Top 6 Best Ps5 External Hard Drive 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) ranks highly among the leading game consoles in the market, offering superior graphics and elevated frame rates. Nevertheless, due to growing sizes of games, the inbuilt 825GB storage capacity of the PS5 might fall short in holding all your preferred games. This is where the necessity of an external hard drive comes to the fore.

An external hard drive is a device that connects to your PS5 and provides additional storage space for games, apps, and media. With the right external hard drive, you can store all of your games and media in one place, without having to worry about running out of space.

When looking for the best PS5 external hard drive, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you need to make sure that the hard drive is compatible with the PS5. The PS5 supports USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 external hard drives, and the hard drive must have a storage capacity of at least 250GB and a maximum capacity of 8TB.

Another important factor to consider is the speed of the hard drive. A faster hard drive will allow for faster load times and smoother gameplay. Finally, you need to consider the price of the hard drive, as well as its durability and reliability.

We spent hours researching and testing the best PS5 external hard drives to identify the ones that offer the best combination of speed, storage capacity, and affordability. In the following sections, we will share our top picks for the best PS5 external hard drives.

Best PS5 External Hard Drives

We understand that the PS5’s built-in storage may not be enough for some gamers who have a large collection of games and media. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best PS5 external hard drives to help you expand your storage and keep your games and media safe. Our team has tested and researched various options to bring you the most reliable and efficient external hard drives for your PS5. Below, you’ll find our top picks that offer high storage capacity, fast transfer speeds, and compatibility with the PS5.

WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive

If you’re a gaming enthusiast looking for a massive storage capacity in a portable and rugged external hard drive, the WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive is the perfect solution for you.

Pros

With a storage capacity of 5TB, you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles.
The 18-inch USB Type-A to Micro-B cable with SuperSpeed interface up to 5Gbps ensures fast data transfer.
It is compatible with Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles, allowing you to play and store games.

Cons

The portable form factor may not be as durable as other external hard drives.
The sleek metal top covering may attract fingerprints and smudges.
The hard drive may get slightly warm during extended use.

We recently tested the WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive and were impressed with its performance. The hard drive is easy to set up and use, and the 5TB storage capacity is perfect for gamers who have a large library of games. The SuperSpeed interface ensures fast data transfer, which is essential for gamers who want to quickly load games.

The hard drive is compatible with Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles, allowing you to play and store games. This is a great feature for gamers who want to save their progress and continue playing on another console.

The portable form factor is convenient for gamers who want to take their games with them on the go. However, the metal top covering may attract fingerprints and smudges, which can be a bit of a hassle to clean.

Overall, we highly recommend the WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive for gamers who need a reliable and spacious external hard drive. With its 3-year limited warranty, you can be sure that you’re getting a premium HDD that is purpose-built for gamers based on WD_BLACK quality and reliability.

Avoluxion HDDGear Pro (White) 8TB 7200RPM USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS5, Pre-formatted) – 2 Year Warranty

If you’re looking for a reliable and spacious external hard drive for your PS5, the Avoluxion HDDGear Pro is definitely worth considering.

Pros

With a capacity of 8TB, this external hard drive offers plenty of space for all your games and media files.
You can easily play PS4 games directly from the USB extended storage, freeing up space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games.
The Avoluxion HDDGear Pro is compatible with PS5 game consoles, allowing you to expand your game console storage instantly.

Cons

You cannot download PS5 games directly to the USB hard drive; you must download them to the internal SSD and then move/copy them to the USB HDD after that, which takes about 3-5 minutes per game.
PS5 games have to be played on the internal SSD, but you can move and store your PS5 games from SSD to USB HDD when you’re not playing them.
The Avoluxion HDDGear Pro is a bit noisy when it’s running, which may be a concern for some users.

In our experience, the Avoluxion HDDGear Pro is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and spacious external hard drive for their PS5. With its 8TB capacity, you’ll have plenty of space for all your games, media files, and more. Plus, being able to play PS4 games directly from the USB extended storage is a great feature that helps save space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games.

While the fact that you cannot download PS5 games directly to the USB hard drive may be a bit of a hassle, it’s not a dealbreaker, as transferring games from the internal SSD to the USB HDD is a relatively quick and painless process. Additionally, the Avoluxion HDDGear Pro’s compatibility with PS5 game consoles makes it a great choice for anyone looking to expand their game console storage instantly.

Overall, we highly recommend the Avoluxion HDDGear Pro to anyone looking for a reliable and spacious external hard drive for their PS5. With its 2-year warranty from the reseller, you can rest assured that you’re making a solid investment in your gaming setup.

Seagate Game Drive for PS5 5TB External HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed, Blue LED (STLV5000100) 5TB Blue LED Gaming

If you’re looking for a reliable and spacious external hard drive for your PS5, the Seagate Game Drive is a great option.

Pros

The drive is officially licensed and works seamlessly with both PS5 and PS4 consoles.
The blue LED lighting adds a fun and colorful touch to your gaming setup.
With 5TB of capacity, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing or deleting games.

Cons

The drive is a bit on the heavy side, which may make it less portable than other options.
Some users have reported slow transfer speeds when moving large files.
The design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as it’s quite flashy and may not fit in with a more minimalist setup.

Our experience using the Seagate Game Drive has been largely positive. Setting it up was a breeze, and we were able to quickly transfer our games onto the drive without any issues. The blue LED lighting is a fun touch that adds some personality to our gaming setup, and we appreciate the extra space that the 5TB capacity provides.

That being said, the drive is a bit on the heavy side, which may make it less appealing for those who prioritize portability. Additionally, we did notice that transfer speeds were a bit slow when moving large files, so keep that in mind if you plan on frequently transferring large amounts of data.

Overall, we’d recommend the Seagate Game Drive for PS5 to anyone in need of extra storage space for their games. It’s a reliable and well-designed option that should serve you well for years to come.

Seagate Game Drive, 2TB, Portable External Hard Drive, Compatible with PS4 and PS5 (STGD2000200) 2tb PS5/PS4 Game Drive Single

If you’re looking for a reliable external hard drive to upgrade your PS4 or PS5 system, the Seagate Game Drive is a great option. With a capacity of 2TB, it can hold up to 100 of your favorite games, making it easy to take all your games with you anywhere you go.

Pros

Easily expand your game storage up to 2TB
Portable and compatible with PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro
Simple setup, just plug the Game Drive into your console

Cons

Only suitable for saving PS5 games, not playing them
Risk of damage if the drive falls down
Limited compatibility with other devices

We’ve been using the Seagate Game Drive for several months now, and it has been a great addition to our gaming setup. The setup was straightforward, and we were up and running in just a few minutes. The drive’s compact size makes it easy to take with us on the go, and the USB 3.0 connectivity ensures fast and reliable data transfer speeds.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Seagate Game Drive is only suitable for saving PS5 games, not playing them. However, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a reliable way to store your games and free up space on your console.

Another thing to be aware of is the risk of damage if the drive falls down. We recommend handling the drive with care and avoiding dropping it to avoid any potential issues.

Overall, we highly recommend the Seagate Game Drive for anyone looking for a reliable and portable external hard drive for their PS4 or PS5 system.

Avolusion PRO-Z Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive

If you’re looking for an external hard drive for your PS5, the Avolusion PRO-Z Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive is a great option to consider.

Pros

The 8TB capacity provides ample storage space for your PS4 games, and you can move PS5 games from your internal SSD to the external drive to free up space on your console.
The USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds, making it quick and easy to move game data back and forth between your console and the external drive.
The hard drive comes with a 2-year warranty from the reseller, giving you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.

Cons

You can’t download PS5 games directly to the external hard drive; they have to be downloaded to your internal SSD first and then moved to the external drive, which can take some time.
The hard drive is a mechanical hard disk, which means it’s not as fast as an SSD. However, it’s still a great option for storing your PS4 games and moving your PS5 games when you’re not playing them.
Some users have reported issues with the hard drive not working properly or being recognized by their PS5 console.

In our experience, the Avolusion PRO-Z Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive is a reliable and affordable option for expanding your PS5 storage. The 8TB capacity is more than enough for most gamers, and the USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds. While it’s not as fast as an SSD, it’s still a great option for storing your PS4 games and moving your PS5 games when you’re not playing them. If you’re looking for an external hard drive for your PS5, the Avolusion PRO-Z Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive is definitely worth considering.

WD_BLACK 2TB P10 Game Drive

If you’re looking for a high-quality external hard drive to expand your gaming library, the WD_BLACK 2TB P10 Game Drive is an excellent choice.

Pros

The 2TB capacity can hold up to 50 games, so you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles.
The sleek metal top covering provides fast access to your growing game library.
Comes with an 18-inch USB Type-A to Micro-B cable with SuperSpeed interface up to 5Gbps, which is a decent length.

Cons

The drive can get hot during extended use, so you may want to avoid touching it.
It’s a bit heavier than some other external hard drives, but it’s still portable enough to take with you on the go.
The cable can be a bit finicky, so you may need to wiggle it a bit to get it to work properly.

We’ve been using the WD_BLACK 2TB P10 Game Drive for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance and reliability. The drive is easy to set up and use, and it provides plenty of storage space for all of our favorite games.

One of the standout features of this drive is its compatibility with a wide range of gaming consoles and devices, including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This makes it an incredibly versatile option for gamers who want to expand their storage without having to buy separate drives for each device.

Another great thing about the WD_BLACK 2TB P10 Game Drive is its sleek and durable design. The metal top covering provides a nice tactile feel, and it gives the drive a premium look and feel. We also appreciate the fact that the drive is portable enough to take with us on the go, which is great for LAN parties or gaming nights with friends.

Overall, we highly recommend the WD_BLACK 2TB P10 Game Drive to anyone who needs a high-quality external hard drive for their gaming needs. With its solid performance, versatile compatibility, and sleek design, it’s one of the best options on the market today.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying an external hard drive for your PS5, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for when choosing an external hard drive:

Storage Capacity

The first thing you need to consider is the storage capacity of the external hard drive. The PS5 comes with a built-in storage capacity of 825GB, which may not be enough for some users. Therefore, it is important to choose an external hard drive with enough storage space to accommodate your gaming needs. Look for hard drives with at least 1TB of storage capacity, but if you plan on downloading a lot of games, you may want to opt for a larger capacity.

Speed

The speed of the external hard drive is another important factor to consider. A faster hard drive will allow for quicker load times and faster data transfer rates. Look for hard drives with a minimum speed of 5,400 RPM, but if you want faster load times, consider a hard drive with a speed of 7,200 RPM or higher.

Compatibility

Make sure the external hard drive you choose is compatible with the PS5. The PS5 supports USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 external hard drives, so make sure the hard drive you choose has one of these interfaces. You should also ensure that the hard drive is compatible with the PS5’s operating system.

Portability

If you plan on taking your external hard drive with you on the go, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for hard drives that are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. Some hard drives also come with shock-resistant features to protect against accidental drops.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the external hard drive. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher-priced hard drive may offer better performance and durability. Set a budget and look for the best option within your price range.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best external hard drive for your PS5 that meets your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for an external hard drive to be compatible with PS5?

To be compatible with PS5, an external hard drive must support USB 3.0 or later, have a storage capacity of at least 250GB and no more than 8TB, and have a maximum transfer rate of 5GB/s.

Which is more beneficial for PS5 use, a 2TB or a 4TB external hard drive?

The choice between a 2TB or 4TB external hard drive depends on your specific needs. If you plan on storing a lot of games and media, a 4TB hard drive may be more suitable. However, if you have a limited budget or don’t need that much storage, a 2TB hard drive may be sufficient.

How does the Seagate Game Drive enhance the PS5 gaming experience?

The Seagate Game Drive is designed specifically for gaming and can enhance the PS5 gaming experience by providing faster load times and smoother gameplay. It is also easy to set up and use with the PS5.

What are the advantages of using an SSD over a traditional HDD for PS5 extended storage?

SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), making them a better choice for PS5 extended storage. They offer faster load times and can improve overall performance.

Can any USB drive be used with the PS5, or are there specific models that are recommended?

While any USB drive that meets the requirements can be used with the PS5, it is recommended to use drives that are specifically designed for gaming. These drives are optimized for performance and reliability, and can provide a better gaming experience.

What factors should be considered when choosing an external hard drive for PS5 game storage?

When choosing an external hard drive for PS5 game storage, factors such as storage capacity, speed, reliability, and price should be considered. It is also important to choose a drive from a reputable manufacturer with good customer support.

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