The new PlayStation 5 ships with a lightning-fast SSD that is custom built to deliver ultra-fast processing speeds and smooth gameplay. The only caveat, however, is its storage capacity not being big enough. So, you’ll need to find an external SSD for PS5. We have already covered external HDDs for PS5 before. Though they are cheaper, they are are also usually slower.
Best External SSD for PS5
PS5’s internal SSD comes equipped with 667GB of usable storage. While that might seem plenty at first, it will fill up quickly. Especially considering some modern space-hungry games like Call of Duty can consume as much as 200GB apiece! Combine that with your previously owned PS4 games and you’ll soon run out of storage. Luckily, there’s a solution. You can still play your PS4 games on PS5 by storing them on external SSD storage. Do note that Sony doesn’t allow you to store or play new PS5 games on an external drive as of yet. You need to store them in internal storage.
With rapidly falling component costs, solid-state drives have never been cheaper. Also, choosing a blazing fast Solid State Drive (SSD) over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is right for so many reasons. While HDDs offer a lower cost per gigabytes, they aren’t as quick as SSDs. And when it comes to gaming, speed matters. Using SSD while gaming will improve your overall gaming experience by some distance. That’s why spending a little extra on SSD is worth it.
So, without wasting any time, let’s take a look at 5 of the best external SSD for your PS5.
1. SAMSUNG T7 Touch
Storage: 1TB | Size: 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces
Let’s start with Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD. It’s all about aesthetics with this one. The drive is roughly the same size as a credit card which makes it highly portable. For security, T7 touch offers a fingerprint scanner and password protection backed by AES 256-bit encryption. Also, it sports a nifty Motion LED around the fingerprint sensor.
Worried about protecting your drive while travelling with your T7 Touch? Don’t sweat. Thanks to its aluminum casing, it can handle drops (up to 6 feet) without any problems. Performance-wise, T7 Touch isn’t staggering. And priced at around $180 for 1TB, it isn’t cheap either. So, if having a fingerprint scanner is not your priority, go with the Samsung T7 which only costs about $150.
Pros
- Built-in fingerprint sensor
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support offers blazing speeds
- Hardware encryption
- 18-inch long USB cables
Cons
- Expensive
- Three-year Warranty
Buy from Amazon ($179.99)
2. Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD
Storage: 1TB | Size: 0.39 x 2.07 x 4.11 inches | Weight: 7.7 ounces
The next PS5 external SSD is the Firecuda gaming from Seagate. On the outside, it has a robust build with metal coverings. What’s more appealing is the programmable RGB lights which will help add to the beauty of your PS5 setup. Besides, it features USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 technology for speeds of up to 2000Mbps. Also, the company offers a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
That said, Seagate Firecuda has a few shortcomings. First, weighing at around 7.7 ounces, it is significantly heavier than its T7 Touch counterpart. The 1TB version retails for about $260 on Amazon, which is too expensive compared to the competition. Having said that, if you want a gaming-specific SSD for your PS5, Seagate Firecuda is a safe choice.
Pros
- Customizable LED lighting
- Five-year warranty
- Robust build quality
- Lightning-fast speed
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Expensive
Buy from Amazon ($259.99)
3. SanDisk Extreme Portable
Storage: 1TB | Size: 0.38 x 2.07 x 3.97 inches | Weight: 1.76 ounces
If you want a more affordable external SSD for PS5, take a look at SanDisk Extreme Portable. True to its name when it comes to portability, SanDisk offers a lightweight and durable design. With its rugged silicon enclosure, it can take falls from up to 2 meters. Also, IP55 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take some beating.
SanDisk Extreme offers speeds up to 500 Mbps. However, it’s no match for Seagate Firecuda which can deliver speeds up to 2000 Mbps.
Overall, if you’re on a budget while looking to expand PS5 storage, SanDisk Extreme Portable won’t disappoint you.Â
Pros
- Highly durable
- IP55 water and dust resistant
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Included USB cable is short
Buy from Amazon ($149.99)
4. WD Black P50 Game Drive
Storage: 500GB | Size: 4.65 x 2.44 x 0.55 inches | Weight: 4.1 ounces
WD Black P50 is yet another external SSD for PS5 that offers portability. Aside from its military feel and durable build, this drive checks all the right boxes. When it comes to performance, P50 drive can go toe-to-toe with others that feature on this list. With speeds up to 2000Mbps, this drive can seriously cut loading times to get you into the game faster. Also, the drive comes ready-to-use for your PS5 thanks to its plug n’ play functionality.Â
Our only gripe is that it lacks encryption. But since it’s a gaming drive, that’s understandable. Priced at around $125 for 500GB, WD Black P50 does come at a considerable premium, but it also offers what few can.
Pros
- Shock-resistant design
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support offers blazing speeds
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- No IP rating
- Lacks hardware encryption
Buy from Amazon ($124.99)
5. Crucial X8
Storage: 1TB | Size: 4.33 x 0.45 x 2.09 inches | Weight: 3.53 ounces
The last PS5 external SSD on this list is also the cheapest one. Meet the Crucial X8 from Micron. The drive boasts a unibody build of anodized aluminum with rubberized ends. As a result, it can handle drops from up to 7.5 feet on a carpeted floor. The Crucial X8 comes with a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface and delivers top-end read speeds of 1050Mbps.
Crucial X8 misses out on some key features, however. For one, it doesn’t feature an activity light. So, there’s no way of knowing when the drive is being accessed. Secondly, there’s no extra security feature or encryption support but do you really need them for gaming?
All in all, you make some sacrifices for reaching such a low price point, but it’s definitely worth considering at the end of the day.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Highly compatible
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support offers blazing speeds
Cons
- No activity light
- Lacks hardware encryption
- Three-year warranty
Buy from Amazon ($124.99)
Wrap Up: Best External SSD for PS5
With PS5’s limited internal storage capacity, having an external SSD is more of a necessity than a luxury. And while you’ve got the option of going with a HDD, admittedly, SSD makes a compelling choice as an external storage option for PS5. So, go on and increase your game library with these cheaper than ever palm-sized SSD for PS5.
Also Read: 19 Best PS5 Tips and Tricks You’d Be Stoked to Know
