Upgrading your PS4 Pro with an SSD is one of the smartest moves you can make to boost performance, reduce load times, and breathe new life into your console. While the PS4 Pro doesn’t support NVMe M.2 SSDs like the PS5, it *does* benefit significantly from a fast SATA III internal SSD or a high-speed external SSD via USB 3.0. Whether you’re tired of waiting for games to load or running out of storage for your growing library, the right SSD can transform your gaming experience. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared the best SSDs compatible with the PS4 Pro—focusing on speed, reliability, ease of installation, and value for money.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Ssd To Buy For Ps4 Pro Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 990 Pro 2TB M.2 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and High-Performance Gaming
While the Samsung 990 Pro is designed for PS5, it’s also an excellent choice if you’re planning to future-proof your setup or use it externally with your PS4 Pro via a high-quality USB 3.2 enclosure. This SSD delivers blazing-fast speeds and top-tier reliability, making it ideal for gamers who want maximum performance across devices.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s
✓ Built-in heatsink for optimal thermal management during long gaming sessions
✓ Samsung’s proprietary V-NAND technology ensures long-term durability
✓ Backed by a 5-year limited warranty and world-class support
✓ Compatible with both PS5 and high-speed external use on PS4 Pro
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for the absolute best performance and don’t mind using it in an external enclosure for your PS4 Pro, the Samsung 990 Pro is unmatched. It’s overkill for the PS4 Pro’s SATA limitations, but when used externally, it minimizes bottlenecks and delivers near-instant game loads.
Best For
Gamers who want top-tier speed, plan to upgrade to PS5 later, or use their SSD across multiple systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Excellent thermal performance with included heatsink
- High endurance rating (1,200 TBW for 2TB model)
- Reliable brand with strong warranty
Cons:
- Overkill for PS4 Pro’s internal SATA interface
- Requires a good USB 3.2 enclosure for external use
- Higher price point than SATA alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. I have two 12TB HDD drives, two slower SSDs, and two of these great Samsung 1TB NVMe drives. While the majority of my backups are on the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these…”
Customer Review: “This SSD is an absolute beast. The Samsung 990 PRO delivers insane read and write speeds — my system boots in seconds and large sessions in Logic load almost instantly. It runs cool, installs easily, and performs flawlessly under heavy workloads. Perfect for music production, gaming, or any creative…”
2. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 with Heatsink for PS5 and PC Gaming
This NVMe SSD offers incredible value for gamers looking to expand storage for both PC and console use. Though not directly installable in the PS4 Pro, it shines when used externally via USB 3.0/3.2, delivering noticeably faster load times than traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4x4 interface with read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s
✓ Includes optional heatsink, screwdriver, and mounting hardware
✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most enclosures and laptops
✓ Optimized for gaming, content creation, and multitasking
✓ Plug-and-play compatibility with PS5 and external PS4 Pro use
Why We Recommend It
For the price, this SSD punches well above its weight. It’s perfect if you want high-speed storage for your PS4 Pro without spending premium prices. Just pair it with a reliable USB 3.2 enclosure, and you’ll see a dramatic improvement in game loading and system responsiveness.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers who want NVMe speeds for external PS4 Pro storage or multi-platform use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding speed-to-price ratio
- Comes with full installation kit (heatsink, screw, standoff)
- Works great in external enclosures for PS4 Pro
- Low power consumption and quiet operation
Cons:
- Not compatible internally with PS4 Pro
- Requires separate purchase of USB enclosure
- Brand may be less recognized than Samsung or WD
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed — an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff — which honestly saved me a trip to the store since I had lost my factory set screw…”
Customer Review: “I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised so far. Installation was also pretty easy, I did have to use…”
3. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and Fast Load Times
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a powerhouse SSD built for gamers, and while it’s optimized for PS5, it’s also a fantastic external storage solution for the PS4 Pro. With speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and a sleek heatsink design, it balances performance and affordability beautifully.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing-fast sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
✓ Integrated heatsink prevents thermal throttling during extended use
✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB (great for large game libraries)
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for enhanced endurance
✓ Ideal for PS5 internal use or high-speed external PS4 Pro expansion
Why We Recommend It
WD_BLACK is a trusted name in gaming storage, and the SN850X delivers premium performance without the premium price tag of some competitors. When used externally with your PS4 Pro, it significantly cuts down on load screens and improves overall system snappiness.
Best For
Gamers who want reliable, high-speed NVMe storage for PS4 Pro (via USB) or future PS5 upgrades.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance for the price
- Heatsink included for better thermal control
- Strong reputation for reliability and gaming optimization
- Large capacity options available
Cons:
- Not usable internally in PS4 Pro
- Requires a quality USB 3.2 enclosure for best results
- Slightly louder under heavy load compared to passive drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat…”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are…”
4. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,…
Officially licensed by Sony for PS5, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a premium NVMe SSD that also works exceptionally well as external storage for the PS4 Pro. Its plug-and-play design and optimized heatsink make installation a breeze.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles
✓ Capacities from 1TB to 4TB — store up to 100 games (4TB model)
✓ Custom-designed heatsink ensures safe, worry-free installation
✓ Sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
✓ Seamless compatibility when used externally with PS4 Pro via USB
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built specifically for gamers, with Sony’s stamp of approval and performance tuned for console use. Even though it’s meant for PS5, it’s one of the best high-speed external drives you can pair with a PS4 Pro for faster downloads and smoother gameplay.
Best For
PS4 Pro owners planning to upgrade to PS5 soon, or those who want officially supported, hassle-free storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sony-certified compatibility and reliability
- Easy installation with no configuration needed
- Excellent thermal management with custom heatsink
- High-speed performance ideal for large game files
Cons:
- Cannot be installed internally in PS4 Pro
- Higher cost per GB compared to non-licensed drives
- Requires USB 3.2 enclosure for PS4 Pro use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this SSD to expand my storage on my PS5 since my storage got ran up pretty fast. The installation was very simple and they video they have is very easy to follow. I was able to get it installed and setup in a matter of 10 minutes. I was able to get this overnight, so when I woke up it was a…”
Customer Review: “Very easy to install the video in the description is a perfect step by step installation. It performs well, no noise. I also have no issues with it over heating. All my games download fast and are easily accessible. I have so much more memory space now. It’s literally the best money i have spent for…”
5. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,…
The WD_BLACK 4TB SN850P is the ultimate storage solution for serious gamers. As the only officially licensed 4TB NVMe SSD for PS5, it offers massive capacity and top-tier speed—perfect for housing your entire game library, even when used externally with a PS4 Pro.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ The ONLY officially licensed 4TB NVMe SSD for PS5
✓ Store up to 100 games with massive 4TB capacity
✓ Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5 console airflow
✓ Read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for ultra-fast loading
✓ Future-proof investment for both PS4 Pro (external) and PS5
Why We Recommend It
If you’re tired of deleting games to make space, this 4TB beast solves that problem once and for all. While it’s overkill for internal PS4 Pro use, as an external drive it delivers unmatched speed and capacity for your current and next-gen console.
Best For
Hardcore gamers with large libraries who want maximum storage and speed across PS4 Pro and PS5.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Largest officially licensed capacity for PS5
- Massive storage eliminates constant game management
- Premium build quality and thermal design
- Works flawlessly as external storage for PS4 Pro
Cons:
- Very expensive upfront cost
- Not usable internally in PS4 Pro
- Requires high-quality USB 3.2 enclosure
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this SSD to expand my storage on my PS5 since my storage got ran up pretty fast. The installation was very simple and they video they have is very easy to follow. I was able to get it installed and setup in a matter of 10 minutes. I was able to get this overnight, so when I woke up it was a…”
Customer Review: “Very easy to install the video in the description is a perfect step by step installation. It performs well, no noise. I also have no issues with it over heating. All my games download fast and are easily accessible. I have so much more memory space now. It’s literally the best money i have spent for…”
Complete Buying Guide for What Ssd To Buy For Ps4 Pro
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD for your PS4 Pro, compatibility and use case matter most. The PS4 Pro only supports **SATA III SSDs internally** (up to 2TB recommended), so NVMe drives like those listed above must be used externally via USB 3.0 or higher. We prioritize **speed, reliability, ease of installation, and value**, ensuring each SSD delivers real-world performance gains. Always pair NVMe SSDs with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 enclosure (10 Gbps) to avoid bottlenecking their speed.
Budget Planning
Prices vary widely: basic SATA SSDs start around $50 for 1TB, while high-end NVMe drives with enclosures can cost $150–$300+. For most PS4 Pro users, a **1TB–2TB NVMe SSD in a good USB enclosure** offers the best balance of speed, capacity, and cost. If you plan to upgrade to PS5 soon, investing in an officially licensed drive like the WD_BLACK SN850P makes sense for long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PS4 Pro with an SSD—even externally—is a game-changer. Load times shrink, system responsiveness improves, and you’ll wonder how you ever gamed without it. While internal options are limited to SATA, external NVMe SSDs give you near-PS5-level performance today. Choose based on your budget, storage needs, and future console plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install an NVMe SSD directly into my PS4 Pro?
A: No, the PS4 Pro does not support NVMe M.2 SSDs internally. It only accepts 2.5-inch SATA III SSDs. However, you can use NVMe SSDs externally via USB 3.0 or higher for significant performance improvements.
Q: Will an external SSD really make my PS4 Pro faster?
A: Yes! Even though the PS4 Pro caps USB speeds at around 400–500 MB/s, that’s still much faster than a standard HDD (80–120 MB/s). You’ll see noticeably shorter load times and smoother gameplay.
Q: Do I need a special enclosure for my NVMe SSD?
A: Yes. For best results, use a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) enclosure with UASP support. Avoid cheap enclosures that bottleneck speed or overheat.
Q: Is it worth buying a PS5 SSD for my PS4 Pro?
A: Absolutely—if you plan to upgrade to PS5 later. These SSDs work great externally on PS4 Pro and will transfer seamlessly to your new console.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: Modern games can take 50–100GB each. A 1TB SSD holds about 10–20 games; 2TB doubles that. If you play many large titles, go for 2TB or more.
Ready to supercharge your PS4 Pro? Don’t wait—pick one of our top-rated SSDs today and experience faster loads, more storage, and smoother gaming. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab the best deal and start playing smarter!