Are you a PlayStation 4 Pro owner constantly battling slow loading screens or running out of storage space for your ever-growing digital game library? You’re not alone! While the PS4 Pro is a fantastic console, its internal hard drive can feel a bit sluggish in today’s gaming landscape. That’s where an external Solid State Drive (SSD) comes in. Upgrading your PS4 Pro storage with a high-speed external SSD can dramatically cut down game loading times, improve overall system responsiveness, and give you plenty of room for all those blockbuster titles.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you the Crucial best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro options. Crucial, a trusted name in storage, offers a range of portable SSDs that are perfect for console gaming. These drives are not only fast and reliable but also incredibly easy to set up, making them an ideal solution for any PS4 Pro enthusiast looking for a performance boost. Let’s dive into our top picks!
1. Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 Pro is a fantastic all-rounder, offering a significant jump in speed over your PS4 Pro’s built-in HDD. Designed with professional creators in mind, its robust performance translates beautifully to gaming, ensuring your favorite titles load quicker and your gaming sessions are smoother. It’s built to withstand the rigors of travel, so if you ever take your PS4 Pro on the go, this portable drive will handle it with ease.
Key Features:
– High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1050MB/s write speeds.
– Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, plus drop resistance up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
– Broad Compatibility: Works effortlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Windows, Mac, and more via USB-C and USB-A.
– Security Features: Includes a lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
– Bonus Software: Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image included.
Pros:
– Excellent balance of speed and durability.
– Very compact and portable design.
– Great for faster game loading times on PS4 Pro.
– Wide compatibility for various devices.
Cons:
– Not the absolute fastest Crucial option available.
– Password protection feature might not be directly usable by PS4 Pro, but good for other devices.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the X9 Pro for its solid build quality and noticeable speed improvement, especially when moving games to it from a traditional hard drive. Many highlight its reliability and how seamlessly it integrates as external storage for consoles.
2. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD (2100MB/s Read)
If you’re chasing the absolute fastest loading times possible for your PS4 Pro, the Crucial X10 Pro is likely your best bet. With speeds that practically double the X9 Pro, this external SSD pushes the boundaries of what portable storage can do. While the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports might not fully utilize its max potential, you’ll still experience a substantial speed boost for games stored on this drive compared to the internal HDD. It’s truly a powerhouse for those who demand top-tier performance.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds.
– Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance.
– Broad Compatibility: Connects easily with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Windows, Mac, and more via USB-C and USB-A.
– Massive Storage Capacity: 2TB for high-resolution games and media.
– Security Features: Lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
– Bonus Software: Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image included.
Pros:
– Incredible speed, providing the fastest possible game loading on PS4 Pro via USB 3.0.
– Extremely durable and robust construction.
– Generous 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
– Excellent future-proofing if you upgrade to a PS5 or PC.
Cons:
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 interface might bottleneck its full potential speeds (still very fast for console use).
– Premium price point due to its high performance.
User Impressions:
Gamers and professionals alike rave about the X10 Pro’s blazing-fast speeds and sturdy design. Many note the significant difference in workflow and game access, making it a favorite for those who value speed above all else.
3. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD (Everyday Use)
The Crucial X9 is the go-to option if you’re looking for a practical, high-capacity external SSD without breaking the bank. While not “Pro” labeled, it still offers impressive performance for everyday gaming and file transfers, far outstripping a traditional hard drive. It’s ideal for casual gamers and anyone who needs reliable, speedy storage expansion for their PS4 Pro without requiring the absolute pinnacle of speed. This is a genuinely Crucial best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro if value is a top priority.
Key Features:
– High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read speeds, accelerating game transfers and loading.
– Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, plus 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance.
– Broad Compatibility: Effortlessly connects with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Windows, Mac, and more via USB-C and USB-A.
– High-Capacity Storage: 2TB is perfect for storing numerous games, videos, and backups.
– Bonus Software: Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image included.
Pros:
– Excellent price-to-performance ratio for PS4 Pro users.
– Durable build, perfect for portability.
– Offers a significant speed upgrade over internal HDD.
– Simple, straightforward setup and use.
Cons:
– Lacks the advanced features and security of the “Pro” models.
– Not as fast as the X10 Pro, though still very quick for console gaming.
User Impressions:
Customers love the X9 for its balance of affordability, speed, and ruggedness. It’s often recommended for students and everyday users who need reliable external storage that performs well for gaming and general use.
4. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD (with Adobe Acrobat Pro)
This is another variant of the ultra-fast Crucial X10 Pro, offering the same phenomenal speed and robust build quality that makes it an excellent choice for expanding your PS4 Pro’s storage and boosting game loading times. The primary differentiator here is the bundled software, which includes a month of Adobe Acrobat Pro alongside Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image. If you’re a content creator or professional who also uses your SSD for work on a PC or Mac, this bundle adds extra value to an already top-tier external SSD.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds for superior performance.
– Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance for durability.
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Windows, Mac, and more via USB-C and USB-A.
– Massive Storage Capacity: 2TB for extensive game libraries and high-resolution files.
– Enhanced Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+, one month of Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Unmatched speed for external storage, significantly reducing PS4 Pro game load times.
– Extremely durable and secure design.
– Valuable software bundle for professionals.
– Ideal for future-proofing your storage needs across multiple platforms.
Cons:
– The extra software might not be relevant if you only plan to use it for PS4 Pro.
– Premium pricing reflects its top-tier performance and bundled offerings.
User Impressions:
Reviewers consistently praise the X10 Pro’s incredible speed and build quality. The added Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription is a definite plus for users who multitask between gaming and professional work, adding perceived value.
5. Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 2TB Portable SSD
While labeled “for Mac,” the Crucial X9 Pro for Mac is fundamentally the same excellent X9 Pro portable SSD with one key difference: it’s optimized and pre-formatted for Apple’s file system (APFS) right out of the box. However, like any external drive, it can be easily reformatted for use with your PS4 Pro. This means you still get the robust performance, durability, and broad compatibility of the standard X9 Pro, making it a reliable and speedy external storage solution for your console after a quick reformat.
Key Features:
– High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1050MB/s write speeds, great for faster game loads.
– Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, plus 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance.
– Broad Compatibility: Optimized for Apple’s APFS but works with Windows, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A after formatting.
– Security Features: Lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
– Bonus Software: Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image included.
Pros:
– Same great speed and durability as the standard X9 Pro.
– Ideal if you also own Mac devices and want cross-platform compatibility.
– Excellent build quality and portability.
– Offers a significant upgrade for PS4 Pro’s game loading times.
Cons:
– Requires reformatting for PS4 Pro use, adding an extra step.
– The “Mac optimization” isn’t a direct benefit for PS4 Pro users.
User Impressions:
Mac users particularly appreciate the out-of-the-box compatibility. For PS4 Pro users, the feedback mirrors the standard X9 Pro: a fast, reliable, and durable external drive that noticeably improves performance once formatted correctly.
Why Choose an External Crucial 2TB SSD for Your PS4 Pro?
The PS4 Pro’s internal hard drive, while decent, is a traditional HDD. These spinning platters are much slower than a solid-state drive. An external SSD, like any of these Crucial best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro options, offers several compelling advantages:
- Faster Loading Times: This is the big one! Games installed on an external SSD can load significantly faster, sometimes cutting minutes off your wait time.
- More Storage: Modern games are massive. A 2TB external SSD gives you ample space for dozens of titles without constantly deleting games to make room.
- Easy Setup: Connecting and formatting an external SSD for your PS4 Pro is a breeze, usually taking just a few minutes.
- Portability: Take your entire game library with you to a friend’s house or move it easily between consoles.
- Improved System Responsiveness: While not as dramatic as an internal SSD upgrade, an external drive can still contribute to a snappier overall console experience when managing games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use an external SSD as my main PS4 Pro drive?
A: No, the PS4 Pro will still boot from its internal drive. However, you can install and run all your games from an external SSD, which effectively makes it your primary storage for gaming. The internal drive then primarily handles the operating system.
Q2: How much faster are games on an external SSD compared to the internal HDD?
A: The speed improvement can vary depending on the game and the SSD model, but you can typically expect game loading times to be reduced by 20% to 50%. Some games might see even more significant gains.
Q3: What’s the best way to connect an external SSD to my PS4 Pro?
A: You should connect the external SSD to one of the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports. These ports provide the necessary speed for the SSD to perform optimally. USB 2.0 ports would severely bottleneck the SSD’s performance.
Q4: Do all Crucial 2TB SSDs work with PS4 Pro?
A: Yes, all Crucial portable SSDs with a USB connection can be used with the PS4 Pro. You’ll simply need to format the drive as “Extended Storage” through the PS4 Pro’s settings menu before use.
Q5: How do I format an external SSD for PS4 Pro?
A: Connect the SSD to your PS4 Pro via USB 3.0. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Select your Crucial SSD, then choose “Format as Extended Storage.” Follow the on-screen prompts, and the PS4 Pro will prepare the drive for gaming.
Q6: Is 2TB enough storage for PS4 Pro?
A: For most gamers, 2TB is a substantial amount of storage. It can comfortably hold dozens of large AAA games, saving you from constantly deleting and re-downloading titles. It’s a significant upgrade over the standard 1TB internal drive.
Q7: Will using an external SSD void my PS4 Pro’s warranty?
A: No, using an external SSD as extended storage is a supported feature by Sony and will not void your console’s warranty.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS4 Pro with a high-quality external SSD is one of the best ways to rejuvenate your gaming experience. Faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and abundant storage space make a noticeable difference. Whether you opt for the robust and speedy Crucial X9 Pro, the ultra-fast Crucial X10 Pro, or the practical Crucial X9, you’re investing in a significant performance boost. Any of these Crucial best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro options will serve you well, making those long waits a thing of the past and letting you dive straight into the action!