Best external hard drives for PS4 in 2022

PlayStation 4
PlayStation 4 (Image credit: Android Central)

PlayStation 4 owners have no shortage of choice when it comes to storage expansion. Popping out the internal drive is fairly easy, but if you don't want to go through the trouble, there's an alternative that's much more convenient. Just plug a USB hard drive into your PS4, and you'll instantly have all the storage you could ever need. All you need is to pick the right drive for your needs. 

Here are some solid options for the best PS4 external hard drives available for you today. Keep in mind that the PS4 supports up to 8TB of external storage.

Why use an external hard drive over an internal hard drive?

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If you've got a PS4, it is worth picking up one of these hard drives to ensure you never run out of space. All of the options on this list offer a trusty way to boost your storage without breaking the bank, and honestly, you can't ask for much more. Using an external hard drive prevents the need to take apart your PlayStation and put it back together as you would with an internal hard drive, but it also comes with loads of benefits.

For instance, using an external hard drive makes all of your game files much more portable. When it comes time for holiday parties or that gaming session at Joe's house, you can take all of your favorite games with you just by unplugging it from your PlayStation and throwing it into your bag. This way, you don't have to start a second playthrough of Last of Us Part 2 or re-download Fall Guys to play with family over the holidays.

Our favorite is the Seagate Game Drive. It is a clean design that won't detract from a nice entertainment system layout. But if you want something that stands out instead of hiding it away, the Toshiba Canvio Advance has you. This external drive is bold, with several color options to choose from. Despite having our favorites, you really can't go wrong with any of these drives.

Protect your hard drives

Worried about protection while you're traveling? Don't sweat. Cases for external hard drives are incredibly cheap to come by. If you're not buying the Seagate Portable Expansion, it comes with a case for a little extra. You can always go for a separate option. There are even vented hardback cases to secure your hard drive but also allow you to use it without removing the case.

We've found the best of the best options for your traveling needs here.

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The Lacdo HDD case measures 6.1-by-4.4-by-2.0 inches, closes with a zipper, and has extra space for cords and small accessories for your travels. It's the perfect companion when you want to take your hard drive out of the house. After all, it's portable for a reason.

Buy From: Amazon

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Not everyone needs to buy a whole new external drive to expand a PlayStation 4. You just need a solid enclosure to put an existing drive in. If that's you, the Fideco enclosure is everything you need. It's USB 3.0 enabled, offers an aluminum body to better handle heat dissipation when under stress, and doesn't require any additional software to set up.

Buy From: Amazon

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on PlayStation on Android Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert