BUFFALO
BUFFALO External SSD 500GB
Bottom line: The BUFFALO External SSD 500GB ($139.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Up to 600MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2 - far faster than portable hard drives; main trade-off: 600MB/s trails NVMe-based portable SSDs that hit 1,000MB/s+.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 600MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2 - far faster than portable hard drives
- ✓ Retractable stick design with no cable to pack or lose
- ✓ Both USB-C and USB-A supported, no adapter needed
- ✓ 3-year warranty when you register the drive (2 years unregistered)
Cons
- ✗ 600MB/s trails NVMe-based portable SSDs that hit 1,000MB/s+
- ✗ PS5 games cannot be played from external USB storage, only stored
- ✗ 500GB fills fast with modern 100GB+ console titles
- ✗ Warranty drops to 2 years if you never register the device
Manufacturer description
The BUFFALO SSD-PUT500U3B is a 500GB stick-format external solid state drive built for people who need real speed in a pocketable form. Rated up to 600MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2, it moves large photo libraries, 4K video projects, and game installs far faster than a spinning portable drive or a standard flash stick. The retractable connector design covers both USB-C and USB-A, so you can plug into a modern laptop, a desktop tower, or a console without hunting for an adapter. BUFFALO lists compatibility with PS4, PS5, Windows, and Mac, which makes it a practical way to park a PS4 game library or…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BUFFALO External SSD 500GB using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. BUFFALO's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with a PS5?
Yes. BUFFALO lists PS4 and PS5 compatibility. On PS5 it is used to store and archive game data; PS5-native titles must be moved back to internal storage to play, while PS4 titles run directly from it.
How fast is the BUFFALO SSD-PUT500U3B?
Up to 600MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2. Actual speed depends on your port - a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port is needed to reach the rated figure, and older USB 3.0/2.0 ports will cap it lower.
Do I need a cable or an adapter?
No. It is a stick-format drive with a retractable connector supporting both USB-C and USB-A, so it plugs straight into either port type with nothing extra to carry.
Will it work on a Mac?
Yes, BUFFALO lists Mac alongside Windows. As with any external drive, you may want to reformat it to your preferred file system depending on whether you also plan to use it with a console or a PC.
What warranty does BUFFALO include?
Three years for registered devices and two years if you do not register. Registering after purchase is what unlocks the extra year, so do it early.
Key Features
- BEST STICK SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Blazing fast speed (up to 600 MB/s) enables you to connect the drive to PC and perform large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Stick and retractable form factor to carry your data in the palm of your hand. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
Full Specifications
| Brand | BUFFALO |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | SSD-PUT |
| Read Speed | 430 Megabytes Per Second |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Media Speed | 500 MB/s |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Model Number | SSD-PUT500U3B |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Mac |
| Built-In Media | USB TypeC adapter, Quick Setup Guide, Gaming Console Manual,Warranty Statement |
| Hard Disk Size | 500 GB |
| Hard-Drive Size | 500 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | SSD-PUT500U3B |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Best value SSD for storage and gaming, Fast speeds and multitasking, compact, durable, reliable |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop, Tablet |
| Data Transfer Rate | 600 Megabytes Per Second |
| Full listing title | BUFFALO External SSD 500GB - Up to 600MB/s - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac) - External Solid State Drive Stick - SSD-PUT500U3B |
Ready to buy?
BUFFALO External SSD 500GB - Up to 600MB/s - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac) - External Solid State Drive Stick - SSD-PUT500U3B is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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