Sony did a great job equipping the PS5 with an SSD, so games load in a snap. However, the size is limited to only 825GB, where the system files and operating system occupy almost a quarter of that.
With approximately 667GB of storage to play with, it’s crucial that you invest in an external drive since it allows you to store several AAA games.
Before buying one, you need to consider various factors like performance, storage capacity, ease of use, and durability.
Here are the best external hard drives for PS5 available to purchase today.
1. G-Technology ArmorAtd HDD
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The G-Technology ArmorAtd HDD is pretty much a complete package, offering you massive storage capacity, unrivaled performance, and maximum durability. This hard drive lets you spend more time chasing victory rather than gazing on a sluggish load screen since it delivers a speed of up to 140MB/s.
You’ll also have an easy time loading and transferring large gaming files. Durability is a winning factor, something that sets this hard drive apart from its competitors. It has a triple-layer shock resistance protection that protects the internal components even after a hard knock, so your games won’t get corrupted. There’s also a rain and dust enclosure, allowing you to game in almost any environment without worrying about damages.
The G-Technology ArmorAtd HDD weighs ‎12.8 ounces, which is suitable for a 4TB hard drive. You can place it in your bag while visiting your friends for a gaming session rather than throwing it in your pocket. This hard drive connects to your PS5 through a USB-C.
KEY FEATURES
- USB-C interface
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- Triple-layer shock resistance
- 1,000lbs crush rating
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand:Â G-Technology
- Capacity:Â 4TB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 140MB/s
- Connection:Â USB-C, USB 3.0
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Tough build design
- Offers reliable performance
- Best for gaming while on the move
CONS
- A bit heavy
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G-Technology ArmorAtd HDDAmazon
The WD Black P10 HDD is an incredible powerhouse for PS5 gamers. You get transfer speeds of up to 140MB/s, guaranteeing pixel-perfect performance in most modern gaming titles. Connection is also seamless, thanks to the USB 3.0 interface, which allows you to transfer games within the shortest time possible.
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The hard drive is impressively sleek. You won’t have a problem carrying it in your hands for outdoor gaming sessions. The rubbery feel prevents it from slipping, keeping your data protected.
The WD Black P10 HDD runs quietly, and although it’s not SSD-level silent, the noise isn’t that loud to cause any annoying distractions. It offers up to 2TB of capacity, which is sufficient to store at least 50 of your favorite games. You don’t have to delete older games to install new ones. The hard drive is compatible with the latest-gen consoles like Xbox Series X and S.
KEY FEATURES
- Purpose-built for gamers
- Compatible with Xbox Series S and X
- 3-year limited warranty
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand:Â WD_BLACK
- Capacity:Â 2TB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 140MB/s
- Connection:Â USB 3.0
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Large storage capacity
- Offers great performance
- Durable
- Portable
CONS
- Noise levels may be disturbing to some users
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WD Black P10 HDDAmazon
Slim, high-performing, and spacious, the WD My Passport HDD is one of the best external hard drives for avid gamers. Transmission speed is ultra-fast as the hard drive connects to the PS5 via a USB 3.1. Games load just like they are installed into the PS5’s internal drive, allowing you to have a virtually lag-free experience.
The external drive supports the 256-bit AES hardware encryption method, which safeguards your data from unauthorized people. You’ll be at peace knowing that no one can corrupt or delete your favorite games. Carrying this external hard drive to play competitive games at your friends’ place isn’t irritating, as it weighs 4.64 ounces.
The drive gives you access to the WD Discovery software, enabling you to manage various settings to your liking. With WD Discovery, gamers can check on their driver’s health and schedule automatic backups. You’ll have ample space to store your favorite game collections since the hard drive has 1TB storage.
KEY FEATURES
- Refined metal cover
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- WD Discovery software
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand:Â Western Digital
- Capacity:Â 1TB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 140MB/s
- Connection:Â USB 3.1 Type C
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Easy to use
- Solid software suite
- Versatile encryption method
- Attractive design
CONS
- Average performance
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4. Toshiba Canvio Advance HDD
The Toshiba Canvio Advance HDD strikes an excellent balance between price and impressive performance. It spins at 5,400 RPM (rotations per minute), allowing you to retrieve any gaming file you want in seconds. With 1TB of storage, this hard drive provides you with enough space to store several gaming files.
You can download the Password Protection Software to protect your gaming files from unwanted users. This hard drive also supports automatic backup software, so you can schedule backups to avoid losing your favorite gaming files. The Toshiba Canvio Advance HDD makes an excellent travel companion, as it weighs only 5.28 ounces.
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It features a textured finishing so it doesn’t slip when dashing for a gaming session to your friend’s place. External hard drives don’t have to look dull, and thankfully, the Toshiba Canvio Advance HDD comes in five colors. You can make your unique gaming statement by picking between blue, black, green, white, and red.
KEY FEATURES
- Password protection software
- Compatible with PC, Mac
- Textured finish
- Spins at 5,400 RPM
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand:Â Toshiba
- Capacity:Â 1TB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 134.8MB/s
- Connection:Â USB 3.0
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Attractive design
- Different color options
- Exceptional performance
CONS
- The casing catches fingerprints and smudges quickly
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Toshiba Canvio Advance HDDAmazon
5. SAMSUNG T5 SSD
If you want a compact but versatile external hard drive for your PS5, consider the Samsung T5 SSD. Performance is admirable since the hard drive delivers a blazing-fast speed of up to 540 MB/s. It allows you to load the latest gaming titles without experiencing any hiccups, thus increasing gaming time.
It’s hard to ignore the attractive appearance of this hard drive, thanks to the metal-skinned texture and smooth curved sides. The aluminum finishing comes in three colors, including alluring blue, rose gold, and metallic red, so you can pick your preferred shade. The hard drive can withstand shock up to a distance of two meters, assuring you of unmatched durability.
Managing data and downloading the latest firmware updates is seamless with intuitive management software. It also allows you to set a strong password to deny other people from accessing your games and other crucial files. You can toss the Samsung T5 SSD in your pocket or carry it in your hands without it adding bulky weight, thanks to its compact and slim design.
KEY FEATURES
- Optional password protection
- Shock-resistant metal design
- Android, Windows, and Mac compatible
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand:Â Samsung
- Capacity:Â 500GB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 540MB/s
- Connection:Â USB 3.1
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Attractive
- Delivers fast performance
- Compact
CONS
- No backup utility
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SAMSUNG T5 SSDAmazon
6. Crucial X6 SSD
Highly responsive and durable, the Crucial X6 SSD is one of the best external hard drives to connect to your PS5. Although the hard drive is tiny, it packs enough power to help gamers reduce load times while providing sufficient space to store games. It delivers up to 540MB/s of read speed via the USB 3.1 Type C interface, allowing you to retrieve and download gaming files within a snap.
The performance levels stay consistent as long you don’t overload the hard drive with many demanding games. The Crucial X6 SSD is sturdily built, as it can withstand a two-meter drop on a carpeted floor without compromising your data. There are various tools that help you backup and reserve your games, including Apple Time Machine, BitLocker, and Windows Backup.
Weighing 1.38 ounces, the Crucial X6 SSD is compact enough to let you game while on the move. Quickly toss it into your pockets or backpack without feeling any bulkiness.
KEY FEATURES
- Broad compatibility
- Backed by Micron
- Drop-resistant up to two meters
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand: ‎Crucial
- Capacity:Â 1TB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 540MB/s
- Connection:Â USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Compatible with other gaming consoles
- Portable
CONS
- Shell feels cheap
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Crucial X6 SSDAmazon
7. WD Black P50 SSD
The WD Black P50 SSD excels when it comes to premium performance and durability. With a read speed of up to 2,000MB/s, this hard drive provides you with the reliable performance and storage boost you need, taking your gaming experience to another level. Accessing your gaming library when on the move is easy since the WD Black P50 SSD is compact. It weighs ‎4.1 ounces, so you can add it to your traveling accessories without weighing you down.
This version comes with 500GB storage, but there are bigger capacities to choose from, including 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, eliminating the need to delete some of your favorite games. The shock-resistant design makes the hard drive durable, so you don’t have to worry about losing your gaming files after an accidental fall.
Besides your PS5, you can use this hard drive on your Xbox, Mac, and PC, allowing you to enjoy a variety of different games.
KEY FEATURES
- Compatible with Mac, PC, and Xbox
- Shock-resistant design
- Available in capacities of up to 4TB
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brand:Â WD_BLACK
- Capacity:Â 500GB
- Power:Â Bus-powered
- Speed:Â 2,000MB/s
- Connection:Â USB 3.2
- Portable:Â Yes
PROS
- Great for gaming
- Robust build
- Excellent read speeds
CONS
- Included cables are short
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WD Black P50 SSDAmazon
FAQ
Q: How Can I Fix A Damaged Hard Drive?
Most physical storage devices are susceptible to technical errors and physical damages, and external hard drives for PS5 are no exception. Although recovering data from a broken or corrupted hard drive is quite challenging, there are some things you can try before visiting a professional technician. Many hard drives support software packages that come with diagnostic tools, so take advantage of them to determine the immediate problem.
External hard drives also have an enclosure with connectors. Such electric components are susceptible to malfunction, especially after frequent falls, so consider changing the outer part if it’s extremely damaged. Other methods require you to interfere with the circuitry, and it’s best to seek professional services.
Q: Can I Increase the Lifespan of My External Hard Drive?
Yes, you can. Physical damage is one of the common problems leading to hard drive failure. While most have shock-resistant ratings, frequent falls slowly damage the internal components, so try to place the drive on dry and slip-free surfaces. Carry it in a well-padded bag when traveling to avoid accidental knocks.
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Overloading your external hard drive with many demanding games puts it under intense stress. It’s best if you don’t keep it to its full capacity by deleting unwanted or unused games. In addition, place your hard drive away from static since a bit of shock will render it useless in no time. Remember to monitor its health using S.M.A.R.T programs.
Q: What Should I Consider When Buying A PS5 External Hard Drive?
It’s advisable to weigh your gaming needs before buying the best external hard drives for PS5. For instance, if you don’t like re-downloading games, consider settling for an HDD drive since most have high storage capacities. However, you’ll have to sacrifice speed for a sizeable amount of space. On the other hand, most SSDs have limited storage, but they deliver high speed, making it easy to retrieve games in minutes.
In addition, check if the hard drive is compatible with your PS5 since it only has one USB 3.0 and a USB-C port. The design should be appealing as well if you love outdoor gaming.
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