As we delve into the world of gaming, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves facing a dilemma – the storage capacity of our PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console just isn’t enough. This is where external hard drives come into play, offering a convenient solution to expand our console’s storage capacity. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you select the best external hard drive for your PS4 or PS5, along with some top recommendations.
First and foremost, if you’re still enjoying your PS4 and finding yourself running low on storage space, you’ll want to consider a few key factors before purchasing an external hard drive. For starters, your console needs to be updated to at least version 4.50, which was released back in March 2017. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid external hard drives with a capacity of more than 8 TB or less than 250 GB, as they won’t be compatible with your console. It’s also essential to ensure that the external hard drive has a USB 3.0 connection to facilitate smooth data transfer. Keep in mind that this external hard drive will be used primarily for storing games, applications, and add-ons, so you won’t be able to save data from apps, screenshots, clips, or themes.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the top external hard drives for PS4. We’ve got a list of both HDD and SSD options, each with their own set of benefits. For those on a budget, HDDs like the WD My Passport, WD Elements, and Seagate Expansion are excellent choices. On the other hand, if you’re looking for faster loading times and overall performance, SSDs like the WD Black P40, WD Black P50, and Samsung T7 Shield are worth considering.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying an External Hard Drive for PS5
If you’re a PS5 owner, you might be wondering if you need an external hard drive at all. Honestly, unless you plan to use it as a backup or to play PS4 games, it’s not entirely necessary. One of the biggest drawbacks of the PS5 is that you can’t play PS5 games installed on an external hard drive, which is a significant limitation compared to the PS4. However, if you still want to expand your console’s storage capacity, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For starters, it’s generally recommended to opt for an SSD over an HDD, as the processing speed is much faster. That being said, if you’re only using the external hard drive to store PS4 games, the difference in speed won’t be as noticeable. You’ll need to consider what you plan to use the external hard drive for and how important speed is to you. For example, if you want to store downloaded games and transfer them to your internal drive because your download speed is slow, an SSD would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you’ll be using the external hard drive to store images, PS4 games, and other files, an HDD might be sufficient.
It’s also important to remember that the PS5 doesn’t support external hard drives with a capacity greater than 8 TB or less than 250 GB, so be sure to choose a compatible drive. Additionally, the external hard drive needs to have a USB 3.0 connection.
The Best External Hard Drives for PS5
Based on user reviews and personal experience, our top recommendations for PS5 external hard drives are similar to those for PS4, with a slight twist. We recommend prioritizing SSDs over HDDs, but it ultimately depends on your specific needs. Here are some top options to consider:
For SSDs, the WD Black P40, WD Black P50, and Samsung T7 Shield are excellent choices. If you prefer HDDs, the WD My Passport, WD Elements, and Seagate Expansion are reliable options. Ultimately, the best external hard drive for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to do your research and choose a drive that meets your requirements.
