Buying Guide
The Best External SSDs for PS5
Five external drives compared, from the X9 2TB to the T9 2TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The PS5 can store and play PS4 games from an external USB drive, and store PS5 games there to move back internally. These SSDs are ordered by capacity.
We sorted these picks by drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed, working from the makers' own data; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Crucial X9 Portable SSD 2TB
Undercutting the SanDisk Extreme 2TB on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Crucial X9 Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB (1050MB/s)
An IP65 water and dust rating.
Best for: Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB (1050MB/s) (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB
The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
WD My Passport SSD 2TB
Hardware encryption with a password.
Best for: Buyers who want hardware encryption with a password.
Our take Check price for WD My Passport SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Crucial X9 Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 2TB X9 keeps the 1,050MB/s rating and IP55 build of the 1TB model.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s).
Why we like it
It has room for a larger game library. It is rated IP55 for water and dust and survives drops of up to 7.5 feet, so it can travel in a camera bag. It works with consoles as well as Windows, Mac and iPad Pro.
It matches the SanDisk Extreme 2TB and the My Passport SSD on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). A USB-C (USB 3.2) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the T9 2TB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. Like the SanDisk Extreme 2TB, it has a none stated security, while the X10 Pro 2TB uses an SSD password protection security.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the SanDisk Extreme 2TB was the next step up. The main gap: rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s). If that matters, the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2,100MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB-C (USB 3.2)
- Durability claim: IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- IP55 rating
- Drop resistance up to 7.5ft
- 2TB for a larger game library
- USB-C (USB 3.2) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Rated read speed of 1,050MB/s, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s)
Also Consider2 of 5
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB (1050MB/s) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The earlier SanDisk Extreme offers 1,050MB/s reads, an IP65 rating and 3m drop protection.
Best for
- Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the X9 2TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The 2TB size suits games and video. SanDisk rates it for 3-metre drops and IP65 water and dust resistance, up from the earlier 2-metre and IP55 ratings. A carabiner loop lets you clip it to a bag.
Password protection uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and the Memory Zone app helps manage files. It matches the X9 2TB and the My Passport SSD on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You get a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection here, which sets it apart from the T9 2TB and its a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection.
Like the X9 2TB, it has a none stated security, while the X10 Pro 2TB uses an SSD password protection security. It also offers NVMe performance in a small body. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper X9 2TB and the pricier X10 Pro 2TB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: IP65, drops up to 3m
- Security: None stated
Pros
- IP65 water and dust rating
- Drop protection up to 3m
- NVMe performance in a small body
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the X9 2TB at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Read Speed3 of 5
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Crucial's X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s reads and 2,000MB/s writes, so large exports copy back nearly as fast as they read.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the X9 2TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It adds IP55 water and dust resistance, a 7.5ft drop rating and password protection built into the drive. It reads at up to 2,100MB/s and is rated IP55 with 7.5-foot drop resistance. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port.
On rated read speed it leads this guide at 2,100MB/s, ahead of the T9 2TB (2,000MB/s). An SSD password protection security is unique to it among these picks, while the SanDisk Extreme 2TB uses a none stated security. It also offers a lanyard loop and activity light and three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image. It was priced above the SanDisk Extreme 2TB and below the My Passport SSD at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 2,100MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 (USB-C, USB-A supported)
- Durability claim: IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security: SSD password protection
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- 2,000MB/s rated writes
- Lanyard loop and activity light
- Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image
Cons
- Costs more than the X9 2TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
WD My Passport SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WD's My Passport SSD pairs 1,050MB/s reads with password-protected hardware encryption.
Best for
- Buyers who want hardware encryption with a password.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2,100MB/s.
Why we like it
It is rated for 6.5ft drops. It connects over USB-C and includes a USB-A path for older machines. It uses NVMe inside, which is why it reaches 1,050MB/s over USB.
It matches the X9 2TB and the SanDisk Extreme 2TB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). It also offers drop resistance up to 6.5ft and a USB-A adapter for older systems. Worth noting too: drops up to 6.5ft durability claim, the only one here.
Its price falls between the X10 Pro 2TB and the T9 2TB, based on our last check. If rated read speed is your priority, the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter)
- Durability claim: Drops up to 6.5ft
- Security: Password, 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Pros
- Hardware encryption with a password
- Drop resistance up to 6.5ft
- USB-A adapter for older systems
- Drops up to 6.5ft durability claim, the only one here
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s)
- Costs more than the X9 2TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's T9 lists sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, and Samsung's Dynamic Thermal Guard is meant to hold that pace through long copies.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the X9 2TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Magician software handles firmware updates, health monitoring and optional encryption. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 2,000MB/s: the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2,100MB/s, and the My Passport SSD comes in at 1,050MB/s. No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection; compare the X9 2TB, which has a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection.
It also offers support for iPhone 15 Pro ProRes 4K60 recording. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. At our last price check it topped the group, with the My Passport SSD the nearest cheaper option. Capacity is its weakest area, and the X9 2TB covers it better at 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: Encryption via Magician software
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution for long transfers
- Support for iPhone 15 Pro ProRes 4K60 recording
Cons
- Costs more than the X9 2TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These External SSDs for PS5
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Security and extras
- We checked for password protection, encryption and backup software.
- Drive type and speed
- We recorded whether each drive is an SSD or hard drive and its read speed.
- Connection
- We checked the USB standard and connector each maker names.
- Durability
- We noted listed drop, water and dust claims.
What to Look for in an External SSD for PS5
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
SSD or hard drive
A portable hard drive gives the most terabytes per dollar and suits backups. A portable SSD is several times faster, lighter and more tolerant of drops, which suits working files and games.
Size for what you store
1TB suits documents and a few games. 2TB or more suits photo libraries, video and large game libraries. Hard drives reach larger sizes for the money.
Drop and water ratings
IP ratings and drop heights are manufacturer claims. They matter for drives that travel in bags; a drive that stays on a desk needs less.
Password and encryption
Hardware encryption with a password protects a drive that could be lost. Software-only encryption depends on an app being available on each computer.
Mac and Windows formatting
Many drives ship formatted for Windows. On a Mac, reformat to APFS for Time Machine, or exFAT to share the drive with a Windows PC.
Match the port
A 1,050MB/s SSD needs USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps); a 2,000MB/s SSD needs Gen 2x2 (20Gbps), which few laptops and no Macs offer. On a slower port the drive simply runs at the port's speed.
How to Choose an External SSD for PS5
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | X9 2TB | Undercutting the SanDisk Extreme 2TB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want IP65 water and dust rating | SanDisk Extreme 2TB | An IP65 water and dust rating |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | X10 Pro 2TB | The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s) |
| Buyers who want hardware encryption with a password | My Passport SSD | Hardware encryption with a password |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | T9 2TB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with sustained read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X9 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 1,050MB/s | USB-C (USB 3.2) |
| SanDisk Extreme 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
| X10 Pro 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 (USB-C, USB-A supported) |
| My Passport SSD | SSD | 2TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter) |
| T9 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | X9 2TB |
| About $250 to $500 | SanDisk Extreme 2TB, X10 Pro 2TB, My Passport SSD, T9 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on rated read speed?
The X10 Pro 2TB leads at 2,100MB/s, ahead of the T9 2TB at 2,000MB/s; the My Passport SSD sits at the other end with 1,050MB/s.
Which pick costs the least here?
Start with the X9 2TB, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The T9 2TB is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
How long do portable drives last?
It depends on use and handling. Check the warranty length as a signal of the maker's confidence, and replace a drive that reports errors.
Is a portable SSD good for backups?
It works, but a hard drive gives more capacity per dollar for backups. Keep a second copy somewhere else for anything irreplaceable.
Why does my 1TB drive show less space?
Drive makers count 1TB as one trillion bytes; Windows counts in binary units, so it shows about 931GB. No space is missing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the X9 2TB, chosen for undercutting the SanDisk Extreme 2TB on price when we checked. Look at the SanDisk Extreme 2TB for an IP65 water and dust rating, the X10 Pro 2TB for the fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s) and the My Passport SSD for hardware encryption with a password if those matter more to you.
Use a rear USB port on the PS5; front ports are slower on some models.