Is your PlayStation 4 feeling a bit sluggish? Do you spend more time staring at loading screens than actually playing your favorite games? You’re not alone! Many PS4 owners experience slow boot times, lengthy game loads, and overall clunky performance from their console’s stock hard drive. But what if there was a simple, yet highly effective, solution?
Enter the Solid State Drive (SSD). Upgrading your PS4 with an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to breathe new life into your gaming experience. An SSD, unlike a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD), uses flash memory to store data, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This translates directly to quicker game loads, smoother texture streaming, and a more responsive PS4 menu.
In this guide, we’re diving deep to help you find the best SSD for PS4 that will dramatically cut down your waiting times and get you into the action faster. We’ve reviewed some of the top contenders, highlighting their strengths and helping you make an informed decision.
Why Upgrade Your PS4 with an SSD?
The PS4’s original hard drive, while functional, is often a bottleneck for its performance. Here’s why an SSD makes a huge difference:
- Lightning-Fast Loading Times: This is the big one! Games will load much quicker, and waiting screens become a thing of the past.
- Smoother Gameplay: Less stuttering and faster texture pop-in, especially in open-world games.
- Quicker Boot-Up and Menu Navigation: Your console will power on and navigate its interface with snappier responsiveness.
- Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and bumps compared to traditional HDDs.
- Energy Efficiency: They consume less power, which can lead to slightly cooler operation.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you pick out the best SSD for PS4, keep these points in mind:
- Compatibility: The PS4 (Original, Slim, and Pro models) requires a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. NVMe drives, while faster, are not natively supported for internal storage.
- Capacity: How many games do you play? 500GB is a good starting point, but 1TB or even 2TB will give you much more room for your growing game library.
- Performance (Speed): While most modern SATA SSDs hit the console’s maximum transfer speeds, some offer slightly better sustained performance or endurance.
- Price: SSDs have become much more affordable, but larger capacities still carry a higher price tag.
- Installation: Upgrading your PS4’s drive is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to back up your data and reinstall the PS4 system software.
The 7 Best SSDs (and HDD Alternatives) for PS4
Let’s get to the contenders! We’ve chosen a mix of high-performing SSDs, along with a couple of traditional HDD options for those prioritizing capacity or budget.
Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and high-performing SATA SSDs on the market, making it an excellent choice for a PS4 upgrade. It leverages Samsung’s advanced V-NAND technology, ensuring consistent speeds and long-term durability. While the PS4 won’t fully utilize its maximum speeds, the difference from the stock HDD is night and day, offering an incredibly smooth and fast gaming experience.
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Key Features:
- Indisputable performance and reliability with Samsung’s pioneering technology
- Sequential speeds up to 560/530 MB/s (Read/Write)
- Larger variable buffer for sustained high performance
- Up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
- Broad compatibility with major host systems and applications
- Easy 2.5-inch SATA form factor installation
- Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management (PC only)
- AES 256-bit Encryption
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Pros:
- Exceptional reliability and endurance
- Among the best SATA SSD performances
- Trusted brand with strong warranty
- Easy installation for PS4
- Noticeable improvement in loading times
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Cons:
- Premium price point compared to some alternatives
- PS4 can’t fully utilize its absolute peak speeds
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 870 EVO for its rock-solid performance and reliability. Many report significantly reduced loading times in games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V, and appreciate the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s reputation. It’s often cited as the go-to upgrade for console and PC alike.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a fantastic entry-level SSD that offers impressive speed upgrades without breaking the bank. It’s built with Micron 3D NAND technology, ensuring reliable performance and efficiency. If you’re looking for an affordable yet effective way to boost your PS4’s responsiveness and cut down on loading screens, the BX500 is an incredibly solid choice that provides excellent value for money.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster and load files quicker
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND technology
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Very affordable
- Significant performance upgrade over stock HDD
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install
- Reputable brand
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Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest SATA SSD on the market
- Endurance (TBW) might be lower than premium options
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User Impressions: Gamers love the Crucial BX500 for its immediate impact on PS4 performance at a budget-friendly price. Many reviews highlight how quickly their games now load, and how much snappier the console’s interface feels. It’s frequently recommended as a great value upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
Addlink S20 1TB PS4 Compatible SATA III 2.5″ Inch Extreme High Speed SSD
The Addlink S20 offers a compelling blend of performance and compatibility, specifically designed with PS4 users in mind. This SSD provides excellent read/write speeds that will significantly improve your console’s performance for quicker game booting and reduced loading times. It’s a straightforward, reliable upgrade option that promises a noticeable difference for your gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- Ideal for Sony PS4, PCs, laptops, and other portable devices
- Read/Write Speed 500/450 MB/s
- Easy upgrade for faster boosting & loading
- SATA III 6Gb/s interface, backwards compatible to SATA I and SATA II
- Slim 7mm (0.28 Inch) form factor
- Addlink 3-year limited warranty or TBW endurance limit
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Pros:
- Good balance of performance and price
- Specifically marketed as PS4 compatible
- Solid speed upgrade over stock HDD
- Standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation
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Cons:
- Less well-known brand compared to Samsung or Crucial
- Performance might not match top-tier drives, though still excellent for PS4
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User Impressions: Users report that the Addlink S20 lives up to its promise of PS4 compatibility and performance boost. They appreciate the noticeable reduction in loading times and overall system responsiveness, finding it a reliable and cost-effective upgrade solution for their consoles.
- See it on Amazon here
Toshiba 1TB 5400RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 2.5 inch Internal Hard Drive (HDD)
While this article focuses on the best SSD for PS4, we’ve included this Toshiba HDD as a budget-friendly alternative for those who need more storage without the SSD price tag. It’s a traditional hard drive, meaning it won’t offer the blazing speeds of an SSD, but it provides a substantial storage upgrade over the PS4’s original 500GB drive. It’s a solid choice if capacity is your primary concern and speed isn’t absolutely critical.
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Key Features:
- 1TB Capacity for ample game storage
- Standard 2.5-inch Hard Drive
- Rotation Speed of 5400RPM and 8MB Buffer
- SATA 3.0Gb/s Interface (compatible with PS4’s SATA III 6Gb/s port)
- Works for PS3 / PS4 Game Console HDD replacement / upgrade
- PS3 / PS4 Hard Drive installation & Playstation firmware download instruction included
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Pros:
- Much more affordable per gigabyte than SSDs
- Doubles the storage of many stock PS4s
- Easy to install
- Comes with installation instructions
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Cons:
- Significantly slower than any SSD
- Will not offer the same performance boost
- Traditional HDD mechanical parts are less durable
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User Impressions: Users choosing this drive are typically looking for an economical way to expand their PS4’s storage. They appreciate the straightforward installation and the increased space for games, understanding that the speed won’t be comparable to an SSD but is still a reliable option for capacity.
- See it on Amazon here
PNY CS900 1TB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The PNY CS900 is another excellent value-oriented SSD that delivers a noticeable performance boost for your PS4. With impressive sequential read and write speeds, it’s designed to make your console feel snappier, reducing boot times and game loads. It’s a reliable and straightforward upgrade that offers a superior experience compared to the PS4’s stock hard drive, perfect for gamers on a budget.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer (and PS4!) for super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance offering up to 535MB/s seq. Read and 515MB/s seq. Write speeds
- Superior performance compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
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Pros:
- Very competitive pricing
- Solid performance boost for PS4
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install due to standard 2.5-inch form factor
- Reliable performance for everyday gaming
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Cons:
- Not as feature-rich as premium SSDs
- May not have the same endurance rating as top-tier drives
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User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the PNY CS900 as a fantastic budget SSD. They frequently mention the significant improvement in PS4 game loading times and overall responsiveness, making it a popular choice for cost-conscious gamers looking for an effective upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
MDD 2TB PS4 Hard Drive Upgrade Kit Bundle with Toshiba L200 HDD
Similar to the standalone Toshiba drive, this MDD bundle provides a massive 2TB storage upgrade for your PS4 using a traditional HDD. The key difference here is the included upgrade kit, which simplifies the process for those who might be less confident with DIY upgrades. While it’s not an SSD and won’t offer the speed benefits, it’s perfect for gamers with huge digital libraries who prioritize space above all else and want an easy installation experience.
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Key Features:
- Massive 2TB Capacity for up to 160 × 25GB games
- 2.5-inch SATA Gaming HDD
- 9.5mm Height
- 5400RPM, 8MB Cache, SATA 6.0Gb/s interface
- Works for PlayStation gaming systems (PS4 Original, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro)
- PS4 HDD Installation Manual & PS4 Firmware Download Link Instruction Included
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Pros:
- Huge 2TB storage capacity
- Cost-effective per gigabyte
- Includes an upgrade kit/instructions for easier installation
- Compatible with all PS4 models
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Cons:
- Traditional HDD, thus significantly slower than SSDs
- Will not improve loading times or overall responsiveness like an SSD
- More prone to mechanical failure than SSDs
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User Impressions: Users who bought this bundle praise it for its generous capacity and the helpful installation instructions provided. They are typically happy to trade SSD speed for the ability to store vast numbers of games without constant deletion, finding it a convenient and cost-effective solution for their storage woes.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive with Heatsink
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PS4 USERS: While the WD_BLACK SN850X is an absolutely phenomenal, top-tier gaming SSD, it uses the NVMe interface. The PlayStation 4 console only supports 2.5-inch SATA drives for internal storage. This means the WD_BLACK SN850X is NOT compatible for internal PS4 upgrades. It’s designed for modern gaming PCs and PS5 consoles (if equipped with a compatible NVMe slot), where its incredible speeds can be fully utilized. We’ve included it to highlight the difference in drive types and ensure clarity, as its “gaming SSD” branding might cause confusion for PS4 owners.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s (Read)
- Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND
- Optional heatsink version for maintaining peak performance
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard for drive health monitoring, RGB customization (heatsink versions), and Game Mode 2.0
- Future-forward features including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
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Pros:
- One of the fastest SSDs available for gaming PCs
- Excellent for modern PC builds and PS5 consoles
- High capacity options
- Robust cooling with heatsink option
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Cons:
- NOT COMPATIBLE for internal PS4 upgrades (due to NVMe interface)
- Higher price point due to extreme performance
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User Impressions: PC gamers and PS5 owners rave about the WD_BLACK SN850X’s mind-blowing speeds and how it transforms their gaming experience, virtually eliminating loading screens. Its performance is truly next-gen for compatible systems.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS4 with a solid-state drive is one of the best investments you can make to revitalize your console. While the original hard drive gets the job done, an SSD drastically cuts down on loading times and makes your entire system feel much snappier. For the best SSD for PS4 performance, the Samsung 870 EVO offers a premium, reliable experience, while the Crucial BX500 and PNY CS900 provide excellent value. If massive storage is your priority over raw speed, the Toshiba or MDD 2TB HDDs are viable, budget-friendly alternatives.
Remember to choose a 2.5-inch SATA drive for internal PS4 upgrades, and get ready to spend less time waiting and more time gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: What kind of SSD do I need for my PS4?
A1: Your PS4 (Original, Slim, and Pro models) requires a 2.5-inch SATA III (6Gb/s) SSD. Make sure the drive has a standard 7mm height to fit properly. NVMe M.2 SSDs are NOT compatible for internal PS4 upgrades.
Q2: How much faster will my PS4 be with an SSD?
A2: You can expect significantly faster loading times for games, often cutting them by 30-50% or even more depending on the game. Boot-up times for the console and navigation through the PS4 menu will also feel much snappier.
Q3: Is it difficult to install an SSD in my PS4?
A3: The installation process is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a screwdriver, a USB drive to back up your save data, and the PS4 system software (downloadable from Sony’s website). Many online guides and videos can walk you through the step-by-step process.
Q4: Will an SSD improve my game’s frame rate on PS4?
A4: No, an SSD primarily improves loading times and texture streaming, which can make gameplay feel smoother by reducing stutter. However, it will not directly increase the frame rate (FPS) of a game, as that is determined by the console’s processor and graphics chip.
Q5: Should I get a 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD?
A5: This depends on your gaming habits.
* 500GB: A good entry point if you play only a few games at a time and frequently delete them.
* 1TB: The sweet spot for most gamers, offering a good balance of capacity and price, allowing you to keep many AAA titles installed.
* 2TB: Ideal for hardcore gamers with large digital libraries, or those who don’t want to worry about deleting games for a very long time.
Q6: Do I need to re-download all my games after installing a new SSD?
A6: Yes, after installing a new drive, you’ll need to reinstall the PS4 system software and then re-download or reinstall all your games. Make sure to back up your save data to a USB drive or PlayStation Plus cloud storage before you begin to avoid losing progress.
Q7: Can I use an external SSD with my PS4 instead of replacing the internal drive?
A7: Yes! PS4 supports external storage for games. You can connect a 2.5-inch external SSD via USB 3.0, and it will offer similar game loading benefits for titles stored on it. This is a great option if you don’t want to open your console or just need extra space. However, system functions (boot, menu) will still rely on the internal drive.