The new PlayStation 5 comes with a custom-built SSD that delivers lightning-fast processing rates and seamless gaming. The only drawback is that its storage capacity is insufficient. As a result, you’ll need to get external SSDs for PS5. External HDDs for the PS5 have already been discussed. Although they are less expensive, they are frequently slower.
The PS5’s inbuilt SSD has a storage capacity of 667GB. While that may appear to be plenty at first, it will quickly fill up. Especially because some recent space-hungry games, such as Call of Duty, may eat up to 200GB every game! When you add in your already purchased PS4 games, you’ll quickly run out of space. Fortunately, there is a remedy. By saving your PS4 games on external SSD storage, you can still play them on your PS5. It’s worth noting that you can’t store or play new PS5 games on an external disc just now. They must be kept in internal storage.
Have a look at the 5 Best External Hard Drives for PS5
Best External SSDs for PS5
Solid-state SSDs have never been more affordable, thanks to continually reducing component costs. Furthermore, there are numerous advantages to selecting a lightning-fast Solid State Drive (SSD) over a standard Hard Disk Drive (HDD). While HDDs are less expensive per gigabyte, they are slower than SSDs. When it comes to gaming, speed is crucial. Using an SSD when gaming will vastly improve your overall gaming experience. That is why investing in an SSD is worthwhile. So, without further ado, here are five of the finest external SSDs for your PS5.
Read also: 19 Best PS5 Tips and Tricks You’d Be Stoked to Know
1. SAMSUNG T7 Touch
Storage: 1TB | Size: 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces
Let’s take a look at the Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD first. With this one, it’s all about the aesthetics. The drive is about the size of a credit card, making it extremely portable. T7 touch has a fingerprint scanner and password protection with AES 256-bit encryption for security. It also has a handy Motion LED surrounding the fingerprint sensor.
Worried about your T7 Touch’s drive being protected when traveling? Don’t get too worked up. Its metal housing allows it to withstand drops of up to 6 feet without issue. T7 Touch isn’t really impressive in terms of performance. It isn’t cheap, either, at roughly $180 for 1 TB. So, if a fingerprint scanner isn’t a must-have, opt for the Samsung T7, which costs around $150.
Pros
- Fingerprint sensor built-in
- Support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides blistering speeds.
- Encryption on the hardware level
- USB cables that are 18 inches long
Cons
- Expensive
- Warranty of three years
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
Seagate’s Firecuda gaming external SSD is the next PS5 external SSD. It features sturdy construction with metal coatings on the outside. The customizable RGB lights, which will help to enhance the elegance of your PS5 setup, are even more tempting. It also has USB 3.2 Gen 22 technology, which allows for speeds of up to 2000Mbps. For further peace of mind, the company gives a five-year warranty.
However, the Seagate Firecuda has a few flaws. To begin with, it is substantially heavier than its T7 Touch sibling, weighing roughly 7.7 ounces. On Amazon, the 1TB version costs over $260, which is too high when compared to the competition. However, if you’re looking for a gaming-specific SSD for your PS5, the Seagate Firecuda is a good option.
Pros
- LED lights that can be customized
- Warranty of five years
- High-quality construction
- Lightning-quick action
Cons
- A little too 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’re looking for a more cheap external SSD for your PS5, consider the SanDisk Extreme Portable. SanDisk’s lightweight and durable design are true to its reputation when it comes to portability. It can withstand falls of up to 2 meters because of its tough silicon housing. This sturdy drive can also withstand some punishment thanks to its IP55 water and dust resistance.
SanDisk Extreme has a transfer rate of up to 500 Mbps. Seagate Firecuda, on the other hand, can give speeds of up to 2000 Mbps.
Overall, if you’re wanting to extend PS5 capacity on a budget, the SanDisk Extreme Portable won’t let you down.
Pros
- Extremely long-lasting
- Water and dust resistant to IP55
- Warranty of five years
Cons
- The USB cord that comes with it is quite 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
Another external SSD for PS5 that enables portability is the WD Black P50. Aside from having a military vibe and being built to last, this drive checks all the boxes. When it comes to performance, the P50 drive can hold its own against the other models on this list. With speeds of up to 2000Mbps, this drive can significantly reduce loading times, allowing you to get back into the game sooner. Also, thanks to its plug-and-play capabilities, the drive is ready to use with your PS5.
Our only criticism is that it is not encrypted. That’s understandable given that it’s a gaming drive. The WD Black P50 comes at a price, costing roughly $125 for 500 GB, but it also offers something that few others can.
Pros
- Design that is resistant to shock
- Support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides blistering speeds.
- Warranty of five years
Cons
- There is no IP rating.
- Hardware encryption is not available.
Buy from Amazon ($124.99)
5. Crucial X8 External SSD for PS5
Storage: 1TB | Size: 4.33 x 0.45 x 2.09 inches | Weight: 3.53 ounces
This list’s last PS5 external SSD is also the cheapest. Micron introduces the Crucial X8. The drive has an anodized aluminum unibody with rubberized ends. As a result, on a carpeted floor, it can withstand drops of up to 7.5 feet. The Crucial X8 has a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface and can read at speeds of up to 1050Mbps.
However, the Crucial X8 lacks a few crucial functions. For starters, it lacks an activity light. As a result, there’s no way to tell when the drive is accessed. Second, there are no additional security or encryption features, but do you really need them for gaming?
Overall, you have to make some concessions to get to such a low price point, but it’s absolutely worth it in the end.
Pros
- The price that is reasonable
- Compatible to a high degree
- Support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides blistering speeds.
Cons
- There is no activity light.
- Hardware encryption is not available.
- Three-year warranty
Buy from Amazon ($124.99)
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Final Verdict: Best External SSDs for PS5
Because the PS5’s internal storage is limited, an external SSD is more of a necessity than a pleasure. While an HDD is a possibility, SSD offers a convincing choice as an external storage solution for PS5. So go ahead and expand your game library with these palm-sized SSDs for PS5 that are cheaper than before.
