Here are the external hard drives I recommend for various gaming devices including consoles, PCs, and handheld devices.
The vast array of digital games available through online stores and services like PS Plus Premium or Xbox Game Pass makes it quite simple to exceed the storage capacity of your console or gaming PC. Fortunately, top-notch external hard drives designed for gaming are available to solve any storage issues you might encounter.
The type of external drive you choose for your gaming setup largely depends on your preferred gaming device and your specific needs. If you’re looking to upgrade the storage on your old PS4, an external SSD could be the perfect solution. For those using the latest PS5 from Sony, sticking with one of the top SSDs designed for PS5 is a wise choice, though there are also many cost-effective HDD options suited for all your gaming storage requirements. If portable gaming is more your style with devices like the best gaming handhelds, you’ll want a compact option that can easily attach to the back of the device, ideally with Magsafe compatibility.
Note that these external drives won’t allow you to run games directly from them. Nevertheless, each drive mentioned here has undergone rigorous testing and comparison to ensure that their transfer speeds and quality make them worthy of your time and money, regardless of your budget.
The Quick List
Best overall
Top Pick Overall
The WD Black P40 SSD reigns as the ultimate all-rounder in external drives, boasting speed, portability, durability, and versatility.
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Best for simple backups
Top Choice for Basic Backups
If you need an affordable solution for backing up your old gaming files, Seagate’s HDD is a reliable, albeit slower, option.
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Best value HDD
Best Value HDD
WD My Passport has been a reliable name in HDDs for years, offering ample storage capacity for a fraction of the cost of other types.
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Best value SSD
Top Value SSD
Offering nearly the performance of the P40 at a more appealing price, the WD Black P50 is an excellent SSD choice.
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Most portable
Most Portable SSD
The Crucial X10 Pro stands out not just for its performance but for its exceptionally compact size, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming.
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Most durable
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Most Durable
Though it may not be the newest model, the Samsung T7 Shield’s durability and cost-efficiency make it a strong contender.
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