Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? With massive game installations becoming the norm, it feels like you’re constantly deleting old favorites just to make room for new ones. Nobody wants to play that game! Thankfully, an external SSD is a fantastic solution to expand your PS5’s storage capacity and keep your entire game library at your fingertips.
When it comes to reliable and high-performance external storage, Crucial is a brand that consistently stands out. Known for their quality memory and storage solutions, they offer a range of portable SSDs perfect for gamers. In this guide, we’re diving deep into some of the Crucial best external SSD for PS5 options available, helping you pick the perfect one to supercharge your gaming experience.
Why Your PS5 Needs an External SSD
While the PS5 has a speedy internal SSD, its capacity can fill up surprisingly fast. An external SSD offers several key benefits:
- Expand Your Game Library: Store dozens, if not hundreds, of PS4 games directly on the external drive. (Note: PS5 games can only be stored externally but must be transferred to the internal SSD to play. PS4 games can be played directly from the external drive).
- Faster Load Times: Compared to traditional external hard drives, SSDs offer significantly quicker data transfer speeds, meaning less waiting and more playing for your PS4 titles.
- Portability: Take your entire game collection with you to a friend’s house. Just plug and play (with PS4 titles).
- Convenience: No more agonizing over which games to uninstall.
Now, let’s look at the Crucial best external SSD for PS5 candidates that can rescue your digital game collection.
1. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD is an excellent starting point for any PS5 owner looking for a reliable and speedy storage upgrade without breaking the bank. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance, durability, and affordability. Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, it’s perfect for offloading your PS4 game library, freeing up precious internal space on your console for those demanding PS5 titles. Its compact size means it’ll hardly take up any space next to your console or in your travel bag.
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Key Features:
- High-speed performance up to 1050MB/s
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters)
- Broad compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Android, etc. (USB-C and USB-A)
- 1TB high-capacity storage
- Includes bonus software (Mylio Photos plus, Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Great value for speed and durability
- Robust build for everyday knocks and spills
- Excellent for PS4 game storage and quick transfers
- Compact and highly portable
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Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe-based external SSDs (like the X10 series)
- Only 1TB might eventually fill up for avid collectors
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the X9 for its straightforward setup, impressive real-world speeds for its class, and reassuringly tough design. Many find it’s the perfect external storage solution for consoles and laptops alike.
2. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD
If 1TB simply isn’t enough to house your ever-growing game collection, the Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD steps up to the plate with double the storage. Offering the same impressive speed and rugged durability as its 1TB sibling, this 2TB version ensures you have ample room for countless PS4 titles, captured gameplay clips, and perhaps even some PC backups. It’s truly a practical and reliable choice for gamers who prioritize capacity alongside performance and protection.
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Key Features:
- High-speed performance up to 1050MB/s
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters)
- Broad compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Android, etc. (USB-C and USB-A)
- 2TB high-capacity storage
- Includes bonus software (Mylio Photos plus, Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Generous 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Excellent speed for PS4 game loading and data transfers
- Durable design for peace of mind
- Good balance of price, performance, and storage
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Cons:
- Still utilizes USB 3.2 Gen2 speeds, not the absolute fastest available
- May not feel as ‘premium’ as higher-end drives
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User Impressions: Customers love the X9 2TB for its “set it and forget it” reliability and how it effortlessly manages large game libraries. They often highlight its compact form factor despite the considerable storage.
3. Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD
For the ultimate power user or the gamer who simply can’t get enough storage, the Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD is a game-changer. This isn’t just about massive capacity; it’s about blistering speeds up to 2,100MB/s, making it one of the absolute Crucial best external SSD for PS5 choices for lightning-fast transfers of even PS5 titles to and from your console’s internal drive. Its IP65 rating and enhanced drop resistance speak to a drive built for serious use, whether in the field for creators or at home for demanding gamers.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds up to 2,100MB/s read
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres)
- Broad compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Android, etc. (USB-C and USB-A)
- Ultimate 4TB storage capacity
- Bonus software included (Mylio Photos plus, Acronis True Image)
- Matte blue finish for a sleek look
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed significantly reduces transfer times
- Massive 4TB storage for even the largest game collections
- Superior IP65 durability rating
- Ideal for quickly moving PS5 games between drives
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to capacity and speed
- Overkill for casual users who only need PS4 game storage
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User Impressions: Users of the X10 Pro 4TB are consistently impressed by its incredible speed and solid build quality. They often note how seamlessly it handles large files and massive game backups, making it a reliable workhorse for both creative professionals and serious gamers.
4. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD
If you’re eyeing the high-speed benefits of the Crucial X10 series but don’t need a gargantuan 4TB, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is your perfect match. Delivering exhilarating speeds up to 2,100MB/s, this drive will dramatically cut down transfer times for your PS5 games when moving them to and from your console’s internal SSD. It inherits the impressive IP65 dust and water resistance and superior drop protection, making it a premium yet portable option for faster game management.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds up to 2,100MB/s read
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres)
- Broad compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Android, etc. (USB-C and USB-A)
- 1TB ultimate storage capacity
- Bonus software included (Mylio Photos plus, Acronis True Image)
- Matte blue finish
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds for quick PS5 game transfers
- Robust IP65 rating for maximum durability
- Compact size with premium performance
- Great for PS4 games and efficiently managing PS5 titles
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Cons:
- Higher cost per GB compared to the X9 series
- 1TB might be limiting for some users over time
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User Impressions: Users rave about the X10 1TB’s “lightning-fast” performance, especially when transferring large files. Its sturdy design also gets frequent mentions, assuring users that their data is safe, even on the go.
5. Crucial X10 2TB Portable SSD
Hitting that sweet spot between capacity and blistering speed, the Crucial X10 2TB Portable SSD offers serious performance for gamers with substantial libraries. With read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, you’ll experience minimal waiting when moving those massive PS5 game files around, making your storage management a breeze. This drive also comes with the excellent IP65 durability, ensuring it can handle the rigors of gaming life. It’s truly a contender for the Crucial best external SSD for PS5 if you want fast access and plenty of room.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds up to 2,100MB/s read
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres)
- Broad compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Android, etc. (USB-C and USB-A)
- 2TB ultimate storage capacity
- Bonus software included (Mylio Photos plus, Acronis True Image)
- Matte blue finish
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Pros:
- Fantastic blend of high speed and generous 2TB storage
- Top-tier IP65 dust and water resistance for peace of mind
- Significantly reduces PS5 game transfer times
- Durable and reliable for long-term use
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Cons:
- Premium pricing compared to slower drives
- Maximum speed only achievable with compatible USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports
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User Impressions: Owners are consistently impressed by the X10 2TB’s raw speed and robust build. Many appreciate how it handles large multimedia files and extensive game archives with ease, noting its reliability for demanding tasks.
6. Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD is engineered for professionals and serious gamers who need a vast amount of reliable, high-speed storage. While its 1050MB/s read/write speeds aren’t as fast as the X10 series, they are still incredibly quick for managing PS4 game libraries and efficiently transferring PS5 titles. What sets the X9 Pro apart, beyond its 4TB capacity, is its focus on professional-grade durability and security features like password protection, making it a robust and secure external storage solution.
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Key Features:
- High-speed performance up to 1050MB/s read and write
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters)
- Lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection
- Broad compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Android, etc. (USB-C and USB-A)
- Massive 4TB storage capacity
- Bonus software included (Mylio Photos plus, Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Huge 4TB capacity for an enormous game collection
- Solid 1050MB/s speeds for efficient transfers
- Added security with password protection
- Durable design suitable for fieldwork and travel
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Cons:
- Speed isn’t as high as the X10 series (2100MB/s)
- Might be overkill for users who don’t need advanced security features
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User Impressions: Professionals and gamers alike commend the X9 Pro 4TB for its enormous capacity and the added layer of security, making it perfect for sensitive data or large game backups. Its reliable performance and sturdy build are frequently highlighted.
7. Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD
For gamers seeking a truly compact, budget-friendly, yet still significantly faster alternative to traditional hard drives, the Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD is a fantastic option. With speeds up to 800MB/s, it’s roughly 3.8 times faster than most external hard drives, making it excellent for playing PS4 games directly from the drive with improved load times. Its incredibly small and lightweight design makes it supremely portable – you can literally slip it into your pocket. If you’re new to external SSDs and want a reliable entry point, this is a top contender for the Crucial best external SSD for PS5 that won’t break the bank.
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Key Features:
- Blazing fast speeds up to 800MB/s read
- 1TB storage capacity
- Compact and lightweight design
- Wide compatibility with PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, Mac, Android (USB-C)
- Durable & reliable: withstands shocks, vibrations, and drops up to 6.5 feet
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Pros:
- Excellent performance upgrade over HDDs
- Extremely portable and pocket-friendly
- Budget-friendly entry into external SSDs
- Solid durability for everyday use
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Cons:
- Slower than the X9 and X10 series
- No IP rating for water/dust resistance
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the X6 1TB for its “tiny footprint” and “surprisingly fast” performance given its price. It’s often recommended as an ideal solution for those who want a simple, effective storage boost without spending too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external Crucial SSD?
A1: No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from any external SSD. PS5 games must be installed on the console’s internal SSD or an officially licensed M.2 NVMe SSD expansion slot. However, you can use an external Crucial SSD to store PS5 games and quickly transfer them back to your console’s internal storage when you want to play them, saving you download time.
Q2: Can I play PS4 games directly from an external Crucial SSD on my PS5?
A2: Absolutely! This is one of the biggest benefits. You can install and play your entire PS4 game library directly from an external Crucial SSD connected to your PS5. This frees up precious internal space on your console for PS5-specific titles.
Q3: What’s the difference between the Crucial X6, X9, and X10 series for PS5?
A3: The main differences lie in speed, durability ratings, and price.
* X6: Offers speeds up to 800MB/s, is very compact and budget-friendly, and provides basic drop resistance. Great for PS4 games.
* X9 (and X9 Pro): Steps up to 1050MB/s, features IP55 water/dust resistance, and enhanced drop protection. A solid all-rounder.
* X10 (and X10 Pro): The fastest, with speeds up to 2100MB/s, offering IP65 water/dust resistance and even higher drop protection. Ideal for rapid PS5 game transfers.
Q4: How much storage capacity do I really need for my PS5?
A4: It really depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: Good for casual gamers or those who mostly play PS4 titles.
* 2TB: A great sweet spot for most gamers, offering plenty of room for a large PS4 library and storage for many PS5 games.
* 4TB: Ideal for hardcore collectors, content creators, or those who simply never want to worry about storage.
Q5: Is it safe to unplug an external Crucial SSD from my PS5?
A5: It’s always best practice to safely eject any external storage device before unplugging it. On PS5, you can do this by going to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5. This prevents potential data corruption.
Q6: Do I need a specific USB port on my PS5 for the Crucial SSD?
A6: For optimal performance, especially with the faster Crucial X9 and X10 series SSDs, it’s recommended to use one of the PS5’s SuperSpeed USB ports (the USB-A ports on the back, or the USB-C port on the front). While the front USB-A port also works, it’s generally slower. All Crucial SSDs come with a USB-C cable and often a USB-A adapter for broad compatibility.
Q7: Will using an external SSD improve my PS5’s overall performance?
A7: An external SSD primarily improves storage capacity and load times for PS4 games played directly from it. For PS5 games, it speeds up the transfer process between external storage and the internal SSD, but the actual gameplay performance (frame rates, graphics) is determined by the PS5’s internal hardware and the game itself, not the external drive.
Ready to Expand Your Gaming Horizons?
No gamer likes being told their storage is full. Investing in a Crucial best external SSD for PS5 is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your console experience. Whether you’re a casual player needing basic expansion or a hardcore enthusiast demanding lightning-fast transfers and massive capacity, Crucial offers a portable SSD that fits the bill. From the budget-friendly and compact X6 to the ultra-speedy and durable X10 Pro, there’s a Crucial drive waiting to give your PS5 the breathing room it deserves.
So, stop deleting and start playing more! Choose the Crucial external SSD that aligns with your needs and reclaim your precious gaming library.