Hey there, fellow gamers! Ever find yourself deleting games just to make space for the next big title on your PS4 Pro? It’s a classic dilemma. With massive game sizes becoming the norm, your console’s built-in storage can fill up faster than you can say “trophy unlocked.” That’s where a good Solid State Drive (SSD) comes into play, offering a significant boost in loading times and overall performance.
If you’re on the hunt for a massive storage upgrade, specifically a SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, you’ve come to the right place. While SanDisk is a fantastic brand known for its reliability and speed, we’ll also peek at a couple of other top-tier options that give SanDisk a run for its money in the 4TB category. Getting an external SSD can drastically improve your gaming experience, from faster game launches to snappier in-game asset loading. Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage solution to keep your PS4 Pro purring like a kitten!
Why Upgrade Your PS4 Pro Storage?
Before we get to the goods, let’s quickly touch on why an upgrade is worth it. Your PS4 Pro uses a traditional hard drive (HDD), which, while decent, is slower than an SSD. An SSD has no moving parts, leading to:
- Faster Loading Times: Games, levels, and textures load much quicker.
- Improved Game Performance: Less stuttering in data-intensive areas.
- More Space: 4TB is a massive amount of storage, letting you keep dozens, if not hundreds, of games installed.
- Enhanced Reliability: SSDs are generally more durable than HDDs, especially portable ones.
What to Look for in a PS4 Pro SSD
When choosing an external SSD for your PS4 Pro, keep these factors in mind:
- Capacity: You’re aiming for 4TB, which is ideal for a huge game library.
- Speed: Look for USB 3.0 (or higher) compatibility for the best transfer rates. NVMe SSDs are generally the fastest.
- Durability: If it’s an external drive, ruggedness can be a big plus for portability.
- Compatibility: Ensure it works seamlessly with your PS4 Pro’s USB ports.
Now, let’s look at some of the best 4TB SSDs that can elevate your PS4 Pro gaming!
Product Reviews
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s
This portable powerhouse from SanDisk is an absolute beast for anyone needing top-tier speed and resilience. Designed with powerful NVMe solid-state performance, it boasts read/write speeds up to 2000MB/s, which means your game loading times will be slashed significantly. Its robust design, featuring a forged aluminum chassis that doubles as a heatsink, ensures sustained high performance even during intense gaming sessions, making it a fantastic contender for the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro.
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Key Features:
- Up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds with NVMe technology.
- Forged aluminum chassis and silicone shell for durability and heat dissipation.
- 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
- IP65 water and dust resistance, plus 3-meter drop protection.
- Handy carabiner loop for secure carrying.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for easy file management.
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds dramatically cut down load times.
- Extremely durable and rugged build quality.
- Excellent heat management for sustained performance.
- Long warranty period.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Overkill for some PS4 Pro users, as the console’s USB 3.0 port can’t fully utilize 2000MB/s.
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User Impressions: Gamers and content creators alike rave about its incredible speed and reliability. Many highlight its tough exterior, making them confident about taking it on the go. The only common note is that its maximum speeds are beyond what the PS4 Pro can achieve, but it still offers phenomenal performance.
SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-Blade SSD Mag – Portable & Modular
The SanDisk Professional PRO-Blade SSD Mag isn’t a standalone drive in the traditional sense; it’s a modular component designed for high-end professional workflows. When paired with its companion enclosures (like the PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT or STATION), it becomes an incredibly versatile and powerful storage solution. For PS4 Pro users, this means ultimate flexibility and the ability to scale your storage needs without buying entirely new drives.
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Key Features:
- Compact, lightweight design for easy portability.
- Modular versatility for scalable storage.
- Ultra-durable with 3m drop and 4000lb crush resistance.
- Up to 2000MB/s with PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT, and 3000MB/s with PRO-BLADE STATION.
- Stackable up to 16TB capacity with PRO-BLADE STATION.
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Pros:
- Unmatched modularity for professional use.
- Extreme durability built for demanding environments.
- Excellent speeds when paired with its enclosures.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate enclosure (PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT or STATION) to function as an external drive, adding to the cost.
- Its professional-grade features might be overkill for just a PS4 Pro.
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User Impressions: Professionals absolutely love the modular system for its flexibility in managing large projects. While it might be an advanced setup for a PS4 Pro, users appreciate the top-tier build quality and speed, noting its robust nature for critical data.
SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD – Up to 3000MB/s
Meet the PRO-G40, a true powerhouse from SanDisk Professional that’s built for serious speed and serious abuse. With lightning-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s via Thunderbolt 3, and still excellent speeds with USB-C, this drive is a data transfer champ. Its ultra-rugged design makes it nearly indestructible, combining professional-grade performance with peace of mind—a serious contender for the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro if you’re looking for the absolute top end.
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Key Features:
- Up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write with Thunderbolt 3.
- Dual-mode compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C (10Gbps).
- IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb crush, and 3m drop resistance.
- Cool aluminum core to maintain high speeds.
- Pro-grade enclosure for premium strength.
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast, moving huge files in minutes.
- Extreme durability against elements and impacts.
- Excellent heat management for sustained performance.
- Versatile with both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.
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Cons:
- Premium price point, reflecting its professional-grade capabilities.
- PS4 Pro cannot fully utilize Thunderbolt 3 speeds.
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User Impressions: Users are blown away by its speed and the tank-like build quality. Professionals especially praise its performance for video editing and large file transfers. For PS4 Pro, while its full speed isn’t utilized, its ruggedness and consistent performance are highly valued.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C
This is SanDisk’s more mainstream offering for portable SSDs, and it hits a sweet spot between speed, durability, and affordability. The 4TB Extreme Portable SSD delivers NVMe solid-state performance with speeds up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write. It’s tough enough to withstand daily bumps and splashes, making it an excellent all-around choice for expanding your PS4 Pro’s game library without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds with NVMe.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for easy attachment.
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
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Pros:
- Excellent balance of speed and affordability for PS4 Pro.
- Highly durable and resistant to water/dust.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Includes hardware encryption for data security.
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the Extreme PRO models, but still very quick.
- The console’s USB 3.0 port will bottleneck maximum speeds, but it’s still significantly faster than the internal HDD.
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User Impressions: This model is hugely popular among general users and gamers. They consistently praise its robust design, portability, and noticeable speed improvements. Many find it the perfect companion for consoles and laptops, appreciating its reliability and value.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800MB/s
This iteration of the SanDisk Extreme PRO takes things up a notch with the next-gen USB4 interface, pushing read speeds up to an incredible 3800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3700 MB/s. While the PS4 Pro can’t fully leverage USB4, this drive ensures future-proofing for your other devices while providing top-tier performance on the console. It’s a premium, high-performance option for those who want the absolute best and a genuine contender for the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro crown.
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Key Features:
- USB4 interface for read speeds up to 3800 MB/s and write up to 3700 MB/s.
- Backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and supports Thunderbolt 4.
- Rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis for robust protection.
- 5-year limited warranty for outstanding reliability.
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Pros:
- Mind-blowing speeds for cutting-edge devices.
- Excellent backward compatibility with various USB standards.
- Extremely durable construction.
- Long warranty and professional-grade guarantee.
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Cons:
- Significantly more expensive due to USB4 technology.
- PS4 Pro cannot utilize USB4 speeds, meaning some of that immense potential goes unused on the console.
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User Impressions: Early adopters are thrilled with its unprecedented speeds for USB-C devices. They appreciate the future-proofing and the robust build quality. For PS4 Pro, it’s considered an ultimate, albeit high-cost, upgrade that delivers consistent, fast performance even if not at its peak.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD
While our main focus is on the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, this Samsung 990 PRO is an incredibly powerful internal SSD that could theoretically be used via an enclosure, but it’s primarily designed for PCs and PS5 (with a heatsink). It’s a PCIe 4.0 M.2 drive, offering near-max performance with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s. If you’re looking for an internal upgrade for a PS5 or a PC, this is a top choice, but for PS4 Pro, it’s not a direct plug-and-play external solution.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 interface with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Up to 55% improvement in random performance over 980 PRO.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
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Pros:
- Blazing fast, pushing the limits of PCIe 4.0.
- Excellent for high-end gaming and data analysis on compatible systems.
- Good power efficiency.
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Cons:
- Designed as an internal M.2 drive, not a direct external solution for PS4 Pro.
- Requires a separate M.2 enclosure to be used as an external drive, and even then, its speeds would be bottlenecked by USB.
- PS4 Pro only supports external USB drives, not internal M.2 SSDs.
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User Impressions: PC builders and PS5 users laud this drive for its incredible speed and performance, especially for demanding games and applications. They emphasize its role in achieving a truly next-gen experience. For PS4 Pro, users acknowledge it’s a wrong form factor, but praise the brand’s quality.
SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-Blade Transport – Portable and Modular
This is the enclosure that brings the PRO-BLADE SSD Mag (Product #2) to life. The PRO-Blade Transport is a portable enclosure that, when loaded with a PRO-BLADE SSD mag, transforms into a robust external SSD with USB-C (20Gbps) speeds up to 2000MB/s read and write. It embodies modular versatility, allowing you to easily swap mags for different capacities. For serious creators or those who need extreme flexibility, this system is a great choice, adding to the list of powerful options for your PS4 Pro.
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Key Features:
- Preloaded with a PRO-BLADE SSD mag for USB-C (20Gbps) speeds up to 2000MB/s.
- Modular versatility to easily swap PRO-BLADE SSD mags.
- Included PRO-BLADE SSD mag offers 3m drop and 4,000lbs crush resistance.
- Aluminum heat sink to maintain high speeds.
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Pros:
- Exceptional modularity allows for easy capacity scaling.
- Extremely durable enclosure and mag combination.
- High transfer speeds suitable for demanding tasks.
- Effective heat management.
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Cons:
- The system (transport + mag) is a significant investment.
- Its professional-grade features and modularity might be overkill for casual PS4 Pro gaming.
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User Impressions: Professionals highly value the convenience and robustness of the PRO-Blade Transport system. They find swapping mags incredibly useful for managing multiple projects. For PS4 Pro, users like the idea of future-proofing and extreme durability, even if the modularity isn’t fully exploited.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C
Yes, you’re seeing this amazing drive again! The SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD (the same as Product #4) is so popular and well-regarded that it deserves another mention. Its blend of NVMe performance (up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write), military-grade durability (3-meter drop, IP65 water/dust resistance), and secure features like hardware encryption make it an absolute winner. It’s truly a strong contender for the title of the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro for its superb balance of features and value.
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Key Features:
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Carabiner loop for secure attachment to bags.
- Password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for simplified file management.
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Pros:
- Consistently high performance for faster game loads.
- Built like a tank, ideal for active users or accidental drops.
- Very compact and easy to carry.
- Enhanced security features are a great bonus.
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Cons:
- While fast, it doesn’t reach the extreme speeds of the PRO versions.
- Still limited by the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 port, but performance is consistently excellent.
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User Impressions: This SSD garners immense praise for its practicality. Users love how robust it feels, its fast performance for console gaming and general use, and its compact size. It’s often cited as the go-to recommendation for external console storage due to its reliability and proven track record.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2, Speeds Up to 7450MB/s
Another fantastic option from Samsung, the 990 PRO Heatsink SSD, is specifically “MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND.” This internal NVMe M.2 SSD boasts incredible speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s and includes an integrated heatsink for optimal temperature control. While explicitly designed for PS5 and high-end PCs, it’s not a suitable direct external solution for the PS4 Pro. However, if you also own a PS5 and need a phenomenal internal upgrade, this is a top-tier choice.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Integrated heatsink for improved temperature control.
- Specifically designed with PS5 compatibility in mind.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- Excellent power efficiency.
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Pros:
- Absolutely phenomenal speeds for PS5 and PC gaming.
- Integrated heatsink ensures stable, high performance.
- Massive capacity ideal for next-gen game libraries.
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Cons:
- It’s an internal M.2 drive, not an external USB drive for PS4 Pro.
- Not compatible with PS4 Pro as a direct storage upgrade.
- Would require an expensive, specialized external M.2 enclosure to be used externally, and even then, its full potential wouldn’t be met.
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User Impressions: PS5 owners and PC enthusiasts laud the 990 PRO Heatsink for its incredible performance and ease of installation. They highlight its ability to handle the most demanding games and applications without thermal throttling. It’s a gold standard for next-gen internal storage.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s
While this article focuses on finding the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, we wanted to include the 2TB version of the Extreme PRO Portable SSD as it’s an excellent product for those who might not need a full 4TB but still want top-tier performance. Boasting up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds, a forged aluminum chassis for heat dissipation, and IP65 water/dust resistance with 3-meter drop protection, it offers all the premium features of its 4TB sibling in a slightly smaller capacity.
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Key Features:
- Powerful NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for easy attachment.
- Password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for easy file management.
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds, even at 2TB.
- Extremely durable and rugged construction.
- Excellent heat management.
- Premium feel and long-lasting reliability.
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Cons:
- Only 2TB capacity, not 4TB as per the main keyword focus.
- Premium price for a 2TB drive.
- PS4 Pro cannot fully utilize its 2000MB/s speeds.
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User Impressions: Users love the Extreme PRO line for its exceptional speed and robust build. Even the 2TB version receives high praise for its ability to handle large files quickly and withstand tough conditions. It’s a solid choice for those who want performance and durability but don’t require the largest capacity.
Choosing the Right SSD for Your PS4 Pro
When it comes down to picking the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, or even a top alternative, it really depends on your priorities.
- For the absolute best performance and future-proofing (even if PS4 Pro can’t maximize it): The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4 (Product #5) or the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD (Product #3) are top contenders. They offer incredible speeds and rugged durability.
- For a superb balance of speed, durability, and value: The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (Products #4 and #8) is a fantastic, highly recommended choice. It’s fast, tough, and gets the job done for the PS4 Pro beautifully.
- For modularity and extreme professional use (with PS4 Pro as a secondary): The SanDisk Professional PRO-Blade Transport with SSD Mag (Product #7 and #2) offers unique flexibility, though it’s a more involved system.
- For those who need an internal upgrade for PS5 (or PC) rather than PS4 Pro: The Samsung 990 PRO SSDs (Products #6 and #9) are stellar, but remember they aren’t external drives for your PS4 Pro.
- For those who find 4TB too much but want top performance: The SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD (Product #10) is a brilliant, albeit smaller, option.
Ultimately, any of the external SanDisk 4TB SSDs mentioned here will provide a significant upgrade over your PS4 Pro’s internal hard drive, giving you faster load times and vast amounts of storage for your ever-growing game library. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use any external SSD with my PS4 Pro?
A1: Generally, yes, as long as it connects via a USB 3.0 (or newer) port and has enough capacity. The PS4 Pro supports external storage devices up to 8TB. All the external drives reviewed above will work.
Q2: Will a 4TB SSD really make a difference on my PS4 Pro?
A2: Absolutely! While the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 port won’t utilize the absolute maximum speeds of the fastest external SSDs (like those pushing 2000MB/s+), it’s still significantly faster than the console’s internal HDD. You’ll notice much quicker game loading times and overall snappier performance. The 4TB capacity also means you’ll have ample space for dozens of AAA titles.
Q3: How do I set up an external SSD with my PS4 Pro?
A3: It’s quite straightforward!
1. Connect your external SSD to a USB 3.0 port on your PS4 Pro.
2. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
3. Select your SSD and choose “Format as Extended Storage.”
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Your PS4 Pro will now automatically install new games and apps to the SSD by default.
Q4: Do I need to buy an external SSD with a heatsink for my PS4 Pro?
A4: For an external SSD, a heatsink isn’t typically required as much as it is for internal M.2 SSDs in a PC or PS5. Most quality external SSDs, especially rugged ones like the SanDisk Extreme series, have built-in thermal management (like aluminum chassis) that adequately dissipates heat for their operating conditions.
Q5: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs for PS4 Pro?
A5: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs are generally much faster than older SATA SSDs. While the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 port will bottleneck the full potential of NVMe speeds, an NVMe external SSD will still offer a performance boost over a SATA external SSD, and a massive jump over the internal HDD. All the SanDisk external SSDs reviewed here use NVMe technology.
Q6: Can I store my game saves on the external SSD?
A6: Yes, when you format an external SSD as “Extended Storage” on your PS4 Pro, game data and downloads will be stored there. However, game saves are typically stored on the console’s internal storage or uploaded to PlayStation Plus cloud storage. You can move installed games between the internal and external storage as needed.
Q7: Will using an external SSD void my PS4 Pro’s warranty?
A7: No, using an officially supported external USB storage device will not void your PS4 Pro’s warranty. Sony designed the console to support this type of expansion, so feel free to upgrade your storage without worry!