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Thinking about whether you should buy an external SSD for PS4? You’re not alone. As games grow larger and load times become more frustrating, many PlayStation users are turning to external solid-state drives to boost performance and expand storage. Whether you’re tired of deleting old favorites to make room for new ones or just want faster boot-ups and smoother gameplay, an external SSD can be a game-changer. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top options to help you decide which one fits your needs, budget, and gaming style.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy An External Ssd For Ps4 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
This compact powerhouse delivers blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability, making it ideal for PS4 gamers who want quick load times and reliable storage. With USB-C connectivity and drop resistance up to 3 meters, it’s built to handle travel and daily use without breaking a sweat.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ IP65-rated water and dust resistance
- ✓ Compact, lightweight design with carabiner loop
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility for fast transfers
Why We Recommend It
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and portability. It significantly reduces game load times on PS4 and supports large game libraries without slowing down your system.
Best For
Gamers who want a fast, durable, and travel-friendly SSD that works seamlessly with PS4 and future-proofs for PS5.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Rugged build with drop and water resistance
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Higher price per GB compared to HDDs
- No included USB-C to USB-A adapter
Customer Reviews
“I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
“Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
2. Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2
The Samsung T7 is a sleek, high-performance SSD that brings NVMe speed to your PS4. Its compact metal design stays cool under pressure, and the included software adds extra security with password protection.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe NVMe technology with up to 1,050MB/s speeds
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
- ✓ Shock-resistant and vibration-proof
- ✓ Compatible with PC, Mac, and PlayStation
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s reputation for reliability shines through in the T7. It’s fast, secure, and built to last—perfect for gamers who want both performance and peace of mind.
Best For
Tech-savvy gamers who value speed, security, and a premium build quality for their PS4 storage upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier read/write performance
- Built-in hardware encryption
- Stylish, durable aluminum casing
- Easy setup with no drivers needed
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than non-branded SSDs
- Requires reformatting for optimal PS4 use
Customer Reviews
“Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
“The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
3. Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Xbox, & PlayStation
If you’re looking for massive storage without breaking the bank, this Seagate HDD delivers 4TB of space at a fraction of the cost of an SSD. It’s plug-and-play ready and works right out of the box with PS4.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4TB capacity for huge game libraries
- ✓ USB 3.0 for fast data transfer
- ✓ No external power required
- ✓ Compatible with PS4, Xbox, PC, and Mac
Why We Recommend It
While it’s not as fast as an SSD, this drive offers incredible value for gamers who need to store dozens of games without upgrading their console’s internal drive.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers who prioritize storage space over speed and want a simple, reliable expansion for their PS4.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte
- Large 4TB capacity
- Easy setup—no software needed
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Slower load times compared to SSDs
- Mechanical parts make it less durable
- Louder and generates more heat than SSDs
Customer Reviews
“The transfer of the data is quick, but that’s kind of depending on what you’re doing and what cord is plugged in between your laptop and this hard drive. I got a different cord that came with the hard drive that was able to transfer data a little quicker. However, I really like the drive. I was ab”
“Absolutely love these drives. They are beasts. Bought three of these for the house. Smooth, quiet, blazing speed and a great expansion for storage or a replacement for older units. Prices fluctuate often so keep checking or add a price alert. They can be had at a good price.”
4. Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation® Consoles 5 TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Officially Licensed
This officially licensed Seagate drive is designed specifically for PlayStation consoles. With 5TB of space, it’s perfect for storing hundreds of games and integrates seamlessly with both PS4 and PS5 systems.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Officially licensed by PlayStation
- ✓ 5TB capacity for massive game libraries
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 1 for reliable performance
- ✓ PS5 ready—store and transfer games easily
Why We Recommend It
Its official compatibility means zero setup headaches. It’s a hassle-free way to expand your PS4 storage with a drive built just for gamers.
Best For
PlayStation loyalists who want a branded, plug-and-play solution with tons of space for their growing game collection.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with PS4 and PS5
- Huge 5TB storage capacity
- No formatting or setup required
- Compact and console-matching design
Cons:
- HDD speed limits load time improvements
- Not as durable as SSDs
- Limited to PlayStation use for optimal performance
Customer Reviews
“Works great to add storage for PS5 games. They take up a lot of room. It was easy to connect to the game system.”
“This is a great upgrade to your PS5 but there seems to be a lot of confusion as to how it works. This is an external hard disk drive (HDD) as opposed to a more expensive, internal solid state drive (SDD). An HDD (like this one from Seagate) plugs into your PS5 with an included USB cable and allows y”
5. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance
Double the capacity of the 1TB model, this 2TB SanDisk Extreme SSD is perfect for serious gamers who want speed, space, and durability all in one package. It’s ideal for storing your entire PS4 library with room to spare.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB high-capacity storage
- ✓ Up to 1050MB/s transfer speeds
- ✓ Rugged design with IP65 rating
- ✓ USB-C connectivity for modern devices
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve got a massive game collection and refuse to delete anything, this SSD gives you the space and speed to keep everything accessible and fast.
Best For
Hardcore gamers with large libraries who want top-tier performance and don’t want to worry about running out of space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity
- Fast SSD speeds improve load times
- Durable and water-resistant
- Great for travel and backups
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Overkill for casual gamers
Customer Reviews
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“This SSD is a beast! I transferred over 500GB of PS4 games in under an hour. Load times are noticeably faster, and the build quality feels premium. Worth every penny for serious gamers.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy An External SSD for PS4
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether to buy an external SSD for PS4, consider speed, capacity, durability, and compatibility. SSDs offer faster load times and quicker game installations than traditional HDDs, but they come at a higher cost per gigabyte. Look for USB 3.0 or higher support, at least 500GB of storage, and rugged designs if you travel often. Always ensure the drive is formatted correctly for PS4 use.
Budget Planning
External SSDs range from around $80 for 1TB to over $200 for 2TB models. HDDs like the Seagate Portable offer more storage for less money—ideal if you’re on a tight budget. Decide whether speed or capacity matters more to you. For most gamers, a 1TB SSD strikes the best balance.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an external SSD for your PS4 is one of the best investments you can make for better performance. While HDDs offer more space for less, SSDs deliver noticeably faster load times and a smoother gaming experience. If you can afford it, go for an SSD—your future self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will an external SSD improve PS4 load times?
A: Yes! An external SSD can significantly reduce game load times and improve system responsiveness compared to the internal HDD or external hard drives.
Q: Can I play PS4 games directly from an external SSD?
A: Absolutely. Once formatted and connected via USB, your PS4 will recognize the SSD, and you can install and play games directly from it.
Q: Do I need to format the SSD before using it with PS4?
A: Yes, the PS4 will prompt you to format any new external drive. This erases all data, so back up first. The process takes a few minutes and is completely safe.
Q: Is a USB 3.0 cable required for best performance?
A: Yes. For full speed, use the included USB 3.0 or USB-C cable. Older USB 2.0 cables will bottleneck performance.
Q: Can I use the same SSD for PS4 and PC?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to reformat it depending on the system. For dual use, consider keeping backup drives or using cloud storage.
So, should you buy an external SSD for PS4? If faster load times, smoother gameplay, and reliable storage matter to you, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you choose our Best Choice SanDisk Extreme or the budget-friendly Seagate HDD, upgrading your storage is a smart move. Don’t let slow drives hold back your gaming—pick the right one today and level up your PS4 experience!
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