We all know that PlayStation 3 is a home video game console developed by Sony, which can connect to either an external or internal hard drive. However, external hard drives are relatively cheap, and the PS3 system only supports up to 500GB on an internal hard drive while external hard drives can offer up to 1TB or more. Hence, this article will introduce the best external hard drive for PS3 and focus on picking a better one. So, please read on to choose the best external hard drive for your PS3 hard drive upgrade.

How to Choose an External Hard Drive for Your PS3

Before we dive into the best external hard drives for the PS3, let's go over what to consider when choosing one. Here are four criteria to help us evaluate which is the best external hard drive for the PS3:

    • Capacity: The primary reason for buying an external hard drive is to expand the storage space of your PS3, so this should be a top consideration when choosing.
    • Price: Naturally, everyone wants a powerful external hard drive that's also affordable. The prices of each product mentioned in this article are indicated.
    • Interface: There are different types of interfaces, such as USB 2.0 and 3.0. Others include USB 1.1, USB 3.0, 3.2 Gen 2, and Type-C. Choose one compatible with your PS3, or you might need an adapter.
    • Portable or Desktop: Portable hard drives are compact and easy to carry, while desktop models are larger and typically used in stationary computer setups. Portable ones charge via USB, so they don't require an external power source.

Best External Hard Drive for PS3

With so many on the market, choosing the best external hard drive can be challenging. Fear not, we've done the work for you and selected seven tested and reviewed options to help you find the best one for your PS3 without wasting time:

Let's go straight into the case study details.

1. WD Black P50 Game Drive

With up to 2000MB/s read speeds, WD_Black™ P50 Game Drive takes performance to new heights and reduces game load times so you can have more winning moments on your external SSD. Plus, the WD_Black P50 Game Drive is compatible with Windows or Mac computers and gaming consoles like the PS4.

The image above shows the WD Black D10 Game Drive, an external hard drive storage device designed for gamers.

Specification Description

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 500GB to 4TB
    • Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
    • Read Speed: 2,000MB/s
    • Warranty: 3 years
    • Price: Starting at $129
Pros: Cons:
  • Additional 4TB of storage means no need to free up space for new games.
  • Delivers reliable, optimized speed boost with a 5-year limited warranty, stability, and expandability.
  • The WD Black P50 Game Drive uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, which may require an adapter in some cases.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/WD_BLACK-1TB-Game-Drive-WDBA3S0010BBK-WESN/dp/B07YFGTDV4?th=1

2. BIPRA External Hard Drive

The Bipra Portable USB Drive offers a compact and lightweight storage solution, equipped with one-click backup software. With USB 2.0, it ensures fast data transfer rates. The aluminum casing serves a dual purpose: it helps protect your data while giving the hard drive a sleek appearance. Rugged yet lightweight, the aluminum casing makes it easy to carry around, ensuring your data arrives safely at its destination. It can be formatted to FAT32, making it compatible with Windows, Mac, and PS3 systems.

bipra

Specification Description

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 320GB to 2.5TB
    • Interface: USB 1.1
    • Warranty: 1 year
    • Price: Starts at  $20
Pros: Cons:
  • The Bipra Portable USB Drive is available in multiple capacity options.
  • Cheaper compared to other products.
  • The one-touch backup software is only compatible with Windows.

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Bipra-External-Portable-Drive-Software/dp/B0047HNEM8?th=1

Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk external hard drive

The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk external hard drive offers high capacity storage, backup and encryption for all your files. Use the drive with the included USB 3.0 desktop adapter, or upgrade to the FireWire 800/USB 2.0 GoFlex Desk adapter. The GoFlex Desk drive is interchangeable between PCs and Macs and can be positioned vertically or horizontally to fit any desktop setting.

segate

Specification Sheet

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 2TB
    • Interface: USB 1.1
    • Read Speed: 480 MB/s
    • Warranty: 2 years
    • Price: Starts at $186
Pros: Cons:
  • Supports both vertical and horizontal orientations.
  • Comes with user-friendly backup and encryption software.
  • Priciest among seven similarly performing products.

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-GoFlex-External-STAC2000101/dp/B004S6YH5G

4. WD My Passport 1TB Portable External Hard Drive

This USB drive comes with an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable for easy, plug-and-play use. Back up yesterday's memories and today's documents, wherever you are.

This is an image tag displaying an image of the "WD My Passport" 4TB portable hard drive.

Specification Description

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 1TB
    • Interface: USB 3.0/2.0
    • Read Speed: 120 MB/s
    • Warranty: 2 years
    • Price: $61
Pros: Cons:
  • Easily store and access 2TB of content with the Seagate Portable drive.
  • No software installation required when connecting the portable drive to your computer.
  • Slower read speeds compared to other external hard drives.

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=WD+My+Passport+1TB+Portable+External+Hard+Drive

5. Digistor 500GB Portable Hard Drive

The Digistor 500GB Portable Hard Drive is PS3 compatible, providing 500GB of external storage for your PS3 movies, music and photos. It transfers data via USB 3.0/2.0 ports. You can easily carry your data around without having to lug your whole laptop. The Digistor has shock resistance and can withstand drops of up to approximately one meter.

digistor hard drive

Specification Description

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 500GB
    • Interface: USB 3.0/2.0
    • Warranty: 3 years
    • Price: $20
Pros: Cons:
  • Good compatibility – can share files with both PCs and Macs.
  • Inexpensive and comes with a 3-year warranty.
  • 500 GB of storage is not enough for downloading large files.

Buy Now Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Digistor+500GB+Portable+Hard+Drive

6. Digistor 1TB Portable Hard Drive

As you can see, the only difference between the Digistor 1TB Portable and the Digistor 500GB Portable is the capacity.

digistor hard drive

Specification Description

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 1TB
    • Interface: USB 3.0/2.0
    • Warranty: 3 years
    • Price: $40

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Digistor+1TB+Portable+Hard+Drive

7. Samsung T7 Shield 2TB External USB 3.2 Gen 2 Rugged SSD with IP65 Rating

The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD is an excellent storage solution for anyone in need of reliable and fast data storage. This SSD boasts incredibly fast speeds, with read and write speeds reaching up to 1050MB/s, making it ideal for those dealing with large files, such as video editors or photographers. The T7 Shield is compatible with PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and more. It offers expansive storage options, expandable up to 1 TB or 2 TB.

Samsung T7 Shield Hard Drive

Specification Description

    • Type: Portable
    • Storage Type: HDD
    • Capacity: 2TB
    • Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
    • Read Speed: 1,050 MB/s
    • Warranty: 3 years
    • Price: $129
Pros: Cons:
  • Durability: With an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, it's very sturdy.
  • Maintains cool operation: The high-tech rubber casing helps control heat for stable performance during high-speed operations.
  • Pricier compared to other 2TB external hard drives: The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD comes at a higher cost.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+-+T7+Shield+2TB+External+USB+3.2+Gen+2+Rugged+SSD+IP65

Conclusions

After going through the seven external hard drives for PS3, it's evident that each has its pros and cons. Any of the mentioned options could be the best external hard drive for PS3, depending on your budget and specific requirements.

    For high storage capacity, go with the Samsung T7 Shield 2TB External USB 3.2 Gen 2 Rugged SSD with IP65 rating or the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk external hard drive. For affordability, opt for the Digistor 500GB Portable Hard Drive or the BIPRA External Portable Hard Drive. For fast read speeds, again, consider the Samsung T7 Shield 2TB External USB 3.2 Gen 2 Rugged SSD with IP65 rating and the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk external hard drive.

There's no one best external hard drive for everyone, as different people have different needs. Hopefully, this article has helped you make the right decision for yourself.