So, you finally got tired of deleting Spider-Man to make room for Call of Duty: Warzone. Or maybe you can no longer endure the PS4’s passive-aggressive “Insufficient Storage Space” message every time you download a new game. Either way, you’re ready to expand your storage and bring peace back to your gaming universe. And that’s where external hard drives come in.
In this guide, we’re going to dive into the best PS4 external hard drives available right now. No fluff, no unnecessary jargon, just a solid, balanced look at the best options to help you store your sprawling digital collection. We’ll sprinkle in some humor to keep things fun — after all, dealing with storage should not be as stressful as a boss fight.
Let’s get rolling!
Why You Need an External Hard Drive for Your PS4
The “How Did We Get Here” Moment
Remember the simpler days when games came on discs and you could just pop them in and play? Ah, the bliss of ignorance. These days, even if you have physical copies, games demand installation. We’re talking updates, patches, DLCs, and enough data to make your PS4 whimper in exhaustion.
The PS4 comes with storage capacities of 500GB or 1TB. Sounds like a lot, right? Wrong. Modern games can be huge. Think 100GB+ for some AAA titles. So if you’re rocking the original 500GB PS4, that space vanishes faster than your patience during a loading screen.
Adding an external hard drive means you can:
- Stop deleting your favorite games just to install new ones.
- Avoid the dreaded “Insufficient Storage Space” message.
- Flex your massive game library like the storage boss you were always meant to be.
“Okay, But How Does It Work?”
External hard drives for PS4 are plug-and-play, baby! Just plug one into your console’s USB port, follow the setup instructions (don’t worry, it’s easier than baking a frozen pizza), and voilà! You’ve got extra storage ready to roll.
Now that we know why you need one, let’s check out the best PS4 external hard drives you can snag.
1. WD Black P10 Game Drive
“The Tank of External Hard Drives”
When it comes to reliability and performance, the WD Black P10 is like that friend who always shows up with snacks when you’re hungry. Built specifically for gamers, this drive is sturdy, fast, and won’t leave you hanging.
Specs That Matter:
- Capacity: 1TB – 5TB
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 (aka USB 3.0)
- Read Speed: Up to 140 MB/s
Why Gamers Love It:
- Design: It’s rugged. Seriously, it looks like it could survive a drop from a second-story window (but let’s not test that theory).
- Performance: Fast load times and smooth performance for most PS4 titles.
- Portable: You can easily slip it into your backpack if you’re gaming on the go.
The “But” Factor:
- The price tag might make your wallet cringe a little.
Still, if you want a drive that can handle everything you throw at it, the WD Black P10 is a solid choice. (Pun absolutely intended.)
2. Seagate Game Drive for PS4
“Officially Licensed and Lovin’ It”
The Seagate Game Drive is designed specifically for the PS4, and it’s officially licensed by Sony. It’s like getting a drive that was hand-picked by the PS4 itself — how’s that for compatibility?
Specs That Matter:
- Capacity: 2TB – 4TB
- USB 3.0
- Read Speed: Around 120 MB/s
Why Gamers Love It:
- Plug-and-Play: It works seamlessly with your PS4 right out of the box.
- Design: Sleek and compact with the PS4 logo. It’s like they’re soulmates.
- Speed: Decent load times that won’t leave you tapping your foot in frustration.
The “But” Factor:
- If you’re a hardcore gamer with a huge library, you might wish it came in larger capacities.
This is the perfect external hard drive if you want something that’s no-fuss and built for the PS4 ecosystem.
3. Samsung T5 Portable SSD
“Speed Demon in Disguise”
If you’re ready to trade speed for even more speed, then say hello to the Samsung T5 Portable SSD. SSD stands for “solid-state drive,” which means it’s faster than traditional hard drives (HDDs) by a mile. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit in your pocket.
Specs That Matter:
- Capacity: 500GB – 2TB
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (aka USB-C)
- Read Speed: Up to 540 MB/s
Why Gamers Love It:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: Seriously, your games load so quickly you might miss the tips on loading screens.
- Size: Small enough to be mistaken for a pack of gum.
- Durability: No moving parts = fewer chances of failure.
The “But” Factor:
- It’s an SSD, so the cost-per-GB is higher than an HDD.
If you value speed above all else, the Samsung T5 is the drive to get. Plus, your friends will be impressed by how tiny (and fast) it is.
4. Toshiba Canvio Basics
“Budget-Friendly Beast”
Sometimes you just want something that works without blowing your budget. Enter the Toshiba Canvio Basics. It’s reliable, affordable, and does exactly what you need it to do.
Specs That Matter:
- Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
- USB 3.0
- Read Speed: Around 110 MB/s
Why Gamers Love It:
- Price: It’s one of the most affordable external drives out there.
- Simple Design: No frills, no fuss — just plug it in and game on.
- Reliability: Toshiba is known for making durable drives that last.
The “But” Factor:
- It’s not the fastest drive on the list, but it gets the job done.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense drive that won’t drain your bank account, the Toshiba Canvio Basics is a great pick.
FAQs About PS4 External Hard Drives
Q: How much storage do I need for my PS4?
It depends on your game library. If you’re a casual gamer, 1TB might be enough. But if you’re downloading AAA titles and DLCs left and right, go for 2TB or more.
Q: Can I use an external SSD with my PS4?
Yes! External SSDs work with the PS4 and can give you way faster load times. Just keep in mind they’re pricier than traditional HDDs.
Q: How do I set up my external hard drive on PS4?
- Plug the drive into a USB port.
- Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
- Select your drive and choose Format as Extended Storage.
- Follow the prompts, and you’re good to go!
Q: Can I use the same external hard drive for PS4 and PS5?
Yes, you can use a PS4-formatted drive on the PS5 to play PS4 games. Just keep in mind that PS5 games need to be stored on the console’s internal storage or a dedicated PS5-compatible SSD.