The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse of gaming performance, but even with its speedy internal SSD, many gamers find themselves running out of storage space quickly. The solution? A high-quality portable SSD. Not all external drives are created equal, though. When it comes to your PS5, you need something fast, reliable, and compatible. This article will explore the best portable SSDs for PS5, helping you choose the perfect storage solution to expand your gaming library without sacrificing performance.
| SSD | Capacity | Read Speed (Up to) | Write Speed (Up to) | Interface | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung T7 Shield | 1TB, 2TB | 1,050 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant, Drop Resistant | Mid-Range |
| SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 1,050 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Compact, Durable, Keyring Loop | Mid-Range |
| WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | High Performance, Gaming Focused, Premium Build | High-End |
| Crucial X8 Portable SSD | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | 1,050 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Affordable, Durable, Broad Compatibility | Budget-Friendly |
| Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | RGB Lighting, Sleek Design, Performance Focused | High-End |
| G-Technology ArmorATD | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | 140 MB/s | 140 MB/s | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Rugged, Highly Durable, Ideal for Outdoor Use | Mid-Range |
Why Use a Portable SSD with Your PS5?
The PS5’s internal storage, while incredibly fast, can quickly become insufficient for avid gamers. Games are getting larger, and managing your library can become a headache. Here’s why adding a portable SSD is a smart move:
Expand Your Game Library
The most obvious reason is the ability to store more games. With titles frequently exceeding 50GB or even 100GB, the internal SSD can fill up quickly. A portable SSD gives you much-needed breathing room without the need to constantly delete and re-download games.
Faster Game Loading Times
While you can’t play PS5 games directly from a portable SSD (they must be on the internal drive), you can use it to store and quickly transfer PS4 games and other data. This drastically reduces the time it takes to transfer games back to the PS5’s internal storage, compared to relying on cloud storage or re-downloading. Many portable SSDs offer transfer speeds that rival or even surpass some of the internal drives of older consoles.
Data Backup and Portability
Portable SSDs are excellent for backing up your game saves and other crucial data. They’re also easy to transport, letting you take your game library and saves with you to play on a friend’s PS5.
Convenience and Flexibility
Having a portable SSD gives you the flexibility to manage your storage efficiently. You can keep your frequently played games on the internal SSD for optimal performance and store less-played titles on the external drive.
Key Features to Consider
Choosing the right portable SSD for your PS5 involves more than just picking one with the largest capacity. Here are some crucial factors to consider:
Storage Capacity
This is a key factor. Consider your gaming habits and how many games you typically keep installed. 1TB is a good starting point for most users, while 2TB or more is preferable if you have a large game library or plan on downloading many large titles.
Read and Write Speeds
While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, the speeds are important for quick data transfers. Look for SSDs with fast read and write speeds, ideally with a read speed of 1000 MB/s or more. The USB interface and the drive’s technology significantly influence these speeds.
Interface (USB Standard)
The USB interface impacts transfer speeds. The PS5 has USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, so choosing an SSD that supports this standard will maximize performance. While USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is technically supported on some PS5 systems, only a few external SSDs use this standard. USB 3.2 Gen 2 is generally enough for good speed.
Durability and Build Quality
Since it’s portable, an external SSD may be prone to accidental bumps or drops. Consider models with rugged designs and some level of shock and water resistance. Metal casings offer better protection than plastic, while rubber or silicone bumpers can be beneficial.
Size and Portability
A portable drive should be compact and easy to carry. SSDs are generally smaller and lighter than traditional hard drives, making them ideal for on-the-go gamers. Look for one that is easily pocketable or fits comfortably in your gaming bag.
Price
SSDs have come down in price, but they still cost more than hard drives per gigabyte. Set a budget, and balance performance with price. It is better to spend a bit more for a reliable SSD with decent performance rather than opting for a cheap, slow one.
Top Portable SSDs for PS5 in Detail
Let’s look at some of the best options currently available on the market that pair nicely with your PS5.
Samsung T7 Shield
The Samsung T7 Shield is a fantastic all-rounder, offering both speed and durability. It boasts read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively, making it great for moving games and data quickly. The rugged design with IP65 water and dust resistance means it can handle bumps and splashes without worry. This makes it perfect for gamers on the go or those looking for a durable storage solution. It’s also available in 1TB and 2TB sizes, catering to various storage needs. Its compact size further enhances portability.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a compact and reliable option. It offers similar performance to the T7 Shield, with read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s. Its lightweight and durable design make it easy to take anywhere. It also includes a convenient keyring loop to attach to your backpack or keys. Available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, it’s a versatile option for a variety of gamers.
WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD
For those who want the absolute best transfer speeds, the WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD is an excellent choice. It utilizes the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard, allowing for read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. This means faster transfer times. While the PS5 doesn’t fully support Gen 2×2 speeds, the performance is still excellent for handling game transfers and data backups. With a high-quality build and gaming-focused design, this drive is perfect for those who want top-tier performance. It is available in several capacities from 500GB to 4TB.
Crucial X8 Portable SSD
The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a solid, affordable option that delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank. With read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, it offers quick data transfer capabilities for the PS5. Its durable design and broad compatibility make it a reliable choice. It is available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB options. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it a great option for budget-conscious gamers.
Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD
The Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD is another high-performance option geared towards gamers. Like the WD Black P50, it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and offers read/write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, and even higher when paired with a device that supports the standard. It features customizable RGB lighting, adding a touch of style to your setup. Available in various capacities, including 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, this drive is both fast and visually appealing. The sleek design is a bonus for those who want their gear to look as good as it performs.
G-Technology ArmorATD
The G-Technology ArmorATD is a more rugged and durable drive, albeit with slower speeds than the other SSDs on this list. It’s not an SSD, but a traditional HDD, meaning that it has read and write speeds of up to 140 MB/s. It is targeted at those who need high levels of protection, such as users who might be in situations with drops, bumps, or water exposure. It is available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB. However, for purely storing games and fast transfers to PS5, the slower speeds might make it less suitable than the other options discussed.
Setting Up Your Portable SSD with Your PS5
Connecting your portable SSD to your PS5 is straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Connect the SSD to one of the PS5’s USB ports.
- Go to “Settings” on your PS5 dashboard.
- Navigate to “Storage.”
- Select “Extended Storage.”
- Select the portable SSD and choose to format it as Extended Storage.
- Once formatted, you can use the external drive to store and manage your PS4 games, media, and save data.
Remember, while you can store PS5 games on the external SSD, you cannot play them directly from the drive. You must transfer them back to the internal SSD before you can play. PS4 games, however, can be played directly from the external drive.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a portable SSD is a smart move for any PS5 gamer who wants to expand their storage capacity, have quick access to games, and manage their gaming library with ease. There are multiple options that can offer you that peace of mind. By considering the factors discussed, and choosing one of the top portable SSDs available, you can ensure that you are fully prepared to handle any current or future games you want to install without constantly worrying about deleting files to make room. With the right portable SSD, you will be able to enjoy a seamless gaming experience with your PS5.
