The joy attainable from playing games without disruption cannot be measured. And the PS4 Pro provides you this, with smooth and fast gameplay, thanks to its high-quality gaming system. The PS4 Pro is known to be one of the best consoles with very slick graphics and satisfying speed. This impressive graphics and speed come at a price; storage.
Although, PS4 has a good enough internal memory (hard drive). To enjoy the full package and add versatility to your console, you might have to consider using external storage. The external storage is especially needed as a backup memory or to simply widen your console memory. This gives improved security and organization while also retaining the console’s impressive features.
While there are different types of external storage to be used with PS like the external hard drive. The flash drive has always proven to be advantageous with its unique characteristics.
Read more: Best USB Wifi Adapter for Gaming
Table of Contents
What is a USB Flash Drive?
A USB flash drive is a popular data storage incorporating a flash memory coupled with a USB interface. The USB interface is one of the latest means of connection. This gives it the versatility to connect with different devices. It is otherwise known as a thumb drive, USB memory sticks, or simply flash drive.
This device is designed portable and extremely lightweight making it easy to carry. And has the ease of use to its advantage as it requires no cable or adapter for connection. Add its blistering speed of operation and you have the perfect external storage for your PS4 pro.
There are various types of USB flash drives depending on features. There is the USB flash drive 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, classified based on USB interface compatibility. It can also be classified based on the storage capacity with a lot of versions in this classification. Thankfully, virtually all types of flash drives work well with PS4 pro, albeit depending on the task.
Uses of USB Flash Drive on PS4 Pro
It is easy to attach the very existence of a USB flash drive to memory storage only. However, it has some other vital use to the PS4 pro. Below are some basic purposes a PS4 Pro USB flash drive can serve
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Serves as PS4 pro storage extension:
This is one of the most important purposes a USB flash drive serves. Since the speed of the PS4 pro depends largely on the internal storage, it needs to be kept as free as possible.
For a gamer obsessed with just a single game or two, the PS4 pro internal storage should serve you well. But if you enjoy playing multiple games, you will need a USB flash drive. This will help you install and play games directly from the external storage without having to use the space on your console.
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Serves as back up for PS4 pro:
There are some operations on PS4 requiring backing up your data to prevent data loss. In a case of initialization of PS4 pro to fix issues, you will need to back up your data on external storage to avoid losing valuable information.
The USB flash drive is one of the most reliable and easy to use external storage devices for data backup. All you need to do is to plug it into your PS4, save a copy of your data on it and restore it when you are done.
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Helps in the upgrading of PS4 pro software:
When your PS4 pro needs an upgrade, there is a need for you to download the required software on your computer system. After the software’s been downloaded, you will surely need a USB flash drive to store, install and copy the file from your computer to your PS4.
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Helps in transferring games, applications and files:
Sometimes the need arises to share some PS4 applications files with friends or you might want to get it from them. In some other cases, you might need to save some files on your computer as back up for future reference. USB flash drive is the fastest and easiest external storage for this purpose.
How does a Flash Drive compare to other External Storage (Hard drive and SSD)
Majorly, there are three common and well-known external storage devices for PS4 pro. These devices are USB flash drive, SSD and external hard drive. All of these devices have their advantages over the rest of the pack. Let’s see how the USB flash drive compares with these two devices in some basic requirements
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Ease of use:
The USB flash drive is the easiest to use amongst all PS4 external storage devices. You don’t need a cable for connection as it incorporates the plug and play style. Hence, it’ll get you started in no time.
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Portability:
This is one of the major advantages of USB flash drive over hard drive and SSD. It is portable and lightweight. Add its ruggedness and you get a device suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
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Cost:
Hard disk is the cheapest amongst all. At the same memory capacity, it is cheaper than the SSD and flash drive. However, the USB flash drive is cheaper than SSD.
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Reliability and durability:
USB flash drive is reliable thanks to its flash memory technology. The failure rate is low and can withstand the test of time. However, the SSD being the most costly amongst them boasts the highest reliability in the long run. This means it’s the most durable but at a high price.
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Speed and performance:
The USB flash drive is pretty fast and performs at a satisfying rate. It reads and stores data faster, saving you time and effort. However, external SSD still edges out the USB flash drive in terms of speed and performance.
Although, there are premium flash drives that match the SSD in terms of performance, they are more expensive.
For PS4 pro storage that offers convenience, impressive speed, reliability, portability, versatility, performance at a reasonable price, your best bet is the USB flash drive.
Features to consider in a PS4 pro USB flash drive
As simple as a flash drive looks to the eyes, choosing the right one to do the required job might be difficult. Here we have gathered the features you need to consider in a PS4 USB flash drive before committing to it.
Storage
This is probably the easiest to predict, being a storage device. But there is more to it when it comes to a PS4 pro USB flash drive.
A USB flash drive of all storage capacity can work effectively with your PS4 pro. This is true if you intend to use it as a back up external storage, to transfer applications and games, and to update software.
However, if you intend to use it as storage extension, the rule changes. The minimum memory capacity PS4 pro console accepts for storage extension is 250 GB (gigabyte) with 8tb (terabyte) being the maximum.
Note that for a 256 GB flash drive, the maximum usable space on it is 247.5 GB. This is not enough to work as a memory extension on PS4 pro as it needs a minimum of 250 GB working capacity. So it is advisable to get a USB flash drive of a minimum of 512 GB for this purpose.
USB interface connection
There are three popular USB interfaces. They are the USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. Every one of them works well with PS4 pro provided you are not using the flash drive for storage extension.
In a case where you want to use your USB flash drive as a storage extension, the minimum is USB 3.0. Flash drives with anything below the USB interface connection of 3.0 will not work for this purpose. But will serve other purposes effectively. Hence, you need to take note of this interface. For ease of recognition, it’s usually written on the package of the USB flash drive.
USB format system
There are two USB format systems allowed on for PS4 pro; the FAT32 and exFAT. Of these two formats, the preferred one is exFAT. This is because the exFAT is the latest (it was introduced in 2006) and the most effective.
One of the major advantages of exFAT over FAT32 is the file size you can transfer at once on FAT32. FAT32 can transfer a maximum of 4 GB file at a time. This means, if you have an application or file above 4 GB, you cannot transfer it using a flash drive with FAT32 format system.
ExFAT on the other hand can transfer 50 GB of a file at a time. The fact that the maximum size of file transferable to and from the PS4 is 16 GB gives it an edge in terms of effectiveness.
Durability
Probably the toughest of all features to determine especially for hardware. The look of hardware is not in any way an indication of its durability. Rather, it just a pointer to its sturdiness and ruggedness.
One way of knowing the durability of a product is by reading the reviews on it online. This is usually an honest indication of the quality of a product. Another is the reliability of the producer and the durability in the field. SanDisk and Samsung for example are amongst the reliable flash drive producers.
Price
This is the determinant of all other features. The size of your pocket can be the deal-breaker. Your budget for a PS4 flash drive depends on the task you want it to perform. Also, the quality of the product will say a lot about the cost.
Generally, the higher the quality of the PS4 pro flash drive, the higher the price. But sometimes, some popular products are often more expensive than their new or unknown counterparts with comparable quality. The most important thing is to buy the best quality available even if you need to spend a bit extra. This is the only way you can get the best value for your investment.
The Best USB flash drive for PS4 Pro in 2021 Reviews
With the whopping number of flash drives available in the market, you might get caught up trying to select the best one. Add the fact that there are lots of fake and cloned products out there; it is easy to choose that good-looking unreliable product.
To ensure you acquire the best USB flash drive for your PS4, we have helped you select and review some of the best available in the market.
Below are some of the best PS4 pro USB flash drives you can lay your hands on:
Product | Best Feature | Rating |
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1. SanDisk 512GB Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive | Best for Privacy | 4.9 |
2. Samsung BAR Plus 256 GB 400 MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive | Best Overall | 4.8 |
3. Samsung MUF-256A /AM FIT Plus 256 GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive | Most Reliable | 4.8 |
4. HyperX Savage 512 GB USB 3.1/3.0 flash drive | Best for Storage Extension | 4.7 |
5. Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 512 GB USB 3.1 Premium Flash Drive | Best High-End Flash Drive | 4.7 |
1. SanDisk 512GB Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive – Best for Privacy
SanDisk ultra-fit USB flash drive is heralded as one of the best in the market thanks to its superb features. It is a well-designed device that gives users lots of options.
This compact flash drive operates at high-speed USB 3.1 performance level. And operates fast and accurately as it reads at about 130mb/s. The USB 3.1 is also a perfect match for PS4 pro. With 512GB storage you can use it for memory extension, file transfer, memory back up and software update on PS4 pro.
Of the impressive features boasted by this flash drive is privacy. As it has a function that can be used to keep your private files hidden with the help of the Secure Access software. It is also reliable and durable with a 5-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Fast and reliable.
- Doesn’t overheat.
Cons
- The casing is made with some kind of composite material. Hence, it can’t withstand stress.
- It loses reliability when overused.
2. Samsung BAR Plus 256 GB 400 MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive – Best Overall
Speed and transfer rates are always amongst the defining factors of a PS4 pro flash drive – and this product is amongst the fastest you will ever get. Despite its impressive speed, Samsung Bar Plus 256gb flash drive is effective and accurate.
This device has a transfer rate of 400mb/s ranking it amongst the fastest flash drives available. And is reliable and offers secure storage for your data. Also, the flash drive doesn’t overheat boasting an operating temperature between 0⁰ to 60⁰. Plus it’s enclosed in a metal case, making it rugged and sturdy. This plus its key ring and known flexibility make it easy to transport and store.
Being a USB 3.1 flash drive, it fits the PS4 pro well. As it’s able to work at the impressive USB 3.1 speed without losing data. Similarly, it has backward compatibility, enabling it to work with devices with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. In terms of reliability and data safety, it does not disappoint. This is due to it being shockproof, temperature proof, waterproof, magnet proof and ray proof.
Pros
- Reliable and effective.
- Formatted exFAT by default making it easy to configure.
- Attractive design, lightweight and durable.
- Pretty fast transfer and configuration rate.
Cons
- The accessible storage is 239 GB.
3. Samsung MUF-256A /AM FIT Plus 256 GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive – Most Reliable
This is another highly effective flash drive by Samsung. The flash drive is known for portability and takes it to another level. Thanks to its wide range of use as it’s compatible with varieties of devices.
The device has an exceptional transfer rate of about 300mb/s. And can be used with PS4 pro to backup files, update software and transfer files. All this can be done at an impressive speed thanks to its USB 3.1 compatibility coupled with its transfer rate. Similarly, the design is compact and fits seamlessly with PS4 pro. It also incorporates a key ring hole which helps you to secure it.
Samsung MUF plus flash drive is reliable and durable. As it’ll secure files long-term without experiencing data loss. It is also made waterproof, magnet-proof, shockproof, ray-proof and temperature proof. This in addition to its 5years limited warranty points to its impressive reliability and durability.
Pros
- Doesn’t overheat thanks to its operating temperature between 32⁰F to 140⁰F.
- It is designed compact, portable and as such is unobtrusive.
- Attractive design and efficiency.
- Fast transfer rate.
- Durable and reliable.
- Value for money
Cons
- Drive speed is way lower than the read speed.
4. HyperX Savage 512 GB USB 3.1/3.0 flash drive – Best for Storage Extension
HyperX Savage flash drive is another very portable flash drive. This gem of a device is designed compact and boasts several impressive features.
It catches the eyes with its unique and simple design. And is extremely fast at 350mb/s read and 250mb/s transfer rate, making it amongst the best flash drives. Also, this impressive speed is matched with accuracy and effectiveness. And is easy to use as it does not require any driver to get going.
The flash drive is compatible with USB 3.1 Gen devices. This makes it a perfect fit for PS4 pro. Also, it is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. And has a storage capacity of 512 GB, making it ideal for storage extension for your PS4 pro.
Pros
- The design is rugged and bold making it easy to transport.
- Easy to use.
- It is super fast and does not lag.
- Attractive and durable.
Cons
- A bit expensive than other products of the same capacity.
5. Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 512 GB USB 3.1 Premium Flash Drive – Best High-End Flash Drive
Here is another pretty fast USB flash drive that is extremely suitable for PS4 pro. As, it’s a compact and secure design, making it a smart investment.
Corsair GTX flash drive operates at a speed similar to an external SSD. As it incorporates a high-speed 3D NAND memory. This helps in unlocking its read and write of the speed of about 440mb/s. Also, it’s compatible with USB 3.0 coupled with a storage of 512 GB. And can be used as extended storage for your PS4 pro.
The flash drive is built rugged. As the casing is made with premium rugged zinc-alloy with aluminum accents. This offers physical security and helps in safeguarding your files. Also, it works indifferently with USB 3.1 Gen, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. And can be accessed and optimized with the Corsair SSD toolbox software.
Pros
- Easy to use as it does not need a driver to get started.
- High-end flash drive with SSD-rated performance.
- Has an operating temperature between 0 degree to 70 degrees indicating it doesn’t overheat.
- Pocket friendly and durable.
Cons
- The design on the casing scratches off too easily.
FAQs on Best USB Flash Drive for PS4 Pro
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My PS4 pro does not recognize my USB flash drive, what should I do?
For your PS4 to recognize your USB flash drive, you need to set the flash drive to the supported format style. These format systems are FAT32 and exFAT.
This can be done by connecting your PS4 pro to your computer or directly from your PS4 pro. To set it from your PS4 pro, go to settings, click on devices, then USB storage devices. Your USB flash drive name will appear on the menu, select it and click on the format as extended storage. From there on, the instructions are pretty simple.
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Will my USB 2.0 flash drive work on PS4 pro?
Yes, it will. Although, the PS4 Pro is built for USB 3.1, USB 2.0 will still work on it. The downside to using USB 2.0 is it will only work at its speed. This means you won’t be able to take advantage of the impressive speed of your console.
Another disadvantage to this is the inability to use such a flash drive as extended storage. Hence, you should get a USB 3.1 flash drive for your PS4 pro.
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How do I download games onto my USB flash drive?
This is very much possible. However, your flash drive must be extended storage to your PS4 pro. The conditions for it to work as extended storage have been stated above.
Once these conditions are met, you need to format the flash drive to the compatible format. The moment your PS4 pro recognizes your flash drive as extended storage, it will be the default location for download whenever it is plugged in.
Conclusion
The use of external storage such as a USB flash drive with a PS4 pro might just be the distinguishing factor between someone that lives the game and those that just play the game. The difference in speed, versatility, flexibility and organization of USB flash drive has made it a must-have for all PS4 Pro owners.
To make the task of using a USB flash drive easy, we have gone through the rigors of how to get it right for every willing learner. Also, we have reviewed some of the best products to help you narrow down your options. It all depends on you to pay close attention to whatever USB flash drive you will be buying.
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