Hey gamers! Are you tired of painfully long loading screens or constantly having to delete games just to make room for new ones? We get it. Modern games are massive, and internal storage fills up quicker than you can say “GG.” That’s where a high-quality external SSD comes into play. It’s not just about more space; it’s about blazing-fast speeds that can dramatically improve your gaming experience.
Choosing the best external SSD for PC gaming can be a bit tricky with so many options out there. You want something fast, reliable, portable, and durable enough to handle all your digital adventures. Whether you’re looking to play games directly from the drive or just expand your ever-growing game library, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked 10 top contenders, ranging from lightning-fast NVMe options to robust, portable powerhouses. Let’s dive in and find the perfect upgrade for your gaming setup!
Understanding Your Options: SSDs vs. HDDs for Gaming
Before we jump into the reviews, it’s crucial to understand a key distinction. Our primary focus is the best external SSD for PC gaming because SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer significantly faster read/write speeds compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). This translates directly to faster game loading, quicker file transfers, and a smoother overall experience.
While we’ve included a few external HDDs in our list (mainly for those looking for massive, budget-friendly storage for archiving games), keep in mind they won’t offer the same performance boost for actively playing modern titles as an SSD will. Always prioritize an SSD if speed is your game.
Our Top Picks for External Gaming SSDs
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a fantastic all-rounder, striking a great balance between speed, portability, and reliability. It’s incredibly compact, making it easy to slip into your pocket or bag, yet it offers impressive read/write speeds thanks to its PCIe NVMe technology. This makes it a solid choice for PC gamers who need quick access to their game library without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- Fast read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
- Compact and lightweight design
- Shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet
- Extensive compatibility with PCs, mobile phones, and consoles
- Capacities up to 4TB
- Made with in-house Samsung components for quality you can trust
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for its price point
- Highly portable and durable
- Wide device compatibility
- Reliable Samsung brand reputation
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Cons:
- Not as fast as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or USB4 drives
- Might not be rugged enough for extreme outdoor use
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the T7 for its snappy performance, especially for everyday tasks and loading games. Its small footprint and robust build quality are also frequently highlighted, making it a favorite for gamers on the go.
- See it on Amazon here
2. SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD
When it comes to raw speed and performance, the Samsung T9 Portable SSD is a beast, especially for creators and serious gamers. Leveraging USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, it delivers sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, effectively halving your load times compared to many other drives. It’s built for heavy use, even staying cool under pressure thanks to its advanced thermal solution. If you want the ultimate speed in an external gaming drive, this is it.
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Key Features:
- Sustained read/write speeds up to 2,000MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2)
- Dynamic Thermal Guard for maintaining ideal temperatures
- Extensive compatibility with desktops, cameras, and gaming consoles
- Durable design for longevity
- Samsung Magician Software for drive health monitoring and updates
- Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video recording
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds for rapid game loading and transfers
- Excellent thermal management prevents throttling
- Robust build quality for heavy use
- Useful software for optimization
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Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on your PC for maximum speed (otherwise, it will default to a lower speed)
- Higher price point due to premium performance
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User Impressions: Gamers rave about the T9’s incredible speed, noting significant reductions in load times for even the most demanding titles. Its ability to handle long transfer processes without overheating is a definite plus for power users.
- See it on Amazon here
3. SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable SSD
For the adventurous gamer or content creator who needs their storage to withstand the elements, the Samsung T7 Shield is your go-to. It packs the same impressive 1,050/1,000 MB/s speeds as the original T7, but wraps it in a rugged, rubberized shell with IP65 water and dust resistance, plus enhanced drop protection. This drive is built to go the distance, rain or shine.
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Key Features:
- IP65 rated for water and dust resistance
- Drop protection up to 9.8 feet
- Fast read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
- Wide compatibility with PCs, Macs, Android devices, and gaming consoles
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB
- Samsung Magician Software for optimization and updates
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Pros:
- Extremely durable and element-resistant
- Great speeds for its class
- Compact and portable despite the rugged design
- Reliable Samsung quality
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Cons:
- Slightly larger and heavier than the standard T7
- Still limited by USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, not the fastest available
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the T7 Shield’s peace of mind, knowing their data is protected from drops and spills. They confirm it performs just as well as the regular T7, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs robust portable storage for gaming on the go.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Seagate Portable External Hard Drive HDD
While this article focuses on SSDs, the Seagate Portable External Hard Drive offers a compelling option for those on a tighter budget or who need massive storage for archiving games they don’t actively play. It’s a traditional HDD, meaning speeds won’t compare to SSDs, but its simplicity and plug-and-play functionality make it an easy choice for expanding your game library’s cold storage.
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Key Features:
- Up to 5TB capacity (model reviewed here is 2TB)
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Simple drag-and-drop backup
- Plug-and-play setup, no software required
- Compatible with Windows and Mac computers
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Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte
- Huge storage capacity for game archiving
- Extremely easy to set up and use
- Compact for an HDD
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Cons:
- Significantly slower than any SSD (not ideal for playing games directly)
- More susceptible to damage from drops compared to SSDs
- Requires USB 3.0 for best performance, older USB 2.0 ports will be even slower
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User Impressions: Users value this drive for its reliability and sheer storage capacity at an unbeatable price. It’s often recommended for backing up large files and game installations that don’t require SSD-level performance.
- See it on Amazon here
5. WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive Portable External Hard Drive
Designed specifically with gamers in mind, the WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive is another HDD option, but one optimized for gaming console and PC game storage. While still an HDD, it boasts speeds up to 130MB/s and a robust design with a sleek metal top, providing ample space for your growing game collection. It’s perfect for consolidating your older games or archiving current-gen titles.
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Key Features:
- Up to 6TB capacity (model reviewed here is 5TB)
- Purpose-built for gamers
- Portable form factor with metal top
- Speeds up to 130MB/s
- Compatible with Xbox Series X|S (archive only for X|S games, play for Xbox One) and PlayStation 5 (archive for PS5 games, play for PS4)
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Pros:
- Massive storage capacity for game libraries
- Durable and stylish gamer-focused design
- Good performance for an HDD
- Strong compatibility with gaming consoles for archiving
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Cons:
- Still an HDD, so load times are slower than SSDs
- Cannot play current-gen console games directly (only archive)
- Larger and heavier than external SSDs
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User Impressions: Gamers appreciate the P10’s large storage, allowing them to keep many titles installed without needing to constantly delete. Its console compatibility for archiving is a big plus, and users find it reliable for storing their extensive game collections.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Toshiba Canvio Gaming Portable External Hard Drive
The Toshiba Canvio Gaming drive is yet another external HDD tailored for the gaming crowd, featuring a firmware-customized “Always-On” mode for a more responsive experience. It’s a solid choice for expanding your game library on both PC and consoles, offering ample space for dozens of titles. Like other HDDs, it’s about capacity and value, not raw speed.
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Key Features:
- Designed for gaming consoles and PC
- “Always-On” firmware mode for responsiveness
- Store up to 50 games (2TB model)
- Compatible with PS5 (play PS4/store PS5) and Xbox Series X|S (play Xbox One/store X|S)
- Sleek, compact form factor for portability
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Pros:
- Cost-effective way to expand game storage
- Optimized firmware for gaming
- Good compatibility with current-gen consoles for older games
- Portable and easy to use
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Cons:
- Limited to HDD speeds (slower loading)
- Cannot play native PS5/Xbox Series X|S games directly
- Not as durable as rugged SSDs
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User Impressions: Customers find this Toshiba drive reliable and great for offloading games from their console or PC’s internal storage. The “Always-On” mode is a subtle but appreciated feature that helps it feel a bit snappier than generic HDDs.
- See it on Amazon here
7. UnionSine Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive
The UnionSine Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive focuses on portability and ease of use. While it’s an HDD, it stands out for its incredibly thin and quiet design, making it a truly pocket-friendly option. It features USB 3.0 for decent transfer speeds for an HDD and boasts double anti-interference layers for stable data transmission. It’s ideal for gamers who prioritize portability and budget for their archived games.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-thin and quiet design
- Upgraded cable with aluminum anti-interference layer
- USB 3.0 connectivity (up to 125MB/s read, 103MB/s write)
- Plug-and-play functionality, no software needed
- Double anti-interference chip for stable transmission
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Pros:
- Extremely thin and lightweight
- Very quiet operation
- Stable and reliable data transfer for an HDD
- Affordable external storage solution
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Cons:
- Standard HDD speeds (not for competitive gaming directly)
- Not as robust as SSDs against physical shock
- Limited to 1TB capacity for this model
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User Impressions: Users are impressed by how slim and quiet this drive is, making it perfect for carrying around. They confirm it works reliably for general file storage and less demanding game backups, appreciating its straightforward plug-and-play nature.
- See it on Amazon here
8. WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD (Note: This is an internal SSD)
While our main focus is external SSDs, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a prime example of an internal NVMe SSD that delivers top-tier performance for PC gaming. We’ve included it to highlight the kind of speed an internal NVMe can offer, which some external NVMe enclosures try to emulate. If you’re looking for the absolute best external SSD for PC gaming performance, you’d be looking for external drives that essentially house an NVMe like this, often with Thunderbolt or USB4 connectivity. This internal drive sets the benchmark for speed.
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Key Features:
- Insane speeds up to 7,200 MB/s (PCIe Gen4)
- Capacities up to 8TB
- Optional heatsink version for thermal management
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for monitoring and RGB customization (heatsink version)
- Future-forward features like Predictive Loading and Game Mode 2.0
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Pros:
- Among the fastest SSDs available for gaming (internal)
- Massive capacities for extensive game libraries
- Heatsink option prevents thermal throttling
- Dedicated gaming features for enhanced performance
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Cons:
- This is an internal SSD, not an external one (requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard)
- Requires a compatible high-speed port on your external enclosure to achieve similar speeds externally
- Higher cost than traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs
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User Impressions: Gamers universally praise the SN850X for its phenomenal speed, leading to virtually non-existent load times. The heatsink version is highly recommended for sustained performance during intense gaming sessions, making it a go-to for serious PC builders.
- See it on Amazon here
9. fanxiang External SSD 1TB (USB 4.0)
The fanxiang External SSD leaps into the realm of ultra-high-speed external drives, thanks to its USB4.0 technology. With read/write speeds approaching 3800MB/s, this drive is a true speed demon, rivaling even some internal NVMe drives. It’s a game-changer for professionals handling massive files and, of course, for PC gamers demanding the absolute fastest load times and data transfers. Its robust, heat-dissipating design ensures durability and consistent performance.
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Key Features:
- Hyper-speed read/write up to 3800MB/s and 3700MB/s (USB4.0)
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 3.2, and USB 3.0
- ProRes Video Direct Storage (iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max support)
- Durable heat-dissipating alloy body with professional protection
- Wide compatibility: laptops, desktops, TVs, PS5, PS4, Xbox series, Macs, Android (OTG)
- 5-year quality service/700TBW
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast data transfer speeds
- Excellent thermal management and durability
- Broad compatibility across many devices
- Long warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- Requires a USB4.0 or Thunderbolt 3/4 port for maximum speed
- Higher price point due to cutting-edge technology
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User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the fanxiang SSD’s speed, especially when used with compatible USB4/Thunderbolt ports. It’s seen as a premium solution for anyone who absolutely needs the quickest possible external storage for large game files or video editing.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD
The Crucial X10 Pro is another stellar contender for the best external SSD for PC gaming, offering professional-grade speeds up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write. It’s not just about speed; this drive is built to last with IP55 water and dust resistance and robust drop protection. For serious gamers who also dabble in content creation or need a reliable, fast, and durable drive for on-the-go work, the X10 Pro is a fantastic choice.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds: up to 2,100MB/s read, 2,000MB/s write
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters)
- Broad compatibility via USB-C and USB-A (Windows, Mac, consoles, Android, etc.)
- Compact and portable design with lanyard loop and activity light
- Includes bonus software (Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast performance for gaming and professional use
- Exceptional durability and resistance to elements
- Wide compatibility out of the box
- Compact form factor despite ruggedness
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Cons:
- Speeds might be limited by your PC’s USB port (requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for max speed)
- A premium-priced option
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the X10 Pro’s incredible speed and robust build. They appreciate its versatility for both gaming and creative work, noting that it holds up well to daily use and travel, making it a highly reliable and fast external drive.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About External SSDs for PC Gaming Answered
Q1: Why do I need an external SSD for PC gaming?
An external SSD dramatically reduces game loading times and asset streaming, leading to a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience. It also provides extra storage space, allowing you to install more games without constantly juggling files on your internal drive. Plus, it’s portable, so you can take your game library anywhere!
Q2: Can I play games directly from an external SSD?
Absolutely! Modern external SSDs with high transfer speeds (like those using USB 3.2 Gen 2 or higher, or Thunderbolt) are more than capable of running games directly. In many cases, you’ll experience load times that are comparable to or even better than an internal SATA SSD.
Q3: What’s the difference between an external SSD and an external HDD for gaming?
The main difference is speed and durability.
* External SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory, offering much faster read/write speeds (hundreds to thousands of MB/s), are more durable (no moving parts), quieter, and more compact. They’re ideal for playing games directly.
* External HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning platters, making them much slower (tens to ~150 MB/s), more susceptible to physical damage, and slightly noisier. They are significantly cheaper per gigabyte and are best for archiving games or storing media where speed isn’t critical.
Q4: How much storage capacity do I need for gaming?
It depends on how many games you play and their size. Modern AAA games can be 50GB to well over 150GB each.
* 1TB: Good for a decent library of current games (5-10 AAA titles).
* 2TB: A sweet spot for most gamers, allowing for a substantial collection.
* 4TB+: Ideal for avid collectors, those who play many large games, or users who also store large media files.
Q5: What transfer speeds should I look for in an external SSD for gaming?
For PC gaming, aim for external SSDs that offer read/write speeds of at least 500 MB/s. However, for the best experience, especially with modern titles, look for drives with speeds of 1,000 MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2) or higher, going up to 2,000 MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) or even 3,000-4,000 MB/s (USB4 or Thunderbolt). The faster the speed, the quicker your games will load.
Q6: Are external SSDs compatible with gaming consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X|S?
Yes, most external SSDs are compatible.
* PS5: You can store PS5 games on an external SSD, but you can only play PS4 games directly from it. To play PS5 games, you must transfer them back to the internal NVMe drive.
* Xbox Series X|S: Similar to PS5, you can store Xbox Series X|S optimized games, but to play them, they must be on the internal drive or a specific Seagate Expansion Card. You can play Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games directly from a standard external SSD.
Always check the specific drive’s compatibility with your console model.
Q7: How do I set up an external SSD for gaming?
Setting up is usually plug-and-play.
1. Connect: Plug the external SSD into an available USB port on your PC (preferably a high-speed one like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB-C).
2. Format: Your PC might prompt you to format the drive. Choose a file system like NTFS for Windows or exFAT for cross-platform compatibility.
3. Install Games: When installing a new game, select the external SSD as the installation location. For existing games, many game launchers (like Steam, Epic Games Store, Origin/EA App) allow you to move installed games to a new drive.
Conclusion
Investing in the best external SSD for PC gaming is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your setup. It liberates you from storage constraints and transforms your gaming experience with lightning-fast load times. While traditional external HDDs offer budget-friendly storage for archiving, an external SSD is the clear winner for actively playing modern games.
Whether you prioritize raw speed, rugged durability, or a balance of both, there’s a perfect external SSD out there for you. Happy gaming!