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10 Best PS4 external hard drives 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

WD_BLACK 8TB D10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3P0080HBK-NESN

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,233
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Interface)
Form Factor

Most important from
1576 reviews

Storage Capacity
Perfect for expanding PS5 game collection, allowing easy movement of PS4 games and storage of PS5 games you're not currently playing.
Speed (RPM and Interface)
The average write speed is around 230MB/s, which is faster than typical 5400rpm external drives.
Form Factor
You can play PS4 games directly from the external drive, saving time compared to redownloading.
Durability and Build Quality
The WD_BLACK D10 series offers fast speeds and robust build quality, making it an excellent external solution for PCs and gaming consoles.

The WD_BLACK 8TB D10 Game Drive is a high-capacity external hard drive designed for gamers, making it an excellent choice for PS4 and other gaming consoles. With 8TB of storage, it provides ample space for game captures and large game libraries. The drive operates at a fast 7200 RPM, ensuring quick load times and smooth performance. Additionally, it has a transfer speed of up to 250 MB/s, which facilitates speedy data transfers.

Active cooling technology helps maintain its performance during extended gaming sessions. The hard drive also features two USB Type-A ports that can charge your gaming accessories, adding extra convenience. Its portable design, with dimensions of 7.68 x 4.92 x 1.73 inches and a weight of 2.16 pounds, makes it easy to carry around.

Compatibility is broad, as it works with PS4, Xbox, PC, and Mac, though the HDMI mention in the connectivity is likely a typo. The mechanical nature of the hard disk means it's not as durable as an SSD, and it's slightly bulkier compared to other portable options. However, its robust build quality and specific gaming focus make it a reliable choice for gamers looking to expand their storage without compromising speed and performance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,233
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Interface)
Form Factor

Most important from
1576 reviews

Storage Capacity
Perfect for expanding PS5 game collection, allowing easy movement of PS4 games and storage of PS5 games you're not currently playing.
Speed (RPM and Interface)
The average write speed is around 230MB/s, which is faster than typical 5400rpm external drives.
Form Factor
You can play PS4 games directly from the external drive, saving time compared to redownloading.
Durability and Build Quality
The WD_BLACK D10 series offers fast speeds and robust build quality, making it an excellent external solution for PCs and gaming consoles.
#2

Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD - Up to 2,000MB/s, RGB Lighting, Portable External Solid State Drive , Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBAWY0010BBK-WESN

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Interface)
Form Factor

Most important from
1467 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer! From lightning-fast data transfer speeds to its impressive storage capacity, this device has exceeded all expectations.
Speed (RPM and Interface)
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer! From lightning-fast data transfer speeds to its impressive storage capacity, this device has exceeded all expectations.
Form Factor
Its sleek design makes it not only a powerhouse of performance but also an aesthetic addition to any setup.
Durability and Build Quality
Reliability and durability are truly commendable, ensuring data is secure and easily accessible.
Compatibility
Small and fast, works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.

The Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD offers a solid choice for gamers looking to expand their storage. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it provides ample space to store your favorite games and other data. Its standout feature is the impressive speed of up to 2,000MB/s, thanks to the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, ensuring quick load times and smooth performance.

Another appealing aspect is its compatibility, supporting not only PlayStation 4 Pro and PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher but also PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S consoles, making it versatile across different gaming systems and personal computers (PC & Mac). The 2.5-inch form factor makes it portable and easy to carry around, which is ideal for gamers who need mobility. Additionally, the drive's build quality is commendable, with a shock-resistant structure that can withstand drops from up to two meters, enhancing its durability and reliability.

A unique feature is the customizable RGB lighting available through the WD_BLACK Dashboard, though this is only accessible on Windows systems, which might be a slight limitation for non-Windows users. While the 1TB storage capacity is generally sufficient, some users might prefer the larger 2TB option for even more extensive game libraries. In summary, the Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a robust, fast, and portable storage solution with excellent compatibility and durability, making it a valuable addition for any gaming setup.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Interface)
Form Factor

Most important from
1467 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer! From lightning-fast data transfer speeds to its impressive storage capacity, this device has exceeded all expectations.
Speed (RPM and Interface)
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer! From lightning-fast data transfer speeds to its impressive storage capacity, this device has exceeded all expectations.
Form Factor
Its sleek design makes it not only a powerhouse of performance but also an aesthetic addition to any setup.
Durability and Build Quality
Reliability and durability are truly commendable, ensuring data is secure and easily accessible.
Compatibility
Small and fast, works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone.
#3

SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable External Solid State Drive USB 3.2 1TB, IP65 Water Resistant, Compatible with PC/Mac/Android/Gaming Consoles (MUPE1T0K/AM), Beige

Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Interface)
Form Factor

Most important from
15619 reviews

Storage Capacity
Solid-state technology greatly reduces the risk of failure compared to traditional hard drives, providing reliable long-term storage.
Speed (RPM and Interface)
The SSD delivers impressive speed, enabling fast file transfers and smooth handling of high-bit-rate 4K media without bogging down internal drives.
Form Factor
Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to transport, fitting well into daily workflows and travel needs.
Durability and Build Quality
The drive’s rugged build stands out, offering durability against drops and resistance to heat even after prolonged use.
Compatibility
Plug-and-play functionality with exFAT formatting ensures seamless compatibility across Mac, PC, and gaming devices.

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield is a solid choice for a PS4 external hard drive, offering 1TB of storage in a compact 2.5-inch form factor that won’t take up much space. Its use of solid-state drive (SSD) technology means faster load times and quicker file transfers compared to traditional hard drives, with speeds reaching up to 1,050 MB/s. This makes saving and loading games quicker, which is a big plus for gamers. The drive connects via USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring compatibility with the PS4 and other devices like PC, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles. One standout feature is its durability: the T7 Shield is designed to resist water, dust, and drops from nearly 10 feet, making it tough enough to handle accidental knocks and outdoor use. This rugged build is unusual for external drives and great if you want reliability during travel or heavy use.

The beige color is neutral and subtle, and the drive is lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around. While 1TB is enough for many games, some users might want more space, and the T7 Shield does offer larger capacities if needed. Also, because it’s an SSD, it tends to be pricier than traditional external hard drives. If you want a fast, durable external drive that works well with your PS4 and can handle a bit of rough treatment, the Samsung T7 Shield is worth considering.

Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Interface)
Form Factor

Most important from
15619 reviews

Storage Capacity
Solid-state technology greatly reduces the risk of failure compared to traditional hard drives, providing reliable long-term storage.
Speed (RPM and Interface)
The SSD delivers impressive speed, enabling fast file transfers and smooth handling of high-bit-rate 4K media without bogging down internal drives.
Form Factor
Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to transport, fitting well into daily workflows and travel needs.
Durability and Build Quality
The drive’s rugged build stands out, offering durability against drops and resistance to heat even after prolonged use.
Compatibility
Plug-and-play functionality with exFAT formatting ensures seamless compatibility across Mac, PC, and gaming devices.

Buying Guide for the Best PS4 external hard drives

When choosing an external hard drive for your PlayStation 4 (PS4), it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and storage capacity for your needs. External hard drives can help you expand your storage space, allowing you to install more games and save more data without worrying about running out of space on your console. Here are the key specs to consider and how to choose the right one for you.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how many games, updates, and other data you can store. External hard drives for PS4 typically range from 500GB to 8TB. If you play a lot of games and download large files, you might want to opt for a higher capacity, such as 2TB or more. For casual gamers or those who play fewer games, a 1TB drive might be sufficient.
Speed (RPM and Interface)The speed of an external hard drive affects how quickly data can be read from or written to the drive. This is important for reducing load times and improving overall performance. Speed is often measured in RPM (revolutions per minute) for traditional hard drives, with 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM being common. Higher RPM means faster performance. Additionally, the interface (USB 3.0 or USB 3.1) also impacts speed, with USB 3.1 being faster. For the best performance, look for a drive with 7200 RPM and USB 3.1, but if you're on a budget, a 5400 RPM drive with USB 3.0 can still provide decent performance.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the physical size and shape of the external hard drive. This is important for portability and space considerations. External hard drives come in two main sizes: 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch. The 2.5-inch drives are more compact and portable, making them easier to carry around and store. The 3.5-inch drives are larger and often require an external power source, but they can offer higher capacities. If you need a portable solution, go for a 2.5-inch drive. If you plan to keep the drive stationary and need more storage, a 3.5-inch drive might be better.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the external hard drive can withstand physical wear and tear. This is important if you plan to transport the drive frequently or if it will be exposed to potential damage. Look for drives with rugged designs, shock resistance, and protective casings. Some drives are specifically marketed as being more durable and can handle drops or rough handling better. If you need a drive that can withstand travel and rough use, prioritize durability. If the drive will mostly stay in one place, build quality might be less of a concern.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the external hard drive can work seamlessly with your PS4. This is crucial because not all drives are compatible with the PS4 system. Ensure that the drive you choose is explicitly stated to be compatible with PS4. Most USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 drives will work, but it's always good to check the manufacturer's specifications. If you want to avoid any compatibility issues, look for drives that are marketed as 'PS4 compatible' or 'PS4 certified.'

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