Sony's PlayStation 5 has been one of the most in-demand gaming consoles since its release in 2020, making it incredibly challenging for anyone to buy a unit. Considering its limited supply at launch, we bet you would have rushed to get either model, the standard PS5 or the PS5 Digital Edition, without much consideration.

However, with reports that the console is starting to show up in stores, you may now have the time to pause and consider which version will best suit your needs. So, how does the PS5 compare to the PS5 Digital Edition?

The Similarities and Differences Between the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition

While both PS5 models might look similar at a glance, let's break down which features they share and which features are unique to one of the PS5 models.

1. PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Pricing

A PS5 and two controllers

One of the main differences between the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition is the price tag. At launch, the PS5 disc version cost USD 499.99 / GBP 449.99 / AUD 749.95 / CAD 629, and the Digital Edition was priced at USD 399.99 / GBP 359.99 / AUD599.95 / CAD 499—a considerable difference of USD 100 / GBP 90 / AUD 150/ CAD 130.

However, although the PS5 shortage appears to be finally over, it is worth noting that both versions have gotten more expensive in most parts of the world except the US. For instance, the standard PS5 version has gone up to GBP 479.99 and AUD 799.95 in the UK and Australia, respectively. At the same time, the PS5 Digital Edition has gone up to GBP 389.99 and AUD 649.95. Sony attributed the price increase to high global inflation rates.

2. PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Disc Drive

Inserting a disc into a PS5

The standard PlayStation 5 version has a built-in 4K Blu-ray disc drive capable of playing physical copies of games, Blu-ray movies, and other media types. On the other hand, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, meaning it can only play digital games from the PlayStation Store and stream content from services like Netflix.

Purchasing the disc version of the PS5 gives you a more diverse range of options when it comes to playing games and other media, as you can buy both physical and digital games, while the disc-less version is more restrictive.

3. PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Design and Size

There's no doubt that the PS5 has been the talk of the town ever since its unveiling, considering its imposing size and futuristic design. Although both versions are quite similar, the standard PS5 version is slightly larger to accommodate the disc drive, giving it an asymmetrical design towards the base, while the disc-less model has a thinner and more symmetrical design.

The standard PlayStation 5 measures approximately 15.4" x 4.1" x 10.2" or 390 mm x 104 mm x 260 mm and weighs 9.9 lbs or 4.5 kg, while the Digital Edition measures roughly 15.4" x 3.6" x 10.2" or 390 mm x 92 mm x 260 mm and weighs 8.6 lbs or 3.9 kg. However, more recent PS5 models are lighter than the original launch model due to some changes to the cooling system and other internal components.

When it comes to orientation, you can set up both PS5 models vertically or horizontally using the included stand.

4. PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Performance and Storage

Someone adding an SSD to a PS5

Whether you opt for the PlayStation 5 or the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, you will enjoy the same next-gen gaming features. Both models support 4K gaming at up to 120FPS, ray tracing, and 3D audio. They are also equipped with the same AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based CPU, AMD RDNA 2-based GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 memory.

When it comes to storage, the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition come with an 825GB SSD. Although this is enough to store a few games, it may be insufficient for more serious gamers. Fortunately, you can play PS4 games on your PS5 from an external hard drive or add an M.2 SSD to your PS5.

It is worth noting that you won't save storage space by going for the disc-based PS5 and exclusively using physical copies of games, since the game data still needs to be installed on the SSD regardless of whether it's a digital or disc title.

Why You Should Buy the Standard PlayStation 5

Although this model is more expensive than its counterpart, it still offers excellent value for money. Here are some reasons why you should purchase the standard PS5:

1. You Own Many Disc-Based PS4 Games

A boy playing a video game

You have loads of disc-based PS4 games you'd like to continue playing, as the PS5 is backward compatible. Although the PS5 Digital Edition is also backward compatible, you can only play digital copies of PS4 games that you have purchased from the PlayStation Store.

2. Your Internet Connection Is Unreliable

PS5 game file sizes can be as large as 100GB or more, and so downloading PS5 games over a slow internet connection can be a nightmare. You may also consider the disc-based PS5 if your internet plan has data caps.

This is not to say you won't need an internet connection if you choose the standard PS5, as you'll still need to download the latest game patches and updates. It's just more manageable to download smaller files for updates than entire games.

3. The Standard PS5 Is Cheaper in the Long Run

Although you must spend the extra money upfront to get the standard PS5, you will end up saving money in the long run. That's so because you can buy pre-owned physical copies of PS5 games (which are often cheaper), trade them in for other PS5 games in stores, or exchange them with your friends.

Additionally, you can enjoy deals out of the PlayStation Store—from other retailers like Amazon and GameStop that offer discounts on physical copies of games.

4. You Want to Play Other Media Types

The standard PS5 can be your go-to media player, as it supports Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and other formats. This means you won't have to invest in a separate media player to watch movies on your TV, turning your console into a multipurpose entertainment system.

Why You Should Buy the PS5 Digital Edition

The disc-less version of the PS5 also offers some advantages. Here are some reasons why you should go for the PS5 Digital Edition:

1. The PS5 Digital Edition Is Cheaper Upfront

You can save money on the initial purchase when opting for the PS5 Digital Edition. Depending on your region, the PS5 Digital Edition can cost $100 / £90 / AU$150 less than the standard model—enough to buy your first PS5 game.

2. You Have an Excellent Internet Connection

If you have an excellent and unlimited internet connection, the PS5 Digital Edition can be a great option, as you can purchase and download games conveniently from the PlayStation Store. You can also enable game sharing on your PS5 to share digital games with your friends.

3. You Want an All-Digital Experience

In an increasingly digitized world, you may want to eliminate the need to own physical copies of games and just have an all-digital experience. This can be a more convenient and less cluttered way to organize your gaming library, as you won't have physical discs occupying space.

4. You Prefer the PS5 Digital Edition's Design

The PS5 Digital Edition

Unlike its counterpart, which comes with a bulge towards the base to house the disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition has a sleek and symmetrical design that many prefer. So, you may want to go for the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition if you find it more aesthetically pleasing than the disc-based PlayStation 5.

Which PS5 Model Is Right for You?

Overall, the standard PS5 is more suitable for serious gamers who can benefit from its disc drive to play physical copies of PS4/PS5 games and share, trade in, and buy cheaper pre-owned games. On the other hand, if you are a casual gamer who does not invest a significant amount of time playing games and favors an all-digital experience, the PS5 Digital Edition may be a better choice.

However, whether you get the PS5 or the PS5 Digital edition, you can rest assured you will enjoy an outstanding and immersive gaming experience.