The Best External Hard Drives for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S 2026
- Andrew C.
- 2 days ago
- 15 min read
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Running out of storage is one of the most common frustrations for modern console gamers. No matter how powerful your console is, internal space fills up far faster than expected, and the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are no exception.
The standard PS5 comes equipped with an 825 GB internal SSD, but once the system software is taken into account, only around 667 GB is actually usable. The Xbox Series X offers a larger 1 TB SSD, yet you still end up with roughly 802 GB available. While that may sound reasonable on paper, it quickly becomes limiting once you start installing a few modern titles.
Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium make the situation even more challenging. With hundreds of games available for a monthly fee, it is tempting to keep several installed at the same time. The problem is that modern games are massive. Halo: The Master Chief Collection alone can require around 120 GB, while many Call of Duty titles easily exceed 200 GB. Just a handful of games is enough to completely fill your console’s internal storage.
This is why external storage quickly becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether you want to keep more games ready to play, avoid constant deleting and reinstalling, or simply expand your library, an external hard drive or SSD can dramatically improve your gaming experience. The good news is that there are plenty of options available, ranging from affordable high-capacity hard drives to faster, premium SSDs.
Before buying one, however, there are a few technical details worth understanding. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X use ultra-fast solid-state drives (SSDs) for internal storage, which are significantly faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). The PS5’s SSD delivers 5.5 GB/s raw speeds and up to 8 to 9 GB/s compressed, while the Xbox Series X reaches 2.4 GB/s raw and up to 4.8 GB/s compressed. These speeds are the reason next-gen games are designed to run from the internal SSD.
The USB connection also plays an important role when choosing external storage. To ensure acceptable transfer speeds, any external drive should support USB 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2. The PlayStation 5 features one USB Type-C port and two USB Type-A ports capable of transfers of up to 10 Gbps, while the Xbox Series X includes USB Type-A ports with speeds of up to 5 Gbps. Using older USB standards can significantly slow down game transfers.
It is also important to note that, at the moment, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played directly from standard external drives, unless they are previous-generation titles such as PS4 or Xbox One games. That said, external storage is still extremely useful. You can store next-gen games externally and transfer them back to the internal SSD whenever you want to play. In most cases, this is far quicker than re-downloading large games, especially with average internet speeds.
So, which external drive should you choose? Capacity, speed, compatibility, and value all matter, and not every model is equally suited for console gaming. Below, we break down the best external hard drives for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, helping you find the right option based on performance, storage needs, and budget.
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Best External Hard Drive for PS5 and Xbox Series X S:
WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive
PS5 and XBS X\S COMPATIBLE
The WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive is one of the best-selling external hard drives for modern consoles, and it stands out for a simple reason: it delivers massive storage capacity at an excellent price, without sacrificing reliability.
If your priority is to store a large number of games without paying the premium prices of SSDs or proprietary expansion cards, the P10 is a very smart choice. With up to 6 TB of storage, it can hold up to 150 games, making it ideal for gamers who want to keep old favorites while still having room for new releases. It works perfectly for archiving PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games, while allowing you to play PS4 and Xbox One titles directly from the drive.
As a traditional HDD, its performance is solid and consistent. The WD_BLACK P10 delivers read speeds of up to 140 MB/s, which is more than sufficient for transferring large games back to your console’s internal SSD. While it does not match the speed required to run next-gen games directly, it significantly reduces the need to re-download massive files, saving both time and bandwidth.
The drive connects via USB 3.0, ensuring stable data transfer and broad compatibility. It is fully supported on:
Xbox Series X|S (play and store Xbox One games, archive Series X|S games)
PlayStation 5 (play and store PS4 games, archive PS5 games)
Its portable design with a sleek metal top cover makes it easy to place next to your console or take with you, and the overall build quality feels premium for an HDD in this category. To reinforce its long-term value, WD backs the P10 with a 3-year limited warranty, highlighting the brand’s focus on durability and gaming reliability.
The real appeal of the WD_BLACK P10 lies in its exceptional value for money. It is not designed to replace the internal SSD for next-gen performance, but as a high-capacity, cost-effective storage expansion, it remains one of the best external hard drives you can buy for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Pros
Up to 6TB of storage, ideal for large PS5 and Xbox Series X|S game libraries
Excellent value for money compared to external SSDs and expansion cards
Reliable performance for an HDD, with speeds of up to 140 MB/s
USB 3.0 connectivity ensures stable and widely compatible transfers
Works seamlessly with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
Portable design with a premium metal top cover
Backed by a 3-year limited warranty from WD_BLACK
Cons
Cannot play PS5 or Xbox Series X|S games directly from the drive
Slower than external SSDs when transferring large files
Performance is limited by HDD technology compared to NVMe solutions
Best for: Gamers with large libraries, budget-focused buyers, and anyone who wants dependable, high-capacity storage without paying SSD prices.
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Seagate HDD Officially Licensed for PlayStation Systems, Black
PS5 COMPATIBLE
The Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation (2TB) is a practical and affordable storage solution for PlayStation users who want more space without paying the premium price of an SSD. Officially licensed by PlayStation, this external hard drive is designed to work seamlessly with PS4 and PS5 consoles, offering a simple plug-and-play experience.
With 2TB of storage, it gives you enough room to install over 100 games, making it an excellent option if your PS5 internal storage is constantly running out of space. While PS5 games cannot be played directly from an external HDD, this drive is perfect for archiving PS5 titles and playing PS4 games directly from the drive. This allows you to keep your PS5’s internal SSD free for next-gen games where performance matters most.
In terms of performance, the Seagate Game Drive uses a USB 3.0 interface and delivers transfer speeds of up to 120 MB/s, which is typical for a traditional HDD. These speeds are more than adequate for moving large game files between the external drive and your console, saving you from repeated downloads.
One of its strongest points is ease of use. Setup is extremely straightforward: simply plug the drive into your console, and it is ready to use. The compact and portable design also makes it easy to take your game library with you and use it on another compatible PlayStation console.
As with any hard disk drive, it should be handled with care, as physical shocks or drops can damage internal components. Used properly, however, it provides reliable and cost-effective storage expansion backed by Seagate’s experience and PlayStation’s official licensing.
Pros
Officially licensed for PlayStation, ensuring full compatibility
2TB of storage, enough for large PS4 and PS5 game libraries
Allows you to play PS4 games directly from the external drive
Ideal for archiving PS5 games to free up internal SSD space
USB 3.0 connectivity with speeds up to 120 MB/s
Simple plug-and-play setup, no configuration required
Portable design to take your games to other consoles
Cons
PS5 games cannot be played directly from the drive
Slower than external SSDs when transferring large files
Requires careful handling, as with all HDD-based storage
Best for: PlayStation users who want affordable storage expansion, PS4 game playback, and an easy way to archive PS5 games.
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Best external SSD drive storage for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S:
SanDisk Extreme Portable NVMe SSD, USB-C, up to 1050MB/s Read and 1000MB/s Write Speed, Water and Dust-Resistant
PS5 and XBS X\S COMPATIBLE
The SanDisk Extreme Portable NVMe SSD stands out as one of the most durable and versatile external SSDs you can buy for console gaming. Unlike traditional HDDs, this solid-state drive is built to handle real-life accidents, making it an excellent choice if you want speed, portability, and peace of mind in a single device.
One of its biggest advantages is durability. The drive now offers up to 3-meter drop protection and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes, dust, and accidental drops far better than any mechanical hard drive. This level of protection makes it ideal for gamers who move their setup frequently or want a drive that can survive everyday mishaps without risking data loss.
Performance is another strong point. Powered by NVMe technology and connected via USB 3.2 Gen 2, the SanDisk Extreme delivers read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s. In practical terms, this translates into much faster game transfers compared to HDDs, significantly reducing the time it takes to move large titles back to your console’s internal SSD.
In terms of capacity, the SanDisk Extreme is available in versions of up to 8TB, offering plenty of space to store a large library of games. On PlayStation 5, it is ideal for archiving PS5 games and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive. On Xbox Series X|S, it works perfectly as external game storage, allowing you to store Series X|S games and play Xbox One games directly without any issues.
Additional features such as a built-in carabiner loop make it easy to secure the drive to a backpack or desk setup, while 256-bit AES hardware encryption helps keep your data protected. SanDisk also backs this SSD with a 5-year limited warranty, reinforcing its long-term reliability.
If you want a fast, rugged, and future-proof external SSD that works seamlessly with both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the SanDisk Extreme Portable NVMe SSD is one of the best all-around options available today.
Pros
NVMe SSD performance with up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds
Up to 8TB capacity, ideal for large game libraries
IP65 water and dust resistance and up to 3-meter drop protection
Works with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
Allows PS4 and Xbox One games to be played directly
Significantly faster transfers than HDDs
5-year limited warranty for long-term reliability
Cons
PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played directly from the drive
More expensive than traditional external HDDs
Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2 support to reach maximum speeds
Best for: Gamers who want fast transfers, high durability, and a portable SSD that works equally well with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
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WD (Western Digital) Black P50 1TB NVMe SSD Game Drive
PS5 and XBS X\S COMPATIBLE
The WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD is a premium external storage solution built for gamers who want top-tier speed, reliability, and future-proof performance. It is one of the fastest external SSDs available and is designed to take full advantage of high-speed USB connections on modern hardware.
At its core, the P50 delivers SSD speeds of up to 2000 MB/s (read), powered by an NVMe drive and a SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps interface (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2). This makes it an outstanding option for very fast game transfers, significantly reducing waiting times when moving large titles between storage devices.
The drive is available in capacities of up to 4TB, giving you plenty of room to store a sizeable game library. It is ideal for archiving PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games and for playing PS4 and Xbox One titles directly from the drive. The rugged, shock-resistant metal enclosure adds durability while maintaining a sleek, gaming-focused design.
It is important to note one technical detail: while the WD_BLACK P50 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), both the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are limited to standard USB speeds. This means you will not reach the full 2000 MB/s transfer rate on consoles. However, even within those limits, the P50 still performs faster than most external SSDs, making it an excellent choice if you also plan to use it with a PC or want a more future-proof drive.
WD includes both a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to Type-A cable in the box, ensuring compatibility with consoles, PCs, and laptops right out of the gate. As expected from the WD_BLACK lineup, build quality and reliability are strong, positioning the P50 as a high-end option in the external SSD category.
The main drawback is price. The WD_BLACK P50 is more expensive than standard external SSDs and significantly more costly than HDD solutions. Additionally, like all USB-based external drives, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played directly from it. That said, if speed and premium performance matter to you, the P50 justifies its cost.
Pros
Up to 2000 MB/s read speeds (via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2)
SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps interface, built for high performance
Up to 4TB of storage for large game libraries
Faster transfers than most external SSDs
Shock-resistant metal enclosure
Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables
Excellent option for PC + console users
Cons
Full 2000 MB/s speeds are not reached on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S due to USB limitations
PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played directly from the drive
More expensive than most external SSDs and all HDD options
Best for: Gamers who want one of the fastest external SSDs available, fast game transfers, and a premium drive that also excels on PC.
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Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S Solid State Drive
XBS X\S COMPATIBLE
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is the official and most seamless storage upgrade available for Microsoft’s latest consoles. Designed in direct partnership with Xbox, this expansion card is built to match the performance of the internal SSD, delivering a true next-gen experience with zero compromises.
Unlike USB external drives, this card integrates directly into the dedicated expansion slot on the back of the Xbox Series X|S. Installation takes seconds and requires no setup. Once connected, it works as an extension of the console’s internal storage, allowing you to play Xbox Series X|S games directly with the same graphics quality, latency, load times, and frame rates as the internal SSD.
Thanks to full support for the Xbox Velocity Architecture, every game stored on the expansion card benefits from lightning-fast load times and features like Quick Resume, letting you switch between multiple games almost instantly. This applies not only to Series X|S titles, but also to thousands of Original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games, all running at peak performance.
In terms of capacity, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is now available in versions of up to 4TB, giving you massive room to expand your library without constantly managing storage. This makes it ideal for players who want to keep multiple large next-gen titles installed and ready to play at all times.
The main drawback is price. Compared to USB external SSDs or HDDs, this expansion card is significantly more expensive. However, it is also the only storage solution that delivers native Xbox Series X|S performance without transfers, limitations, or workarounds. Seagate backs the card with a 3-year limited warranty, providing long-term peace of mind.
If you want the closest possible experience to upgrading the internal SSD itself, this is the gold standard for Xbox storage expansion.
Pros
Plays Xbox Series X|S games directly with no performance loss
Matches the console’s internal SSD speed and performance
Full support for Xbox Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume
Up to 4TB of storage available
Simple plug-and-play installation via the expansion slot
Officially licensed by Xbox
Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
Significantly more expensive than USB external drives
Only compatible with Xbox Series X|S
Not usable as general external storage for other devices
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who want native performance, zero limitations, and the most seamless storage upgrade available.
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WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card
XBS X\S COMPATIBLE
The WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is a premium, officially licensed storage solution designed for gamers who want native next-gen performance without compromises. Built to leverage the Xbox Velocity Architecture, this expansion card delivers the same speed and responsiveness as the console’s internal SSD, allowing you to play games directly from the card with no limitations.
Unlike USB-based external drives, the WD_BLACK C50 plugs directly into the dedicated expansion slot on the back of the Xbox Series X|S. Setup takes seconds and requires no tools, no cables, and no configuration. Once installed, the console treats it as internal storage, meaning Xbox Series X|S games run exactly as intended, with fast load times, stable frame rates, and full support for features like Quick Resume.
As game sizes continue to grow, storage capacity becomes critical. The WD_BLACK C50 is available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options, giving you flexibility depending on how large your game library is. This makes it easy to keep multiple next-gen titles installed and ready to play without constantly deleting or transferring games.
One of the biggest advantages of the C50 is convenience. Unlike external SSDs or HDDs, there is no need to move games back and forth between storage devices. Everything stays ready to play at all times, making it an ideal solution for players who value simplicity and performance.
The card also features WD_BLACK’s signature industrial, gaming-focused design, which fits perfectly with the aesthetic of the Xbox Series X|S. While it is more expensive than USB external storage options, the WD_BLACK C50 offers a level of integration and performance that external drives simply cannot match.
If you want a true internal-storage experience without opening your console or sacrificing speed, the WD_BLACK C50 is one of the best expansion options available for Xbox Series X|S.
Pros
Plays Xbox Series X|S games directly with no performance loss
Matches internal SSD performance via Xbox Velocity Architecture
Plug-and-play installation using the official expansion slot
Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities
No need to transfer games between storage devices
Officially licensed by Xbox
Premium WD_BLACK design that complements the console
Cons
More expensive than USB external HDDs and SSDs
Only compatible with Xbox Series X|S consoles
Not usable as general-purpose external storage
Best for: Xbox Series X|S gamers who want native performance, instant access to games, and a clean, plug-and-play storage upgrade.
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Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2
PS5 and XBS X\S COMPATIBLE
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is one of the most trusted and well-rounded external SSDs on the market, combining speed, reliability, and versatility in a compact design. Powered by PCIe NVMe technology, it delivers fast and consistent performance that makes it an excellent upgrade for both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S users.
With read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s, the Samsung T7 offers significantly faster data transfers than traditional HDDs and older external SSDs. Using a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it allows you to move large game files quickly, making it ideal for archiving PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games and playing PS4 or Xbox One titles directly from the drive.
Storage capacity is another strong point. The T7 is available in versions of up to 4TB, giving you plenty of space to store game libraries, media files, and backups without constantly managing storage. Whether you are expanding console storage or using it across multiple devices, the T7 adapts easily to different setups.
Samsung includes two cables in the box: a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to Type-A cable, ensuring compatibility with modern consoles, PCs, laptops, and other devices right out of the box. The SSD also features a solid aluminum unibody construction, offering shock resistance and drop protection of up to 6 feet (approximately 2 meters), which is something mechanical hard drives simply cannot match.
Backed by Samsung’s reputation as the world’s number one flash memory brand, the T7 delivers excellent build quality and long-term reliability. While it does not allow PS5 or Xbox Series X|S games to be played directly from the drive, it excels at fast transfers and dependable everyday use.
If you want a fast, compact, and highly reliable external SSD that works seamlessly with both PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the Samsung T7 remains one of the safest and most popular choices available.
Pros
Up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds
USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface for fast data transfers
Up to 4TB of storage available
Works with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
Allows PS4 and Xbox One games to be played directly
Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables
Durable aluminum design with drop protection up to 6 feet
Backed by Samsung’s industry-leading flash memory expertise
Cons
PS5 and Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played directly from the drive
Slower than Xbox expansion cards or internal NVMe solutions
Premium price compared to traditional HDD storage
Best for: Gamers who want fast transfers, trusted reliability, and a portable SSD that works across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and multiple devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Can you play PS5 games from an external hard drive?
No. PS5 games cannot be played directly from an external hard drive or external SSD connected via USB. Sony requires PS5 games to run from the console’s internal SSD or a compatible internal M.2 NVMe SSD.However, you can store PS5 games on an external drive and transfer them back to the internal SSD when you want to play, which is usually faster than re-downloading them.
2) Can you play Xbox Series X|S games from an external SSD?
In most cases, no. Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played directly from standard USB external SSDs or HDDs.The exception is the official Xbox Storage Expansion Cards (such as Seagate or WD_BLACK C50), which plug into the console’s expansion slot and allow you to play Series X|S games directly with full next-gen performance.Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games can be played directly from USB external drives.
3) What is better for PS5: external SSD or internal SSD?
For playing PS5 games, an internal M.2 NVMe SSD is the best option because it allows you to play games directly with no limitations.An external SSD is still very useful for storing PS5 games and playing PS4 titles, offering faster transfers than HDDs, but it does not replace internal storage for next-gen gameplay.
4) Is an Xbox storage expansion card worth it?
Yes, if you want maximum convenience and performance. Xbox storage expansion cards offer the same speed and features as the internal SSD, including fast load times and Quick Resume, with no need to transfer games.They are more expensive than external drives, but they are the only solution that provides native Xbox Series X|S performance without compromises.
5) What is the difference between HDD and SSD for console gaming?
The main difference is speed.
HDDs are slower but offer much more storage for a lower price, making them ideal for archiving games.
SSDs are significantly faster, reducing transfer times and improving overall responsiveness, but they cost more per gigabyte.
For console gaming, HDDs are best for bulk storage, while SSDs are better for faster transfers and smoother overall experience.
6) Does USB speed matter for external storage on PS5 and Xbox?
Yes. USB speed directly affects how fast games are transferred between external storage and the console’s internal SSD.For best results, external drives should support USB 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2. Older USB standards will work, but transfer speeds will be noticeably slower, especially with large modern games.
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