Is your PlayStation 4 feeling a bit sluggish? Are those loading screens taking forever, or worse, are you constantly deleting games just to make space for new ones? You’re not alone! Many PS4 gamers find themselves in this predicament. The good news is, upgrading your PS4’s storage to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can be a total game-changer, dramatically improving load times, system responsiveness, and overall gaming fluidity. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance storage, Lexar is a name that often comes up.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the Lexar best SSD for PS4? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve dived deep into Lexar’s extensive lineup to bring you 10 fantastic SSDs that can elevate your PS4 experience. Whether you’re looking for an internal upgrade or a handy external drive, we’ll help you find the perfect fit to supercharge your console. Let’s get those games loading faster and your console running smoother!
Our Top Lexar SSD Picks for PS4
Here are our detailed reviews of 10 Lexar SSDs, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and what users are saying, to help you find the ideal Lexar best SSD for PS4 for your needs.
1. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe
While primarily designed with the next-gen PS5 and PC gaming in mind, the Lexar 4TB Play SSD is a beast of a drive that offers incredible speeds. Though its full PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe potential won’t be entirely unleashed by the PS4’s older architecture, its sheer performance and generous capacity make it an intriguing option for users considering a future PS5 upgrade or those who might want to use it externally with an enclosure (though this would limit its speed to the PS4’s USB 3.0 capabilities). If you’re future-proofing your storage or have a PS5 too, this drive offers top-tier performance and reliable cooling.
- Designed to enhance your gaming experience, especially on PS5.
- Blazing-fast 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds for reduced load times.
- Massive 4TB capacity (3200TBW endurance).
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling.
- Compatible with PS5 and PC gaming.
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance.
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Extremely high speeds (future-proof for PS5/PC).
– Large 4TB capacity.
– Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management.
– Excellent durability rating (TBW).
Cons:
– Overkill for PS4’s internal or external speed limitations.
– Requires an external enclosure for PS4 external use.
– Not directly compatible as an internal PS4 SSD (PS4 uses SATA III).
User Impressions: Gamers rave about its lightning-fast load times and seamless performance on PS5 and PC. Users appreciate the included heatsink for easy installation and effective cooling during intense gaming sessions, making it a stellar investment for demanding setups.
2. Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD
Looking for a massive external storage boost for your PS4? The Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD is an excellent choice. This sleek and durable drive offers incredible speeds for a portable SSD, ensuring that even though the PS4’s USB 3.0 port won’t utilize its full 2000MB/s potential, you’ll still experience significantly faster game loading compared to the console’s internal hard drive. Its slim profile means you can take your entire game library wherever you go, making it a fantastic solution for any serious gamer.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write (speed may vary on PS4).
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, mobile devices, laptops, and cameras.
- Unique Thermal Control Design maintains optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software (for PC/Mac).
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Huge 4TB capacity for an extensive game library.
– Excellent speeds for an external drive (even if throttled by PS4 USB 3.0).
– Portable, lightweight, and robust design.
– Plug-and-play setup for PS4.
Cons:
– PS4’s USB 3.0 won’t utilize its maximum advertised speeds.
– Encryption software is not applicable for PS4 use.
User Impressions: Users love the SL500’s compact size and impressive speed. It’s often praised for its robust build quality and reliability, making it a favorite for gamers who want to expand their PS4 storage without opening the console.
3. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD
The Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD is another fantastic option for PS4 users seeking portable and fast storage. While not as blisteringly fast as the SL500, its 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds are still significantly faster than the PS4’s internal HDD, meaning quicker game loads and smoother experiences. Its ultra-compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly convenient to carry, effectively giving you an extra terabyte of gaming space in your pocket.
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, iPhone 15 series, Android devices, laptops, and cameras.
- Ultra-thin (10.5mm), lightweight (42g) and durable metal design.
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play.
- Includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software.
Pros:
– Very compact and portable design.
– Excellent speeds for PS4 external storage.
– Durable metal casing.
– Easy plug-and-play setup.
Cons:
– PS4’s USB 3.0 port will bottleneck its full speed.
– 1TB might feel limiting for very large game libraries.
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the ES3’s incredibly small size and surprisingly fast performance. It’s seen as a reliable and convenient portable storage solution, especially for those who travel or need quick data access on multiple devices.
4. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re ready to get under the hood and replace your PS4’s slow internal hard drive, the Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD is an outstanding choice. As a 2.5-inch SATA III drive, it’s perfectly compatible with the PS4’s internal slot. With sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in everything from system boot-up to game loading times and overall menu responsiveness. Plus, being an SSD, it’s more durable, quieter, and uses less power than a traditional HDD.
- Designed to upgrade laptops or desktop computers for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 2TB capacity (960TBW endurance).
- Three-year limited product support.
Pros:
– Direct internal upgrade for PS4 (2.5-inch SATA III).
– Significant speed improvement over stock HDD.
– Increased durability and quieter operation.
– Generous 2TB capacity for internal storage.
Cons:
– Requires opening the PS4 and reinstalling the system software.
– Speeds are limited by the PS4’s SATA III interface, not the fastest available SSDs.
User Impressions: Many users report a night-and-day difference in their PS4’s performance after installing the NS100. The faster loading times and smoother gameplay are consistently praised, making it a popular choice for those comfortable with an internal upgrade.
5. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD
Similar to its 4TB sibling, the Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD offers fantastic external storage capabilities for your PS4, just in a slightly smaller (and often more affordable) package. It brings the same impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, which translates to a substantial speed boost for your PS4’s external game library. This slim and stylish drive is perfect for gamers who need ample space for their digital titles without the hassle of an internal installation.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write (performance on PS4 will be lower).
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, mobile devices, laptops, and cameras.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Good 2TB capacity for many games.
– Excellent speeds for an external drive (even if throttled by PS4 USB 3.0).
– Highly portable and durable.
– Easy plug-and-play setup.
Cons:
– PS4’s USB 3.0 won’t utilize its maximum advertised speeds.
– Encryption software not relevant for PS4.
User Impressions: Like the 4TB version, this 2TB SL500 is highly regarded for its sleek design and reliable performance. Gamers appreciate how quickly it allows them to access their games and the peace of mind that comes with its robust build.
6. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
The Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a unique offering that goes beyond simple storage. While providing excellent speed for your PS4’s external game library (up to 1050MB/s read), it also incorporates a built-in hub with four USB Type-C ports. While the hub features are probably more useful for content creators and PC users, the core SSD offers robust, fast, and durable storage for your PlayStation, boasting IP65 dust and water resistance and drop resistance up to 1 meter.
- Ultra-compact and highly portable design.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports.
- Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (for devices that support it).
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Excellent speeds for PS4 external storage.
– Extremely durable (IP65 rated, drop-resistant).
– Very compact design.
– Comes with useful adapters and cables.
Cons:
– The “hub” functionality is less relevant for PS4 gaming.
– 1TB capacity might be insufficient for larger game libraries.
– PS4’s USB 3.0 will limit peak speeds.
User Impressions: Users praise this drive for its incredible durability and compact form factor. While many don’t fully utilize the hub for PS4, they appreciate the reliable and fast storage it provides, especially for on-the-go professionals and gamers alike.
7. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Bringing the same rugged reliability and innovative hub design as its 1TB counterpart, the Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub offers double the storage capacity. This is an excellent choice for PS4 users who value durability and speed in an external drive and want a bit more space for their ever-growing collection of games. You get the same fast 1050MB/s read speeds, the robust IP65 rating, and the convenience of a compact, hub-enabled device.
- Ultra-compact and highly portable design.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports.
- Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector.
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Good 2TB capacity.
– Excellent speeds for PS4 external storage.
– Extremely durable (IP65 rated, drop-resistant).
– Very compact design.
– Comes with useful adapters and cables.
Cons:
– The “hub” functionality is less relevant for PS4 gaming.
– PS4’s USB 3.0 will limit peak speeds.
User Impressions: Customers love the blend of ruggedness and performance. They find the 2TB capacity much more practical for larger game libraries, making it a reliable and versatile external SSD for various uses, including PS4 gaming.
8. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want to experience the benefits of an internal SSD upgrade for your PS4, the Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD is a solid contender. While 512GB might not seem huge in today’s gaming world, it’s still a significant improvement over the stock 500GB HDD, offering much faster read speeds (up to 550MB/s) and dramatically cutting down loading times. This 2.5-inch SATA III drive is a direct fit for your PS4, providing a reliable and responsive boost to your console.
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 512GB capacity (240TBW endurance).
- Three-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Affordable internal SSD upgrade for PS4.
– Significant speed improvement over stock HDD.
– Increased durability and quieter operation.
– Perfectly compatible as an internal PS4 drive.
Cons:
– 512GB capacity may quickly fill up with modern games.
– Requires internal installation and system software reinstallation.
User Impressions: Users report that even at 512GB, the performance upgrade is noticeable and worthwhile for the price. It’s often recommended for those who have a few favorite games they want to load quickly and are comfortable managing their storage.
9. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For the most budget-conscious PS4 gamer looking to speed up their console, the Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD offers the core benefits of an internal SSD upgrade at an entry-level capacity. While 256GB is quite small for today’s games, it’s perfect for those who primarily play a few favorite titles and want blazing-fast access to them. You’ll still get a noticeable bump in sequential read speeds (up to 520MB/s) compared to the original HDD, ensuring your key games load much quicker.
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 256GB capacity (120TBW endurance).
- Three-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Most affordable internal SSD option.
– Noticeable speed improvement for core games.
– Increased durability and quieter operation.
– Direct internal replacement for PS4.
Cons:
– Very limited capacity for a modern gaming console.
– Requires internal installation and system software reinstallation.
User Impressions: This drive is appreciated by users who need a performance boost for specific applications or a handful of games, rather than extensive storage. They emphasize the value for money and the significant speed difference it provides for its capacity.
10. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD
Rounding out our list, the Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD is an excellent mid-range external option for PS4 users. It provides a solid 1TB of additional storage, which is ample for a good selection of games, combined with the impressive speed of the SL500 series. Its ultra-thin, durable metal design makes it easy to carry, and the plug-and-play simplicity means you can get your PS4 up and running with expanded, faster storage in no time.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write (performance on PS4 will be lower).
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Wide compatibility with PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, mobile devices, laptops, and cameras.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Good 1TB capacity for external storage.
– Excellent speeds for an external drive (even if throttled by PS4 USB 3.0).
– Highly portable and durable.
– Easy plug-and-play setup.
Cons:
– PS4’s USB 3.0 won’t utilize its maximum advertised speeds.
– Encryption software not relevant for PS4.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 1TB SL500 for its ideal balance of capacity, speed, and portability. It’s a popular choice for gamers who want a noticeable performance boost and plenty of space for their digital library without breaking the bank.
FAQ Section: All Your PS4 SSD Questions Answered!
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS4 with an SSD?
A1: Upgrading your PS4 with an SSD, especially a Lexar best SSD for PS4, dramatically improves game loading times, reduces texture pop-in, speeds up system boot-up, and makes navigating the PS4 menu much snappier. Traditional HDDs are slow mechanical drives, while SSDs use flash memory, offering significantly faster data access.
Q2: Can I install an internal SSD in my PS4?
A2: Yes! The PlayStation 4 supports a 2.5-inch SATA III internal hard drive. You can replace the stock HDD with a compatible 2.5-inch SATA III SSD like the Lexar NS100 series. This is often considered the most impactful upgrade for overall system performance. You’ll need to back up your data and reinstall the PS4 system software afterwards.
Q3: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for PS4?
A3: An internal SSD replaces the original hard drive inside your PS4. It’s usually faster for overall system operations and game loading as it connects directly via SATA. An external SSD connects to your PS4 via a USB 3.0 port. While it’s easier to install (plug-and-play), its speed will be limited by the PS4’s USB 3.0 bandwidth, which is slower than the SATA III interface for internal drives. However, even an external SSD is still much faster than the original internal HDD for game storage.
Q4: Will an external SSD utilize its full advertised speed on a PS4?
A4: No, not usually. Most high-performance external SSDs (like the Lexar SL500 series) boast speeds of 1000MB/s or even 2000MB/s. However, the PS4’s USB 3.0 ports have a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps (around 625MB/s), and in real-world usage, it’s often closer to 300-400MB/s. While this is still a massive improvement over the PS4’s stock HDD, it won’t allow the SSD to reach its absolute peak advertised performance.
Q5: How much storage capacity do I need for my PS4?
A5: It depends on your gaming habits!
* 500GB-1TB: Good for a moderate game library, especially if you uninstall games you’re not actively playing.
* 2TB: A great sweet spot for most gamers, allowing you to keep a large selection of titles installed without constant management.
* 4TB+: Ideal for digital-only gamers with huge libraries or those who want to future-proof their storage as much as possible.
Q6: Is installing an internal SSD complicated?
A6: It’s generally a straightforward process that many gamers can do themselves, but it does require a bit of technical comfort. You’ll need a screwdriver, a USB drive to reinstall the PS4 system software, and about 30-60 minutes. There are many helpful video tutorials online that walk you through each step.
Q7: Can I use any Lexar SSD with my PS4?
A7: For internal upgrades, you need a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. For external storage, any Lexar portable SSD with a USB 3.0 (or higher) connection will work, though its speed will be capped by the PS4’s USB 3.0 port. NVMe drives like the Lexar PLAY SSD are typically for PS5/PC internally and would require an external enclosure to work with a PS4, and even then, their speeds would be limited. Always check the product’s compatibility for “PS4” or “gaming consoles.”
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with a Lexar SSD is one of the smartest moves you can make to breathe new life into your console. Whether you opt for an internal SATA III SSD to replace your old HDD or a convenient, blazing-fast external portable drive, you’re guaranteed to experience a significant boost in performance, making your gaming sessions more enjoyable and less frustrating.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down the Lexar best SSD for PS4 that fits your needs and budget. Say goodbye to those agonizing loading screens and hello to a snappier, more responsive PlayStation 4 experience! Happy gaming!