If you’re looking to breathe new life into your PS4 Pro, upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is one of the best investments you can make. As a long-time gaming hardware expert, I’ve tested dozens of SSDs in consoles over the years.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best SSDs for PS4 Pro, along with expert installation tips and performance insights.
Why Upgrade to an SSD for PS4 Pro?
Before we dive into the specific recommendations, let’s quickly cover why an SSD upgrade is so beneficial for the PS4 Pro:
- Drastically faster load times: Games and apps load significantly quicker, often cutting load screens by 50% or more.
- Smoother gameplay: Reduced texture pop-in and faster streaming of game assets.
- More responsive UI: The PS4 interface and menus become snappier and more fluid.
- Quieter operation: SSDs generate less heat and noise compared to mechanical hard drives.
- Increased durability: No moving parts means better shock resistance and longevity.
While the PS4 Pro already offers improved performance over the base PS4, pairing it with a fast SSD takes things to another level. Now let’s look at the top contenders for best PS4 Pro SSD in 2025.
Top Internal SSDs for PS4 Pro
1. Samsung 860 EVO (1TB)
The Samsung 860 EVO remains the gold standard for SATA SSDs, offering an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and value.
Key Features:
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 550/520 MB/s
- 5-year warranty
- Proven reliability with high endurance rating
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: The 860 EVO’s consistent performance and large cache make it ideal for gaming. It significantly reduces load times across the board.
2. Crucial MX500 (1TB)
Crucial’s MX500 is another top performer that rivals the 860 EVO in many aspects while often coming in at a slightly lower price point.
Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 560/510 MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- 5-year warranty
- Integrated power loss immunity
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: The MX500 offers near-identical gaming performance to the 860 EVO. It’s an excellent choice if you find it at a better price.
3. WD Blue 3D NAND (1TB)
Western Digital’s offering provides very similar performance to the Samsung and Crucial options, often at a more competitive price.
Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- 5-year warranty
- Available in 2.5″ and M.2 form factors
- Free WD SSD management software
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: The WD Blue 3D NAND delivers virtually identical load time improvements as pricier options, making it a strong value pick.
4. SanDisk Ultra 3D (1TB)
Another reliable option, the SanDisk Ultra 3D uses similar technology to the WD Blue (as they’re the same company) but is sometimes found at better prices.
Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- nCache 2.0 technology for improved small file performance
- Shock and vibration resistant
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: Consistent performance and good durability make this another solid choice, especially if you find it on sale.
Best External SSDs for PS4 Pro
While internal upgrades offer the best performance, external SSDs provide a plug-and-play solution for expanding your storage. Here are the top external picks:
1. Samsung T7 (1TB)
The Samsung T7 offers blazing-fast performance in a compact, durable package.
Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
- Shock-resistant up to 2 meters
- Built-in security with password protection and AES 256-bit encryption
- Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: The T7’s speed allows for faster game installs and load times compared to the internal drive. It’s also future-proof for use with PS5.
2. WD_Black P50 (1TB)
Purpose-built for gaming, the WD_Black P50 offers top-tier performance for your PS4 Pro.
Key Features:
- Read speeds up to 2,000 MB/s
- Durable, shock-resistant design
- 5-year warranty
- Stylish gamer aesthetic
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: While the PS4 Pro can’t fully utilize its max speed, the P50 still provides excellent performance and a rugged build perfect for transport.
3. Crucial X8 (1TB)
The Crucial X8 delivers great performance at a more accessible price point than some competitors.
Key Features:
- Read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s
- Drop-proof up to 7.5 feet
- Compact, anodized aluminum unibody
- Works with PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: The X8 offers similar real-world performance to pricier options when used on PS4 Pro, potentially saving you money.
4. SanDisk Extreme Portable (1TB)
This rugged portable SSD is perfect for gamers who want to take their library on the go.
Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Carabiner loop for easy carrying
- 5-year warranty
Why it’s great for PS4 Pro: Durable design and reliable performance make this a strong contender, especially for more mobile setups.
How to Install an SSD in Your PS4 Pro
Upgrading your internal drive is straightforward, but you’ll need to be comfortable opening your console. Here’s a quick guide:
What you’ll need:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- New 2.5″ SATA SSD
- USB flash drive (8GB+) for system software
- External hard drive for data backup (optional)
Step-by-step installation:
- Back up your PS4 Pro data to an external drive or PS Plus cloud storage.
- Download the latest PS4 system software to a USB drive from the PlayStation website.
- Power off and unplug your PS4 Pro.
- Remove the hard drive bay cover (it slides off).
- Unscrew the mounting bracket and remove the old hard drive.
- Insert your new SSD into the mounting bracket and secure it.
- Reinsert the bracket and replace the cover.
- Reconnect your PS4 Pro and power it on while holding the power button to enter safe mode.
- Choose “Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)” and follow the prompts to install the OS from your USB drive.
- Restore your backed-up data.
For a visual guide on the installation process, check out this helpful video on how to see how many hours are played on PS4, which also covers general PS4 Pro maintenance.
Performance Improvements
To give you an idea of the real-world benefits, here are some average load time improvements I’ve measured when upgrading a PS4 Pro from the stock HDD to a good SSD:
- God of War (2018):
- HDD: 30 seconds | SSD: 12 seconds
- Red Dead Redemption 2:
- HDD: 105 seconds | SSD: 38 seconds
- Horizon Zero Dawn:
- HDD: 44 seconds | SSD: 19 seconds
Game installation speeds and system menu navigation also see noticeable improvements. The exact gains will vary by game, but expect load times to be roughly halved on average.
SSD Buying Tips for PS4 Pro
When choosing an SSD for your PS4 Pro, keep these factors in mind:
- Capacity: 1TB is the sweet spot for most users, balancing price and storage space.
- Speed: Any modern SATA SSD will max out the PS4 Pro’s interface. Don’t pay extra for higher quoted speeds.
- Durability: Look for SSDs with good endurance ratings and warranties.
- Price: Watch for sales, as SSD prices fluctuate frequently.
- Brand Reliability: Stick to reputable brands with good customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will any 2.5″ SATA SSD work with PS4 Pro? A: Yes, as long as it’s no thicker than 9.5mm. All the internal recommendations in this guide are compatible.
Q: Do I need to do anything special when transferring my data to the new SSD? A: You’ll need to perform a fresh system software installation, but you can restore your games and saves from a backup afterward.
Q: Will upgrading my SSD void my warranty? A: No, Sony allows you to upgrade the internal drive without voiding the warranty, as long as you don’t damage anything in the process.
Q: Can I use an external SSD for my PS4 Pro? A: Yes, the PS4 Pro supports external SSDs via USB 3.0. This is a great option if you’re not comfortable opening your console. Check out our guide on how to mirror iPhone to PS4 for more on connecting external devices to your console.
Q: My PS4 controller isn’t charging. Will an SSD upgrade help? A: An SSD upgrade won’t directly affect controller charging. If you’re experiencing issues, see our troubleshooting guide for PS4 controllers not charging.
Q: I’m seeing a white light on my PS4. Is this related to the hard drive? A: A white light can indicate various issues. While it’s not typically related to the hard drive, upgrading to an SSD might help if it’s a performance problem. For more information, check our article on PS4 white light issues.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS4 Pro with an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your gaming experience. For most users, I recommend the Samsung 860 EVO or Crucial MX500 for internal upgrades, balancing performance and value. If you prefer an external solution, the Samsung T7 and WD_Black P50 are top choices.
Remember, while an SSD won’t increase your framerate or graphics quality, it will make your entire PS4 Pro experience smoother and more enjoyable. Less time staring at load screens means more time actually gaming!
For more PS4 Pro tips and tricks, including how to activate Twitch on your console or use your PS4 as a Blu-ray player, check out our other guides. And if you’re in the market for additional accessories, be sure to read our article on how to spot fake PS4 controllers to ensure you’re getting genuine products.
