Best PS5 External Hard Drives in 2025: Top Picks & Buying Guide
Introduction
The PS5 external hard drive is a must-have for gamers who want to expand their console’s storage. With next-gen gaming requiring more space, choosing the right external hard drive ensures you can store more titles without sacrificing performance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best PS5 external hard drives, their benefits, and what to consider before purchasing.
Why You Need an External Hard Drive for PS5
The PlayStation 5 comes with limited internal storage—a 825GB SSD, which fills up quickly with AAA games. An external hard drive offers:
- More storage for games, saves, and media.
- Better game organization by keeping non-PS5 games on an external drive.
- Faster data transfers with high-speed SSD options.
Top 5 Best PS5 External Hard Drives in 2025
| External Hard Drive | Type | Storage Options | Speed | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Black P50 Game Drive | SSD | 500GB – 4TB | 2000MB/s | High-Speed Performance | $100 – $450 |
| Samsung T7 Shield | SSD | 1TB – 2TB | 1050MB/s | Durability & Speed | $90 – $250 |
| Seagate Game Drive for PS5 | HDD | 2TB – 5TB | 140MB/s | Budget Storage | $80 – $150 |
| SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD | SSD | 1TB – 4TB | 1050MB/s | Compact & Fast | $90 – $400 |
| Crucial X8 External SSD | SSD | 1TB – 2TB | 1050MB/s | Affordable Performance | $80 – $200 |
Choosing the Right PS5 External Hard Drive
1. HDD vs SSD: Which is Better?
- HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Offers large storage at a lower cost but slower speeds. Ideal for storing PS4 games and media files.
- SSD (Solid State Drive): Provides faster load times and better performance, making it the best choice for storing frequently played games.
2. Storage Capacity
- 1TB – 2TB: Suitable for casual gamers.
- 4TB – 5TB: Perfect for storing large game libraries.
3. Speed & Performance
- External SSDs with USB 3.2 Gen 2 or higher ensure faster load times and data transfers.
- HDDs are slower but provide budget-friendly bulk storage.
4. Compatibility with PS5
- Ensure the hard drive supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2 for the best performance.
- Some drives may need reformatting before use.
How to Set Up an External Hard Drive on PS5
- Connect the drive to a PS5 USB port.
- Navigate to Settings > Storage.
- Select USB Extended Storage and Format as USB Extended Storage.
- Start transferring games and enjoy expanded storage!
FAQs
1. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?
No, PS5 games must be played from the internal SSD, but you can store them on an external SSD and transfer them back when needed.
2. What’s the difference between external and internal SSDs for PS5?
- Internal SSDs (like NVMe drives) provide faster speeds and allow direct game play.
- External SSDs are mainly used for storage and quick transfers.
3. Does an external hard drive affect PS5 performance?
No, but playing games from an HDD may result in slower load times. Using an SSD improves performance significantly.
4. What is the best external hard drive for PS5 storage expansion?
The WD Black P50 SSD is the best high-performance option, while the Seagate Game Drive offers budget-friendly large storage.
5. Do I need to format my external drive for PS5?
Yes, when first connecting the drive, format it as USB Extended Storage to ensure compatibility.
6. Can I use any external hard drive for PS5?
No, the drive must support USB 3.2 or higher and meet PS5’s storage requirements.
Conclusion
Expanding your PS5 storage with an external hard drive ensures you never run out of space for games. SSDs offer faster speeds, while HDDs provide cost-effective large storage. Choose the right one based on budget, performance needs, and game library size. Upgrade your PS5 storage today and keep gaming without limits!
