Is your PS4 Pro feeling a bit sluggish? Are game loading screens taking an eternity, or are you constantly deleting games to make space for new ones? If so, it might be time for an upgrade! An external SSD can dramatically boost your PlayStation 4 Pro’s performance, offering quicker load times and much-needed extra storage. While there are many options out there, Sabrent has established itself as a reliable brand for high-performance storage solutions.
But with so many great drives available, how do you pick the Sabrent best external SSD for PS4 Pro? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, diving deep into the features and benefits of Sabrent’s top offerings, along with a couple of strong contenders, to help you make an informed decision.
Why an External SSD for Your PS4 Pro? Boost Your Gaming Experience!
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why an external SSD is such a game-changer for your PS4 Pro.
* Faster Loading Times: This is the big one! SSDs (Solid State Drives) are significantly faster than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). This means less waiting for games to load levels, textures, and assets, getting you into the action quicker.
* Increased Storage Capacity: Modern games are massive! A 1TB or 2TB internal drive can fill up in no time. An external SSD lets you expand your game library without constantly having to delete and re-download titles.
* Improved Overall Responsiveness: Even navigating the PS4 Pro’s user interface can feel snappier with games running off an SSD.
* Portability: External SSDs are compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry your game library to a friend’s house or move it between consoles.
* Easy Setup: Most external SSDs are truly plug-and-play. Connect it to a USB port, format it, and you’re good to go!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a PS4 Pro External SSD
When you’re looking for the ideal external drive for your console, keep these points in mind:
- Speed: While all SSDs are faster than HDDs, some are much faster than others. For a PS4 Pro, you’ll be limited by its USB 3.0 ports, which offer theoretical speeds of up to 5Gbps (around 625 MB/s). Anything consistently above this speed is excellent, but you won’t hit the multi-gigabyte speeds of Thunderbolt drives.
- Capacity: How many games do you want to store? 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB or even 4TB might be more suitable if you have a vast library.
- Durability: Portable drives can take a beating. Look for robust construction, shock resistance, and good heat dissipation.
- Compatibility: Ensure it’s compatible with PS4 Pro (most external USB drives are).
- Price: SSDs come at various price points. Balance your budget with your performance and capacity needs.
Now, let’s dive into our top picks for the Sabrent best external SSD for PS4 Pro and see what makes them shine!
Our Top Picks: Sabrent’s Best External SSDs for PS4 Pro (and a couple of strong contenders!)
SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 4TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
If you’re looking for an absolute powerhouse that’s built for the future, the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 4TB is an incredibly impressive piece of hardware. While its cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 interface won’t be fully utilized by your PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports, this drive is a titan of speed and capacity. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a versatile, high-end storage solution that can serve their PS4 Pro now and future-proof their workflow for a PC or Mac with Thunderbolt capabilities. You’ll still enjoy significantly faster game load times over the PS4 Pro’s internal HDD, thanks to its excellent USB fallback performance.
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance: Achieves up to 64Gbps (80Gbps connection) with Thunderbolt 5 (future-proof, not for PS4 Pro).
- Broad Compatibility with Older Devices: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4. USB fallback supports 20Gbps, 10Gbps, and 5Gbps.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Aluminum body for heat dissipation, plus a silicone sleeve for drop protection.
- Plug and Play, No External Power Needed: Bus-powered for convenience, includes a premium Thunderbolt cable.
- Reliable, Future-Proof Storage Solution: Ideal for professionals and gamers looking for long-term, versatile high-speed storage.
Pros:
– Massive 4TB capacity.
– Extremely fast for future-proofing with Thunderbolt-enabled devices.
– Robust and durable build quality.
– Excellent heat management.
– Plug-and-play simplicity.
Cons:
– Premium price point.
– Thunderbolt 5 speeds are not utilized by the PS4 Pro, making some of its core features overkill for console use alone.
User Impressions: Users praise its incredible speed and solid build. While many reviewers focus on its PC/Mac performance, those who use it with consoles appreciate the reliability and vast storage, understanding that the top-tier speeds are for different hosts.
Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
The Crucial X10 Pro is a fantastic external SSD that offers a superb blend of speed, durability, and broad compatibility, making it a stellar option for your PS4 Pro. With read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, you’ll experience a noticeable leap in game loading times compared to the PS4 Pro’s internal hard drive. Its rugged design means you don’t have to worry about accidental drops or splashes, which is a huge plus for portable gaming storage. This isn’t a Sabrent drive, but it’s an excellent competitor that deserves a look for its sheer performance and reliability.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for quick data access.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop-resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Compact external 4TB SSD for photos, videos, backups, and games.
- Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Exceptional speed for a USB-based external SSD.
– Highly durable with excellent dust, water, and drop resistance.
– Universal compatibility, including PS4 Pro.
– Generous 4TB storage.
– Compact and portable design.
Cons:
– While fast, the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports won’t allow it to reach its maximum advertised speeds.
– Not a Sabrent branded drive (if brand loyalty is a primary factor).
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the drive’s impressive speed and robust build quality. Many appreciate its ability to withstand daily wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for active users and gamers on the go.
SABRENT 2TB External Aluminum SSD, Rocket Nano V2, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
The Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 is where performance meets practicality for PS4 Pro users. This external SSD is specifically designed for high-speed USB transfers, boasting speeds over 1500 MB/s. While your PS4 Pro will cap its performance at USB 3.0 speeds, this drive still provides a massive upgrade over the internal HDD. What makes it stand out is its robust aluminum construction with a silicone sleeve, ensuring durability while keeping things cool. It’s perfectly sized for portability, offering a fantastic balance of speed, resilience, and ample 2TB storage that’s directly relevant to a PS4 Pro’s capabilities.
- Burst Transfers over 1500 MB/s: Sustained performance capable of smooth 8K video recording, transfers over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
- Rugged Construction: Aluminum body with external silicone sleeve for durability and heat management.
- High Endurance: Cutting-edge internal hardware with high-endurance flash and wear management.
- Wide Compatibility: Includes both Type-C to Type-A and Type-C to Type-C cables for flexibility across devices with USB backward compatibility.
- Register for Warranty: Encourages registration for full warranty benefits and technical support.
Pros:
– Excellent real-world USB transfer speeds.
– Extremely durable and protected design.
– Compact and lightweight.
– Includes both necessary USB cables for broad compatibility.
– Good 2TB capacity for a large game library.
Cons:
– The full USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds won’t be achievable on the PS4 Pro, as it’s limited by USB 3.0.
User Impressions: Users rave about the Nano V2’s compact size and robust feel. The speed, even when not at its absolute peak on certain devices, is consistently praised as a significant improvement over traditional hard drives, and its ability to handle demanding tasks makes it a favorite.
SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 2TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
Much like its 4TB sibling, the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 2TB is a premium, future-forward external SSD that packs incredible performance. Boasting the same Thunderbolt 5 speeds, it’s designed for demanding creative workflows on cutting-edge PCs and Macs. However, as we’ve mentioned, your PS4 Pro will connect via its USB 3.0 ports, giving you very respectable and fast game loading times – a significant step up from the internal HDD. Choosing this 2TB version over the 4TB means a slightly lower price point while still getting Sabrent’s top-tier build quality, rugged protection, and bus-powered convenience. It’s a solid pick for those who want a high-quality Sabrent external SSD for PS4 Pro and other more powerful devices.
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance: Achieve up to 64Gbps transfer speeds with 80Gbps connection via Thunderbolt 5 (future-proof capabilities).
- Broad Compatibility with Older Devices: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4. USB fallback supports 20Gbps, 10Gbps, and 5Gbps.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Built with an aluminum body for heat dissipation and durability, plus a silicone sleeve.
- Plug and Play, No External Power Needed: Bus-powered for easy use without external adapters, comes with a premium Thunderbolt cable.
- Reliable, Future-Proof Storage Solution: Ideal for professionals, creators, and gamers seeking long-term versatile storage.
Pros:
– Exceptional build quality and durability.
– Future-proof speed for Thunderbolt-enabled devices.
– Good 2TB capacity.
– Runs cool under heavy loads.
– No external power needed.
Cons:
– Thunderbolt 5 speeds are not applicable to PS4 Pro usage.
– Higher cost compared to pure USB-C SSDs with similar PS4 Pro performance.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the robust feel and premium design of the Rocket XTRM 5 series. Its reliability and high performance (even when limited by host device ports) are frequently highlighted, making it a trusted tool for various data-intensive tasks.
SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano V2 External SSD – USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
For PS4 Pro users who need a solid performance boost without breaking the bank, the Sabrent 1TB Rocket Nano V2 is an excellent choice. It offers the same impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds as its 2TB counterpart (over 1500 MB/s), meaning your games will load much faster than from the internal HDD. The “rugged yet refined design” with its anodized aluminum housing and shock-absorbing silicone sleeve ensures your data is safe, whether it’s sitting next to your console or traveling with you. If 1TB is enough extra storage for your current needs, this compact and durable drive offers fantastic value as a Sabrent best external SSD for PS4 Pro contender.
- Unrivaled Speed Performance: Reach sustained transfer speeds of over 1500 MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).
- Rugged Yet Refined Design: Anodized aluminum housing and shock-absorbing silicone sleeve for protection and cooling.
- Ready for Anything: 1TB capacity in a compact, travel-friendly design.
- Dual-Cable Convenience: Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables for broad compatibility.
- Engineered for Longevity: High-endurance NAND flash with advanced wear leveling and health monitoring.
Pros:
– Great speed for PS4 Pro gaming.
– Extremely durable and portable design.
– Includes both necessary USB cables.
– Excellent value for a 1TB SSD.
– Reliable and long-lasting internal components.
Cons:
– 1TB might be limiting for some users with very large game libraries.
– Like other high-speed USB drives, the PS4 Pro’s ports limit its ultimate speed potential.
User Impressions: Reviewers often commend the Nano V2 for its blend of small form factor, solid build, and snappy performance. It’s frequently praised as a reliable workhorse for various tasks, including gaming, where its speed difference is clearly noticeable.
SABRENT USB-C Hub & SSD Enclosure, 6-Port Dock with M.2 Slot
Now, this is a unique and incredibly versatile option for the tech-savvy PS4 Pro user! The Sabrent USB-C Hub & SSD Enclosure isn’t just an external SSD; it’s a multi-functional hub that includes an M.2 slot for you to install your own M.2 SATA or NVMe SSD. This means you have ultimate control over the drive’s capacity and potentially its performance (within the 5Gbps USB-C connection limit). Beyond the storage, you get extra USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet (great for a stable online connection!), and even HDMI out (though primarily for other devices like Steam Deck, not PS4 Pro). If you already have an M.2 SSD or want to choose your own, and desire extra connectivity for other devices, this Sabrent solution offers impressive utility.
- USB-C Travel Hub: Essential 6-Port Hub with M.2 SSD Slot beneath a sleek aluminum exterior.
- Connect & Charge: 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2×1) connection with up to 90W bypass charging (PD3.0). Includes three USB Type-A ports (two 5Gbps, one 480Mbps).
- Network & Display: HDMI 2.0 port for up to 4K@60Hz (for DP Alt Mode devices), plus Gigabit Ethernet.
- Now With An M.2: Internal M.2 slot with thermal pad cooling for M.2 SATA or NVMe SSDs (up to 5Gbps). Supports 2242/2260/2280 form factors.
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for Windows, macOS, Linux systems, MacBooks, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and portable devices.
Pros:
– Highly versatile, acts as both storage and a hub.
– Allows you to choose your own M.2 SSD, customizing capacity and cost.
– Includes useful extra ports like Gigabit Ethernet for stable online gaming.
– Durable aluminum construction.
– Excellent for a multi-device setup.
Cons:
– Requires a separate M.2 SSD purchase.
– Maximum SSD speed is 5Gbps, similar to PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0.
– Some hub features (like HDMI out) aren’t applicable to PS4 Pro.
– Slightly more complex than a plug-and-play external SSD.
User Impressions: Users love the all-in-one nature of this hub. The ability to add their own M.2 SSD is a big plus, as is the inclusion of critical ports like Ethernet. It’s seen as a powerful tool for streamlining setups and expanding connectivity, especially for laptop and portable gaming device users.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, IP65
Rounding out our list is another excellent alternative to Sabrent: the SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD. This drive has earned its “Extreme” moniker through robust durability and solid NVMe performance. With speeds up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, it will provide a substantial performance uplift for your PS4 Pro games. Its key selling point is the IP65 water and dust resistance combined with an impressive 3-meter drop protection, making it incredibly resilient. If you need a large, tough, and reliable external SSD that can handle anything you throw at it (literally!), the SanDisk Extreme is an outstanding choice for your PS4 Pro.
- NVMe Solid State Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Extreme Durability: Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy Carabiner Loop: For securing to a belt loop or backpack.
- Password Protection: Features 256-bit AES hardware encryption for private content.
- SanDisk Memory Zone App: Easily manage files and free up space.
Pros:
– Outstanding durability and ruggedness.
– Excellent transfer speeds for PS4 Pro.
– High 4TB capacity.
– Built-in security features.
– Compact and highly portable.
Cons:
– While very fast, the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports will still be the limiting factor for its maximum speed.
– Not a Sabrent brand product.
User Impressions: This SSD is consistently praised for its reliability and toughness. Users appreciate the peace of mind that comes with its rugged build, and the consistent, fast performance for large file transfers and gaming makes it a go-to choice for many.
Which External SSD is Right for Your PS4 Pro?
Choosing the Sabrent best external SSD for PS4 Pro depends on your specific needs and budget.
- For Absolute Future-Proofing (and a large budget): The Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 4TB or 2TB are top-tier drives. While their Thunderbolt 5 speeds are overkill for a PS4 Pro, they offer incredible durability, a premium build, and will be ready for any future Thunderbolt-enabled console or PC you might own.
- For Excellent Performance and Value (USB-focused Sabrent): The Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 (1TB or 2TB) hits a sweet spot. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance is more than enough to max out the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports, giving you fantastic load times in a compact, durable package. This is arguably the most practical Sabrent external SSD for PS4 Pro users.
- For DIY Enthusiasts and Versatility: The Sabrent USB-C Hub & SSD Enclosure offers unique flexibility, letting you choose your own M.2 SSD and providing extra connectivity.
- For Top Competitors (Non-Sabrent): The Crucial X10 Pro and SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD are superb choices if you’re open to other brands. They offer excellent speed, rugged durability, and ample storage, making them highly recommended.
No matter which you choose, upgrading to an external SSD for your PS4 Pro will undoubtedly enhance your gaming experience with faster load times and more storage space. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is an external SSD truly worth it for the PS4 Pro?
A: Absolutely! While the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports limit the ultimate speed of external SSDs, you’ll still experience significantly faster game loading times and overall smoother performance compared to the console’s internal HDD. Plus, it provides much-needed extra storage for your growing game library.
Q2: What’s the maximum speed I can expect from an external SSD on a PS4 Pro?
A: The PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports have a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps (gigabits per second), which translates to approximately 625 MB/s (megabytes per second). While many external SSDs boast much higher speeds (like 1000MB/s or even 2000MB/s+), the PS4 Pro will cap their performance at its USB 3.0 limit. However, even this “capped” speed is a massive improvement over the internal hard drive.
Q3: How do I set up an external SSD with my PS4 Pro?
A: It’s super easy!
1. Plug your external SSD into one of the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports.
2. From the PS4 Pro dashboard, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
3. Select your external SSD and choose “Format as Extended Storage.”
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Once formatted, you can choose to install new games directly to the external drive or move existing games from your internal drive.
Q4: Can I play PS5 games from an external SSD connected to a PS4 Pro?
A: No, PS4 Pro cannot play PS5 games at all. If you eventually upgrade to a PS5, you can store PS5 games on an external USB SSD, but you can only play PS5 games that are transferred to the console’s internal SSD. External USB drives are fully capable of storing and playing PS4 games on a PS5.
Q5: Will an external SSD void my PS4 Pro warranty?
A: No, using an external SSD through the USB ports will not void your PS4 Pro’s warranty. Sony officially supports using external storage drives as extended storage.
Q6: What capacity external SSD should I get for my PS4 Pro?
A: For most users, a 1TB external SSD is a great starting point. If you have a large game library or plan to download many new titles, a 2TB or even 4TB drive would be more suitable to avoid storage concerns in the long run. Consider how many games you usually have installed at once.
Q7: Do Thunderbolt SSDs offer any advantage on a PS4 Pro?
A: For the PS4 Pro specifically, a Thunderbolt SSD doesn’t offer any speed advantage over a standard USB 3.0/3.2 external SSD. The PS4 Pro does not have Thunderbolt ports, so these drives will operate using their USB fallback mode, essentially performing like any other USB 3.0/3.2 drive. The advantage of a Thunderbolt drive lies in its future-proofing and high performance when used with a Thunderbolt-enabled computer or future console.