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10 Best External Ssd For Gaming 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD - Up to 2,000MB/s, RGB Lighting, Portable External Solid State Drive , Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBAWY0010BBK-WESN

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,410
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1331 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with its lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Read/Write Speeds
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with its lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Durability and Build Quality
Its sleek design makes it not only a powerhouse of performance but also an aesthetic addition to any setup.
Compatibility
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone, making it highly versatile.

The Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD stands out as a strong choice for gamers looking for an external SSD. Its impressive read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s ensure that game loading times are significantly reduced, which can enhance your gaming experience. Plus, its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface means it offers fast data transfer rates, making it ideal for quick game installations and updates.

This SSD is designed with compatibility in mind. It works seamlessly with popular gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PCs and Macs. This flexibility allows gamers to use it across multiple platforms without any hassle. Its capacity of 1TB provides ample space for storing numerous large titles, so you can keep your favorite games at your fingertips.

On the durability front, the drive is built to withstand shocks, boasting a rugged design that can survive drops of up to two meters. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who are frequently on the go or may need to transport their drive to different locations. There are some drawbacks to consider, such as the RGB lighting customization being accessible only via the WD_BLACK Dashboard on Windows, which limits its use for Mac users. Additionally, while 1TB is decent, some gamers might find it limiting as game sizes continue to grow, especially if they prefer having a large library of games installed. The price per GB might be on the higher side compared to traditional HDDs, so budget-conscious gamers should weigh the speed and durability benefits against the cost. The P40 Game Drive SSD is a solid option for gamers prioritizing performance and portability, but those needing extensive storage might need to explore other options.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,410
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1331 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with its lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Read/Write Speeds
The Western Digital 1TB P40 is an absolute game-changer with its lightning-fast data transfer speeds and impressive storage capacity.
Durability and Build Quality
Its sleek design makes it not only a powerhouse of performance but also an aesthetic addition to any setup.
Compatibility
Small and fast, it works great with PC, Mac, and iPhone, making it highly versatile.
#2

Western Digital 4TB P50 Game Drive SSD - Portable External Solid State Drive SSD, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac, Up to 2,000 MB/s - WDBA3S0040BBK-WESN

Rating
9.6
Read/Write Speeds
Interface
Durability

Most important from
2294 reviews

Read/Write Speeds
This SSD is nearly as fast as the internal PS5 drive, moving game files swiftly and delivering impressive load times.
Interface
The Western Digital makes high-quality products that work perfectly for personal PC storage if your computer has the latest USB gen ports.
Durability
The solid, rugged metal external case adds an interesting industrial aesthetic, aligning with its durable design.
Form Factor
Loads super fast and comes in a small, sleek-looking case design, making it a premium storage upgrade worth the investment.

The Western Digital 4TB P50 Game Drive SSD is designed with gamers in mind, boasting a substantial 4TB storage capacity that can hold a large library of games. With impressive read speeds of up to 2000 MB/s, it allows for faster load times, which is crucial for an optimal gaming experience.

The use of a USB 3.2 interface ensures high-speed data transfer, making it compatible with various devices, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Mac. Its shock-resistant and portable design adds to its durability, ensuring that the drive can withstand the rigors of on-the-go use. The compact form factor, measuring 4.65 x 2.44 x 0.55 inches and weighing just 4.1 ounces, makes it easy to carry around.

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 2,290 ratings, reflecting its reliability and performance. It ranks well in categories like Xbox One Memory and PC Games & Accessories, highlighting its popularity in the gaming community. This drive is particularly suited for gamers looking for high performance and portability in an external SSD.

Rating
9.6
Read/Write Speeds
Interface
Durability

Most important from
2294 reviews

Read/Write Speeds
This SSD is nearly as fast as the internal PS5 drive, moving game files swiftly and delivering impressive load times.
Interface
The Western Digital makes high-quality products that work perfectly for personal PC storage if your computer has the latest USB gen ports.
Durability
The solid, rugged metal external case adds an interesting industrial aesthetic, aligning with its durable design.
Form Factor
Loads super fast and comes in a small, sleek-looking case design, making it a premium storage upgrade worth the investment.
#3

Seagate Game Drive For Xbox 1TB SSD External Solid State Drive, Portable USB 3.0 – Designed For Xbox One, 2 Month Xbox Game Pass membership, 1-Year Rescue Service (STHB1000401)

Rating
9.3
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Compatibility

Most important from
472 reviews

Storage Capacity
Super fast load times and allowed me to clear storage on my laptop, making games run more smoothly.
Read/Write Speeds
Games load at least 25-30% faster, shaving an entire minute off load times for many Xbox One games.
Compatibility
A must-buy for your Xbox, as it significantly improves gaming experience.

The Seagate Game Drive For Xbox is a solid choice for gamers looking to expand their storage on the Xbox One. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it offers ample space for downloading and saving games, which is particularly beneficial since modern games can be quite large. The drive connects easily via USB 3.0, allowing for quick setup with no power cable required, making it user-friendly for those who may not be tech-savvy.

One of its significant strengths is its lightweight and shock-resistant design, ensuring durability for portable gaming storage. Plus, it nicely complements the Xbox One X with its sleek black finish. The added bonus of a two-month Xbox Game Pass membership can also enhance your gaming experience by giving you access to a wide variety of games.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the USB 3.0 interface is efficient, the drive's performance might not be as high-speed as some other SSDs on the market that boast even faster read and write speeds. This could be a consideration for gamers who prioritize ultra-fast load times. Additionally, while the drive is specifically designed for Xbox, its compatibility with other devices may be limited, so users with multiple gaming platforms might want to check compatibility beforehand.

Rating
9.3
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Compatibility

Most important from
472 reviews

Storage Capacity
Super fast load times and allowed me to clear storage on my laptop, making games run more smoothly.
Read/Write Speeds
Games load at least 25-30% faster, shaving an entire minute off load times for many Xbox One games.
Compatibility
A must-buy for your Xbox, as it significantly improves gaming experience.

Buying Guide for the Best External Ssd For Gaming

Choosing the right external SSD for gaming can significantly enhance your gaming experience by reducing load times and providing ample storage for your game library. When selecting an external SSD, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and reliability for your needs.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the SSD can hold. This is crucial for gaming as modern games can take up a lot of space. SSDs typically range from 250GB to several terabytes. If you play a few games, a 500GB SSD might suffice. For a larger game library, consider 1TB or more to ensure you have enough space for all your games and future updates.
Read/Write SpeedsRead and write speeds determine how quickly data can be accessed and saved on the SSD. Higher speeds mean faster load times and better overall performance. SSDs are generally faster than traditional hard drives, but speeds can vary. Look for SSDs with read speeds of at least 500MB/s and write speeds of 450MB/s or higher for optimal gaming performance.
InterfaceThe interface is the connection type between the SSD and your gaming device. Common interfaces include USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. USB 3.1 and USB-C are popular choices for their balance of speed and compatibility. Thunderbolt offers the fastest speeds but may be more expensive and require specific ports. Choose an interface that matches your device's ports and offers the best speed for your needs.
DurabilityDurability refers to the SSD's ability to withstand physical damage and wear over time. Gaming often involves moving your SSD between devices, so a durable SSD is important. Look for SSDs with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance to ensure they can handle the rigors of frequent use and transport.
Form FactorForm factor is the physical size and shape of the SSD. External SSDs come in various sizes, from compact and portable to larger, more robust designs. If you need a portable SSD for gaming on the go, choose a smaller, lightweight model. For stationary use, a larger SSD might offer better cooling and durability.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures the SSD works with your gaming device. Most external SSDs are compatible with PCs, consoles, and other devices, but it's important to check. Ensure the SSD supports your device's operating system and has the necessary drivers. Compatibility can also affect performance, so choose an SSD that is known to work well with your specific gaming setup.

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