Amazon customers need to sign up for an email invite to buy a PS5 when stock arrives (see our PS5 restock page for full details).
Despite rising inflation, the cost of living and the war in Ukraine reducing demand for pricey consumer electronics, Sony expects PlayStation 5 supply issues to last until 2024.
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PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: design and build
The PS5 is an imposing machine (39 x 26 x 14cm). The main difference between the two models, looks-wise, is that one has a disc drive and one doesn't. Consequently, the Digital Edition is 12mm slimmer towards the base and around half a kilo lighter.
In August 2022, it emerged that Sony had quietly refreshed the design of both PS5 consoles. The updated disc model weighs in at 3.9kg, much lighter the 4.5kg launch version. This seems to be down to a number of internal changes to the motherboard, as well as the cooling and SSD enclosure. The latest disc-less version now weighs 3.4kg, instead of 3.9kg.
Both consoles have a sculpted, sci-fi look to them and can be vertically rather than horizontally (you'll have to unscrew and reposition the included pedestal stand, mind).
Both devices have the same distinctive design elements, namely a high, white-collared shell that's separated from the black body of the unit by finned gaps to aid ventilation.
Talking of which, the PS5 is not completely inaudible in a silent room (like the Xbox Series X), but the consistent whirr is quiet enough to be drowned out by any sound coming from your TV or sound system.
In terms of the PS5's disc drive, we'd peg it at about 5dB quieter than the Xbox, so opting for Sony's most expensive next-gen console won't intrude on your movie soundtrack.
The user interface, which includes a new home screen with game ‘cards’, is fresh, super-stylish, logical and snappy. It's also familiar enough to ensure that existing PS4 gamers can quickly find their way about.
All in all, the PS5's is a striking design that has split opinion. But we like it.
PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: specs
In a post on the official PlayStation blog, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan confirmed that both PS5 consoles share identical power and features, including 4K graphics, ray-tracing support and PS5 3D audio. So, "whichever PS5 you choose, you’ll enjoy the same breathtaking, next-gen gaming experiences".
Spec-wise, both PS5 consoles feature the same AMD Zen 2-based CPU, the same 16GB GDDR6 / 256-bit memory, and the same 825GB SSD. The way Sony has designed and integrated the PS5’s storage makes it so fast (more than twice as fast as that of the Series X) that it boosts overall console performance.
Neither PS5 has an 8K output option. Instead, silky-smooth 4K at 60Hz is the performance target, with 120Hz available via some games, sometimes at the cost of resolution and/or certain graphical features. In April 2022, Sony boosted the PS5's appeal by adding VRR (variable refresh rate), which should reduce screen tearing and smooth out gameplay.
In July 2022, Sony went further, adding native 1440p support, bringing the PS5 in line with the Xbox Series X and Series S, which have supported 1440p since launch.
In terms of games, you can able to transfer most PS4 games to PS5 and in most cases, enjoy free upgrades such as increased frame rates. However it's worth noting that to do this you'll need to use the PS5's disc drive to transfer the game discs to the next-gen console. The PS5 doesn't support your old PS1, PS2 and PS3 titles, either.
Eyeing up the PS5 as an entertainment hub as well as a games machine? The PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition are a great choice. They now support Netflix, Disney Plus (now with 4K HDR), Apple TV, Spotify, Twitch, BBC iPlayer, YouTube (now with HDR10), Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Disney Plus, HBO Max and PlayStation Video. As per the rumours, Apple Music arrived on the PS5 in October 2021.
One disappointment is the PS5's lack of high-end HDR support. Neither model supports Dolby Vision video, or Dolby Atmos sound for that matter. Sony hasn't explicitly ruled them out, but for now, PS5 owners will have to make do with regular HDR10. Here's our take on how to get the best picture and sound from your PlayStation 5.
On a more positive note, both PS5 and PS5 Digital offer Sony's proprietary 'gold standard' 3D audio technology. The PS5's 3D Audio engine, 'Tempest', produces open, spacious and atmospheric sound with good placement of effects. And although Dolby Atmos isn't an option for games, it is for the PS5 disc edition, which can do a very good job of Dolby Atmos soundtracks when given the chance. It doesn’t quite have the crispness of a dedicated player, but it does produce a room-filling sound with good clarity.
The PS5 also supports "Hey PlayStation" voice commands, Sony's latest Party Chat feature, so you can open/close voice chats with friends. Both the disc and digital PS5s are compatible with the DualSense Wireless Controller, and the upcoming DualSense Edge controller.
Based on spec, PS5 Digital Edition will appeal to those gamers and streamers who are happy to ditch physical game discs but who don't want to sacrifice performance. If, on the other hand, you have a collection of 4K Blu-ray discs, the pricier PS5 could be for you.
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PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: verdict
Given that the only differences between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition are the presence of a disc drive and price, which console is right for you will really come down to whether you can live without disc support.
If you want your games console at the heart of your entertainment set up, to frequently double as a DVD/Blu-ray/CD player, you'll likely want the full-fat PS5. If you use your console purely for gaming, however, or have a speedy and robust internet connection for streaming and downloading and can cope with storing games digitally rather than on disc, the Digital Edition could save you a fair bit of money.
Mind made up? Here's where to find a PS5 restock and our pick of today's best PS5 deals.
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Where to buy the PS5
Fed up with missing out? Here's where to find a PS5 restock...
Amazon (opens in new tab)
Now dropping email invites regularly. Head over to Amazon's PS5 or PS5 listings to register for an email invitation to the next PS5 stop drop. The last one occurred on 21st October, so we're expecting another one soon...
Walmart
Walmart Plus members get early access to PS5 drops. Note: the company offers a free 15-day trial of Walmart Plus (opens in new tab), but it doesn't include PS5 restocks. They tend to be exclusive to paid members so you must click the button that says "Start paid membership".
Game (opens in new tab)
One of the best places to find a UK PS5 restock because it offers big PS5 bundles. The retailer's latest bundles have included games like FIFA 23 and accessories such as the DualSense wireless controller.
Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Best Buy offers members of its TotalTech (opens in new tab) service ($199.99 a year) special access to PS5 restocks.
Sony Direct
Usually has plenty of PS5 stock including lots of excellent bundles, so head over there if you're in the UK or US. You'll need to sign in with a PSN account to buy a PS5.
Amazon Australia (opens in new tab) has seen the most frequent restocks in Australia, so it's a great place to buy, as is Sony (opens in new tab)'s own website.