The best external SSD for gaming can make sure you've got all the games you need downloaded, without worrying about pushing your PC or console's storage to its limits.
SSDs are becoming the norm now because they're substantially faster than HDDs can ever be, and, because more companies are making them, they're also becoming more and more affordable too.
If you're interested in exploring more SSDs and HDDs specifically for consoles, check out our picks for the best external hard drives for Xbox Series X and the best external hard drives for PS4 & PS5 for the latest and greatest. And don't forget that if you're playing on PS5, options are also opening up for amazing M.2 Internal SSDs too...
However, this list is more of a one-stop shop for all your gaming SSD needs, covering all platforms and budgets to ensure there's a storage solution here for you. Based on size, speeds, features, and, of course, price, these amazing SSDs stand head and shoulders above their competition for gaming.
So stick around, as we've got your storage needs covered. Let's begin...
Best external SSDs for gaming
- Samsung T5
- Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S
- WD_Black P50 Game Drive
- Samsung T7
- SanDisk Portable SSD
- Crucial CT4000X6SSD9 X6
- ADATA SE800
click to enlarge
+ 71. Samsung T5
Best external SSD for gaming PC
The Samsung T5 SSD has been a solid choice ever since its release. It is extremely fast, carrying a huge 540 Megabytes per second read speed.
It is also extremely efficient and compact in design, weighing only 51 grams, with dimensions of 10 x 74 x 57mm, making it ideal for carrying around and increasing its overall portability.
The T5 is also available with alternative storage options, with both a 2TB and 500GB version available. We recommend the 1TB because you get the most for your money with this one.
The Samsung T5 is an overall fantastic drive for PC users and much more!
Read More: Best PC gaming PCs
click to enlarge + 72. Seagate Storage Expansion Card For Xbox
Best external SSD for gaming Xbox Series X
When it comes to external SSD for Xbox, there is one standout choice - the Seagate Storage Expansion Card
It is specifically designed for the Xbox Series X/S and plugs directly into the Xbox's expansion slots, plugging in seamlessly with the Xbox Velocity architecture.
This means that this specific SSD becomes an expansion of the Xbox memory and enables you to be able to play games directly from the drive, allowing for faster load times matching the speed of the internal SSD.
Currently, the only external SSD that allows you to play directly from it for Xbox Series X/S means that the drive is more expensive. However, we believe this is one of the best external drives for Xbox Series X/S.
Read More: Best accessories for Xbox Series X
click to enlarge + 73. WD_Black P50 Game Drive
Best external SSD for gaming PS5
By far the fastest drive on our list with a staggering 2,000 Megabytes Per Second read speed, the WD_Black P50 is a premium and brilliant external drive for PS5.
Rapid data transfer speeds allow for faster overall responsiveness and decreased loading times.
The external aluminium casing gives the portable device shock resistance making it highly durable and protecting your game library wherever you are.
Alternative sizes of this external SSD are available, with up to 4TB of additional storage, unsurprisingly with them comes an increasing price tag. The 2TB version gives you the most for your money but may set you back over £400.
An excellent all-around choice, great for PS5, or Xbox Series X, PC, and more.
Read More: Best PS5 accessories
click to enlarge + 74. Samsung T7
Best external SSD for gaming under 100
If you're after incredibly fast external storage but don't want to spend hundreds, the Samsung T7 SSD provides you with a 500GB external SSD usually available for under £100.
Rapid read speeds of up to 1,050 Megabytes per second mean you won't be delayed when jumping into the action with faster loading times.
Being lightweight, compact, and durable means that you'll have no trouble when travelling around with this device. Type-C USB connectivity allows for longevity - so you know it's reliable!
The Samsung T7 even comes with the option to add a password to keep your data extra safe.
With gaming console, PC, and Mac compatibility, this pocket-sized device is a fantastic all-rounder for an everyday high-performance SSD.
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click to enlarge + 75. SanDisk Portable SSD
Best external SSD for gaming Mac
The SanDisk Portable SSD has been a solid choice since its release. The latest version of this comes with a rubber hook to allow you to clip it onto your belt or backpack when travelling for extra security.
The slick design not only looks great, but it is impressively sturdy too with a 2-meter-drop protection guarantee. SanDisk also boasts added water protection and dust resistance.
2TB of storage with reading speeds of 520 Megabytes per second is more than enough to effectively back up your Mac or PC.
Read More: Best gaming laptops
click to enlarge + 76. Crucial CT4000X6SSD9 X6
Best large-capacity external SSD for gaming
If you're after maximum storage while maintaining high-speed connectivity and data transfer, the Crucial CT4000X6SSD9 X6 may be exactly what you're looking for.
Crucial boasts that the huge capacity of 4TB allows you to store up to 100 games!
Surprisingly, even though this SSD contains the most data storage, it is still extremely lightweight and discreet, weighing only 40.5 grams.
Read More: Best Nintendo Switch accessories
click to enlarge + 77. ADATA 1TB SE800
Best all-around external SSD for gaming
The ADATA SE800 is a solid all-rounder when it comes to external SSDs, compatible with Mac, PC, PS5, and much more.
In terms of speed, this SSD boasts read/write speeds of up to a whopping 1,000 MB/s. Plus, weighing under 40 grams and being only 7.11 x 4.32 x 1.02 cm in size, this SSD is highly portable.
The ADATA SE800 is a solid choice if you ask us!
Read More: Best budget gaming laptops
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
With SSDs, there are some questions that crop up time and time again, so we're here to answer them as best we can!
Is it worth getting an External SSD for Gaming?
In short, we'd say yes. If you have a large gaming library and you enjoy playing a number of games at the same time.
If you're more of a 'one game at a time' player, then it's okay not to get an SSD. But if you find yourself constantly downloading new games and dipping in and out of them, then external SSDs can save you a lot of hassle.
Do games run slower on an external SSD?
This isn't the case commonly, as it would only happen if the external drive was slower than that of the internal drive of the console or PC.
In fact, sometimes an external SSD can actually make load times quicker, which is an added plus.
Are external SSDs better than hard drives for gaming?
For the best performance, having a proper SSD with prime read and write speeds is more suitable.
They're also more reliable than hard drives given that SSDs have little to no moving parts, which is better for long-term performance.
They're also very small, which is great for taking them on the go, and you'll find that a number of them are made to withstand knocks and bumps just in case.
How much storage space do you need for gaming?
This is all down to personal preference. If you've only got a handful of games, then having a 500GB or 1TB drive should be plentiful.
SSDs tend to be more expensive, so move cautiously as you go above 1TB as you'll see the price jump up substantially.
For vast gaming libraries, a 2TB SSD should be enough, but if you're playing games with multiple content downloads, new maps, and so on, you may even want to consider a 4TB.
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