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Owning a PlayStation 5 (PS5) is an exciting experience for any gamer. However, the console’s internal storage can quickly fill up with the plethora of games available. That’s where external hard drives come in handy. This article will guide you through some of the best external hard drives for PS5, helping you make an informed decision.
Why Invest in an External Hard Drive?
While PS5 boasts a state-of-the-art SSD with commendable read and write speeds, it might not suffice the storage needs of a hardcore gamer. An external hard drive can be an economical solution, providing extra storage and easy portability of game data.
SSD vs HDD: Which One to Choose?
If you’re considering an external hard drive, you’ll have to choose between a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Although SSDs are pricier, they offer superior performance with faster loading and transfer times. On the other hand, HDDs are more affordable and provide larger storage capacity.
Top Picks for PS5 External Hard Drives
Here’s a curated list of the best external hard drives for PS5, each with its unique features and benefits.
1. WD_Black P40: Best Overall
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The WD_Black P40 tops the list as the best overall SSD for PS5. Despite its premium price, this SSD delivers exceptional performance, boasting a transfer speed of 2,200 MB/s for reading and 2,000 MB/s for writing data. Its sturdy build and compact design make it a reliable choice for gamers.
During testing, the performance of the read and write speeds was exceptional. The advertised speed of 2000MB/s, which is prominently displayed on the packaging, is truly the best you can expect from an external hard drive. However, in practice, this speed translates into remarkable load times and fast transfer speeds on both the PS5 and PC platforms.
To illustrate this point, I had a substantial amount of game capture footage stored on my PS5 that I needed to transfer to my computer for video editing purposes. The footage consisted of approximately 30 clips and totaled around 22GB in size. Surprisingly, the P40 external hard drive managed to effortlessly handle this large amount of data, completing the transfer from the PS5 to my computer in just under a minute.
The speed of the P40 external hard drive not only met but exceeded my expectations. Its impressive performance allowed me to quickly and efficiently access and transfer data between my gaming console and computer, enhancing my overall user experience. Whether you are a gamer or a professional seeking reliable and high-speed storage solutions, the P40 is undoubtedly a standout option.
SPECIFICATIONS
2. WD Black P50: Best Value
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The WD Black P50 is an excellent choice for those seeking value for money. This SSD offers almost the same performance as the P40 and comes at a more affordable price. It delivers impressive speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s for both reading and writing data.
When it comes to the unit in question, the P50 boasts a military metal-inspired design on its exterior. It takes on a rectangular shape and showcases sleek molded metal in black, staying true to the iconic WD_Black aesthetics and markings. The USB-C port on the P50 is versatile, allowing it to function as either a USB-A or USB-C connection on your devices. In our testing, we found that the speeds remained consistent regardless of which port was used. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you have a free USB-A or USB-C port, or if you switch devices throughout its lifespan.
To assist with usability, there is a small yet clearly visible LED indicator located on one of the shorter ends. However, it is worth noting that the P50 does tend to generate some heat when in use, so it is advisable to consider its placement accordingly.
When it comes to the speed of the device, the actual performance matches what is advertised. The external SSD delivers an impressive level of performance, with its stated speeds of ‘up to 2000MB/s’ being accurately reflected in our tests. In terms of real-world performance, the P50 external SSD performs exactly as you would expect from a top-quality device. Games load rapidly, files are retrieved almost instantaneously, and the overall performance remains consistently high.
SPECIFICATIONS
3. Crucial X6: Best Budget SSD
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The Crucial X6 is a budget-friendly SSD that doesn’t compromise on performance. Although its transfer speeds reach up to 800 MB/s for reading and about 500 MB/s for writing, it still outperforms most HDDs in the market.
You have the option to purchase a 1TB version of this product at a price comparable to SSDs with less than half the storage capacity. The Crucial X6 is an excellent choice for storing and playing PS4 games. In fact, you won’t even feel the need to transfer them to the PS5 in order to enjoy faster loading times. When compared to running games on a standard external HDD, we were able to reduce the loading times of Resident Evil 7 from game selection to gameplay from approximately 90 seconds to just one minute. It’s also a great idea to store PS5 games on this device, as it only took us 3 minutes and 48 seconds to transfer 30GB, compared to 7 minutes and 16 seconds when using an HDD.
To connect the Crucial X6, you’ll need to use a USB-C connection and plug it into the front of the PS5. The drive itself is lightweight, so there’s no risk of it coming loose, even if your PS5 is positioned vertically. If you like the design of this model but desire even faster performance, you may want to consider the Crucial X8. Overall, we believe that the Crucial X6 is one of the top external hard drives for PS5 users.
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4. Toshiba Canvio Advance: Best Budget HDD
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The Toshiba Canvio Advance is the go-to choice for gamers looking for an affordable HDD. While it can’t rival an SSD in speed, it offers decent transfer speeds and comes in various capacities up to 4TB.
This particular option is approximately priced similarly to the Basics model, but it offers some additional features. The data transfer speeds for both reading and writing are slightly faster, and it also comes with a two-year warranty. If you’re interested in using the Canvio Advance as a PC drive, it provides password protection and automatic backup, which are not available in the Basics model.
Despite these enhancements, using the Canvio Advance is still just as simple as ever. All you have to do is connect it to your PS4 and format it as extended storage. As a result, the Advance does not require an external power source and operates solely through the USB connection.
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5. Crucial X10 Pro: Most Portable SSD
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The Crucial X10 Pro stands out for its portability. This SSD is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It also boasts high speeds of up to 2,100 MB/s for reading and 2,000 MB/s for writing data.
When connected to the PS5, I was able to transfer a substantial 328.2GB of data from the console to the X10 Pro in just 31 minutes. Although this may seem like a significant amount of time considering the fast speeds of Gen 5 SSDs nowadays, just imagine how long it would take to download that much raw data. In comparison, transferring 46GB of 2018’s God of War from the hard drive to the console storage only took 4 minutes and 6 seconds. The speeds boasted by this device are impressive, with a read speed of 2,100MB/s and a write speed of 2,000MB/s, making it a top contender on the market.
However, it’s important to note that this external hard drive is primarily designed for professionals rather than gamers. This means that it may lack some gaming-specific features in its design. Nevertheless, considering the power and compactness of this drive, it would be unfair to expect too much in terms of gaming aesthetics. Another aspect to consider is the price, as it is relatively expensive. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a portable solution for gaming, work, or content creation, this is undoubtedly one of the best external hard drives available.
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6. Samsung T7 Shield: Best Samsung SSD
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The Samsung T7 Shield is a reliable SSD known for its speed and durability. It offers transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s for reading and 1,000 MB/s for writing data.
The Samsung T7 Shield represents the latest addition to a series of portable external SSDs that prioritize high-speed performance and durability. According to the brand, the T7 offers twice the performance of its predecessor, the T5, and our tests confirm this claim. Although its read and write speeds of 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively may not compete with NVMe counterparts, the Samsung T7 Shield still delivers impressive sequential performance for an external drive. With prices starting at $159.99 / £134.79 for the 1TB model and $289.99 / £250.99 for the 2TB version, it may not be the most affordable option for PS5 external hard drives. However, if you value speed and the robustness of its design, the Samsung T7 Shield is worth considering despite the higher cost.
We discovered that the reported statistics were largely upheld during game transfers. For instance, Final Fantasy 16 (90.1 GB) successfully migrated from the PS5’s internal storage to the Samsung T7 Shield in a mere 7 minutes and 30 seconds. This duration aligns approximately with the maximum sequential performance and demonstrates commendable results when utilizing an external drive connected via USB 3.2 on the rear of the console. Additionally, the package includes a USB C to USB C cable.
One of the prominent features that sets this drive apart, much like others in its lineup, is its durable outer casing. Samsung confidently asserts that the T7 Shield can withstand various harsh conditions. To substantiate this claim, drop tests were conducted five times from a height of three meters, directly onto solid wood flooring. Remarkably, no physical damage was observed on either the casings or internal components.
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7. Seagate God of War Ragnarok Game Drive: Best for PlayStation Fans
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For PlayStation enthusiasts, the Seagate God of War Ragnarok Game Drive is the perfect choice. This HDD is not only efficient but also features a unique PlayStation-themed design.
The amalgamation of various factors culminates in a hard drive that not only warrants but also demands proper and visible display. However, the obstacle lies in the length of the cable, which may require some effort to overcome. The provided cable falls short in enabling the drive to be plugged into the back of your PS5 or PS4 while still being prominently displayed upfront. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the cable, at least initially, possesses a certain rigidity that may cause it to inadvertently push the drive out of place. Another apparent drawback is that this exquisite Seagate hard drive solely adopts the HDD storage method, as opposed to the widely utilized, widely embraced, and economically viable SSD memory. This can be seen as a missed opportunity, and we hold out hope that this issue will be addressed in the near future (certainly!). Nevertheless, for PlayStation enthusiasts and devotees of God of War, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a better external hard drive than this one. If the HDD-only aspect doesn’t bother you, then this is truly a sight to behold.
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8. WD My Passport: Best 4TB HDD
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The WD My Passport HDD provides a whopping 4TB of storage, making it the best choice for those seeking large storage capacities. Although it can’t compete with SSDs in terms of speed, it offers great value for money.
Having long dominated the market for external storage during the PS4 and Xbox One era, the My Passport drive by Western Digital continues to be one of the most dependable, convenient, and versatile HDDs available for purchase. While it has been slightly overshadowed by SSDs in the PS5 generation, we still consider it as one of the top choices for those seeking a standard, reasonably priced PS5 external hard drive that utilizes HDD technology.
The My Passport drive features a simple USB connection and boasts a compact and durable design, similar in size to a smartphone. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the My Passport series enhances its overall quality, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into your setup without drawing unnecessary attention.
By opting for the My Passport drive, users can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable and efficient storage solution. Whether you need additional space for game installations, media files, or other data, this HDD offers ample capacity to meet your needs.
Furthermore, the My Passport drive provides hassle-free compatibility with both PC and Mac systems, ensuring that users can effortlessly transfer and access their files across various platforms.
In terms of performance, while HDDs may not match the lightning-fast speeds of SSDs, they still offer respectable read and write speeds that are more than sufficient for most gaming and storage requirements. With the My Passport drive, you can expect smooth and reliable performance, whether you’re loading games or transferring large files.
In conclusion, despite the rise of SSDs in the PS5 generation, the My Passport drive from Western Digital remains an exceptional choice for those seeking a reliable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing external HDD for their PS5 setup. Its compact design, ease of use, and impressive performance make it a top contender in the market.
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9. Seagate Expansion: Best for Big Storage
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If you’re looking for even larger storage capabilities, the Seagate Expansion HDD is your best bet. It comes in capacities up to a massive 12TB, making it ideal for gamers with extensive collections.
You can say goodbye to any concerns about the sheer storage capacity of your external device in the future (most likely). Seagate has come up with an incredibly affordable 6TB option that will satisfy all your storage needs. This device is a real powerhouse, which may contradict the idea of portability that one expects from the best external hard drives for PS5. However, it still maintains a sleek and slim design. You can choose between capacities ranging from 6TB to 12TB. Nevertheless, we believe that this 6TB beast offers the best value for your money. After all, how much space do you actually need for your PS4 and PS5 games? If we take into account the entire Game Pass library, it only adds up to approximately 10TB. Considering that PS Plus takes up even less space, it’s highly unlikely that you would need more than 6TB if you want to download everything.
Setting up this device is a breeze thanks to its plug-and-play functionality. However, due to its substantial size, you will need to connect it to a power source using the mains power cable in addition to the USB 3.0 cable. The USB 3.0 connection ensures high-speed transfers for your HDD. With a 6TB drive, you can expect to store around 80-100 PS4 games comfortably.
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