Are you tired of sluggish loading screens and constantly deleting games just to make space for new ones on your PlayStation 4 Pro? You’re not alone! The PS4 Pro, while a fantastic console, comes with an internal hard drive (HDD) that can feel a bit slow in today’s fast-paced gaming world. That’s where an external SSD comes into play, offering a significant performance boost and much-needed storage expansion.
Upgrading to an external solid-state drive (SSD) can dramatically cut down game loading times, improve texture pop-in, and give you plenty of room for your ever-growing digital game library. But with so many options out there, choosing the best external SSD for PS4 Pro can feel overwhelming. Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you, identifying top contenders that will take your PS4 Pro gaming experience to the next level. Let’s dive in!
Why an External SSD for Your PS4 Pro is a Game Changer
Before we get to the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an external SSD is such a smart investment for your PS4 Pro:
- Blazing Fast Loading Times: This is the biggest draw. SSDs read and write data much faster than traditional HDDs, meaning you’ll spend less time staring at loading screens and more time actually playing.
- Smoother Gameplay: While not a direct frame rate booster, faster data access can reduce instances of texture loading delays and pop-in, making your gaming experience feel more seamless.
- Easy Storage Expansion: PS4 Pro’s internal storage fills up quickly. An external SSD provides a convenient way to expand your game library without having to uninstall old favorites.
- Portability: Many external SSDs are compact and durable, making it easy to take your games with you to a friend’s house.
- Simple Setup: Connecting and formatting an external SSD for your PS4 Pro is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.
Now, let’s look at the drives that truly stand out as the best external SSD for PS4 Pro contenders.
1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is truly a powerhouse designed for those who demand top-tier performance and rugged durability. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s built like a tank, making it perfect for gamers who want to protect their valuable game data while enjoying lightning-quick loading speeds. Its forged aluminum chassis helps keep it cool even during intense gaming sessions, ensuring sustained high performance.
Key Features:
– Powerful NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
– Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained high speeds.
– Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
– Handy carabiner loop for easy attachment.
– Includes password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
– SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management and space freeing.
Pros:
– Exceptional read/write speeds for incredibly fast game loading.
– Extremely durable with high drop and environmental resistance.
– Excellent heat dissipation for consistent performance.
– Compact and portable design with a useful carabiner loop.
– Added security features for sensitive data.
Cons:
– Premium performance comes with a premium price tag.
– Overkill for users who don’t need the absolute fastest speeds or extreme durability.
User Impressions:
Gamers consistently praise the SanDisk Extreme PRO for its mind-blowing speed, noting a significant reduction in loading times across various PS4 Pro titles. Many appreciate its robust build quality, giving them peace of mind when transporting their game library. While it’s an investment, users feel the performance and reliability justify the cost.
2. Aiibe 1TB External Solid State Drive USB C Portable SSD
For gamers seeking a balance of speed, affordability, and portability, the Aiibe 1TB External SSD hits a sweet spot. This compact drive is designed for convenience, easily fitting into your pocket while still delivering impressive transfer speeds. It’s a fantastic option for expanding your PS4 Pro storage without breaking the bank, ensuring your favorite titles load up much quicker than before.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast transfer speeds: read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s.
– Universal compatibility with Windows, Mac OS, Android, and game consoles (PS4, Xbox).
– Includes USB-C to A cable and USB-A to C adapter for broad device support.
– Metal shockproof and anti-drop high-strength aluminum alloy shell for durability.
– Excellent heat dissipation performance.
– Ultra slim and portable design.
Pros:
– Very competitive price for its speed and capacity.
– Excellent compatibility across many devices, including PS4 Pro.
– Highly portable and durable with its metal casing.
– Good heat dissipation helps maintain performance.
– Comes with necessary cables and adapters for immediate use.
Cons:
– Max speeds might not be consistently achieved depending on the PS4 Pro’s USB port limitations.
– Build quality, while good, may not be as rugged as top-tier premium models.
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the Aiibe’s excellent value, reporting noticeable improvements in PS4 Pro game loading times. Its plug-and-play simplicity and broad compatibility are major pluses. The compact size is also a hit for those who need to easily transport their games.
3. Fikwot 1TB External SSD, Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
The Fikwot 1TB External SSD is built for pure speed, boasting up to 2000MB/s read speeds, making it an incredibly powerful option for a lightning-fast PS4 Pro storage upgrade. Its robust aluminum alloy casing isn’t just for looks; it’s engineered for superior heat dissipation, ensuring that even during long gaming marathons, your drive stays cool and performs optimally. This means consistent, non-stop speed for all your gaming needs.
Key Features:
– Nonstop speed with read speeds of up to 2000MB/s (note: USB-A interface limitations apply).
– Robust aluminum alloy casing for efficient heat dissipation.
– Versatile device compatibility including PS5, PS4(Pro), Xbox, Mac, and Windows systems.
– Supports select OTG-enabled Android smartphones and iPhone 15/15 Pro.
– Compact and sleek design for ultimate portability.
– Offers 5-year coverage for long-term reliability.
Pros:
– Extremely high potential read speeds for accelerated game loading.
– Superior heat dissipation extends drive lifespan and maintains performance.
– Broad compatibility makes it versatile for multiple devices.
– Sleek, compact, and highly portable.
– Excellent long-term reliability with a 5-year warranty.
Cons:
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports might bottleneck the 2000MB/s speed, limiting it to around 1000MB/s.
– Some users might find 1TB limiting if they have a massive game collection.
User Impressions:
Fikwot users are thrilled with the noticeable speed improvements, particularly for game loading. The drive’s cool operation, even under heavy use, is frequently mentioned as a key benefit. Its sturdy build and compatibility with various devices also receive high marks, making it a reliable choice for dedicated gamers.
4. Avolusion PRO-Z 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive
While this review focuses on the best external SSD for PS4 Pro, the Avolusion PRO-Z 8TB is a unique inclusion. It’s important to note that this is an external Hard Disk Drive (HDD), not an SSD. However, it earns a spot for its colossal 8TB storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize storing an enormous game library over raw speed. If you have hundreds of PS4 games and want to keep them all installed without constantly juggling space, this drive is a strong contender, leveraging a 7200RPM enterprise-grade HDD for robust, continuous operation.
Key Features:
– Built-in 8TB capacity USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive (7200RPM Enterprise HDD, designed for 24/7 use).
– Compatible with PS5 and PS4 game consoles for expanded storage.
– Allows playing PS4 games directly from USB extended storage on PS4 and PS5.
– Faster to copy PS5 games from USB extended storage than re-downloading.
– Premium HDD case with a high-quality refurbished internal 7200RPM enterprise hard drive.
– Rigorously tested for exceptional performance and reliability.
Pros:
– Massive 8TB storage capacity for an unparalleled game library.
– Cost-effective per terabyte compared to SSDs.
– Enterprise-grade HDD offers enhanced reliability for 24/7 use.
– PS4 games can be played directly from the drive.
– Useful for archiving PS5 games to free up internal SSD space.
Cons:
– Significantly slower than any external SSD in terms of loading times and data transfer.
– Physically larger and less portable than most SSDs.
– More susceptible to damage from drops than an SSD.
User Impressions:
Users who opt for the Avolusion PRO-Z praise its immense storage, allowing them to download virtually every game they own. While acknowledging it’s not an SSD, they appreciate the convenience of having all their PS4 games readily available. Many find it ideal for keeping older titles accessible without bogging down their console’s internal storage.
5. BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
The BUFFALO External SSD 1TB offers a fantastic blend of value, speed, and durability, making it an excellent choice for a PS4 Pro gaming setup. It’s designed to be compact and rugged, perfectly suited for gamers on the go who need reliable, fast access to their titles. With its shock-resistant design, you can confidently take your games anywhere, knowing your data is safe and sound.
Key Features:
– Best value SSD for compact and reliable on-the-go demand.
– Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs.
– Saves space and loading time on your console.
– Ideal on-the-go accessory for quickly copying large data.
– Faster speeds than HDD, enabling multitasking.
– Compact, durable, & reliable with shock-resistant, rugged design.
– USB 3.2 connectivity & 3-year warranty (two years if unregistered).
Pros:
– Excellent balance of performance, price, and portability.
– Very durable and shock-resistant for peace of mind.
– Noticeably reduces game loading times compared to the internal HDD.
– Good multi-device compatibility (PS4 Pro, PS5, PC, Mac).
– Backed by a solid 3-year warranty.
Cons:
– 1TB might be limiting for players with very large game libraries.
– Maximum speeds may not reach those of premium NVMe SSDs, though still very fast for PS4 Pro.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the Buffalo SSD’s great value and robust build. They report noticeable improvements in PS4 Pro game loading times and appreciate its reliability. The compact size and the ability to take it anywhere also receive high praise, cementing its status as a reliable gaming companion.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your External SSD for PS4 Pro
When picking out the best external SSD for PS4 Pro, keep these points in mind:
- Capacity: How many games do you plan to store? 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB or more is ideal for larger libraries. Remember, game sizes are only increasing!
- Speed: Look for drives with USB 3.0 (or higher) compatibility. While PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports cap real-world speeds, a faster drive (like NVMe-based ones) can still offer a performance boost up to that limit.
- Durability: External drives can take a beating. Consider models with shock resistance or rugged casings if you plan to move it around a lot.
- Compatibility: Ensure the drive explicitly states compatibility with PS4 or PS4 Pro. Most USB external drives will work, but it’s always good to double-check.
- Price: SSDs generally cost more per gigabyte than HDDs, but the performance gains are well worth it. Balance your budget with your performance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I use an external SSD instead of the PS4 Pro’s internal hard drive?
A1: The PS4 Pro’s internal drive is a traditional HDD, which is much slower. An external SSD significantly reduces game loading times, installs updates faster, and provides smoother overall performance for your games.
Q2: Will an external SSD really make a difference in game loading times on my PS4 Pro?
A2: Absolutely! While not every game will see the exact same improvement, most titles will load noticeably faster, often cutting loading screens by 30-50% or even more. This makes a huge difference in games with frequent loading screens.
Q3: How much storage capacity do I need for my external SSD?
A3: It depends on your gaming habits. 1TB is a good starting point for most players, allowing space for several large AAA titles. If you have a massive digital library or plan to play many games simultaneously, 2TB or even 4TB might be more suitable.
Q4: Is it easy to set up an external SSD for my PS4 Pro?
A4: Yes, it’s very straightforward. Simply plug the external SSD into one of the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports. Then, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select your SSD, and choose “Format as Extended Storage.” The PS4 Pro will guide you through the rest.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD connected to my PS5?
A5: No, PS5 games must be played from the PS5’s internal SSD. However, you can use an external SSD (or HDD like the Avolusion) to store PS5 games, effectively archiving them. When you want to play them, you’ll need to copy them back to the internal SSD, which is still much faster than re-downloading the game. PS4 games can be played directly from an external SSD on both PS4 and PS5.
Q6: What’s the main difference between an SSD and an HDD for gaming?
A6: SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory and have no moving parts, making them incredibly fast, durable, and silent. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning platters and read/write heads, which are slower, more fragile, and generate some noise. For gaming, an SSD’s speed is a massive advantage for loading times. HDDs offer much larger capacities for a lower price per gigabyte.
Q7: Does the PS4 Pro support USB 3.0/3.1 or faster?
A7: The PS4 Pro has USB 3.0 ports. While some external SSDs might advertise higher speeds (like 2000MB/s), the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports will typically cap the real-world transfer speed at around 300-400MB/s for sustained transfers. However, SSDs still offer significant improvements due to their superior random read/write speeds, which are crucial for games.
Q8: Will using an external SSD void my PS4 Pro warranty?
A8: No, using an officially supported external storage device like an SSD through the USB port will not void your PS4 Pro’s warranty. Sony designed the console to support external storage expansion.
Conclusion
Investing in the best external SSD for PS4 Pro is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to enhance your gaming experience. Say goodbye to long loading screens and constant storage woes, and hello to a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable time with your favorite PlayStation titles. Whether you prioritize ultimate speed, maximum capacity, or a balance of both, there’s a perfect external drive out there for you. Happy gaming!