5 best 1, 2 & 4TB external gaming SSDs for PC, PS5 & Mac in 2024
Finding the best external SSD of the right size for your gaming library can be tricky with the huge variety of hardware brands on offer.
Luckily, whether you're after a 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB model for the largest AAA releases, my trusty guide will have you covered.
However, if it's internal storage you're after though, you should dive into the five best 2TB M.2 SSDs as well.
How we chose the best external SSDs for gaming
To give you the best external gaming SSD selection possible from the many brands and models out there; WD, SanDisk, and Samsung; every model on this list comes with varied storage options - all at least being available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB sizes to be a versatile as can be.
Click to enlargeAlso, accounting for other potential needs you might have as a gamer, such as read speeds, durability and being budget-friendly, you should be able to find the best external SSD for your expanding games library without any issue.
Best all-around external SSD for gaming
WD BLACK P50 external SSD
Click to enlargeWD BLACK P50 external SSD details:
- Price:
- 1TB - $167.66
- 2TB - $299.99
- 4TB - $429.99
- Compatible platforms:
- PS5
- PC
- Mac
- Xbox
- PS4
- Key features:
- Read speeds up to 2000MB/s
- Shock-resistant
- Portable form factor
Western Digital is one of the biggest and most reliable names in additional storage drives, and the WD BLACK P50 is no different, one of the best external SSDs you can grab for gaming.
The best all-around external solid-state drive for consoles and PC, the WD BLACK P50 is one of the most durable to take with you and also one of the most reliable with read speeds up to 2000MB/s. Manufactured with a shock-resistant design in mind, you'll never have to worry while carrying around up to 100 games with you. Not only boasting a sleek form factor, the WD Black P50 is safe from knocks and bumps as well.
Fitting into almost any luggage and providing near-instant access to your expanded gaming library, the WD P50 is an exquisite external SSD for all console and PC players.
Most stylish external SSD for gaming
Sandisk Extreme Portable PRO external SSD
Click to enlargeSandisk Extreme Portable PRO external SSD details:
- Price:
- 1TB - $119.99
- 2TB - $189.99
- 4TB - $319.99
- Compatible platforms:
- PC
- PS5
- Mac
- PS4
- Xbox
- Mobile
- Tablet
- Key features:
- Read speeds up to 2000MB/s
- IPS5 water and dust resistance
- Two-metre drop protection
Although initially marketed for photographers and working professionals on the move, the Sandisk Extreme Portable Pro doubles as a stylish portable SSD that works great for consoles; PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One; and PC gaming as well.
Also packaged with IPS5 protection and drop protection to help brave the elements, what makes this Sandisk model one of the best external SSDs is its forged aluminium chassis - acting as a heat sink to keep stable read speeds as high as possible.
Most water & dust-resistant external SSD for gaming
Samsung T7 Shield external SSD
Click to enlargeSamsung T7 Shield external SSD details:
- Price:
- 1TB - $99.99
- 2TB - $179.99
- 4TB - $298.99
- Compatible platforms:
- PC
- PS5
- Mac
- PS4
- Xbox
- Android
- Key features:
- Read/write speeds up to 1050/1000MB/s
- IP65 water and dust resistance
- Available in black, blue, and beige
If the fastest read speeds on the market aren't a priority for you, then what makes the Samsung T7 Shield one of the best external SSDs for gaming is its rugged durability at a lower price than its competitors.
Available in multiple chic colours, this tough but dapper external Samsung SSD is compatible with extra platforms outside of PS5, PC, and Mac, and has added protection from water and dust with its outstanding IP65 rating.
What’s more, the high-tech rubber exterior of its design promotes both heat maintenance for read speed performance and slip-free grip, so you can game and move your set-up when needed without worry.
Most drop-resistant external SSD for gaming
Crucial X8 external SSD
Click to enlargeCrucial X8 external SSD details:
- Price:
- 1TB - $110.75
- 2TB - $209.96
- 4TB - $383.83
- Compatible platforms:
- PC
- PS5
- Mac
- iPad
- Chromebook
- PS4
- Xbox
- Android
- Linux
- Key features:
- Up to 1050MB/s read speeds
- Budget-friendly
- Durable - drop-proof up to 7.5 feet
As the name implies, the Crucial X8 is a great portable SSD for gaming; if what's crucial to you is a wide variety of platform support and major drop protection on a budget.
Combined with an anodised aluminium core for temperature control, this Micron-manufactured SSD is shock, vibration, and drop-proof up to 7.5 feet. If you're regularly taking your extra storage out with you and want the most protection value for your money, the Crucial X8 is a must.
Best budget external SSD for gaming
Crucial X6 Portable External SSD
Click to enlargeSilicon Power B75 Rugged Portable External SSD details:
- Price:
- 1TB - $74.89
- 2TB - $14.99
- 4TB - $218.00
- Compatible platforms:
- PS5
- PC
- Mac
- Xbox
- PS4
- Android
- iPad
- Key features:
- Budget-friendly
- Weighs under 41g
- Drop, shock, vibration, and temperature-resistant
To give you the most storage for the least amount of money possible, Crucial is back but this time with the best budget-friendly external SSD that isn't only kind to your wallet, but pocket space too.
Thanks to the space-efficient and compact design, the X6's tiny form factor makes it weigh less than a set of car keys, making taking your gaming libraries on the go easier than ever.
If you live an active lifestyle though, the Crucial X6 is clutz-proof too; being resistant to shocks and vibrations, this portable SSD can even withstand a 6.5-foot drop to keep your precious games safer than ever.
While you might be looking for a new gaming display as well, you should also have a browse of the best gaming projectors currently available. For even more essentials check out our best gaming hardware homepage, right here at GGRecon.
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