No, you cannot play PS5 games from an external SSD. You can store PS5 games on one and copy them back to play, and you can play PS4 games directly from it. That single rule decides whether an external SSD is the right buy for you, so this guide starts with it, then covers the best drives for UK buyers and the setup steps.
The one rule every PS5 owner must know first
A PS5 game stored on a USB drive is parked, not playable. Sony built PS5 games around the console’s internal SSD, which reads data at about 5.5 GB/s. Even the fastest portable SSD over USB tops out near 1,000 MB/s on a PS5, which is far too slow for PS5 games. The console will not launch a PS5 title from USB storage.
PS4 games are different. They were built for the slow hard drive inside the original PS4, so any decent external SSD is far faster than what they need. Sony states plainly that you can play PS4 games directly from USB extended storage. If your library still has plenty of PS4 titles, an external SSD gives you real extra playable space. If you only play PS5 games, it is a parking lot that saves you from re-downloading.
Most buying guides skip this distinction. They list drives and speeds without saying what the drive can and cannot do.
External SSD or internal M.2 SSD: which one do you actually need?
An external USB SSD is plug and play. You connect it, format it once, and start moving games. You never open the console. It stores PS5 games, plays PS4 games, and you can unplug it and use it with a PC later.
An internal M.2 NVMe SSD goes inside the console’s expansion bay and becomes part of its fast storage, so you can play PS5 games directly from it. It needs a PCIe Gen 4 drive with a heatsink and a screwdriver to install, and it is the only expansion option that adds playable PS5 space.
If you want more room to play PS5 games, buy an internal M.2 SSD first. If you want to stop deleting and re-downloading games you will play again later, an external SSD is the cheaper and easier fix. If you are still choosing between consoles, our PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison for UK buyers covers the storage and value differences before you commit.
What to look for when you buy an external SSD for PS5
Sony sets three hard requirements for USB extended storage: the drive must hold between 250GB and 8TB, support SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps or faster, and it cannot be connected through a USB hub.
Speed is where buyers waste money. The PS5’s USB ports top out at 10Gbps, about 1,000 MB/s in real transfers. A drive rated at 1,050 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2 already saturates the port. A drive rated at 2,000 MB/s needs a 20Gbps port to reach that speed, and the PS5 does not have one.
Capacity matters more than speed. A 1TB drive holds roughly four to six large games. A 2TB drive holds eight to twelve and is the sweet spot for most owners, because the price per terabyte is far better than 1TB.
The best external SSDs for PS5 in the UK
Crucial X9 2TB: the best value pick
The Crucial X9 is the sensible default. It reads at up to 1,050 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2, which is exactly the PS5’s USB ceiling, so you lose nothing to the port limit. It is small and light, and it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable. UK price checked on 11 November 2026: £199.99 for 2TB.
Samsung T7 Shield: the tough pick
The T7 Shield uses the same proven T7 electronics inside a rubber shell, rated at 1,050 MB/s read, with IP65 dust and water resistance and drop resistance up to 3 metres. It performs identically to the standard T7 on a PS5. Pick it if the drive will travel or live in a house with kids or pets.
Samsung T9: fast on paper, capped on PS5
The T9 is rated at 2,000 MB/s, the fastest drive here on paper. On a PS5 it will not go faster than the X9 or T7 Shield, because the console caps USB at 10Gbps. Buy it only if you also use it with a PC that has a 20Gbps USB port. For PS5-only use, it is money spent on speed you cannot use.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2: the compact pick
The SanDisk Extreme V2 is small, rugged, and widely stocked by UK retailers. It reads at up to 1,050 MB/s, which matches the PS5’s port speed, and current stock has been reliable after firmware problems with older 4TB models. It is a solid alternative to the Crucial X9 if you find it cheaper.
How to set up an external SSD on PS5
Setting up takes about five minutes. Plug the drive directly into the console, using the front USB-C port on newer PS5 models, which runs at 10Gbps, or a rear USB-A port with a cable rated at 5Gbps or more. Do not use a USB hub, which Sony does not support for extended storage.
Go to Settings, then Storage, then USB Extended Storage. Select Format as USB Extended Storage and confirm. Formatting erases everything on the drive, so use a new drive or one you have backed up.
To move a game, open your Game Library, highlight a game, press Options, and select Move Games and Apps. To copy a game back, go to the Installed tab, highlight the game, press Options, and select Copy. A 100GB game moves in a few minutes on an SSD. Build a simple habit: when you finish a game, move it to the external drive instead of deleting it.
Common mistakes to avoid
Paying extra for a 20Gbps drive is the most common mistake: on a PS5 it runs at the same speed as a 10Gbps drive. Buying a drive under 250GB is the second, as Sony will not accept it. Connecting through a USB hub is the third, as the PS5 will not recognise the drive. Expecting to play PS5 games from USB is the fourth, and the most disappointing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play PS5 games from an external SSD?
No. PS5 games can be stored on an external SSD, but you must copy them back to the console’s internal SSD or a compatible internal M.2 SSD before you can play them.
Can I play PS4 games from an external SSD on PS5?
Yes. PS4 games can be installed on USB extended storage and played directly from the drive. This is the one case where an external drive adds playable space.
What size external SSD should I get for PS5?
2TB is the sweet spot for most owners. It holds roughly eight to twelve large games, and the price per terabyte is far better than 1TB. Buy 1TB only if your library is small.
Do I need a heatsink for an external SSD?
No. Heatsinks are for internal M.2 SSDs installed inside the PS5. An external USB SSD needs no heatsink and no installation. You plug it in and format it.
Is an external SSD or an internal M.2 SSD better for PS5?
It depends on what you need. An internal M.2 SSD is better if you want more space to play PS5 games directly. An external SSD is better if you want cheap, easy storage for games you will play later.
Conclusion
The best external SSD for PS5 in the UK is the one that matches the console’s limits instead of fighting them. A 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive such as the Crucial X9 gives you the full speed the PS5 can use, at a fair price, with no wasted performance. Buy for capacity and reliability, not for a headline speed the console cannot reach.
Once storage is sorted, finish the setup properly. Our guide to the best TV settings for PS5 gaming walks through the HDMI, HDR and game mode settings that make your games look their best.
About the Author
