Tired of agonizingly long loading screens on your PlayStation 4? Does your console sound like a jet engine warming up when you’re trying to boot up your favorite titles? If so, it might be time for a serious upgrade! While the PS4 is a fantastic console, its traditional hard drive (HDD) can be a real bottleneck, slowing down everything from game loading to system responsiveness. That’s where a solid-state drive (SSD) comes in.
Upgrading your PS4 with a high-quality SSD can dramatically improve your gaming experience, slashing load times, making menus snappier, and even improving overall system performance. It’s truly a game-changer! But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best SSD drive for PS4? Don’t sweat it – we’ve done the legwork for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top SSD options available that are perfect for giving your PS4 a much-needed speed boost. We’ve hand-picked internal and external drives that offer a great balance of performance, reliability, and value, ensuring you find the best SSD drive for PS4 to suit your needs.
Why Upgrade Your PS4 with an SSD?
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly recap why an SSD is such a smart move for your PS4:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: This is the big one! Games will load significantly faster, getting you into the action quicker. No more staring at “Loading…” screens for what feels like an eternity.
- Smoother Gameplay: While an SSD won’t directly improve your frame rate, it can reduce texture pop-in and allow for quicker asset loading in open-world games, leading to a smoother overall experience.
- Quieter Operation: Unlike HDDs with their spinning platters, SSDs have no moving parts, making your console run quieter.
- Improved System Responsiveness: Navigating the PS4’s dashboard, opening apps, and accessing your game library will feel much snappier.
- Increased Durability (for external drives): Since SSDs are solid-state, they’re more resistant to drops and bumps, making external storage solutions more reliable for on-the-go use.
Ready to transform your PS4 experience? Let’s check out the top contenders for the best SSD drive for PS4!
How We Chose the Best PS4 SSDs
When evaluating these SSDs for PS4 compatibility and performance, we focused on several key factors:
- Speed: Both read and write speeds are crucial for faster loading and data transfer.
- Compatibility: Ensuring the drive works seamlessly with your PS4, whether as an internal replacement or an external storage solution.
- Capacity: Offering enough space for a decent game library, with 1TB being a popular sweet spot.
- Reliability & Durability: Because nobody wants their game data to disappear!
- Value: Getting the most bang for your buck.
SSK 1TB USB Drive, External SSD Fast 550MB/s 2-in-1
This SSK external SSD stands out with its incredibly versatile 2-in-1 design, offering both USB-C and USB-A 3.2 connectivity. It’s a fantastic solution for PS4 users who want to expand their game library externally without sacrificing speed, and its dual-port nature makes it highly convenient for transferring files between various devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs as well. With its impressive read and write speeds, you’ll notice a significant improvement in game loading times compared to a traditional external HDD.
Key Features:
– Dual Drive USB Type C + USB A for broad compatibility
– Ultra-Fast Transfer Speed: Up to 550MB/s read, 500MB/s write
– Plug and Play design for easy setup
– Made from high-grade zinc alloy for durability and heat dissipation
– Universal compatibility with various devices including PS4 (as external storage)
Pros:
– Excellent versatility with dual USB-C and USB-A ports
– Very portable and compact
– Fast transfer speeds for an external drive
– Robust and durable build quality
– Great for general file storage beyond just PS4 games
Cons:
– Not suitable for internal PS4 upgrades
– Speeds are good for external, but slower than internal SATA SSDs
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise this SSK drive for its convenience and compact size. Many appreciate the dual-port design, finding it incredibly useful for quickly moving files between their phones, laptops, and consoles. Gamers specifically highlight the noticeable improvement in PS4 game loading when used as external storage. The sturdy build quality also gets consistent positive remarks.
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
The BUFFALO External SSD is designed with console gamers in mind, explicitly stating its compatibility with both PS4 and PS5. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss external storage solution that’s compact and robust, this is a prime candidate. It’s an ideal choice for offloading your game data, freeing up your internal drive, and enjoying faster access to your favorite titles without the complexity of an internal installation. Its shock-resistant design means it can handle the rigors of being an “on-the-go” gaming companion.
Key Features:
– Explicitly compatible with PS4 and PS5
– Fast speeds for game data and multi-tasking
– Compact, durable, and shock-resistant design
– USB 3.2 Connectivity (supports USB-C / USB-A)
– Three-year warranty (if registered)
Pros:
– Direct PS4/PS5 compatibility for ease of use
– Excellent value for an external SSD
– Very durable and portable design
– Noticeably reduces game loading times
– Solid warranty provides peace of mind
Cons:
– Not as fast as some NVMe external SSDs (like the Samsung T7)
– Primarily focused on external storage, no internal upgrade option
User Impressions:
Gamers love the Buffalo SSD for its straightforward setup and reliable performance with their PS4s. Many confirm a noticeable speed increase for games stored on the drive, making it a popular choice for expanding their digital libraries. Its small footprint and rugged design are also frequently mentioned as major plusses, especially for those who move their drive between consoles or friends’ houses.
Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid
The Samsung 870 EVO is widely regarded as one of the best internal SSDs on the market, and it’s an absolutely stellar choice for upgrading your PS4’s internal hard drive. Samsung’s legendary reliability and performance are on full display here, offering maximum SATA interface speeds that will breathe new life into your console. If you’re comfortable with opening up your PS4 (it’s simpler than you might think!), this drive will give you the most profound and comprehensive speed boost, affecting everything from system boot-up to in-game asset loading.
Key Features:
– Maximizes SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds
– Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
– Highly compatible with major host systems, including game consoles
– Easy upgrade process with standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor
– Samsung Magician software for drive management (PC only)
– World’s #1 Flash Memory Brand with in-house component production
Pros:
– Exceptional performance for a SATA SSD
– Samsung’s renowned reliability and long warranty
– Ideal for a comprehensive internal PS4 upgrade
– Improves all aspects of PS4’s speed, not just game loading
– Excellent value for an internal SSD
Cons:
– Requires opening the PS4 console for installation
– Not as simple as plug-and-play external drives
User Impressions:
This SSD consistently receives rave reviews for its performance and reliability. PS4 owners who have installed the 870 EVO frequently report “night and day” differences in loading times for games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V. The ease of installation, despite being an internal swap, is also often highlighted, with many first-timers finding the process straightforward thanks to online guides.
PNY CS900 1TB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid
For those seeking a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective internal SSD upgrade for their PS4, the PNY CS900 1TB is an excellent option. It offers a significant performance boost over the stock PS4 hard drive at a very attractive price point. You’ll experience much faster boot times, quicker game loads, and overall snappier system responsiveness. PNY is a well-established brand in memory and storage, so you can trust its dependability for your console upgrade.
Key Features:
– Super-fast OS boot times and application loads
– Exceptional performance: up to 535MB/s sequential read and 515MB/s sequential write speeds
– Superior performance compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
– Ultra-low power consumption for better energy efficiency
– Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
Pros:
– Very affordable internal SSD option
– Significant speed upgrade for PS4
– Reputable brand with reliable performance
– Energy-efficient operation
– Easy to install as a 2.5″ SATA drive
Cons:
– May not offer the absolute peak speeds of premium SSDs like Samsung’s (though still a massive upgrade from HDD)
– Requires internal installation
User Impressions:
Many budget-conscious PS4 users turn to the PNY CS900 and are consistently impressed by the performance uplift it provides for the price. They note a dramatic reduction in game loading times and a much more fluid console experience. Users often comment on its reliability, stating that it “just works” as expected, making it a popular recommendation for a basic yet effective PS4 SSD upgrade.
Addlink S20 1TB PS4 Compatible SATA III 2.5″ Inch Extreme
The Addlink S20 1TB internal SSD is specifically marketed with PS4 compatibility in mind, making it a confident choice for console owners looking to upgrade. It offers solid read and write speeds that will deliver a noticeable improvement to your PS4’s performance, from game loading to system navigation. This drive provides an easy and effective way to get rid of those frustrating loading screens and enjoy a smoother gaming experience, all within the familiar 2.5-inch form factor that slots right into your PS4.
Key Features:
– PS4 Compatible: Ideal for Sony PS4, PCs, Laptops, and other portable computing devices
– Performance: Read/Write Speed 500/450 MB/s
– Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s, Backwards Compatibility To SATA I And SATA II
– Slim 7mm (0.28 Inch) form factor
– 3-year Limited Warranty
Pros:
– Explicit PS4 compatibility simplifies choice
– Good speed upgrade over standard HDD
– Standard 2.5-inch size for easy internal installation
– Affordable solution for improved performance
– Reliable for daily gaming use
Cons:
– Speeds are typical for SATA III, not as fast as NVMe (which PS4 can’t fully utilize anyway)
– Internal installation required
User Impressions:
PS4 users who’ve opted for the Addlink S20 frequently praise its straightforward installation process and the immediate positive impact on game loading times. They appreciate that it’s clearly advertised for PS4, removing any compatibility guesswork. Many report that it has revitalized their older PS4 consoles, making them feel much more modern and responsive.
Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB is another strong contender for an internal PS4 SSD upgrade, brought to you by Micron, a leader in memory and storage technology. This drive is all about efficiency and speed, promising to boot up your system faster, load files quicker, and improve overall system responsiveness by a factor of three compared to a typical hard drive. Beyond performance, it’s also incredibly energy-efficient, potentially improving your PS4’s power consumption slightly. It’s a reliable and popular choice for giving your PS4 a significant performance boost without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
– Boots up faster, loads files quicker, improves overall system responsiveness
– 300% faster than a typical hard drive
– Improves battery life (for laptops, but shows efficiency for PS4)
– Micron 3D NAND technology
– Crucial 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent performance upgrade for PS4
– Very energy efficient
– Reliable brand from a major memory manufacturer
– Good value for an internal 1TB SSD
– Standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation
Cons:
– Speeds are in line with other SATA SSDs, not cutting-edge NVMe
– Requires internal installation
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed with how the Crucial BX500 transforms their PS4 experience. Many describe the difference as “dramatic,” particularly concerning game loading screens that used to feel endless. The reliability and competitive pricing are also frequently highlighted, making it a go-to recommendation for those looking for a dependable internal upgrade without overspending.
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive
The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD isn’t just an external drive; it’s a powerhouse, boasting PCIe NVMe technology that delivers incredible read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s – making it one of the fastest external SSDs you can connect to your PS4. While the PS4’s USB 3.0 ports won’t fully utilize these extreme speeds, you’ll still experience a significant boost over internal HDDs and even many other external SSDs. The T7 is also built like a tank, with shock resistance and fall protection, making it perfect for serious gamers who need massive, reliable, and fast external storage for their ever-growing game libraries.
Key Features:
– PCIe NVMe technology for ultra-fast read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
– Massive 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
– Compact design for easy portability
– Highly durable with shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet
– Extensive compatibility with PCs, mobile phones, and game consoles
– World’s #1 Flash Memory Brand with in-house component production
Pros:
– Blazing fast external drive speeds (even if capped by PS4 USB)
– Exceptionally durable and shock-resistant
– Huge 4TB capacity for massive game collections
– Extremely portable and sleek design
– Premium reliability from Samsung
Cons:
– More expensive than other 1TB options due to higher capacity and NVMe tech
– PS4’s USB 3.0 ports limit the drive’s full speed potential
User Impressions:
Users absolutely rave about the Samsung T7 for its incredible speed and robust build quality. Gamers, in particular, frequently comment on how quickly games load when stored on this drive, even acknowledging that the PS4 can’t fully exploit its full NVMe potential. The ample storage space is a huge plus for those with large digital game libraries, and its sleek, compact design makes it a favorite portable gaming accessory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I really need an SSD for my PS4?
A1: While not strictly “needed,” upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful performance upgrades you can make for your PS4. It dramatically reduces loading times, makes the system feel snappier, and improves overall responsiveness, greatly enhancing your gaming experience.
Q2: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for PS4?
A2: An internal SSD replaces the original hard drive inside your PS4. This offers the most significant overall performance boost, affecting everything from system boot-up to game loading. An external SSD connects to your PS4 via a USB port. You can store and play games directly from it. While still very fast, the speeds are limited by the PS4’s USB 3.0 ports, and it primarily benefits game loading for titles stored on the external drive.
Q3: Will an SSD make my PS4 load games faster?
A3: Absolutely, yes! This is the primary benefit. Games can load anywhere from 20% to 70% faster, depending on the game and whether it’s an internal or external SSD. This means less waiting and more playing!
Q4: Is it hard to install an internal SSD in a PS4?
A4: For PS4 and PS4 Slim models, replacing the internal drive is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require complex tools. Sony designed them with user-upgrades in mind. For PS4 Pro, it’s a bit more involved but still manageable for most users with a screwdriver and a guide. Many video tutorials are available online.
Q5: Can I transfer my existing PS4 games to an external SSD?
A5: Yes! The PS4 allows you to easily transfer installed games and applications between your internal drive and an external USB storage device. Go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications, press Options, and select “Move to Extended Storage.”
Q6: What size SSD should I get for my PS4?
A6: We recommend at least 1TB. Modern games are quite large, and a 1TB SSD gives you plenty of space for several AAA titles and still leaves room for future downloads and updates. If you have a huge digital library, consider 2TB or even 4TB for external drives.
Q7: Does an SSD improve frame rates on PS4?
A7: No, an SSD does not directly improve frame rates (FPS). Frame rates are determined by the PS4’s processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU). However, an SSD can reduce stuttering and texture pop-in in some games, especially open-world titles, by allowing game assets to load more quickly, which can make the overall experience feel smoother.
Q8: Which PS4 models are compatible with SSDs?
A8: All PS4 models (original, Slim, and Pro) are compatible with 2.5-inch SATA internal SSDs. For external SSDs, any PS4 model with a USB 3.0 port (all PS4 models have at least one) can use external SSDs for extended storage.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS4 with an SSD is hands down one of the best investments you can make to revitalize your gaming experience. Whether you choose a high-performance internal option like the Samsung 870 EVO to overhaul your console’s speed entirely, or a versatile external drive like the Samsung T7 Portable SSD to expand your game library with blazing fast loading, you’re in for a treat.
No more coffee breaks during loading screens – just pure, uninterrupted gaming bliss. Consider your budget, how comfortable you are with internal installation, and your storage needs, and pick the best SSD drive for PS4 that truly fits your playstyle. Happy gaming!