An external SSD for your PS4 can make it much easier to manage your gaming collection. 500-GB of storage space may have sounded like a lot of storage space when the PS4 console was originally introduced. However, since then, both the games and the patches and DLC that go with them have evolved. Games frequently exceed 50 or even 100-GB in size.
While you can uninstall and re-download games as needed, doing so is not nearly as handy as just purchasing one of the top external SSDs.
External SSDs listed below are compatible with all PS4 models, and they may be installed without any extra assistance. All you have to do is connect your external SSD to the console and let the system format and prepare it for use. It will take only a few minutes depending on the storage capacity of your chosen external SSD.
Why to Buy an External SSD For Your PS4?
There are a few major reasons why many power users opt for an external SSD for their PS4 instead of a classical external HDD.
Regardless of high speed that an external SSD offers as compared to an external HDD, reliability and durability, both feature the number one factor for choosing an external SSD over an external HDD for PS4.
An external SSD is far more reliable than external HDD and has a very low failure rate. That means you can relax enough about your data stored on it without fearing bad sectors, data corruption/damage or mechanical failure.
On the other hand, external SSDs are more durable. They last much longer than external hard drives. This promotes confidences among users who care much about their externally-stored data.
Another important reason why people tend to buy an external SSD instead of an external HDD for their PS4 is that if you transfer files very frequently from your console to other consoles or devices, an external SSD will make this process faster for you and will save significant amounts of time.
How to pick the best external SSD for your PlayStation 4
Storage space is the main factor to take into account when choosing an external SSD for your PS4. There’s no chance to have speed as a factor here, as any external SSD will maximize the external transfer speed. Therefore you better save your money and don’t consider speed as a factor, as it will not benefit you here in choosing between the listed external SSDs below and for that reason we didn’t list NVMe external SSDs, because they are too fast for a PS4 to deal with.
A 1-TB hard drive, or even less, will work just fine if you don’t buy games all that frequently but are a little limited on capacity. On the other hand, an 2-TB model will be able to keep up with your library if you often purchase large new games. But the price is much higher.
Additionally, think about brand name. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but external SSDs are prone to failure due to an exceptional manufacturing defect just like any other electrical device.
As a result, it’s crucial to have a significant manufacturer support its product rather than a no-name business that will vanish as soon as something breaks. Because you’re entrusting an external SSD with your games and save data, a reliable SSD manufacturer also reduces the likelihood that your device will malfunction in the first place.
What Are The Best External SSDs For PS4?
The good news is that almost any USB 3.0 external SSD with a capacity that ranges from 250-GB to 8-TB will function with a PS4; you don’t need a specific one. As a result, the criteria for selecting the best external SSDs for PS4 are the same as those for selecting an internal SSD in general.
Just in case something goes wrong, you want the right amount of storage space, a quick read speed, a slim profile, and a reputable brand.
Out of all the models tested, the best PS5 external hard drive was the Samsung Portable SSD T5. This external drive is small, has a discrete design, and runs quietly. However, the SSD T5’s data transfer speed is what really sells it.
The fastest transfer speed of any drive tested was reached by copying Returnal to the disk in only 7 minutes, while Mass Effect: Andromeda did so in just 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Mass Effect Andromeda loaded on the SSD T5 in 35 seconds, which is four seconds quicker than it did on the internal SSD of the PS5.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- Superfast read-write speeds of up to 540 MB/s
- Top to bottom metal design that fits in the palm of your hand
- Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Includes USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables. Shock resistance
With the excellent Seagate Expansion SSD, the well-known storage company Seagate has successfully transferred its impressive expertise to the portable SSD market.
This external SSD is remarkably thin. The best part is that it performs well, is relatively tiny, is reasonable (with prices likely to drop), has a good design, and comes with a three-year warranty.
If you’re searching for the best PS4 portable SSD at an affordable price, the Seagate Expansion SSD is definitely worth taking into consideration.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- Lightning fast and extremely portable solid state drive that’s perfect for playing stored games directly to a PlayStation console and backing up content on the go.
- Expansion SSD is a small, lightweight USB-C SSD with a minimalist design for busy days and bustling commutes
- This external drive includes a USB 3.0 and USB-C cable that works seamlessly with the PS4 system.
- Plenty of capacity to manage your digital world
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty
Western Digital, sometimes abbreviated as WD, makes a variety of storage products. The company offers a wide range of cutting-edge storage options at different price points, from portable SSDs to high-speed computer memory. The 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB WD Elements SE SSD, an inexpensive portable SSD, was just released by WD.
You can carry the WD Elements SE SSD in your jeans pocket with your smartphone and enjoy noise-free operation, faster read and write speeds, and a small form factor. If you want an affordable external SSD for your PS4, this is an ideal storage option.
Overall, a reliable brand offers an excellent high-speed small storage option with a three-year limited warranty.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- Accelerate your PS4 gaming experience with fast yet affordable SSD performance from a brand you can trust.
- Read speeds up to 400MB/s let you move large files fast so you can get more done in your day.
- A compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters make this the perfect drive no matter where you are.
- Seamlessly integrate the drive into your workflow with plug-and-play functionality that’s ready to use right out of the box.
- What’s in the Box: Portable SSD, USB 3.0 Cable, Safety and Warranty Guide
Buffalo’s SSD-PG Portable SSD is a good choice for PS4 players wanting to replace a slow and heavy spinning external hard drive with a portable external solid-state drive (SSD). The thin, all-black SSD-PG provides some additional zip—being about twice as fast as a typical hard disk drive—at an affordable price if you’re a careful shopper. It can also survive being dropped or mishandled.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY – Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
