Our selection at a glance
- Best pick: Samsung’s T5
- Second Best Pick: The Western Digital Elements
- Best Value for Money: The Seagate Expansion
The Playstation 4 is the best-selling console of this generation and it has many qualities and a catalog of games now substantial. However, it is not uncommon for the biggest gamers to encounter a storage problem. The solution ? Opt for an external hard drives for PS4, in order to increase the storage space of the machine!
To enjoy your PS4 games without having to constantly erase data, delete demos that take up space or uninstall finished games, we present here 6 portable SSDs, which will allow you to play without limits. Choose the best external hard drives for PS4 using our ultimate buying guide and advice.
The best external hard drives for PS4 in 2021
While the biggest PS4 games now display sizes of several dozen Gigas when they are released (not counting the updates), it may be a good idea to choose a good external hard drive for your console, in order to take advantage of the latest Call of Duty , FF7 Remake or the future Cyberpunk 2077 without constraint. Here are our choices!
The Samsung T5 – The best external hard drive for the PS4
Easy to use
Secure Portable SSD
Available in several storage capacities
Ultra compact
Very solid
[/i2pros][i2cons]The somewhat rigid USB-C cable
High price[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This hard drive from the Korean brand Samsung is as light as it is compact, with dimensions of 1 x 7.4 x 5.7 cm for a weight of 50 grams. This ergonomics makes it one of the most practical portable SSD models to carry, whether in a pocket or in a backpack, which will allow players to use it with a PS4, but also with other peripherals. with which it is compatible like a MAC, a PC, or a smartphone …
The T5 Portable SSD has a transfer speed that can go up to 540MB / s, which makes it about 9 times faster than a traditional hard drive and more than enough for the Playstation 4 which requires a minimum transfer of 40 MB / s. At maximum speed, it will therefore only take a few minutes to download a game to the external hard drive.
This hardware is compatible with the required USB 3.0 and it is secure, thanks to the use of the AES 256 bit encryption protocol, and it has the possibility of putting a password to protect the data. It connects in a flash and gives you ease of use and formatting, right through to the PC interface.
Among its strengths, its elegant and discreet design and above all its impact resistance. If you accidentally drop it, there is no risk of your saves or your games suddenly disappearing! In addition, a blue light indicates that it is in operation, which comes in handy. It is supplied with a USB-C cable, a little rigid compared to the weight of the SSD (stretched, it will not be flat) but which improves the transfer time.
Available in 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB versions.
Verdict – This Samsung T5 model is the best external hard drive for the PS4, both in terms of ease of use, durability and speed of execution. To breathe new life into your console and download all the games you like, this will be your best ally!
2. The Elements of Western Digital – The best PS4 external hard drive for hardcore gamers
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-1″ link_text=”Buy on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3yvMl9r” ][i2pros]Transfer speedLarge storage space
Easy to carry
Son design[/i2pros][i2cons]USB cable way too short
No password protection[/i2cons][/i2pc]
If you are one of the big players who frequently use the PlayStation Store to acquire new titles, you need a PS4 external hard drive with the largest possible storage capacity. With versions that range from 500 GB to 5 TB, this model from Western Digital seems to be an excellent choice.
Relatively small (11.1 x 8.2 x 2.1 cm) and very light (about 200 g), it is a portable SSD that enjoys good ergonomics. Black, rectangle, it is discreet and will not stain next to your PS4. We appreciate its coating which guarantees good strength and reassures its ability to withstand shocks. It is also compatible with PCs and Macs, which will allow you to format it as you wish.
This external hard drive offers a transfer speed that can reach 2.5 Gb per second, which is significant (at maximum performance) and if it does not have the security protocol, it uses its USB 3.0 interface (Compatible with USB 2.0) to ensure users have the best possible experience.
Self-powered, it comes with a USB 3.0 cable, a little too short (less than 30 cm), which could lead you to buy another one. For the rest, it is an external hard drive that will delight players who want to make room on their console, taking advantage of an excellent quality / price ratio, regardless of the version. At this price, don’t hesitate to plan large, taking into account that some of the more recent PS4 titles require almost 100 GB of free space
Available in 500 GB, 750 GB, 1 TB, 1.5 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB, 4 TB, 5 TB versions.
Verdict – The Elements model of the Western Digital brand shines with the colossal storage space it offers, depending on the version chosen, by a very satisfactory writing and reading speed of data and by a well thought out design. For a powerful Portable SSD for your PS4 without breaking the bank, this is a very good choice.
3. Seagate Expansion – Convenient Plug and Play for your PS4
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-1″ link_text=”Buy on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/348oheE” ][i2pros]Plug and play for immediate useSpeed of transfer
Large storage capacity (depending on version)
Rugged protective shell[/i2pros][i2cons]Vibrate a little when he’s in action[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This Seagate PS4 compatible external hard drive is an ultra easy to use plug and play, which allows you to store your games, videos, pictures and all your multimedia files in the blink of an eye, just by them. sliding to the Portable SSD.
In terms of ergonomics, it benefits from a compact design, with dimensions of 12.2 x 1.5 x 8.1 cm for a weight of 180 grams, which makes it as practical to transport as to store next to the machine to which you will link it. Playstation 4, desktop or portable PC, it is compatible with all devices that work with USB 3.0 (it is also compatible with USB 2.0).
To make it work, there is no need for any software, just the supplied cable which also has the good taste of being long enough (46 cm) for practical use. As soon as it is plugged in, it is detected and you just have to place the files you want on it. Gamers who are tired of having to delete their old games with each new acquisition will be delighted to be able to transfer titles and saves so quickly from the console to the SSD.
With a transfer speed that can reach 5 Gb per second, and a capacity of 2 TB for this model (4 times the storage space of a classic PS4), you can store around 50 complete games! If you are a Playstation + subscriber, this will be an opportunity to enjoy free monthly titles without constraints!
This compact external drive is quite durable, due to its plastic shell and it is not noisy in use as some products in this sector can be, which will appeal to the most picky gamers.
Available in 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 5 TB versions.
Verdict – If you are looking for the best External hard drive for your PS4 and your number one criteria is ease of use, then go for it! This Seagate Expansion model is a quality product, fast and resistant, which you can get in models from 500 GB to 5 TB, which will delight the biggest players.
4. Lacie’s Rugged USB-C – the strongest model on the market
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-1″ link_text=”Buy on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3f6JPii” ][i2pros]A shockproof modelGood data transfer speed
USB-C cable supplied
2-year data recovery guarantee
1 month access to Adobe Creative[/i2pros][i2cons]Very eye-catching design
Heavier than average (around 300 g)[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The model of external hard drive offered by the Lacie brand has an ultra striking design, due to its Orange shell which will not appeal to everyone. But this is not trivial, since this protection gives this SSD resistance to any test.
It is made to withstand drops, smashes or rain / water, which will be a hit with the most clumsy gamers, users who frequently move their hard drive and those who want a shockproof product. , which they can leave out even in the event of parties with friends or LAN parties, without fear of it breaking.
This strength is its No. 1 asset, but it is not the only quality of the brand’s external hard drive. Compatible with the Playstation 4, but also with computers running Windows and MAC, it uses USB 3.0 connectivity and a USB-C cable provided to ensure optimal transfer speed, which can climb to 5 Gb / second.
The cable is also reversible, for greater ease of use and full backward compatibility with USB 2.0, for use with all peripherals. For the PS4, it is a handy tool to store unused games, transfer your saves and screenshots, or download new titles that can work while stored on this Portable SSD, without any difference to the stored games. directly on the SONY console. No slowdowns, no additional loading time, that’s great.
Among its strengths, we can mention the built-in password protection software, as well as its automatic Eco mode which allows up to 40% savings on the consumption generated by the disk, which will run for long hours at no doubt.
Plus, a 2-year data recovery warranty is included in case of concern, as well as a free one-month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud program and apps, for fans of photo and video editing / editing. . Between two games of PES or two kills on Doom Eternal, why not let your creative talents speak for themselves ?!
Available in 1TB, 2TB, 5TB versions.
Verdict – Here is the best external hard drive for the PS4 intended for less careful gamers or those who are simply worried about losing their data because of a wrong move. During an online game, it is common for a gesture of humor to make the controller waltz and the Portable SSD is sometimes in the front line. To deal with this eventuality, this is the model for you!
5. Toshiba’s Canvio Basics – A Great Portable SSD for the PlayStation 4
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-1″ link_text=”Buy on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3oBx2aI” ][i2pros]The know-how of the Toshiba brandA compact and elegant model
Plug and play for appreciable ease of use
High speed transfers
Excellent value[/i2pros][i2cons]The supplied cable is too short
Does not connect to smart TVs[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Toshiba offers, in its Canvio Basics external hard drive range compatible with the PS4, this model of excellence, which shines as much for its design as for the performance it offers.
Let’s start with its style, black and compact, with a featherweight of 150 grams and dimensions of 10.9 x 7.8 x 1.4 centimeters, for easy storage, easy placement on a desk or in the TV cabinet at side of your console, and a transport that poses no problem.
This 1TB model will allow you to store around 25 games, to make the most of the capabilities of your PlayStation 4 and its catalog of impressive games. No need to deprive yourself or wonder which game to delete, the solution is all found with this SSD which works automatically: you plug it into the console’s USB port, it appears, you format it and it is ready to operate. Plug and Play as we like it.
Ultra fast in terms of data transfer (with a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbits / s which can move a 50 GB game from the PS4 to the external HDD, in about 15 minutes), it works in USB 3.0 but obviously remains compatible with USB 2.0 devices. It is also supplied with a USB cable (only 20 cm …) and has a coating that gives it good strength, although we recommend the purchase in addition to a protective case, to avoid shocks. Note that it is guaranteed for two years by the brand.
Toshiba no longer has to prove itself in this sector and this reliable and perfectly designed product proves it once again, with this external hard drives for PS4 which is undoubtedly one of the best models on the market today.
Available in 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 5 TB versions.
Verdict – PS4 gamers keen on acquiring a reliable external hard drive capable of fast data transfer and with good ease of use can opt for this Toshiba Canvio Basics without hesitation. Japanese hardware for a Japanese console, and the circle has come full circle.
6. Seagate Maxtor – A cheap portable hard drive for the PS4
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-1″ link_text=”Buy on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3v77jJA” ][i2pros]Very successful designEasy to configure / use
Has a data security system
Cheap ![/i2pros][i2cons]Make a noise during transfer
It is not always immediately detected by the PS4
USB cable supplied too short[/i2cons][/i2pc]
To increase the storage capacity of your PS4 and give it 2 TB of additional space (the equivalent of at least 30 games!), This model of Portable SSD at a very reasonable price could be right for you. On the one hand, it is rather pretty with its black / gray reflections and it is of practical dimensions for transport, with its 11.8 x 8.2 x 2 cm. We also appreciate its robustness, due to its solid design, and its pretty matte finishes. Only its weight of nearly 300 grams could be improved, but nothing serious.
It has a USB 3.0 interface which guarantees a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbits / second, but it runs on average at 110MB / s which remains correct, without being exceptional. For transferring large games from PS4 to external hard drive, sometimes it will take a little patience.
To use it with a PlayStation 4 (because it is compatible with a PC, a MAC and with other consoles as well), just plug it into the console’s USB port and wait for it to be detected. If it is not automatic, as is sometimes the case, it will be necessary to go through the PC interface to format it. Then reconnect it to the PS4 and you’re done.
This portable storage system has SafetyKey protection for the safety of your data, as well as a personal backup solution that allows easy data recovery in case of trouble.
Seagate offers here a model of low consumption external hard drive, benefiting from a very good quality / price ratio. Without being the fastest model on the market, it will be satisfactory for game / data transfers between your console and the SSD and apart from a slight recurring noise during transfers and a supplied USB cable a little short, it does what it does. has been conceived !
Available in 2TB version only.
Verdict – Seagate’s Maxtor external hard drive is a more than adequate choice for those on a budget who are keen to free up storage space on their PS4. Simple to use, solid and secure, it is a cheap but reliable product!
Buyer’s Guide: Everything you need to know about Portable SSDs for PlayStation 4
Find out how to choose the best external hard drives for PS4, along with the essentials to consider when purchasing.
Storage capacity
The base storage space of the PS4 is 500 GB to 1 TB depending on the version of the console you have, and the big players quickly run out, especially with the 500 GB model. The capacity of the best PS4 external hard drive therefore depends on the number of games you plan to install on it, and your pace of purchasing new titles. Count on average 20-40 GB for classic games, 80 to 100 GB for the heaviest hits like Final Fantasy Remake or Red Dead Redemption .
The Portable SSDs in this review are available in several versions, ranging from 250 GB to 8 TB. Above, it has no interest, and beyond, the PS4 will not be able to accept it. If you are in doubt, we recommend 2TB external hard drives (like Samsung’s T5 model ), which offer a good compromise for long hours of play!
Transfer speed
Another crucial factor when choosing your external hard drives for PS4 is the speed at which the data can be downloaded. The products in this selection all offer a more than satisfactory speed (read and write), which will allow fast large file transfers and playback of the games installed on them without latency.
Be careful, however, of the maximum speed indicated, which will not necessarily be the one you will enjoy on average.
Utilisation facility
Some portable hard drives will have to be formatted initially, which will require the passage through a PC interface, while others will require the installation of software to function. If you are looking for simplicity, go for Plug and Play like what the Seagate Expansion model offers .
It will then suffice to connect the USB cable to the Playstation 4 and wait for the automatic detection of the SSD, to use it!
Solidity
One of the biggest fears of external hard drive users in general is that of losing the data that is stored on it and this is not trivial. In the past, the fragility of these devices meant that a simple shock could render them unusable, and data recovery was not even possible!
The models have grown stronger over time and with technological advances, but you might as well take no risks, by choosing a hard drive that is as resistant as possible. With this in mind, the best product is the Rugged USB-C offered by Lacie .
The minimum, for a use in peace, is that it is resistant to shocks and drops.
Its dimensions
Size and weight will not be decisive factors in choosing an external hard drives for PS4 but they can help refine your decision. If you are thinking of carrying this SSD to your friends’ house, taking it with you on a trip, or just moving it around your home to use it with different devices, then a thin and light model will be more practical.
The warranty
It concerns two elements: the hard drive itself, which will be replaced or repaired by the manufacturer, and the possibilities of recovering the data stored in the event of malfunctions. It is not negligible !
The price of the portable SSD
The price of an external hard drives for PS4 depends on several factors, which range from the reputation of the manufacturer to the storage capacity you have opted for, including its overall performance. Depending on your budget, you can choose a hard drive offered around 60 euros, for models of 500 GB / 1 TB, or for models at prices between 100 and 200 euros for storage capacities of 2 TB, 4 TB or more.
FAQ: we answer your questions about external hard drives for PS4
How much does an external hard drives for PS4 cost?
An external hard drives for PS4 will not exceed 200 euros if you choose the models with the most storage space. If you don’t need a phenomenal amount of memory, know that you can get a really good hard drive for $ 60 – $ 150, which will be enough for the vast majority of gamers.
Beware of models less than 50 euros, which will often be very disappointing in terms of data transfer speed and which sometimes show structural weaknesses that make them unreliable.
What size external hard drives for the PS4?
PS4 games are getting heavier as we approach the end of life of this console. The developers now master the machine and are able to offer titles that are ever more substantial, more beautiful, more engaging… and more memory intensive.
If the choice of the best external hard drive for the PS4 will depend on the style of games you prefer (some PSN mini games weigh nothing!) And the number of titles in your virtual library, a 2TB hard drive seems to be the compromise. perfect.
Often this is the best value for money!
What type of external hard drive to choose for the PS4?
Not all external hard drives are compatible with the PS4! To be sure that the chosen model works with the SONY console, check that:
- Its minimum storage capacity is 250 GB
- That it offers USB 3.0 compatibility
- Whether formatting can be done in exFAT or in FAT32
How to connect an external hard drive to your PlayStation 4?
Connecting an external hard drive to a PS4 is a snap! Either the SSD running in Plug and Play will be automatically detected by the console, in which case you will have nothing more to do than follow the formatting instructions (if necessary) which appear on the screen before the use, or you will have to go to the settings of the Playstation 4.
You will find the section USB storage devices , which will need to be opened to select the SSD you have connected. Then, you are free to move the files from the console to the external device, to relieve the memory of the PS4 or to choose the external SSD as the destination device for your future online downloads.
How to format external hard drives for PS4?
Formatting is essential for most external hard drive additions to PS4 and it is very easy to do! Go to the USB storage devices section and after choosing the device in question, choose Format as extended storage.
Simple and fast, you just have to keep in mind that this manipulation erases all the content previously placed on the hard drive. If it has been used before, remember to sort your files before formatting.
