So, you’ve got yourself a PlayStation 5, and it’s an absolute beast, right? But let’s be real, that lightning-fast internal SSD fills up quicker than you can say “Spider-Man 2!” Whether you’re trying to save more PS4 games or simply archive your ever-growing PS5 library, finding the Sabrent best external SSD for PS5 (or a top-notch compatible alternative) is crucial. A good external drive can drastically improve your gaming life, cutting down on loading times for PS4 titles and giving you breathing room for your digital collection.
While Sabrent is renowned for its high-performance storage solutions, especially for PC enthusiasts and M.2 NVMe upgrades, we’re diving into a mix of Sabrent offerings and other highly-rated drives that are perfect for expanding your PS5’s storage capabilities. We’ll look at options that cater to different needs – from pure external game storage to internal cooling solutions that boost your M.2 NVMe drive’s performance. Ready to supercharge your console? Let’s jump in!
1. BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
When you’re looking for an external SSD that just works with your PS5, the Buffalo External SSD 1TB is a fantastic value proposition. It’s designed to be compact, reliable, and incredibly user-friendly, making it a go-to choice for gamers who need extra space without breaking the bank. This drive is perfect for storing your extensive library of PS4 games, allowing them to load faster than they would from a traditional HDD, and for archiving your PS5 titles when they’re not actively being played. Its plug-and-play nature means you’ll be up and running in no time, freeing up that precious internal storage.
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Key Features:
- BEST VALUE SSD for on-the-go demand
- Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs
- Fast speeds for large data copies
- Compact, durable, & reliable with shock-resistant design
- USB 3.2 Connectivity (USB-C / USB-A compatible)
- 3-Year Warranty (for registered devices)
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Very compact and portable
- Robust and durable design for protection
- Enhances PS4 game loading times
- Wide compatibility with various devices
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Cons:
- Not a Sabrent brand product (though an excellent alternative)
- Not suitable for playing PS5 games directly from it (only for storage/archiving)
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the Buffalo SSD for its ease of use and noticeable speed improvements for PS4 games. Many appreciate its rugged build quality, giving them peace of mind when carrying it around. It’s often highlighted as a reliable, no-fuss external storage solution.
2. SABRENT M.2 NVMe PS5 heatsink (SB-PSHS)
Alright, this isn’t an external SSD, but when we talk about the Sabrent best external SSD for PS5 in a broader sense, we have to consider the overall storage ecosystem. If you plan to install an internal M.2 NVMe SSD to play PS5 games directly from expanded storage, a heatsink is absolutely essential. Sabrent’s dedicated PS5 heatsink is a game-changer. Rather than just a cover, it replaces the PS5’s native M.2 slot cover, creating a larger, more efficient cooling surface that works in tandem with the console’s internal fan. This revolutionary design ensures your high-speed internal NVMe drive (like Sabrent’s own Rocket series) performs optimally without thermal throttling, giving you consistent, blazing-fast gaming performance.
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Key Features:
- Specifically designed to fit the PS5 console’s SSD expansion slot
- Revolutionary cooling system replaces the native PS5 cover
- Made from high-quality CNC’d aluminum for maximum heat dissipation
- “Sandwich Design” ensures even pressure for consistent heat transfer
- Includes installation guide, screws, and thermal tape for easy setup
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Pros:
- Superior cooling performance for internal NVMe SSDs
- Maximizes the lifespan and performance of your M.2 drive
- Easy to install with clear instructions
- Utilizes the PS5’s native fan for enhanced airflow
- Industrial quality construction
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Cons:
- Requires opening your PS5 console for installation
- Not an SSD itself, but an accessory for an internal SSD
- Only beneficial if you’re installing an internal M.2 NVMe SSD
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User Impressions: Users rave about how well this heatsink performs, keeping their internal NVMe SSDs cool even during intense gaming sessions. The installation process is frequently described as straightforward, and many appreciate Sabrent’s attention to detail in designing a solution that truly integrates with the PS5’s cooling system. It’s considered an essential upgrade for any internal SSD installation.
3. SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 2TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
Now we’re talking serious speed! While the PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Thunderbolt 5 speeds for direct game playback, the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 2TB is the pinnacle of portable storage, making it a stellar option for professionals, content creators, and those who demand the absolute fastest data transfer for PC/Mac, and still a premium solution for PS5 external archiving. This drive offers mind-blowing transfer speeds up to 64Gbps, making quick work of even the largest files. Its rugged construction, including an aluminum body and silicone sleeve, ensures durability and peace of mind. For those looking for a future-proof, versatile storage solution that can also serve as a high-capacity, lightning-fast external drive for PS4 games or archiving PS5 titles via its USB fallback, this is a top-tier choice.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance (up to 64Gbps transfer, 80Gbps connection)
- Broad compatibility: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4, with USB fallback up to 20Gbps
- Rugged and durable aluminum body with silicone sleeve for protection
- Plug and Play, bus-powered (no external power needed)
- Includes premium Thunderbolt cable
- Ideal for creators, professionals, and gamers needing high-speed storage
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Pros:
- Unparalleled speed for demanding tasks (PC/Mac)
- Extremely durable and protected
- No external power needed, highly portable
- Future-proof technology
- Can still be used with PS5 via USB fallback for PS4 games/archiving
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Cons:
- Significant investment
- PS5 does not utilize its full Thunderbolt 5 speed capabilities
- Overkill if only used for PS5 external game storage
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User Impressions: Professionals absolutely love the Rocket XTRM 5 for its incredible speed and reliability. Users are consistently impressed with how quickly large video files or game libraries transfer. While its full potential isn’t leveraged by the PS5, those who use it across multiple platforms find it an indispensable, robust, and lightning-fast portable drive.
4. SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 4TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
Everything we loved about the 2TB version, but with double the space! The Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 4TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD takes all the cutting-edge performance and robust design and bundles it into a massive 4TB package. This means even more room for your colossal game libraries, 8K video projects, or any data-intensive work you throw at it. For the serious gamer with an ever-expanding collection, or the professional who needs maximum storage at maximum speed, this is an ultimate external storage solution. While its Thunderbolt 5 speed won’t be fully utilized by your PS5, it still offers a premium, high-capacity, and durable external option for PS4 games and archiving PS5 titles, leveraging its strong USB fallback performance. If you need vast storage combined with future-proof technology, look no further.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance (up to 64Gbps transfer, 80Gbps connection)
- Broad compatibility: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4, with USB fallback up to 20Gbps
- Rugged and durable aluminum body with silicone sleeve for protection
- Plug and Play, bus-powered (no external power needed)
- Includes premium Thunderbolt cable
- Ideal for creators, professionals, and gamers needing high-speed, high-capacity storage
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Pros:
- Enormous 4TB capacity
- Unmatched speed for demanding tasks (PC/Mac)
- Extremely durable and well-protected
- No external power needed, highly portable
- Future-proof technology with broad compatibility
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Cons:
- Premium price point
- PS5 cannot utilize its full Thunderbolt 5 potential
- Might be excessive if only intended for basic PS5 external storage
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User Impressions: Users with massive data needs consistently laud the 4TB Rocket XTRM 5 for its sheer capacity and breathtaking speed. It’s often described as a crucial tool for anyone dealing with large datasets or extensive media libraries, providing peace of mind knowing they have ample space and top-tier performance on the go. Its robust build adds to the confidence in its longevity.
5. BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
If you’re looking for an entry-level, cost-effective way to boost your PS5’s external storage, the Buffalo External SSD 500GB is a fantastic starting point. It offers all the reliable performance and robust design of its 1TB sibling but at an even more accessible price point. This compact SSD is perfect for gamers who want to offload a good number of their favorite PS4 games or archive a few PS5 titles without a huge investment. It’s incredibly portable, durable, and just like the 1TB version, offers a significant speed upgrade over traditional hard drives for PS4 content. For a solid, dependable external storage solution that simply gets the job done for your PS5, this 500GB Buffalo drive is a smart pick.
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Key Features:
- BEST VALUE SSD for compact and reliable on-the-go demand
- Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs
- Faster speeds than HDD for quick data copies
- Compact, durable, & reliable with shock-resistant design
- USB 3.2 Connectivity (USB-C / USB-A compatible)
- 3-Year Warranty (for registered devices)
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Pros:
- Most affordable option for external SSD storage
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Durable and shock-resistant design
- Improves PS4 game loading times
- Easy plug-and-play setup
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Cons:
- Lower capacity (500GB) might fill up quickly for avid gamers
- Not a Sabrent brand product (though a great compatible choice)
- Not for playing PS5 games directly
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User Impressions: Customers often recommend the 500GB Buffalo SSD as an excellent entry-point for external storage. They highlight its value, robust build, and the noticeable speed boost it provides for PS4 games. It’s seen as a reliable and convenient solution for those who need a bit of extra space without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of external SSD does the PS5 support?
A1: The PS5 officially supports external SSDs (and HDDs) that connect via USB. For optimal performance, especially for PS4 games, you’ll want a drive with USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.0) or USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity. These provide faster data transfer speeds compared to older USB 2.0 drives.
Q2: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD?
A2: No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external USB SSD. PS5 games must be played from the console’s internal SSD or an officially supported internal M.2 NVMe SSD installed in the expansion slot. External SSDs can only be used to store and archive PS5 games, allowing you to transfer them back to the internal drive when you want to play them.
Q3: Can I play PS4 games from an external SSD connected to my PS5?
A3: Yes, absolutely! You can install and play PS4 games directly from an external USB SSD connected to your PS5. In fact, doing so often results in significantly faster loading times compared to playing them from a traditional external HDD or even the PS5’s internal drive (since the internal drive is optimized for PS5 titles).
Q4: Why is an internal M.2 NVMe SSD different from an external SSD for PS5?
A4: An internal M.2 NVMe SSD (with a heatsink, like the Sabrent one reviewed) is designed to fit directly into the PS5’s dedicated expansion slot. This type of drive meets Sony’s strict speed requirements and allows you to play PS5 games directly from it, just like the console’s built-in storage. External USB SSDs, on the other hand, connect to the console’s USB ports and are primarily used for PS4 games and archiving PS5 titles.
Q5: Do I need a heatsink for an internal M.2 NVMe SSD in my PS5?
A5: Yes, a heatsink is mandatory for any M.2 NVMe SSD installed in your PS5’s expansion slot. PS5 requires the SSD to meet specific thermal requirements, and a heatsink (like the Sabrent SB-PSHS) helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent, high-speed performance for your games.
Q6: What does “Thunderbolt 5” mean, and is it useful for my PS5?
A6: Thunderbolt 5 is a cutting-edge high-speed data transfer technology, offering incredibly fast speeds (up to 80Gbps connection) primarily for professional PC and Mac users. While a Thunderbolt 5 drive (like the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5) will connect to your PS5 via its USB fallback mode, it won’t achieve its full Thunderbolt 5 speeds. It would function as a very fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 external drive, excellent for PS4 games and archiving, but the PS5 itself doesn’t have Thunderbolt ports to harness its full potential.
Q7: How much storage capacity do I really need for my PS5?
A7: The “right” amount depends on your gaming habits. The PS5’s internal SSD has about 667GB of usable space. If you mostly play a few games at a time, 500GB to 1TB external storage for PS4 games and archiving might be enough. If you have a massive digital library or frequently install new titles, 2TB or even 4TB (like the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5) would give you much more freedom. Consider your budget and how often you’re willing to manage your game files.
Conclusion
Expanding your PS5’s storage is almost a necessity for any avid gamer, and finding the right solution, whether it’s the Sabrent best external SSD for PS5 or a high-quality alternative, can dramatically enhance your gaming experience. We’ve explored some fantastic options, from the budget-friendly and reliable Buffalo external SSDs perfect for PS4 games, to Sabrent’s essential internal heatsink for blazing-fast NVMe expansion, and their cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 portable SSDs for those who demand the absolute best in speed and capacity across all their devices.
Remember to consider your primary use case: for playing PS4 games or archiving PS5 games, a USB-C external SSD will do wonders. For playing PS5 games directly from expanded storage, an internal M.2 NVMe SSD with a robust heatsink (like Sabrent’s) is the way to go. Whichever path you choose, upgrading your storage means more games, less waiting, and ultimately, more fun! Happy gaming!