The PS5's internal storage fills up fast. Portable SSDs can't play PS5 games directly, but they're the best way to store and transfer them — plus they play PS4 games natively. We tested the top portable SSDs for speed, durability, and value so you can expand your library without opening the console.
The PlayStation 5 comes with 825GB of internal storage — and after the system software, you're left with roughly 667GB. A handful of modern blockbusters (think Call of Duty, Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7) and you're full. You have two ways to expand: an internal M.2 SSD (which lets you play PS5 games directly) or a portable SSD (which stores PS5 games and plays PS4/PS5-native titles).1
This guide is about the second option. Portable SSDs plug into the USB-A or USB-C port on the back of your PS5, they're dead simple to set up, and they're the most cost-effective way to keep your library close without cracking open the console.
The WD Black P40 is the portable SSD that GamesRadar calls the best PS5 external drive right now.1 It hits up to 2,000MB/s read speeds, which is well beyond what the PS5's USB port can fully use — but that headroom means you're never waiting on the drive. The rugged metal shell with RGB lighting makes it feel purpose-built for a gaming setup. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a favorite for gamers who travel. It's IP65-rated for water and dust resistance and can survive drops up to 2 meters. Read speeds reach 1,050MB/s — right at the PS5's USB ceiling. It comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The carabiner loop is a small but thoughtful touch for tossing it in a bag.1
Samsung's T7 Shield is a reliable, well-priced option that doesn't compromise on durability. It's IP65-rated with a rubberized exterior that absorbs shocks. Read speeds hit 1,050MB/s, matching the SanDisk. Samsung includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption, which is a bonus if you care about data security. Available in 1TB and 2TB.2
The Crucial X10 Pro is designed for wear and tear — splash-resistant, dust-resistant, and drop-proof up to 2 meters.3 It pushes read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, making it one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market. That speed is overkill for the PS5 today, but it means instant transfers and future compatibility. Available in 1TB and 2TB.
| Pick | Read Speed | Capacity Options | Durability | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Black P40 | 2,000 MB/s | 500GB / 1TB / 2TB | Metal shell, drop-resistant | $$$ |
| SanDisk Extreme | 1,050 MB/s | 1TB / 2TB / 4TB | IP65, 2m drop | $$ |
| Samsung T7 Shield | 1,050 MB/s | 1TB / 2TB | IP65, rubberized | $$ |
| Crucial X10 Pro | 2,100 MB/s | 1TB / 2TB | IP55, 2m drop | $$$ |
PS5 game files are enormous — Call of Duty regularly exceeds 200GB, and first-party Sony titles like The Last of Us Part I push 100GB. Sequential read speed determines how fast those files transfer between the internal SSD and your external drive. A drive that reads at 1,000MB/s can move a 100GB game in under two minutes. Slower HDDs can take 20+ minutes for the same job.1
That's why we recommend SSDs over HDDs for PS5 expansion, even though HDDs are cheaper. The time savings add up fast.
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