Are you tired of painstakingly long game load times on your PlayStation 4? Does that “Storage Full” message pop up way too often, forcing you to delete beloved games just to make room for new ones? If so, it’s time for a serious upgrade, and an external SSD is your ultimate solution. Specifically, we’re talking about the Crucial best external SSD for PS4 options that can genuinely transform your gaming experience.
Crucial has long been a trusted name in storage, and their lineup of external solid-state drives offers excellent speed, reliability, and durability. While the PS4 can’t fully utilize the incredible speeds some of these drives offer due to its USB 3.0 limitations, you’ll still notice a significant improvement over the console’s internal hard drive or traditional external HDDs. Get ready for faster game boots, quicker level loads, and more space for your digital library!
We’ve rounded up seven top Crucial external SSDs that are perfect for your PS4. Let’s dive in and find the ideal storage companion for your console.
Why an External SSD is a Game-Changer for Your PS4
Before we get to the reviews, let’s quickly break down why an external SSD is such a fantastic investment for PS4 gamers:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: This is the biggest draw. Games will load noticeably faster, getting you into the action quicker and reducing downtime.
- Massive Storage Expansion: PS4s typically come with 500GB or 1TB of storage, which fills up incredibly fast with modern game sizes. An external SSD gives you tons of extra room without deleting games.
- Improved PS4 Performance: While not a CPU upgrade, a faster drive can help with texture pop-in and overall system responsiveness in some titles.
- Portability: Take your entire game library with you! Just plug it into a friend’s PS4 (or your new PS5!) and you’re ready to play.
- Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them far more resistant to drops and bumps than traditional hard drives.
How to Choose the Right External SSD for Your PS4
When looking for the Crucial best external SSD for PS4, consider these factors:
- Capacity: How many games do you want to store? 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB or even 4TB might be better for avid gamers.
- Speed: While the PS4 bottlenecks some speeds, higher-rated SSDs still offer better baseline performance. All Crucial X-series drives are more than fast enough.
- Durability: If you plan to travel with your drive, look for higher IP ratings for water/dust resistance and drop protection.
- Compatibility: All Crucial X-series SSDs are broadly compatible with PS4 (and PS5!), usually via USB-C to USB-A cables.
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend for the storage and speed you need.
Now, let’s explore the best Crucial external SSDs for your PS4!
1. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2
This 2TB Crucial X9 SSD hits a sweet spot for many PS4 users, offering generous storage capacity and excellent performance. It’s designed for casual gamers and everyday use, meaning it’s perfectly suited to handle your PS4’s game library with ease. You’ll definitely appreciate the quicker load times and the peace of mind that comes with ample space for all your digital adventures. Its compact design makes it incredibly portable, so you can easily carry your games wherever you go.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read speeds, accelerating game load times and file transfers.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, plus drop resistance up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your favorite games, videos, and backups with 2TB of space.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Excellent balance of speed and capacity for PS4 gaming.
- Very durable and portable design.
- Easy plug-and-play setup.
- Great value for money.
- Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest Crucial model if you also plan to use it for high-end PC gaming or professional video editing (though still fantastic for PS4).
User Impressions: Many users praise its robust build quality and the noticeable improvement in PS4 load times. It’s often highlighted for its reliability and how simple it is to set up and start using right out of the box. Gamers love not having to worry about storage anymore.
2. Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2x2
If you’re a serious gamer with a massive digital library, the Crucial X10 4TB is an absolute powerhouse. While its incredible 2,100MB/s speeds are somewhat throttled by the PS4’s USB 3.0 port, this drive still delivers significantly faster performance than the console’s internal HDD. The sheer 4TB capacity means you’ll virtually never have to delete a game again, making it a dream come true for collectors. Its robust build and high-speed potential also future-proof it for your PS5 or PC.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for lightning-fast data access (even if PS4 can’t hit max).
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, plus drop resistance up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: A massive 4TB to store an enormous collection of games, photos, and videos.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Enormous 4TB storage capacity.
- Exceptional durability with high IP rating and drop resistance.
- Blazing fast speeds, even if partially bottlenecked by PS4.
- Excellent for future-proofing your storage needs.
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to capacity and top-tier speed.
- PS4 can’t fully utilize the maximum speed capabilities.
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the colossal storage and rapid transfer speeds. Many highlight its premium feel and the confidence it instills due to its rugged design. It’s a go-to for those who want top-tier performance and don’t want to compromise on space.
3. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2
For gamers on a tighter budget or those who simply need a solid boost without breaking the bank, the Crucial X9 1TB is a fantastic choice. It offers the same reliable 1050MB/s performance as its larger siblings, providing a noticeable upgrade in PS4 game load times. The 1TB capacity is perfect for expanding your library beyond the console’s internal drive, offering plenty of space for several large titles. It’s also incredibly portable and tough, making it great for gaming on the go.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read speeds for faster game and file access.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, and drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- High-Capacity Storage: A generous 1TB for your expanding game collection.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Affordable entry into external SSD gaming.
- Significant speed upgrade over internal PS4 HDD.
- Durable and ultra-portable.
- Ideal for those needing a decent storage boost without overspending.
- Cons:
- 1TB might eventually fill up for very heavy gamers.
User Impressions: Customers love the X9 1TB for its excellent performance-to-price ratio. It’s frequently praised for being a hassle-free upgrade that immediately impacts gaming fluidity. Many find it’s the perfect size for their current game library and appreciate its solid construction.
4. Crucial X10 8TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2x2
When “ultimate storage capacity” is your mantra, the Crucial X10 8TB is in a league of its own. This monstrous SSD ensures you’ll never, ever have to make tough choices about which games to uninstall. Imagine having virtually every PS4 game you own, plus all your digital media, on one single, incredibly fast and durable drive. It boasts the same lightning-fast 2,100MB/s speeds as other X10 models, providing the best possible performance for your PS4 and serving as an investment for all your future storage needs across various devices.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for extremely fast data access.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, plus drop resistance up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: An astonishing 8TB of space – truly massive for any gamer or creator.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Unrivaled 8TB storage capacity.
- Top-tier durability and weather resistance.
- Exceptional speed for future-proofing and other devices.
- Eliminates all storage concerns.
- Cons:
- Premium price tag.
- PS4 can’t fully utilize the maximum speed, making some of its raw power overkill for the console alone.
User Impressions: This drive consistently impresses with its sheer capacity and robust performance. Users are thrilled by the freedom it offers, allowing them to download games without a second thought. Its ruggedness is also a common highlight, assuring users that their massive digital library is well-protected.
5. Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2
For gamers who need serious space but don’t require the absolute bleeding-edge speeds of the X10 series (especially since the PS4 can’t fully use them), the Crucial X9 4TB is an excellent middle ground. You get a massive 4TB of storage, which is more than enough for most extensive game libraries, coupled with the reliable 1050MB/s performance that drastically improves PS4 load times. It’s an incredibly practical choice, offering a great balance of capacity, speed, and Crucial’s renowned durability.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read speeds, providing a significant boost for PS4.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, and drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Works effortlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- High-Capacity Storage: A generous 4TB to comfortably store all your favorite games and media.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Ample 4TB storage capacity for extensive game collections.
- Excellent balance of performance and price for PS4 users.
- Rugged and portable design for everyday use.
- Reliable and consistent speed improvement.
- Cons:
- Not as fast as the X10 series for non-PS4 applications (though still very quick).
User Impressions: Many gamers find this to be the perfect sweet spot for storage and performance on their PS4. They appreciate the noticeable speed improvements and the huge amount of space, often stating it’s the last external drive they’ll need for a long time. Its dependable build also receives frequent praise.
6. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2x2
If you want the absolute fastest possible performance for your PS4 external drive and don’t need a huge amount of space, the Crucial X10 1TB is a top contender. While the PS4 won’t let it hit its maximum 2,100MB/s, you’re still getting the most robust and fastest Crucial SSD available at this capacity, which translates to the quickest possible load times the PS4 can handle. Its superior durability with IP65 rating and extreme drop resistance also means it’s built to withstand anything you throw at it.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for top-tier performance.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, plus drop resistance up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: A very useful 1TB, perfect for a curated game library.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Maximum possible speed for a Crucial external SSD (even if bottlenecked by PS4).
- Exceptional durability and resistance to elements.
- Compact and portable for a high-performance drive.
- Future-proofed for PS5 and other high-speed applications.
- Cons:
- Higher price for 1TB compared to the X9 1TB.
- PS4 can’t fully utilize its peak speeds.
User Impressions: Users looking for uncompromising speed, even if it’s a bit of overkill for PS4, flock to this drive. They appreciate the robust construction and the peace of mind knowing they have a top-of-the-line drive that will perform excellently across all their devices now and in the future.
7. Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write
The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB is tailored for professional creators and serious gamers who demand the absolute best in both read and write speeds, combined with extensive storage. Beyond just fast game loading, its exceptional 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds mean your PS4 will be operating with the fastest external storage possible. What truly sets the ‘Pro’ model apart are its thoughtful features like a lanyard loop for secure carrying, an activity light, and robust SSD password protection, making it incredibly reliable for both gaming and any professional creative work you might do.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds for a seamless workflow.
- Built to Last (Pro Features): IP55 water and dust resistance, 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance, plus a lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with PS4 (and PS5, Windows, Mac, etc.) via USB-C and USB-A.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Store high-resolution photos, 4K/8K videos, and all your current game projects with this compact 4TB SSD.
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Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
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Pros:
- Top-tier read and write speeds, ideal for professionals and serious gamers.
- Professional-grade durability with added security features (password protection).
- Massive 4TB capacity.
- Thoughtful design elements like a lanyard loop and activity light.
- Cons:
- Premium price reflecting its ‘Pro’ features and performance.
- Some ‘Pro’ features (like password protection) are less relevant for PS4-only use.
User Impressions: This SSD garners high praise from users who value comprehensive features alongside raw speed and capacity. Professionals appreciate its robust security and field-ready design, while gamers love the no-compromise performance it brings to their consoles and other devices. It’s often seen as the ultimate all-rounder.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with an external SSD from Crucial is one of the smartest moves you can make to enhance your gaming experience. No more agonizing load screens, no more frustrating storage full messages – just more gaming enjoyment. Whether you go for the budget-friendly yet powerful Crucial X9 1TB or splurge on the massive, ultra-fast Crucial X10 8TB, you’re guaranteed a significant improvement.
The Crucial best external SSD for PS4 isn’t just about speed; it’s about convenience, reliability, and ultimately, more fun. Pick the one that fits your gaming habits and budget, and get ready to rediscover your favorite PS4 titles with a new level of performance!
FAQ: Your Questions About Crucial External SSDs for PS4 Answered
Q1: Will an external SSD really make a noticeable difference on my PS4?
A1: Absolutely! While the PS4’s USB 3.0 port acts as a bottleneck, even a modern external SSD is significantly faster than the console’s internal 5400 RPM hard drive. You’ll experience much faster game load times, quicker texture streaming in some games, and reduced overall system sluggishness. It’s one of the best performance upgrades for a PS4.
Q2: How do I set up a Crucial external SSD with my PS4?
A2: It’s super easy!
1. Plug your Crucial external SSD into one of the PS4’s USB 3.0 ports.
2. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices on your PS4.
3. Select your Crucial SSD and choose “Format as Extended Storage.”
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Once formatted, your PS4 will automatically install new games to the external SSD by default. You can also move existing games from your internal drive to the SSD.
Q3: Can I store all my PS4 games on an external SSD?
A3: Yes, you can! Your PS4 allows you to install games and applications directly onto external storage. With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB on Crucial drives, you can easily store a massive game library.
Q4: Is it safe to unplug the external SSD while my PS4 is on?
A4: No, it’s not. Always ensure your PS4 is completely powered off or in Rest Mode before disconnecting the external SSD. Improper disconnection can lead to data corruption or damage to the drive/console. Your PS4 will also warn you if you try to unplug it while it’s in use.
Q5: Will a faster Crucial SSD (like the X10 with 2100MB/s) perform better on PS4 than a slightly slower one (like the X9 with 1050MB/s)?
A5: For PS4 specific use, the difference might be minimal in practice. The PS4’s USB 3.0 interface has a theoretical maximum speed of around 640MB/s, so both the X9 and X10 series drives will be bottlenecked by the console. However, you’ll still get the best possible speed the PS4 can offer, and the X10 might still have a slight edge in very specific scenarios due to lower latency or other factors, plus it’s future-proof for PS5 or PC.
Q6: Can I use the same external SSD for my PS4 and PS5?
A6: Yes, you can! Crucial external SSDs are broadly compatible. For PS5, you can use an external SSD to store and play PS4 games directly. You can also store (but not play) PS5 games on an external SSD, which is a great way to free up internal PS5 storage, then transfer them back when you want to play.
Q7: What’s the difference between the Crucial X9 and X10 series for PS4 use?
A7: The main difference is speed and durability rating. The X10 series offers significantly faster theoretical speeds (up to 2,100MB/s) and a higher IP65 dust/water resistance rating with greater drop protection. The X9 series provides very good speeds (up to 1,050MB/s) and an IP55 rating. For PS4, both will offer excellent performance upgrades, but the X10 is technically superior and more rugged, which might appeal if you also use it with other devices or need maximum durability.