Is your PlayStation 4 Pro groaning under the weight of an ever-expanding digital game library? Are you tired of long loading screens pulling you out of the action? If so, it might be time for a serious storage upgrade. While the PS4 Pro comes with a respectable hard drive, switching to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can dramatically improve your console’s performance, from faster boot times to snappier game loading. And if you’re looking to store a truly massive collection, a 4TB SSD is the sweet spot.
But finding the best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, diving deep into some of the top 4TB SSD contenders that can give your PS4 Pro the performance boost it deserves. We’ll look at both internal and external options, discussing what makes each one stand out and how they can enhance your gaming.
Before we jump in, a quick note: The PS4 Pro’s internal drive interface (SATA III) and its external USB ports (USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1) have speed limitations. This means even the fastest, cutting-edge SSDs will be bottlenecked by the console itself. However, you’ll still experience significant improvements over a traditional hard drive, especially in random read/write speeds, which translate directly to faster load times and a smoother overall experience. Plus, some of these drives offer fantastic future-proofing for next-gen consoles or PC use!
Let’s explore the best 4TB SSDs for PS4 Pro available today.
1. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal…
If you’re looking for an internal SSD that offers groundbreaking performance for your PC or PS5 (and can be adapted for a PS4 Pro!), the Samsung 990 PRO is in a league of its own. While its incredible PCIe 4.0 speeds are overkill for the PS4 Pro’s internal SATA III interface, you can use this drive by placing it in an external M.2 NVMe enclosure connected via USB. This setup still provides a substantial boost over the stock HDD, leveraging the SSD’s superior random read/write capabilities for reduced loading times. It’s a premium choice for those who want top-tier technology, even if it’s slightly underutilized by the PS4 Pro’s hardware.
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Key Features:
- Lightning-fast PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s (read/write)
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over previous models
- Exceptional power efficiency for cooler operation
- Available in 1TB to 4TB storage capacities
- Ideal for heavy computing, gaming, and data analysis
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Pros:
- Unrivaled sequential and random read/write speeds (for compatible devices)
- Excellent power efficiency
- Premium build quality and reliability from a top brand
- Massive 4TB storage for extensive game libraries
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Cons:
- Very expensive due to its high-end performance
- Requires an external NVMe enclosure for PS4 Pro use
- PS4 Pro’s USB interface significantly bottlenecks its true speed potential
User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 990 PRO for its blistering speeds and reliability in high-performance computing environments. Gamers report significant load time reductions when used in compatible systems, noting its responsiveness and efficiency.
2. Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read,…
For a fantastic external 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, the Crucial X10 Pro is a serious contender. This portable powerhouse is designed for creators and gamers alike, offering impressive read and write speeds up to 2100MB/s and 2000MB/s respectively. Its rugged design, featuring IP55 water and dust resistance and 7.5ft drop protection, makes it perfect for on-the-go use, whether you’re taking your game library to a friend’s house or just want a durable storage solution. It connects effortlessly via USB-C (with USB-A compatibility), making it a truly plug-and-play option for your console.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast external speeds up to 2100MB/s read and 2000MB/s write
- IP55 water and dust resistance, plus 7.5 ft drop protection
- Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and more via USB-C/USB-A
- Compact 4TB capacity for high-resolution media and game libraries
- Includes bonus software (Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Excellent external speed, significantly faster than a traditional HDD
- Extremely durable and portable design
- Wide compatibility, future-proof for other devices
- Simple setup for PS4 Pro as an extended storage drive
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Cons:
- PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0/3.1 interface will limit its peak sequential speeds
- Premium price point for external storage
User Impressions: Gamers love the X10 Pro for its robust build and the noticeable improvement in PS4 Pro game load times. Its portability and multi-device compatibility are also frequently highlighted as major advantages.
3. SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s…
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is another top-tier external solution, merging powerful NVMe performance with rugged portability. Its forged aluminum chassis not only gives it a premium feel but also acts as a heatsink, ensuring sustained high speeds even under heavy use. With up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds, this drive offers rapid data transfer, making it an excellent choice for expanding your PS4 Pro’s storage and ensuring your games load quickly. Its 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance, coupled with a handy carabiner loop, mean you can take your entire game collection anywhere with complete peace of mind.
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Key Features:
- Powerful NVMe solid-state performance up to 2000MB/s read/write
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained performance
- 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance
- Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment
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Pros:
- Blazing fast external speeds for rapid game loading and file transfers
- Exceptional durability and rugged design
- Effective heat management for consistent performance
- Backed by a solid warranty
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Cons:
- PS4 Pro’s USB speeds will cap its true potential
- High-end price for a portable SSD
User Impressions: Users praise its compact size, robust build, and impressive speed when connected to compatible devices. PS4 Pro users report significant reductions in loading screens, making the gaming experience much smoother.
4. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB, PCIe Gen 4×4 |…
Much like its PRO sibling, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a high-performance internal M.2 NVMe SSD designed for cutting-edge PCs and PS5s, boasting impressive sequential read/write speeds up to 7250/6300MB/s. While it’s primarily an internal PC component, its 4TB capacity makes it a compelling option for a vast game library. If you choose to use this as your best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, you’d integrate it via an external NVMe enclosure. The EVO Plus offers optimized performance with exceptional thermal control, ensuring it stays cool even under heavy workloads, which translates to sustained speed for your games (bottlenecked only by the PS4 Pro’s USB interface).
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Key Features:
- Groundbreaking sequential read/write speeds up to 7250/6300MB/s
- Large 4TB storage capacity with Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0
- Exceptional thermal control via a nickel-coated controller
- Optimized for PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility
- Magician Software for firmware updates and drive health monitoring
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast performance for PC and compatible systems
- Excellent thermal management prevents throttling
- High endurance and reliability from Samsung
- Massive capacity for a huge digital game collection
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Cons:
- High cost for performance that will be largely unutilized by PS4 Pro
- Requires an external NVMe enclosure for PS4 Pro compatibility
- PS4 Pro’s USB interface significantly limits its actual speed for console use
User Impressions: Reviews highlight the 990 EVO Plus’s speed and efficiency for demanding tasks on PC. Users appreciate its cool operation and the smooth experience it provides, confirming its high-quality performance.
5. SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to…
Stepping up the external storage game even further, the SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4 is designed for maximum performance and future compatibility. Achieving read speeds up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3700 MB/s via its USB4 interface, this is one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market. While the PS4 Pro doesn’t support USB4 (it uses USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1), this drive still offers incredible potential for future devices like PCs or PS5s, while providing excellent performance for your PS4 Pro within its USB limitations. Its rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis ensure powerful protection for your data on the go.
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Key Features:
- Unleashes USB4 speeds up to 3800MB/s read and 3700MB/s write
- Backwards compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and supports Thunderbolt 4
- Rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis for powerful protection
- 5-year limited warranty for outstanding reliability
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Pros:
- Extremely fast external speeds (for compatible devices)
- Excellent future-proofing with USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 support
- Highly durable and robust design
- Broad compatibility with older USB devices
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Cons:
- Premium price point
- PS4 Pro’s USB port will significantly bottleneck its true speed potential
User Impressions: Users are impressed by its raw speed for professional-grade tasks and its durable construction. For PS4 Pro users, the main draw is the robust build and the general SSD benefits, with the understanding that its peak speeds are for other systems.
6. Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2…
The Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD is an excellent all-around external storage solution, particularly for gamers, students, and creators who need fast, reliable, and durable storage. With read speeds up to 2100MB/s, it delivers a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives, translating to much faster game loading and data transfers on your PS4 Pro. Its IP65 dust and water resistance, coupled with a remarkable 9.8 ft (3 meters) drop resistance, make it one of the toughest portable drives available. It’s truly designed for durability and reliability wherever your adventures take you.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast external speeds up to 2100MB/s read
- IP65 dust and water resistance, plus 9.8 ft (3 meters) drop resistance
- Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox via USB-C/USB-A
- Compact 4TB capacity for massive photo, video, and game collections
- Includes bonus software (Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Very fast external speeds for a portable drive
- Extremely durable and rugged design
- Excellent compatibility across various devices
- Generous 4TB storage capacity
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Cons:
- PS4 Pro’s USB interface will limit peak sequential speeds
- May be overkill on speed for some PS4 Pro users who prioritize budget
User Impressions: Customers love the X10 for its impressive speeds and rugged build, often highlighting how well it performs even after accidental drops. PS4 Pro owners report noticeable improvements in game performance and load times.
7. SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C,…
Last but not least, the SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD offers a fantastic balance of speed, durability, and value for money, making it a strong contender for the best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro. While its speeds (up to 1050MB/s read) aren’t as eye-watering as some of the “PRO” models, they are still vastly superior to an HDD and more than enough to saturate the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0/3.1 ports. This drive is built tough, with up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance. It also features a handy carabiner loop for security and included password protection, ensuring your valuable data (and games!) stay safe and sound.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid-state performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance
- Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment
- Included password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for the PS4 Pro’s limitations
- Extremely durable and portable
- Built-in security features
- Often more affordably priced than the “PRO” models while offering great benefits
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the “PRO” external SSDs for future-proofing on faster devices
- Cable is integrated, limiting flexibility if lost (though this version typically uses USB-C to C and C to A cables)
User Impressions: This drive is a fan favorite for its reliability, ruggedness, and consistent performance. PS4 Pro users frequently recommend it for its ease of use and the noticeable reduction in load times, making it a practical and effective storage upgrade.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect PS4 Pro Storage Upgrade
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 Pro with a 4TB SSD is one of the most impactful ways to enhance your gaming experience. You’ll enjoy significantly reduced load times, smoother gameplay, and the peace of mind that comes with having enough space for all your favorite titles.
When choosing the best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro, consider whether you want an internal upgrade (which is more involved but slightly faster due to direct SATA connection) or a simpler, more versatile external solution. External SSDs are generally easier to set up, plug-and-play, and can often be used across multiple devices, including your next-gen console or PC. While some internal NVMe drives are incredibly fast, remember that the PS4 Pro’s hardware will limit their ultimate potential. However, their inherent random read/write speeds still offer a huge advantage over traditional HDDs.
Ultimately, any of the SSDs on this list will provide a substantial upgrade over your PS4 Pro’s stock hard drive. Pick the one that best fits your budget, performance expectations, and portability needs, and get ready to dive back into your games with lightning speed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS4 Pro with a 4TB SSD?
A1: Upgrading to a 4TB SSD provides significantly faster game load times, reduces in-game stuttering, and improves overall console responsiveness compared to the stock hard drive. A 4TB capacity ensures you have ample space for a large digital game library without constantly having to delete and re-download games.
Q2: Can I use any 4TB SSD with my PS4 Pro?
A2: For external use, most USB 3.0/3.1 compatible portable SSDs will work. For internal use, the PS4 Pro uses a 2.5-inch SATA III drive. While you can use faster NVMe drives with an external enclosure, their peak speeds will be limited by the PS4 Pro’s USB ports. Always check compatibility if you’re unsure.
Q3: Is it better to use an internal or external SSD for my PS4 Pro?
A3: Internal SSDs can theoretically offer slightly faster peak performance as they connect directly via SATA III, but the difference in real-world game loading might be negligible compared to a good external USB 3.0/3.1 SSD. External SSDs are much easier to install (plug-and-play) and offer greater portability and versatility, often being usable with other devices.
Q4: Will a 4TB SSD make my PS4 Pro run games at a higher frame rate?
A4: No, an SSD primarily affects loading times and texture streaming. It will not increase the game’s frame rate or improve graphics quality, as those are determined by the console’s CPU, GPU, and the game’s optimization.
Q5: How do I install an external 4TB SSD on my PS4 Pro?
A5: It’s incredibly simple! Just plug the external SSD into one of your PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports. The console will then prompt you to format it as “Extended Storage.” Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’re good to go. You can then choose to install new games or move existing games to the SSD.
Q6: How much faster will game loading be with a 4TB SSD on PS4 Pro?
A6: While it varies by game, many users report load time reductions of 20-50% or more when switching from the stock HDD to an SSD. Games with frequent loading screens, like open-world titles, benefit the most.
Q7: Should I get a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD if the PS4 Pro doesn’t fully utilize its speed?
A7: If you plan to use the SSD primarily for your PS4 Pro, a high-end PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive is likely overkill and more expensive than necessary, as the PS4 Pro’s USB ports will cap its speed. However, if you also plan to use the SSD with a high-end PC or a PlayStation 5, it can be a great investment for future-proofing and maximum performance on those compatible systems.