If your PlayStation 4 is running out of space, getting an External Hard Drive for PS4 is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Modern games require huge installations — some exceeding 100GB — and that can quickly fill your console’s default 500GB or 1TB drive. Upgrading storage with an external HDD or SSD gives you more room, smoother performance, and a better gaming experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know, including how to choose the best external hard drive for PS4, setup steps, compatibility, recommended models, troubleshooting tips, and expert-backed advice.

Why You Need an External Hard Drive for PS4

A PS4 hard drive fills up faster than most people expect. With massive titles like Call of Duty, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Final Fantasy VII Remake, your storage can disappear after just a handful of installs.

Benefits of Upgrading Storage

• Install more games at once
• Reduce the need to constantly delete older titles
• Improve load times (especially with SSDs)
• Keep your PS4 running smoothly
• Store game captures, DLCs, and updates with ease

According to Statista, the average AAA game size has grown from 7GB (2008) to over 70–100GB (2024) — making external storage more essential than ever.

Best Types of External Hard Drives for PS4

When choosing the right External Hard Drive for PS4, you need to understand the types of drives available and how they impact performance.

1. External HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

This is the most popular choice for PS4 users.

Pros

• Affordable
• Large storage capacity (1TB–5TB+)
• Good for storing many games

Cons

• Slower load times
• Mechanical parts wear out over time

2. External SSD (Solid State Drive)

An SSD offers maximum performance for PS4.

Pros

• Faster loading and boot times
• More durable
• Runs silently

Cons

• More expensive than HDDs
• Typically smaller storage capacities at the same price

3. Portable vs. Desktop External Drives

Recommended External Hard Drives for PS4 (Top Picks)

Below are some of the most reliable and PS4-compatible drives based on user reviews and performance benchmarks.

1. WD 2TB My Passport HDD

• Affordable and compact
• USB 3.0 compatible
• Excellent reliability

Best For: Budget gamers who want large storage.

2. Seagate Game Drive 4TB (Official PS4 Licensed)

• Designed specifically for PlayStation
• Plug-and-play simplicity
• Comes in multiple colors

Best For: Gamers who want official Sony-supported hardware.

3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD

• Very fast read/write speeds
• Slim and durable
• Great for reducing game load times

Best For: Performance-focused players.

4. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

• Rugged design
• Excellent performance
• Great for traveling gamers

Best For: Gamers who need a tough, fast SSD.

How to Set Up an External Hard Drive on PS4 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Setting up your new drive is simple and takes less than five minutes.

Step 1: Connect the Drive

Plug the external drive into the PS4’s USB 3.0 port.

Step 2: Format the Drive for PS4

Go to:

Settings → Devices → USB Storage Devices → Select Drive → Format as Extended Storage

Step 3: Set It as Default Installation Location

Choose:

Settings → Storage → Options → Application Install Location

Step 4: Move Existing Games

To free up space:

Settings → Storage → Applications → Options → Move to Extended Storage

Storage Requirements for PS4 External Drives

Sony requires the following for an external hard drive to work properly:

• Minimum capacity: 250GB
• Maximum capacity: 8TB
• USB 3.0 or later
• One drive at a time can be set as extended storage

How Much Storage Do You Really Need?

1TB – Light Gamers

Good for players who install 10–15 games.

2TB – Average Gamers

Comfortable for 20–30 games.

4TB – Heavy Gamers

Perfect for large AAA libraries and DLC.

5TB+ – Streamers / Collectors

Ideal for content creators who save footage, mods, and massive downloads.

Comparison: HDD vs SSD for PS4 Load Times

SSD load times are typically 40–60% faster.

Troubleshooting External Hard Drive Issues on PS4

If your PS4 doesn’t detect your drive, try these solutions:

1. Reconnect the Cable

Loose connections are common.

2. Use a Different USB Port

Try switching ports on your PS4.

3. Reformat the Drive

Important: Back up your data first.

4. Ensure the Drive Is USB 3.0

USB 2.0 will not work for extended storage.

5. Rebuild Database

Go to Safe Mode → Rebuild Database.

FAQ: External Hard Drive for PS4

1. What type of external hard drive works with PS4?

Any USB 3.0 HDD or SSD between 250GB and 8TB.

2. Does PS4 support external SSDs?

Yes, SSDs work and offer faster load times.

3. Can I use the same drive for PS4 and PC?

Not simultaneously. You must format it each time you switch platforms.

4. Can I store PS5 games on a PS4 external drive?

You can store them, but cannot play them from the external drive.

5. Do external drives slow down the PS4?

No — PS4 often runs smoother with more free internal space.

Conclusion

Upgrading with an External Hard Drive for PS4 is one of the simplest and most effective ways to expand your storage, improve performance, and enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose a large HDD for maximum capacity or a fast SSD for improved load times, the right drive can transform your PS4 into a more powerful and versatile console.

With the right setup, storage size, and reliability, you’ll never have to delete your favorite games again.