The Best External Storage Device For PS5 [2026]
An external storage device, whether it’s an SSD or HDD, can be a very useful add-on for serious PS5 gamers who are running out of internal storage. It gives you extra space to store your games, and the great thing is that you can play PS4 games directly from the external drive without having to install them on the PS5’s internal storage.
PS5 games can also be stored on an external drive, but you’ll need to move them back to the internal SSD when you want to play them. So, in my experience, choosing between an external HDD and SSD really comes down to how you use your PS5 and how much you’re willing to spend.
My Recommendations
I usually recommend a traditional external hard drive (HDD) to the vast majority of my clients. Most of them simply want extra space to store their digital games without filling up the PS5’s internal storage or having to delete games they may want to play again later. In that case, an HDD is a practical and affordable solution, especially when the main purpose is game storage and backup.
My recommendation for this type of PS5 user is the Seagate Portable Hard Drive (STGX2000400).
On the other hand, if you want a faster external storage solution, I would go with an external SSD. I usually recommend an SSD to clients who frequently move games back and forth, regularly install and delete games, or keep a large PS4 library on their external storage and want faster loading and file-transfer times.
For these users, I think the extra cost of an SSD is worth it. My recommendation is the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD, which offers a much faster experience than a traditional external HDD while still giving you the extra storage space you need.
Seagate Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400)
This is one of the options I’ve been recommending to my PS5 clients for a long time, and it has consistently made them happy. I find it especially suitable for gamers who simply want a reliable and affordable way to keep their growing game library without constantly worrying about running out of space. It’s a straightforward solution that does exactly what most of my clients expect from an external drive, without paying extra for features they may never use.
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD
This is the external SSD I recommend to my PS5 clients who want a noticeably faster and more responsive storage solution. I’ve found it particularly useful for gamers who frequently move games between their external and internal storage or regularly play PS4 games directly from their external drive. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 and speeds of up to 1050MB/s, it offers the kind of faster transfers my more demanding clients appreciate. It’s a little more expensive than a traditional HDD, but based on my experience, clients who value speed are usually very happy they chose the SSD.