Does your PlayStation 5 feel like it’s always running out of space? You’re not alone! Many gamers face the frustrating problem of not having enough room for all their awesome games. Downloading the latest titles, keeping your favorite adventures ready to play, and even storing game updates can quickly fill up that precious internal storage.
Choosing the right external storage for your PS5 can feel like a quest itself. There are so many different types, speeds, and sizes to consider. You want something fast enough so your games load quickly, big enough to hold your collection, and reliable so you don’t lose your progress. It’s enough to make anyone scratch their head!
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll discover exactly what you need to know to pick the perfect external storage solution for your PS5. We’ll break down the options, explain what makes them work, and help you find a drive that will keep your gaming library growing without the headache. Let’s dive in and unlock more space for your gaming adventures!
Our Top 5 External Storage For Ps5 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 External Storage For Ps5 Detailed Reviews
1. Seagate Game Drive for PS5 2TB External HDD – USB 3.0
Rating: 8.6/10
The Seagate Game Drive for PS5 2TB External HDD is a fantastic way to expand your gaming storage. It’s officially licensed, meaning it works perfectly with both PS5 and PS4 consoles. You can store your PS5 games on it and then easily transfer them to your console when you’re ready to play. Plus, the cool blue LED light adds a stylish touch to your setup.
What We Like:
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED: It’s made to work smoothly with all PS5 and PS4 models.
- LET IT SHINE: The blue LED light makes it look extra cool.
- BUILD YOUR GAME VAULT: With 2TB, you have tons of space for all your games. No more deleting!
- TOTALLY PORTABLE: It’s light and easy to carry, so you can take your games anywhere.
- PS5 READY: You can store PS5 games and move them to your console when you want to play.
What Could Be Improved:
- The available storage capacity might be a little less than 2TB after formatting.
This drive is a great solution for gamers who need more storage. It’s reliable and adds a nice visual flair to your gaming station.
2. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC
Rating: 9.1/10
The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a great way to store and move your files. It’s small and easy to carry, making it perfect for taking your important stuff with you. You can use it with both Windows and Mac computers, and it’s super simple to set up.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to store and access your files anywhere.
- You can use it with Windows or Mac computers without any extra software.
- Setting it up is a breeze – just plug it in and go!
- It works with PCs, Macs, PlayStation, and Xbox, so it’s very versatile.
- The USB 3.0 connection means you can transfer files quickly.
- It comes with a 1-year Rescue Service, which offers extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included USB cable is only 18 inches long, which might be too short for some setups.
This Seagate portable hard drive makes backing up your data simple and fast. It’s a solid option for anyone needing extra storage on the go.
3. YOTUO Portable External Hard Drive Storage Expansion Mobile HDD USB 3.0 USB-C for PC
Rating: 8.8/10
Expand your storage with the YOTUO Portable External Hard Drive. This 1TB black HDD is a versatile storage solution for all your devices, from PCs and Macs to gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Its USB 3.0 and USB-C compatibility ensures fast data transfers, making it ideal for both work and play.
What We Like:
- Plug and play simplicity for most Windows devices and easy setup for Mac users.
- Wide compatibility with PCs, Macs, and popular gaming consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S).
- Durable design with a patented silicone sleeve to protect against drops and shocks.
- Slim and compact with a sleek appearance, making it easy to carry anywhere.
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer speeds for quick file access and movement.
What Could Be Improved:
- Gaming console data transfer limitations mean you can’t move games between different brands of consoles or between consoles and PCs.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X/S game restrictions require moving games to the internal drive to run PS5 or Series X/S games.
- Initial formatting required for Mac and some gaming console usage.
- Capacity discrepancy between advertised and actual usable space is normal but can be confusing.
This YOTUO external hard drive offers a great balance of performance, portability, and protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing extra storage for their digital life.
4. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles
Rating: 9.4/10
Level up your PlayStation 5 gaming with the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD. This officially licensed storage expansion is built specifically for your PS5, meaning it fits perfectly and works without any fuss. You can install it easily and start playing your favorite games right away. With a whopping 2TB of space, you can store a huge number of games – imagine up to 100 games! This means less time deleting and more time playing.
What We Like:
- It’s officially licensed for PS5, so you know it’s compatible.
- It has a built-in heatsink designed for the PS5, so it runs cool and safe.
- Super-fast read speeds of up to 7,300MB/s mean quick game loading.
- You can play games directly from the SSD, no need to move them.
- Comes with a 14-day PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe trial for more gaming fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included PlayStation Plus trial is only for new subscribers.
- The number of games you can store depends on game size, so 100 games is an estimate.
This WD_BLACK SSD is a fantastic upgrade for any PS5 owner looking for more storage and faster performance. It makes expanding your game library simple and keeps your games loading in a flash.
5. Avolusion HD250U3-WH 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive – White (for PS5
Rating: 9.3/10
The Avolusion HD250U3-WH 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive in white is a great way to add more storage to your gaming setup. It’s small enough to take with you, and you don’t need a separate power plug. This drive is ready to go right out of the box, pre-formatted for your PlayStation. It’s a simple solution to get more space for your games.
What We Like:
- Expands your PS5 storage by a huge 1TB.
- Plays PS4 games directly from the drive, saving your PS5’s internal space.
- No extra power adapter needed, making it very portable.
- USB 3.0 means fast transfer speeds for your games.
- It’s quicker to move PS5 games to this drive than to download them again.
What Could Be Improved:
- You can’t download PS5 games straight to this drive; they must be moved from the PS5’s internal storage.
- PS5 games must be played from the PS5’s internal SSD, not this external drive.
This Avolusion hard drive is a solid choice for gamers needing more room. It’s a smart way to manage your game library and keep your PS5 ready for new adventures.
Unlock More Space for Your PS5 Adventures!
Is your PS5 storage filling up faster than you can say “next-gen”? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! External storage is your best friend for expanding your gaming library. This guide will help you pick the perfect external drive so you can download more games, store more screenshots, and keep your gaming going.
Key Features to Look For:
When you’re shopping for PS5 external storage, keep these important things in mind:
- Speed: This is super important. You want a drive that’s fast enough to load your PS5 games quickly. Look for drives with USB 3.0 or higher. The faster the speed, the less time you’ll spend waiting to play.
- Capacity: How much space do you need? PS5 games can be big! Think about how many games you usually play. Drives come in different sizes, like 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and even larger. More terabytes mean more games!
- Type of Drive: There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are much faster than HDDs. For PS5 games, an SSD is the way to go if you want the best performance. You can store PS4 games on an HDD to save money.
- Compatibility: Make sure the drive works with your PS5. Most modern external drives will.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. They usually make reliable products.
Important Materials:
External drives are built with a few key parts:
- The Drive Itself: This is where your data is stored. It’s usually inside a protective case.
- The Casing: This is the outside shell. It’s often made of plastic or sometimes metal. A sturdy casing protects the drive from bumps and drops.
- The Connector: This is the part that plugs into your PS5. It’s usually a USB port.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality:
Several things make a good external drive great, and others can make it less ideal:
What Makes it Better:
- Faster Read/Write Speeds: This means games load quicker.
- Durable Casing: A tough shell protects your data.
- Good Brand Support: Reliable customer service is a plus.
- Cooling: Some drives have better ways to stay cool, which helps them last longer.
What Makes it Worse:
- Slow Speeds: This will make loading times longer.
- Cheaply Made Casing: A flimsy case can break easily.
- Overheating: Drives that get too hot can slow down or even fail.
- Unreliable Brands: These might have more problems.
User Experience and Use Cases:
Using an external drive for your PS5 is super easy. You just plug it in!
- Storing PS5 Games: You can store PS5 games on an external SSD. However, to play PS5 games directly from an external drive, you usually need a specific type of SSD that meets Sony’s speed requirements. For most PS5 games, you’ll need to transfer them back to the PS5’s internal storage to play.
- Storing PS4 Games: This is where HDDs shine! You can store and play PS4 games directly from an external HDD, which saves space on your PS5’s internal drive.
- Backing Up Save Data: While your save data is usually backed up to the cloud, an external drive can be used for additional backups.
- Downloading More Games: With extra space, you can download all those games you’ve been wanting to try without deleting others.
External storage is a game-changer for PS5 owners. It lets you enjoy more of your favorite games and keeps your console ready for action!
Frequently Asked Questions about PS5 External Storage:
Q: Can I play PS5 games directly from any external drive?
A: You can store PS5 games on an external drive, but to play them directly, you need a super-fast NVMe SSD that meets Sony’s requirements. For most external drives (like HDDs or standard SSDs), you’ll need to move PS5 games back to the PS5’s internal storage to play them.
Q: What’s the difference between an HDD and an SSD for PS5?
A: SSDs are much faster than HDDs. This means games load quicker. HDDs are slower but usually cheaper and offer more storage for the price. You can play PS4 games from either, but for PS5 games, an SSD is much better for loading times.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: It depends on how many games you play. PS5 games can be 50GB or more. If you play a lot of games, a 2TB or 4TB drive is a good idea. If you mainly play PS4 games, 1TB might be enough.
Q: Do I need a special cable for PS5 external storage?
A: No, most external drives use a standard USB cable that usually comes with the drive. Make sure it’s a USB 3.0 or faster cable.
Q: Can I use my old PS4 external hard drive with my PS5?
A: Yes, you can use a PS4 external hard drive to store and play PS4 games on your PS5. You can also use it to store PS5 games, but you can’t play PS5 games directly from it.
Q: How do I set up an external drive on my PS5?
A: It’s simple! Plug the drive into one of the PS5’s USB ports. Your PS5 will ask if you want to format it for extended storage. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Q: Can I have more than one external drive connected?
A: You can connect multiple external drives, but your PS5 can only use one as “extended storage” at a time for storing and playing games. You can have other drives connected for transferring data.
Q: Will an external drive make my PS5 run hotter?
A: Generally, no. The PS5 has its own cooling system. However, a drive that runs very hot itself might add a tiny bit of heat to the area, but it’s usually not a major concern.
Q: Is it better to buy a drive that’s specifically marketed for PS5?
A: While some drives are marketed for PS5, the most important thing is the drive’s speed and capacity. For playing PS5 games directly, you need a specific type of NVMe SSD. For storing PS4 games or just storing PS5 games, a good quality USB drive is fine.
Q: What happens if the external drive fails?
A: If an external drive fails, you could lose the data stored on it. This is why it’s good to back up important game saves to the cloud or another drive if possible. Buying from reputable brands can reduce the risk of failure.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!