Storage is one of our biggest concerns when buying a console and wanting to use digital games. Luckily, Sony makes it quite easy for users to expand the storage space on their PlayStation consoles. We know that the PS5 allows us to open its casing and add more internal storage using an M.2 NVMe SSD. And of course, external storage is still available, a feature that debuted on the PS4 and is the topic we'll cover in this article. If you want to expand your PS5's storage without any hassle, these are the best hard drives you can buy for your PS5.
Considerations before buying an external USB drive for PS5
Before you rush out to buy a new hard drive to store PlayStation 5 games, there are a number of factors you should consider to ensure your gaming experience is not negatively impacted.
You can reuse your PS4 disc
If you own a PlayStation 4 and were already using an external hard drive, the PlayStation 5 is fully compatible with that drive. You'll be able to use it without any problems to play your PS4 games on your next-gen console, and you'll also be able to use it to play your PlayStation 5 games. However, it's not recommended that you install PS5 games on a mechanical hard drive , as we'll explain below.
Better an SSD
Mechanical hard drives have become obsolete as solid state drives have been introduced and become cheaper. A few years ago, they were a big investment, but today, for less than 100 euros it is easy to get 1TB of high-speed storage.
Using an SSD as external storage on the PS4 was already recommended . However, with the PS5, it becomes practically essential . The next-generation console is designed to let us enjoy games with virtually no loading times, and going back to a mechanical disc will be a nightmare for those who have already grown accustomed to the PS5's immediacy.
you can do it yourself
Most PlayStation 5 storage expansion products are plug and play . It's simply a matter of taking them out of the box and plugging them into the console. However, if you're a bit tech-savvy, you can buy the hard drive separately from the enclosure . Doing this will save you a considerable amount of money. You'll also know the quality of the drive you're installing in your console, unlike pre-installed drives. Another advantage is that if you run out of space, you can buy a new hard drive without necessarily needing a new enclosure. Simply install the new drive in the USB enclosure and swap it out when you want to play certain games.
A disk to save games, but not to play them
Of course, the use of external drives on PS5 has a very clear limitation imposed by the manufacturer itself, since we will not be able to install next-generation games (PS5 ones) on these USB drives and play them directly from there. In other words, if the console's main memory is full of games and won't let you install any more titles, installing them on the new USB hard drive will only serve to have an external library where you can store them locally. If you try to run the game installed on the USB disk, the system will not allow you to start it due to the technical limitations of the USB 3.0 port, as it does not reach the speed offered by the internal M.2 SSD of the console. If, on the other hand, you want to play PS4 games, you won't have any problem there and you can install as many as you want on the USB drive.
That said, if you have a game on the external USB and want to play it, you'll have to move it to main memory when you want to run it. Taking into account that games usually take up a lot, our recommendation is that you use external SSD drives so that the whole process is done as quickly as possible. Of course, you will also have to assess what type of game storage you are going to have, since if you plan to save dozens and dozens of games, a mechanical hard drive may be more profitable for you to be able to enjoy several terabytes of capacity.
Best external SSD drives
WD_Black P50 Game Drive
The Western Digital Black P50 is the fastest external hard drive on the market . It has been custom-designed for next-generation consoles and features a SuperSpeed ​​USB interface of 20 gigabits per second, twice the speed of standard USB 3.2 Gen2, resulting in read speeds of up to 2000 MB /s.
The drive is compact , very robust , and meticulously designed for optimal heat dissipation , featuring a mesh back for ventilation. You can connect it to your PS5 using either a USB Type-A or USB Type-C cable.
This model is available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB versions . Its price isn't its strongest point, as it presents the dilemma of whether it's better to buy one of these or go directly for the internal hard drive for the console.
See offer on AmazonSamsung SSD T5
Although it's not a device designed for gaming, this Samsung external hard drive is already well-known for its versatility , and is used especially by video and photography professionals.
It's a very small , compact, and drop-resistant product . Its transfer speed is up to 540 MB/s . It's available in two colors and is sold in capacities ranging from 250 GB to 2 TB.
See offer on AmazonCrucial X6
Crucial's offering is quite similar to Samsung's. The device's speed is identical, meaning it operates via the SATA interface. It's sold in 1TB and 2TB capacities and has a very compact design. Within its category, it's the most affordable product , giving it a slight advantage over its competitors.
See offer on AmazonSanDisk Extreme Portable (Standard, Extreme and Extreme Pro)
With a striking and attractive design, this SanDisk portable SSD is water and dust resistant. It's available in three different versions: Extreme Pro (2000 MB/s), Extreme (1050 MB/s), and the standard edition, with more modest speeds of up to 550 MB/s. Capacities range from 1 to 4 TB . The mid-range option is the 1 TB Extreme 1050 model, which is quite affordable. However, if you want the ultimate experience, then go for the Extreme Pro.
See offer on AmazonWD MyPassport SSD
The design of the WD My Passport SSD might remind you suspiciously of the Sandisk Extreme Portable. And that wouldn't be surprising, since both products are made by the same manufacturer. This model is sold in capacities ranging from 500 GB to 4 TB . You can buy it in up to five different colors. Its read speed is up to 1.050 MB/s. The fundamental difference between the WD and the Sandisk is the design. The WD prioritizes customization, while the model sold under the Sandisk brand focuses on durability and robustness. In any case, they are both good options.
See offer on AmazonOur recommendations
If you've made it this far, you probably have some questions about which model is the best value. Generally speaking, it's best to get at least a 1TB drive . 2TB drives are also quite appealing if you plan on having a decent game library and your budget allows it. Anything less than 1TB makes it hard to justify the purchase. On the other hand, prices skyrocket when you go over 2TB, so only buy one of those drives if you're sure you'll get your money's worth in the long run.
SATA speeds (approximately 550 MB/s read) are sufficient to avoid frustrating loading screens . However, a higher read speed will improve the user experience. If the WD Black is out of your budget, the 1 TB My Passport SSD is the perfect compromise, as it's both fast and affordable.