Final cut pro x microsoft. Just as having good gaming mouse and gaming keyboard, it is also quite important to optimize your gaming experience when using the PlayStation 4.
Best portable PS4 external hard drives (Image credit: Seagate) Seagate Game Drive for PS4. A slim, attractive and officially-licensed option. Interface: USB 3.0. The Elements Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for the PS4, offering anywhere from 1TB to 5GBs of storage, so you can keep gaming without needing to delete files.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS) external hard drives are NOT supported by PS4. So just pick a regular USB drive instead. Wired Connection. PS4 system doesn't approve wireless external hard drives. Single-Layer drives. If a dual layer external hard drive connects to PS4, only the first layer will be recognized and the other PS4 system will ignore.
- Best Buy customers often prefer the following products when searching for Ps4 External Drive 4tb. Browse the top-ranked list of Ps4 External Drive 4tb below along with associated reviews and opinions. WD - Easystore 4TB External USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive - Black Model: WDBAJP0040BBK-WESN.
- Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400) 4.7 out of 5 stars 105,932 $59.99 $ 59. 99 $62.99 $62.99.
And there is no better way to do that than having enough storage for a lot of games. Because of that, today we are here to present you the list for the best external hard drive for PS4 and help you decide which one to get for yourself.
Top Picks:
[amazon box='B07M9VCHDG,B07VNTFHD5,B08JKHSG36,B07HKMXJLY,B07CRG94G3,B08736JJ62″ template='table']
How to Choose the Best External Hard Drive for PS4
When choosing the perfect combination of components for your gaming PC, whether it is a wireless keyboard and mouse combo, or specialized gaming mouse pad, there are different things to think about and factors to consider.
Therefore, before we show to you what are our picks for the best external hard drive for PS4 Pro and other versions of PS4, let's see what are important factors to consider when choosing an external hard drive for PS4.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is, of course, how much storage space the external drive has.
You will probably want to install as many games as possible, in which case you want to look for external HDDs with more than 2TB.
But, more capacity means a higher price, so you will have to balance between how much capacity you need and how deep your wallet is.
Most external HDDs have a limit of 5TB or so, which is honestly enough for more than 130 games, so you won't need more space anyway.
Connectivity
As for the question 'SSD vs HDD, which one to take?' To have the fastest transfers and loading times, it is probably the best to get an SSD, but since they are usually more expensive than HDDs, people go for the other one instead.
Therefore, if you decide to get HDD, you should definitely look for models that support USB 3.0 ports, since they are much faster than their 2.0 predecessors.
It's not as fast as having an SSD, but it is still a lot faster than common USB 2.0 external hard drives.
Durability
When you pay a bit more for something, you want it to last longer, which is completely understandable.
Therefore, when choosing an external hard drive for PS4, you want to look for devices that will last at least more than a year of constant use.
No one wants to spend money on new HDD every 2-3 months since you would need to install your games all over again.
Design
Of course, not so important when it comes to performance, but quite important for people who like to have visually appealing gaming components, design can be one of the most important things to consider.
If you are amongst one of those people, then you should probably consider whether external HDD is made of high-quality materials for increased durability and whether the coloring is good enough to fit your Play Station 4.
6 Best External Hard Drives for PS4
Seagate Game Drive for PS4 (Portable)
Best for Compatibility
This Seagate Game Drive is specifically made for PS4 and is officially licensed by Sony, which means that it is definitely one of the best choices if you want to be sure that the device is compatible with your PS4 since most other external HDDs allows you to choose between different file systems.
This officially licensed version comes with a total of 2TB, but there is another 4TB version, which is not.
As for the connectivity, it is quite easy to connect this external HDD, with simple plug and play USB 3.0 port and step by step guide, without having to use additional cables for power.
When it comes to its design, this external HDD from Seagate is extremely well-made, especially in combination with PS4, since it is made to be used with it.
They both have the same design, with beautiful black and blue colors, which will make your gaming console look really good.
Apart from that, the device is quite portable, which means that you can bring it with you wherever you go.
Also, with this purchase, you get quite a good 3-year warranty, just in case the device needs repairs or something stops working.
Pros:
- Excellent design
- Great compatibility
- Good amount of storage
- Easy connectivity
- Warranty included
WD_Black P10 Game Drive
Best for a Large Number of Games
WD_Black P10 comes with different amounts of storage space you can choose from when making a purchase.
There are 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB versions, meaning that you will have a space for a lot of games, more precise, for up to 125 games, if we say that the average game is 36GB large.
The device itself is quite portable, which means that you will be able to bring all your favorite games with you wherever you go.
P10 features high-end performance for gaming consoles, laptops, and desktop PCs, with excellent reading and transfer speed.
The device is made of some quite durable and pretty materials, which make it last longer and allows you to play your favorite games without interruptions.
When it comes to compatibility, P10 is great in that regard, since it is supported by PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Pros:
- A great amount of storage
- Excellent performance
- Quite durable and reliable
- Easily connected
- Good compatibility with different platforms
Toshiba Canvio Gaming
The Storage Level Up For Every Gamer
As games become more sophisticated, it comes as no surprise that they take up more space. For this reason, owning enough storage is a must, and what better way to resolve this issue than by having a portable external hard drive to carry all your games in one place?
Keep your entire gaming library in one device that you can move around as you please. This external hard drive can give you up to 4TB of space – however large your game collection is, you are given an ample amount of space and then some!
What's also important to mention is that this is a universal product; it can seamlessly connect with PCs, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles alike, with pre-installed firmware protection ensuring your data is protected and secured at all times.
The sleek design makes it perfect for traveling, offers you a potent storage device encased within an elegantly-designed exterior that can fit in most backpacks. If anything does happen, you can count on Toshiba's guarantee of a 2-year warranty for the product- all for a modest fee.
This simple but crucial upgrade can make all the difference for dedicated gamers who want to utilize the maximum power of their gaming systems without overburdening them with data.
Pros:
- Perfect for creating portable libraries
- Integrated firmware protection offers fantastic data security
- Lightweight and portable design
WD Gaming Drive
External Hard Drive with the Best Design
External Drives Best Buy
WD Portable Gaming Drive comes with a good amount of storage space, allowing you to choose whether you want to get a 2TB or 4TB version.
That allows you to have 60-125 games, depending on various factors, such as the number of programs on the console and the sizes of your games. Wd quick formatter for windows 7.
Furthermore, this external hard drive is relatively easy to set up, since it comes with plug and play option, allowing you to simply connect it with cable and use it.
Also, it is specifically made to work with consoles, which makes it the perfect choice for your PS4 or Xbox One.
When it comes to its design, it looks really elegant, with a smooth surface, dark gray and blue colors, which will perfectly go toe to toe with PlayStation 4.
Apart from all that, there is excellent customer support and a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer, in case you ever need to replace it.
Pros:
- Good capacity
- Easy installation
- Console compatibility
- Pretty design
- Warranty included
Seagate Portable
The Best External Hard Drive for Versatility
This external HDD comes in several versions, ranging from 1TB to a maximum of 5TB, which allows you to hold a lot of games, usually over 120.
When it comes to its compatibility, it was designed to work on Windows and Mac operating systems, but it can also work on consoles, which makes it a very versatile external hard drive device.
Also, it is very easy to make it work, since you only need to plug it in the USB port and wait for your operating system to recognize the device.
That means that you won't have to bother with installing any additional software, in order to make this external HDD to work.
In the package, you will get the USB 3.0 cable that is 18 inches long, which is more than enough for connecting to most devices.
Along with that comes a limited warranty for the time period of 1 year, just in case you run on some problems.
Pros:
- Excellent capacity limit
- Great compatibility with different devices
- Plug & Play installation
- USB 3.0 compatibility
- 1-year limited warranty
Silicon Power A62 Rugged Game Drive
A Durable Game Drive For Every Gamer
If you are looking for a versatile and robust component to bring your gaming to the next level, look no further than Silicon Power's latest external game drive. These gadgets are tried and tested in the most rigorous conditions and offer you immense power while remaining portable and durable.
The first thing to take note of is the extensive degree of protection you get with this device. Adopting the highest standards of quality assurance, it comes with a water-resistant and shockproof exterior that allows it to keep optimal functionality even if a mishap occurs.
Despite the heavy-duty protection, the design remains stylish and slim. It comes with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which allows for backward compatibility with many devices up to USB 2.0.
You can choose how much space you need, with the available choices ranging from 1TB to 5TB, with all of them being compatible with the latest gaming consoles and PCs without issue.
The high-speed output also enables this external hard drive to multitask as a library of not just games but of files of all kinds. Whatever it is you wish to store, it can perfectly replicate once stored within its memory.
While more pricey than the average memory bank, it offers immense quality and comes with a 3-year warranty that covers everything- from maintenance to on-phone technical support.
Ps4 External Drive Size
Pros:
- Variety of options regarding its memory size
- Military-grade protection ensures it is immune to rough handling
- Blazing-fast data transfer speed
The limited storage capacity PS4 comes with has incited fanboys to search for a workaround that helps to expand that storage capacity to the limit determined by user. Previously, users were only allowed to add more storage to PS4 by replacing the internal hard drive of PS4 with a larger and, probably faster hard drive. The standard, and most common upgrade size was 2tb, as it was the largest standalone solution for PS4 storage upgrade, because there was no internal hard drive that conformed to the PS4 storage upgrade compatibility standards larger than that. Other companies, though, offered an accessory called Data Bank that allowed users to use 3.5-inch hard drives with more than 2tb of capacity to upgrade PS4 storage to as large as 8tb.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're looking for the best external HDD for PS4, you better then view this article instead.
That was history. Now, after more than a year of releasing PS4 System Software v. 4.5, the overwhelming majority of PS4 users who solely look for a storage expansion for their game console would go for the external hard drive solution instead of upgrading the internal hard drive and handling the hassles that may come with it. (You may want to read a quick comparison between upgrading the internal HDD of PS4 or just adding an external HDD instead.)
Can an External HDD Be Used on PS4?
It's easy to deduce the answer from the foreword of this article. So YES, it's possible to use an external hard drive on PS4 as long as it's fully compatible with PS4 system.
You have to know first that there are two purpose of an external hard drive on PS4, which are:
- Using it as a backup storage with which you can take a precautionary copy of your games and applications in case of emergency. This solution is dramatically going unpopular in favor of the second purpose.
- Using it as a storage extension to the main system storage (i.e. it's an extension, not a standalone storage). With this solution you can install your games and applications directly on the external hard drive and launch them while they're placed externally.
Each purpose has its own compatibility standards that we'll address below in some detail.
Backup Storage Solution
If you're looking for a backup solution for your PS4 that entitles you to take a precautionary copy of data stored on your PS4, then this is surely your way to go.
There are several advantages of this kind of solution over the other one that's addressed later in the comparison section in this article.
The external hard drive adopted for this purpose must conform to the following standards:
- Supports USB connection, no matter what generation of USB it supports. That means thunderbolt and other connections won't work with PS4 system.
- Not larger than 8tb, as PS4 system doesn't recognize larger drives.
- Formatted with FAT file system only—Either FAT32 or exFAT. (Read more on how to format an external hard drive as a backup storage for PS4)
- Single-layer external HDD. If it's dual-layer, the PS4 system will only recognize the first layer and ignores the second, so you'll get half of the storage capacity that your external hard drive actually offers.
- Only one partition is supported. PS4 system doesn't accept partitioned external hard drives, so bear in mind that you have to use a drive with solely one partition.
Once your external hard drive follows these standards, it will be ready to be used as a backup solution. Just make sure your PS4 system software is at least on version 2.5, as earlier versions doesn't support this feature.
Using an External HDD
Once you have got the right hard drive for this purpose formatted with the relevant file system, you just need then to connect the USB external HDD to your PS4 via the USB port located on the rear, then restart the system and PS4 will automatically recognize it.
Go to System and you'll see several features listed. Just pick the 'Back Up and Restore' feature, and follow the easy instructions.
You can also watch the following video if you need better illustration:
Extended Storage Solution
The extended storage goes in cahoots with the main system storage and it's NOT a standalone storage solution. It's currently the most popular purpose for why PS4 fanboys get an external hard drive. Adobe ps cs6 trial.
There are several advantages of going for this kind of solution over using the external hard drive as a mere backup storage. Please have a look at the comparison section in this article to educate yourself more on this issue.
The external hard drive adopted for this purpose must conform to the following standards:
- The support for USB 3.0 connection. If your external hard drive isn't configured with the third generation of USB or above, then it cannot be used for this purpose.
- The storage capacity must range from 250gb minimum to 8tb maximum. Any external drive falls outside this range is NOT accepted.
- Only single-layer external hard drives are supported. If it happens that you use a dual-layer drive, PS4 will only recognize the first layer and ignores the second, which results in losing half of the storage space the external hard drive actually offers.
- Connecting directly to PS4 USB port without any third-party connection medium, such as a USB hub. Otherwise PS4 won't recognize the new external HDD.
Once you have the right drive for this purpose, make sure to have the latest PS4 System Software installed on your console before connecting the external hard drive to it. Generally, PS4 System software 4.5 is sufficient for this goal, but Sony has released many fixes and patches after that version that promote more stability an consistency of the overall system performance. Therefore we highly recommend that you stay up-to-date with PS4 System Software.
Now, which is the best solution for you? Is it the backup storage or extended storage? This is what we will discuss in the following section.
Using an External HDD
Now, once you confirm that the external HDD you own is compatible with PS4 system and is suitable for use as an extended storage, you just need to connect it to PS4 via the USB port located on the rear side. You have to connect it DIRECTLY without the use of any connection medium such as a USB hub.
Now, restart your PS4 to help it recognize the new connected drive. Then follow the instructions illustrated in the following video:
Backup Storage vs Extended Storage
The purposes for which you can use an external hard drive on PS4 may confuse some users not knowing which route to follow in this regard. In fact, both are an appealing choice, but, unfortunately, you cannot use the same external hard drive for both purposes simultaneously. You need to determine your needs and decide which purpose to go for.
To make it easier for you, we have conducted a comparison table between the two options, so as to get the picture clearer in your mind that eventually helps making the right decision.
Feature | Backup Storage | Extended Storage |
---|---|---|
Purpose of Use | Getting a precautionary copy of existing games and applications installed on the internal hard drive | Cannot have a copy. You can only MOVE your data from the internal HDD or just download your game/app directly to the extended storage. That means it doesn't fit as a backup solution. |
Compatibility Standards |
|
|
Format | Must be pre-formatted with either FAT32 or exFAT file system. (The process must be carried out on a computer before connecting the external HDD to PS4) | No need to pre-format it. PS4 system will recognize it in all cases and format it on automatically. |
Multi Partitions | Not supported. Only one partition | Not supported. Only one partition |
Backup & Restore Feature | Eligible for use | Not supported |
Trophies & game saves | Only game saves can be stored | Neither |
Playing on another PS4 | Not supported. It's just a backup purpose. | Supported. You can take the extended storage device and connect it to your friend's PS4 and enjoy playing with your favorite game. Note that you'll be asked for a license key of the game you want to play on another PS4. |
Unfortunately, you can't get all the advantages in one solution. That's why we keep telling PS4 fanboys that if they don't need more than 2tb of storage capacity, they better upgrade PS4 internal HDD and use an external HDD as a backup solution.
Or you can read this article and see more options to expand PS4 storage and pick the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
It's easy to use an external hard drive on PS4 as long as you get a compatible one with the purpose you want it for. Whether your goal is to use the external hard drive as a backup storage or an extended storage, you have, in all cases, to look for the compatibility standards before taking the next step.
Although we recommend that you first try to upgrade the internal hard drive of PS4 due to its low quality (read more) you can still use an external hard drive if your main concern is to expand the storage capacity of PS4 without a major interest in the performance boost the internal HDD upgrade offers.
After all it's all you choice. Adding an external HDD to PS4 is a very popular solution nowadays due to its easiness of use.
1Can an External HDD Be Used on PS4?External Hard Drive with the Best Design
External Drives Best Buy
WD Portable Gaming Drive comes with a good amount of storage space, allowing you to choose whether you want to get a 2TB or 4TB version.
That allows you to have 60-125 games, depending on various factors, such as the number of programs on the console and the sizes of your games. Wd quick formatter for windows 7.
Furthermore, this external hard drive is relatively easy to set up, since it comes with plug and play option, allowing you to simply connect it with cable and use it.
Also, it is specifically made to work with consoles, which makes it the perfect choice for your PS4 or Xbox One.
When it comes to its design, it looks really elegant, with a smooth surface, dark gray and blue colors, which will perfectly go toe to toe with PlayStation 4.
Apart from all that, there is excellent customer support and a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer, in case you ever need to replace it.
Pros:
- Good capacity
- Easy installation
- Console compatibility
- Pretty design
- Warranty included
Seagate Portable
The Best External Hard Drive for Versatility
This external HDD comes in several versions, ranging from 1TB to a maximum of 5TB, which allows you to hold a lot of games, usually over 120.
When it comes to its compatibility, it was designed to work on Windows and Mac operating systems, but it can also work on consoles, which makes it a very versatile external hard drive device.
Also, it is very easy to make it work, since you only need to plug it in the USB port and wait for your operating system to recognize the device.
That means that you won't have to bother with installing any additional software, in order to make this external HDD to work.
In the package, you will get the USB 3.0 cable that is 18 inches long, which is more than enough for connecting to most devices.
Along with that comes a limited warranty for the time period of 1 year, just in case you run on some problems.
Pros:
- Excellent capacity limit
- Great compatibility with different devices
- Plug & Play installation
- USB 3.0 compatibility
- 1-year limited warranty
Silicon Power A62 Rugged Game Drive
A Durable Game Drive For Every Gamer
If you are looking for a versatile and robust component to bring your gaming to the next level, look no further than Silicon Power's latest external game drive. These gadgets are tried and tested in the most rigorous conditions and offer you immense power while remaining portable and durable.
The first thing to take note of is the extensive degree of protection you get with this device. Adopting the highest standards of quality assurance, it comes with a water-resistant and shockproof exterior that allows it to keep optimal functionality even if a mishap occurs.
Despite the heavy-duty protection, the design remains stylish and slim. It comes with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which allows for backward compatibility with many devices up to USB 2.0.
You can choose how much space you need, with the available choices ranging from 1TB to 5TB, with all of them being compatible with the latest gaming consoles and PCs without issue.
The high-speed output also enables this external hard drive to multitask as a library of not just games but of files of all kinds. Whatever it is you wish to store, it can perfectly replicate once stored within its memory.
While more pricey than the average memory bank, it offers immense quality and comes with a 3-year warranty that covers everything- from maintenance to on-phone technical support.
Ps4 External Drive Size
Pros:
- Variety of options regarding its memory size
- Military-grade protection ensures it is immune to rough handling
- Blazing-fast data transfer speed
The limited storage capacity PS4 comes with has incited fanboys to search for a workaround that helps to expand that storage capacity to the limit determined by user. Previously, users were only allowed to add more storage to PS4 by replacing the internal hard drive of PS4 with a larger and, probably faster hard drive. The standard, and most common upgrade size was 2tb, as it was the largest standalone solution for PS4 storage upgrade, because there was no internal hard drive that conformed to the PS4 storage upgrade compatibility standards larger than that. Other companies, though, offered an accessory called Data Bank that allowed users to use 3.5-inch hard drives with more than 2tb of capacity to upgrade PS4 storage to as large as 8tb.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're looking for the best external HDD for PS4, you better then view this article instead.
That was history. Now, after more than a year of releasing PS4 System Software v. 4.5, the overwhelming majority of PS4 users who solely look for a storage expansion for their game console would go for the external hard drive solution instead of upgrading the internal hard drive and handling the hassles that may come with it. (You may want to read a quick comparison between upgrading the internal HDD of PS4 or just adding an external HDD instead.)
Can an External HDD Be Used on PS4?
It's easy to deduce the answer from the foreword of this article. So YES, it's possible to use an external hard drive on PS4 as long as it's fully compatible with PS4 system.
You have to know first that there are two purpose of an external hard drive on PS4, which are:
- Using it as a backup storage with which you can take a precautionary copy of your games and applications in case of emergency. This solution is dramatically going unpopular in favor of the second purpose.
- Using it as a storage extension to the main system storage (i.e. it's an extension, not a standalone storage). With this solution you can install your games and applications directly on the external hard drive and launch them while they're placed externally.
Each purpose has its own compatibility standards that we'll address below in some detail.
Backup Storage Solution
If you're looking for a backup solution for your PS4 that entitles you to take a precautionary copy of data stored on your PS4, then this is surely your way to go.
There are several advantages of this kind of solution over the other one that's addressed later in the comparison section in this article.
The external hard drive adopted for this purpose must conform to the following standards:
- Supports USB connection, no matter what generation of USB it supports. That means thunderbolt and other connections won't work with PS4 system.
- Not larger than 8tb, as PS4 system doesn't recognize larger drives.
- Formatted with FAT file system only—Either FAT32 or exFAT. (Read more on how to format an external hard drive as a backup storage for PS4)
- Single-layer external HDD. If it's dual-layer, the PS4 system will only recognize the first layer and ignores the second, so you'll get half of the storage capacity that your external hard drive actually offers.
- Only one partition is supported. PS4 system doesn't accept partitioned external hard drives, so bear in mind that you have to use a drive with solely one partition.
Once your external hard drive follows these standards, it will be ready to be used as a backup solution. Just make sure your PS4 system software is at least on version 2.5, as earlier versions doesn't support this feature.
Using an External HDD
Once you have got the right hard drive for this purpose formatted with the relevant file system, you just need then to connect the USB external HDD to your PS4 via the USB port located on the rear, then restart the system and PS4 will automatically recognize it.
Go to System and you'll see several features listed. Just pick the 'Back Up and Restore' feature, and follow the easy instructions.
You can also watch the following video if you need better illustration:
Extended Storage Solution
The extended storage goes in cahoots with the main system storage and it's NOT a standalone storage solution. It's currently the most popular purpose for why PS4 fanboys get an external hard drive. Adobe ps cs6 trial.
There are several advantages of going for this kind of solution over using the external hard drive as a mere backup storage. Please have a look at the comparison section in this article to educate yourself more on this issue.
The external hard drive adopted for this purpose must conform to the following standards:
- The support for USB 3.0 connection. If your external hard drive isn't configured with the third generation of USB or above, then it cannot be used for this purpose.
- The storage capacity must range from 250gb minimum to 8tb maximum. Any external drive falls outside this range is NOT accepted.
- Only single-layer external hard drives are supported. If it happens that you use a dual-layer drive, PS4 will only recognize the first layer and ignores the second, which results in losing half of the storage space the external hard drive actually offers.
- Connecting directly to PS4 USB port without any third-party connection medium, such as a USB hub. Otherwise PS4 won't recognize the new external HDD.
Once you have the right drive for this purpose, make sure to have the latest PS4 System Software installed on your console before connecting the external hard drive to it. Generally, PS4 System software 4.5 is sufficient for this goal, but Sony has released many fixes and patches after that version that promote more stability an consistency of the overall system performance. Therefore we highly recommend that you stay up-to-date with PS4 System Software.
Now, which is the best solution for you? Is it the backup storage or extended storage? This is what we will discuss in the following section.
Using an External HDD
Now, once you confirm that the external HDD you own is compatible with PS4 system and is suitable for use as an extended storage, you just need to connect it to PS4 via the USB port located on the rear side. You have to connect it DIRECTLY without the use of any connection medium such as a USB hub.
Now, restart your PS4 to help it recognize the new connected drive. Then follow the instructions illustrated in the following video:
Backup Storage vs Extended Storage
The purposes for which you can use an external hard drive on PS4 may confuse some users not knowing which route to follow in this regard. In fact, both are an appealing choice, but, unfortunately, you cannot use the same external hard drive for both purposes simultaneously. You need to determine your needs and decide which purpose to go for.
To make it easier for you, we have conducted a comparison table between the two options, so as to get the picture clearer in your mind that eventually helps making the right decision.
Feature | Backup Storage | Extended Storage |
---|---|---|
Purpose of Use | Getting a precautionary copy of existing games and applications installed on the internal hard drive | Cannot have a copy. You can only MOVE your data from the internal HDD or just download your game/app directly to the extended storage. That means it doesn't fit as a backup solution. |
Compatibility Standards |
|
|
Format | Must be pre-formatted with either FAT32 or exFAT file system. (The process must be carried out on a computer before connecting the external HDD to PS4) | No need to pre-format it. PS4 system will recognize it in all cases and format it on automatically. |
Multi Partitions | Not supported. Only one partition | Not supported. Only one partition |
Backup & Restore Feature | Eligible for use | Not supported |
Trophies & game saves | Only game saves can be stored | Neither |
Playing on another PS4 | Not supported. It's just a backup purpose. | Supported. You can take the extended storage device and connect it to your friend's PS4 and enjoy playing with your favorite game. Note that you'll be asked for a license key of the game you want to play on another PS4. |
Unfortunately, you can't get all the advantages in one solution. That's why we keep telling PS4 fanboys that if they don't need more than 2tb of storage capacity, they better upgrade PS4 internal HDD and use an external HDD as a backup solution.
Or you can read this article and see more options to expand PS4 storage and pick the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
It's easy to use an external hard drive on PS4 as long as you get a compatible one with the purpose you want it for. Whether your goal is to use the external hard drive as a backup storage or an extended storage, you have, in all cases, to look for the compatibility standards before taking the next step.
Although we recommend that you first try to upgrade the internal hard drive of PS4 due to its low quality (read more) you can still use an external hard drive if your main concern is to expand the storage capacity of PS4 without a major interest in the performance boost the internal HDD upgrade offers.
After all it's all you choice. Adding an external HDD to PS4 is a very popular solution nowadays due to its easiness of use.
1Can an External HDD Be Used on PS4?