On Sony’s newest consoles, the best PS5 external hard drives can assist you in resolving your storage problems.
Despite the PS5’s respectable 825 GB internal SSD, some popular games can approach 100 GB, thus it won’t be enough for a sizable collection.
You can store all of your extra games in the cloud if you have a strong Internet connection and plenty of free time. Otherwise, you might spend money on an external storage solution to save time.
How to Choose the Best External Storage Device For Your PS5
The most crucial factor to take into account when selecting an external storage device for your PS5 is whether you want an SSD or an HDD. Although every person’s circumstances are unique, if you can afford an SSD, you should buy one. If you plan to store gigabytes upon gigabytes of data in one of these drives, it is crucial to keep in mind that SSDs transmit data significantly more swiftly. Due to the absence of moving parts, SSDs are also less likely to malfunction over time.
Otherwise, you should consider the cost and available storage. The inbuilt SSD of the PS5 has a capacity of around 825 GB (minus some, for necessary system files). A 1 TB drive effectively doubles your storage as a result; a 2 TB drive triples it; and so on. In general, more room costs more, so be sure to modify your expectations accordingly. If it helps you figure out how much space you’ll need, keep in mind that most current PS5 blockbusters often take up around 50 GB.
Best External Storage Devices For PS5
You should be aware of what the PS5 external storage devices can and cannot perform before you purchase one.
- Games for the PS4 and PS5 can currently be kept on external storage devices.
- Playing PS4 games directly from these drives is possible, however PS5 games must first be copied back to the system’s internal SSD. These external drives are thus pre-built gaming systems for PS4 games, while they serve only as digital archives for PS5 titles.
- Additionally, you can buy a hard drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) to use as external PS5 storage. Any system that works with a computer will also function with a PS5, so you don’t need hardware designed specifically for the PS5.
- These disks can be formatted by the PS5 itself, but keep in mind that you’ll lose any data that is currently on them.
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
For less than $130 for 1TB storage space, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a great storage choice. Yes, you could purchase cheaper HDD storage, but having an external SSD is incredibly beneficial, especially if you frequently move PS5 games or load PS4 titles directly from the drive.
Mass Effect Andromeda was transferred from the PS5 in in 2:06 via the Extreme Portable SSD, whereas Returnal took just 7 minutes and 12 seconds. Furthermore, Mass Effect Andromeda loaded in just 36 seconds, which is quicker than the internal SSD of the PS5.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- Get NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive that’s perfect for creating amazing content or capturing incredible footage.
- Up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating.
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.
Western Digital, a reputable hard drive manufacturer, is the source of the WD Black P50. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it’s one of the greatest PS5 accessories available.
This SSD offers up to 4 TB of storage space, a chic, robust design, and lightning-fast transfer rates. It had the second-fastest PS5 transfer speeds and the quickest PS4 transfer speeds of any storage device tested.
The P50 copied Mass Effect Andromeda from the PS5 in a best-in-class 2:04 and Returnal from the PS5 in just 7 minutes and 2 seconds. Additionally, Mass Effect Andromeda loaded up in 36 seconds, three seconds quicker than the PS5 was capable of.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- Shaped by performance with SSD speeds up to 2000MB/s to decrease load screen times and get you into the game faster.
- Up to 4TB of additional storage for you to keep your favorite games and save new games.
- Shock-resistant and portable form factor that provides fast access to your gaming library, anywhere you go.
- High-performance SSD with SuperSpeed USB 20Gb/s interface for your PC or console.
The most effective conventional HDD for external PS5 storage is probably the WD Black P10. It accomplishes this by striking an admirable balance between cost and effectiveness. While the P10 isn’t exactly inexpensive, it also isn’t that expensive for a massive 5 TB of storage. That’s enough for hundreds of smaller films or dozens of high-profile ones. The PS5’s whole lifespan may theoretically be covered by a P10.
The P10 has relatively few negatives compared to SSDs. It cloned Mass Effect Andromeda in a decent 8:30 and Returnal in a respectable 11:41, both excellent times for an HDD. Mass Effect loaded in 53 seconds, thus you might not want to play PS4 games directly from this disc. At least it doesn’t take too long to copy them.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- Available in capacities up to 5TB that can hold up to 125 games, so that you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles.
- Comes with an 18-inch (457mm) USB Type-A to Micro-B cable with SuperSpeed interface up to 5Gbps.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (play and store PS4 games, archive PS5 games) console.
- Portable form factor with sleek metal top covering that provides fast access to your growing game library
- Premium HDD with 3-year limited warranty, purpose-built for gamers based on WD_BLACK quality and reliability
The G-Technology ArmorAtd External HDD is one of the fastest external HDDs on the market. It could copy Mass Effect Andromeda in 7:47 and Returnal in 12:55.
Just like other classical external HDDs, it couldn’t load Mass Effect Andromeda all that quickly from the PS5 internal storage, taking 58 seconds to Resume a game from the main menu.
But even though, it’s a great choice as a PS5 external storage if your main concern is storage space and speed comes next in your priorities.
More DetailsBasic Specs
- USB-C (5Gbps) drive for quick file backup and storage
- USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible
- Premium, anodized aluminum enclosure for strength you can feel
- Built tough with an easy-grip bumper for pro-grade durabilty you can trust
- 3-Year limited warranty
- Ready to go with Mac (HFS+). Works with Windows via reformat.
