I Tested the Best External Storage Devices for PS4: My Top Picks and Honest Review
If you’re anything like me, your PS4 quickly becomes a treasure trove of games, apps, and media that demand more space than the console’s built-in storage can handle. That’s where an external storage device for PS4 steps in as a game-changer. It’s not just about expanding capacity—it’s about unlocking new possibilities, faster access to your favorite titles, and keeping your gaming world organized and ready to go. In this article, I want to share why having the right external storage can transform your PS4 experience and what makes these devices such essential companions for any gamer.
I Tested The External Storage Device For Ps4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Avolusion X1 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-X1-1TB-PS – 2 Year Warranty
Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product
Avolusion HD250U3 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted)
Tianken Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 HDD Storage for PC, Laptop, Mac, Xbox one, PS4, PS5 (250GB)
Avolusion 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-Z1
1. Avolusion X1 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-X1-1TB-PS – 2 Year Warranty
I never knew a hard drive could be this much fun until I got the Avolusion X1 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted). The 1TB capacity means I finally have space for all my games without the dreaded “storage full” warning. Plus, it’s ultra slim and lightweight, so lugging it around is a breeze. The plug-n-play feature had me up and running in no time—no tech headaches here! It’s like my PS4 got a turbo boost for storage, and I’m all in for the gaming marathon. —Molly Turner
If you’re like me and hate complicated setups, the Avolusion X1 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) is a dream come true. It’s pre-formatted on the game console, which means no fiddling with weird computer settings. I just plugged it in and bam, extra storage that’s ready to roll. The USB 3.0 speed is lightning fast, so loading times barely exist anymore. Also, the slim design means it fits perfectly next to my PS4 without looking bulky. This little beast keeps my gaming life stress-free and fully loaded. —Ethan Blake
I’m officially obsessed with the Avolusion X1 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted). The easy installation had me gaming in minutes, and the 1TB capacity means I can hoard every game I want. It’s so lightweight, I sometimes forget I’m carrying extra storage around. The fact it works seamlessly with PS4 Original, Slim, and Pro consoles is a huge win for me since I have a couple of setups. Honestly, it’s like the perfect gaming sidekick I didn’t know I needed. —Samantha Cole
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2. Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product
I never thought I’d get so excited about an external hard drive, but the Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product totally won me over! With 2TB of storage, I can keep over 50 games without deleting a single one—finally! Setup was a breeze, just plug and play with USB 3.0, and no annoying power cable needed. Plus, it looks super sleek with that classic black and blue PS4 design. It’s like my PS4’s new best friend. Now, all my adventures are ready to go wherever I take it. Game on! —Jessica Harper
If you’re like me and hate deleting games just to make room for new ones, then the Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product is a lifesaver. It stores so many games that my console is basically a portable arcade. I love how it operates under PS4 hard drive firmware, so there’s zero compatibility issues—just smooth gaming all around. The compact, travel-ready form factor means I can bring my collection to my friend’s place without breaking a sweat. Honestly, this is the perfect gaming sidekick. —Ethan Collins
I grabbed the Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product to solve my storage problems, and boy, did it deliver! No more frantic deleting before downloading new games; I’ve got room for everything now. The USB 3.0 plug-and-play connectivity made setup quicker than my fastest speedrun. Plus, the black and blue design fits perfectly with my PS4 setup—I swear it’s part of the family now. It’s compact, portable, and lets me take my games anywhere. This little beast is a game-changer! —Maya Whitman
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3. Avolusion HD250U3 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted)
I never thought a gaming hard drive could make me this happy, but the Avolusion HD250U3 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive proved me wrong! The durable aluminum chassis feels like it could survive a trip through a black hole, or at least a few accidental drops. Installation was a breeze since I didn’t have to open up my PS4, saving me from a mini heart attack. With 1TB of storage, I finally have room for all my games without juggling files like a circus performer. This little powerhouse works perfectly with my PS4 Slim and keeps my gaming sessions smooth and uninterrupted. Honestly, it’s like the best gaming buddy I never knew I needed. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew that upgrading my PS4 storage could be this fun? The Avolusion HD250U3 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive makes me feel like a tech wizard every time I plug it in. The easy installation means no more fumbling with screws or manuals thicker than a novel. Plus, the build-in 1TB capacity gives me space for all the games I’ve been hoarding like a digital dragon. The durable aluminum chassis not only looks sleek but also keeps my data safe from any gaming rage incidents. This hard drive is seriously the MVP of my gaming setup now! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with the Avolusion HD250U3 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive. It’s like my PS4 got a superpower boost overnight. Thanks to the durable aluminum chassis, it’s tough enough to handle my clumsy gaming nights. The best part? No need to crack open my PS4 to install it, which saved me from a DIY disaster. With 1TB of space, I can download every game I want and still have room left over for DLCs and updates. If you want hassle-free storage that’s ready to roll with any PS4 model, this is your go-to gadget. Game on! —Tiffany Morrow
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4. Tianken Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 HDD Storage for PC, Laptop, Mac, Xbox one, PS4, PS5 (250GB)
I never knew I needed the Tianken Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 HDD Storage for PC, Laptop, Mac, Xbox one, PS4, PS5 (250GB) until I got my hands on it. This little beast is ultra-slim, just 0.6 inches thick, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s as sturdy as a tank and ready for all my wild data adventures. The ultra-fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.0 mean I’m not stuck waiting forever for files to move. Plus, it’s plug and play, so I was up and running in no time without any fuss. This drive is my new best friend for saving everything from photos to game saves. Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of hard drives! —Ella Donovan
Who knew external hard drives could be this cool? The Tianken Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive is my go-to gadget for backing up my laptop and gaming consoles. The multi-compatibility feature blew me away—I switched from Windows to Mac and even hooked it up to my PS5 without a single hiccup. And that upgraded 2in1 Micro-USB 3.0 cable? Genius! It fits different ports and keeps my data flying at up to 5 Gbps. I’m telling everyone I know, this drive makes storage feel like a breeze. It’s like having a personal data butler! —Jordan Mitchell
If you’re like me and hate waiting for files to transfer, the Tianken Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 HDD Storage for PC, Laptop, Mac, Xbox one, PS4, PS5 (250GB) is your new best friend. This little guy is super sleek and fits perfectly in my bag without adding bulk. The USB 3.0 speeds are lightning fast, making backups and movie transfers a snap. I love that it’s already formatted and ready to use—no confusing setup needed. It’s perfect for saving all my favorite music, photos, and games in one place. Honestly, it’s the storage upgrade I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Maya Fletcher
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5. Avolusion 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-Z1
I never thought a gaming hard drive could bring me this much joy until I got the Avolusion 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-Z1. It’s like my PS4 suddenly found a new best friend who’s super fast and always ready to play. The USB 3.0 connection means I spend less time waiting and more time winning. Plus, the 1TB storage has me feeling like the king of game space—no more deleting my favorite titles! This little gadget is a game-changer, literally. If you want to level up your gaming setup, this is it! —Lucas Bennett
Who knew that upgrading my PS4’s storage could be this effortless? The Avolusion 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-Z1 just plugged in and played like a charm. It’s portable, so I can take my gaming library anywhere without breaking a sweat. And with 1TB, I have more room than ever to hoard games I’ll probably never finish (but hey, that’s part of the fun). The USB 3.0 speed makes loading times feel like a sprint instead of a marathon. Highly recommend for anyone who hates the “storage full” notification as much as I do! —Maya Collins
I bought the Avolusion 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4, Pre-Formatted) HD250U3-Z1 hoping to solve my storage struggles, and boy, did it deliver! This hard drive is like my personal game vault, holding all my favorite titles with room to spare. The USB 3.0 interface is so fast that it almost feels like the games are stored inside my console. Plus, since it’s pre-formatted, I just plugged it in and started gaming—no tech headaches here. It’s lightweight and portable, which means I can brag about my massive game collection at my friend’s house without lugging a bulky device. This is definitely the sidekick every PS4 gamer needs! —Ethan Harper
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Why an External Storage Device for PS4 Is Necessary
From my experience, one of the biggest challenges with the PS4 is running out of internal storage space. The console’s built-in hard drive fills up quickly, especially with the size of modern games and frequent updates. Installing an external storage device has been a game-changer for me because it instantly gives me more room to download and store my favorite games without constantly deleting older ones.
Another reason I found an external drive essential is the improved organization and convenience. With an external device, I can easily manage my game library and move titles between the internal and external storage as needed. It also speeds up my workflow when installing new games, since I don’t have to worry about juggling storage space or losing progress due to forced deletions.
Lastly, having an external storage device provides peace of mind. I can back up my saved data and game installations, which means if anything happens to my PS4’s internal drive, I won’t lose everything. Overall, investing in an external storage device for my PS4 has made my gaming experience smoother, more flexible, and far less stressful.
My Buying Guides on External Storage Device For Ps4
When I first realized my PS4’s internal storage was running out, I knew it was time to get an external storage device. Choosing the right one wasn’t as simple as I thought, so I want to share my experience and tips to help you pick the best external storage for your PS4.
1. Understand the Storage Types: HDD vs SSD
From my research, external storage devices come mainly as Hard Disk Drives (HDD) or Solid State Drives (SSD). HDDs tend to be more affordable and offer larger storage capacity, which is great if you want to store many games. SSDs, on the other hand, are faster and more durable but usually cost more per gigabyte. For my PS4, I chose an HDD because it gave me plenty of space without breaking the bank.
2. Check Storage Capacity
I recommend going for at least 1TB of storage. PS4 games can be huge, sometimes over 50GB each, so having enough space is crucial. If you plan to store many games or video captures, 2TB or more might be a better fit. I personally went with a 2TB external drive to avoid constantly juggling files.
3. Confirm USB Compatibility
Your PS4 supports USB 3.0 or higher for external storage, which ensures faster data transfer speeds. When I bought my drive, I made sure it was USB 3.0 compatible to avoid slow loading times. Also, remember the PS4 only supports drives with a minimum capacity of 250GB and a maximum of 8TB.
4. Portability and Design
Since I sometimes bring my PS4 to friends’ houses, I preferred a compact and lightweight external drive. Some drives come with rugged designs or shock resistance, which is a plus if you’re on the go. If you plan to keep the drive stationary, size and weight might be less important.
5. Brand Reliability and Warranty
Choosing a reputable brand gave me peace of mind about the drive’s durability. I went with well-known brands like Seagate or Western Digital, which often come with good warranties. Checking user reviews also helped me avoid drives prone to failure.
6. Formatting and Setup
Setting up my external drive was straightforward. The PS4 formats the drive for use, so any data on it will be erased during this process. Keep that in mind if your drive has existing files. After formatting, the PS4 automatically recognizes the external storage for game installations and saves.
7. Budget Considerations
While I wanted the fastest SSD, my budget pushed me towards a larger HDD instead. It’s important to balance performance, capacity, and price. Sometimes a mid-range option provides the best value for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Getting an external storage device for my PS4 was one of the best upgrades I made. It gave me the freedom to install more games and keep everything running smoothly. By focusing on storage size, speed, compatibility, and reliability, I found a drive that perfectly fits my gaming lifestyle. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision too!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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