External Hard Drive vs SSD for PS5 and PS4
8 minute read
Compare external hard drives vs SSDs for PS5 & PS4. Discover which storage option offers faster load times, better performance, and the best value for your console.
Storage space can quickly become challenging as your PS5™ and PS4™ game library grows. Whether you're a casual gamer juggling your favorite titles, a performance-driven player craving faster load times, or a collector looking to preserve your ever-expanding library, the right storage solution makes all the difference.
External hard drives and external solid-state drives (SSDs) offer ways to expand storage but serve different needs. Hard drives provide high-capacity space at a lower cost, making them ideal for storing more games without worrying about running out of room.
SSDs deliver lightning-fast speeds for improved performance and reduced load times, perfect for gamers who want to jump into action without delay.
Seagate’s Game Drive for PS5 Hard Drive and Game Drive SSD for PS5 are designed to work with PS4 and PS5, allowing you to easily store, play, and manage your games. Whether you need massive capacity or next-level speed, there’s an external storage solution built for your gaming style—so you can focus on what matters most: playing and enjoying your games.
When comparing hard drives and SSDs for PS5 and PS4, it’s important to understand how each drive works and how it enhances the gaming experience.
A hard drive stores data on spinning magnetic disks, offering a high-capacity, cost-effective solution for expanding your PS5 or PS4 storage. Upgrading to a Seagate hard drive can significantly improve upon the PS4’s stock drive performance for storing and archiving PS5 games. Hard drives are dependable for gamers who need ample space without a premium price.
SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory to deliver lightning-fast load times, smooth gameplay, and increased durability. SSDs allow you to quickly access games with minimal lag, making them an excellent option for gamers who prioritize performance and responsiveness.
For upgrading PS5 and PS4 storage, the best choice between hard drives vs. SSDs depends on your gaming needs. Whether you want maximum capacity or next-level speed, Seagate offers external PlayStation® hard drives and SSDs designed for every type of player.
Performance is a key factor when expanding your PlayStation storage. Whether you're looking for faster load times, smoother gameplay, or more space for your expanding library, external hard drives and solid-state drives offer valuable upgrades.
Hard drives deliver high-capacity, cost-effective storage, making them perfect for game collectors and players who need reliable space without a high price tag. SSDs provide lightning-fast speeds, quick game transfers, and high performance, which is ideal for gamers who want instant access to their favorite titles.
While SSDs are faster, external hard drives provide substantial improvements over the PS4’s built-in hard drive, enabling seamless gameplay and a more efficient storage solution.
Here’s a breakdown of the key performance differences between hard drives and SSDs, including loading times, transfer speeds, storage capacity, and durability, to help you find the best fit for your gaming setup.
Load times directly impact how fast your games launch and how well they run and reload after a defeat. The chart below breaks down the differences between hard drives and SSDs when it comes to loading times:
| Load times | Hard drives | SSDs |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming impact | Seagate hard drives significantly improve upon the PS4’s built-in hard drive for faster game loading. | SSDs load game assets almost instantly because they have fast read speeds |
| Seagate solution | Seagate’s 2TB Game Drive for PS4 adds about 50 game slots, reducing the need to delete old titles. The Game Drive for PS5 hard drive expands the PS5’s storage, allowing players to archive PS5 games and play PS4 titles directly from the drive. |
Seagate’s Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 boots up games in seconds, minimizing wait times and keeping gameplay uninterrupted. |
Data transfer speed determines how quickly games install, update, and move between storage devices. The chart below breaks down the differences between hard drives and SSDs when it comes to transfer speeds:
| Transfer speeds | Hard drives | SSDs |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming impact | Provide consistent transfer speeds. An excellent choice for archiving PS5 games and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive. | SSDs effortlessly move large game files, so you can spend less time waiting and more time playing. |
| Seagate solution | Seagate’s Game Drive for PS5 hard drive guarantees reliable performance for gamers prioritizing storage capacity over speed. | Seagate's Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 offers blazing-fast transfer speeds, significantly reducing installation and update times. |
Storage capacity is critical when choosing between the best SSD for PS5 and PS4 vs. hard drive. The chart below breaks down the differences between hard drives and SSDs when it comes to storage capacity:
| Storage capacity | Hard drives | SSDs |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming impact | Offer larger storage at a lower cost, making them ideal for game collectors. | Typically have smaller capacities but deliver blazing fast performance. |
| Seagate solution | Seagate’s Game Drive for PS5 hard drive provides 2TB of extra space, allowing players to store dozens of PS4 and PS5 games without worry. | Seagate’s Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 strikes the perfect balance between speed and storage capacity, so frequently played titles are always ready to go. |
Durability is essential for gamers who travel frequently or move their storage devices. The chart below breaks down the differences between hard drives and SSDs when it comes to data durability and reliability:
| Durability and reliability | Hard drives | SSDs |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming impact | Hard drives offer proven longevity and durability, larger storage at lower cost, and reliable performance for gaming. | SSDs provide fast load times and durability but come at a higher cost with limited storage capacity. |
| Seagate solution | Seagate’s Game Drive for PS5 hard drive offers excellent endurance for valuable game collections. | Seagate FireCuda 530 SSD Heatsink and FireCuda 530 SSD offer high-endurance storage, providing long-term protection for valuable game collections. |
The best choice between hard drives and SSDs to expand your PlayStation storage depends on your gaming needs. Seagate’s Game Drive for PS5 HDD and Game Drive for PS5 SSD offer tailored options based on capacity, speed, or a combination.
Whether you prioritize maximum capacity or next-level speed, Seagate offers versatile solutions that let you play your way.
Expanding your PlayStation 5 storage is easier than ever, whether you choose an internal SSD upgrade for peak performance or an external hard drive for more space. Seagate offers user-friendly solutions designed for easy integration with your PS5—so you can store more, load faster, and game without limits.
Upgrading your PS5’s internal storage with an SSD provides next-level speed, seamless performance, and direct integration with your console.
Installing an internal SSD is simple:
The Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 is Sony-verified for compatibility, peak gaming performance, and ultra-fast load times. Plus, its custom low-profile heatsink helps keep your system cool—even during marathon gaming sessions.
An external hard drive is a plug-and-play solution for managing your game library without taking up internal storage space.
An external drive is a hassle-free way to expand your storage, perfect for gamers who want more space without opening their console.
Before choosing between an external hard drive or an internal SSD, consider these factors:
| Considerations | HDDs | SSDs |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hard drives offer larger capacities at a lower price. | SSDs deliver premium speed for a higher cost. |
| Gaming habits | If you mostly archive games, hard drives provide the best value. | An SSD ensures near-instant access if you frequently switch between games. |
| Game types | Expansive libraries require cost-effective hard drive capacity. | Performance-driven games benefit from SSD speed. |
Seagate offers a range of storage solutions tailored to different gaming styles and budgets, giving every gamer the ultimate PlayStation experience.
When deciding between an HDD and SSD for PS5 and PS4, it depends on your gaming priorities.
No matter your choice, expanding your PS5 storage is simple with Seagate’s trusted, high-performance solutions. Upgrading your PS5 or PS4 storage doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prioritize speed, capacity, or a combination, Seagate offers the best storage solution to fit your gaming style.
Do you need more space for your growing game collection? Whether you're looking for speed, storage, or both, Seagate has the right solution for your PS5 and PS4 gaming needs. Never worry about running out of space again—level up your gaming experience today!
