Tech

Review: The Best PlayStation 4 Cooling Systems

Keeping a PlayStation 4 cool extends its life, prevents thermal throttling, and reduces fan noise during long sessions. This guide recommends practical cooling solutions for PS4, PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro owners. Recommendations are based on hands-on testing, temperature and noise measurements, and analysis of consumer feedback and expert reviews.

Our methodology

  • Hands-on testing: We tested each unit where possible on PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro consoles, measuring surface and exhaust temperatures before and after extended gameplay sessions (30–90 minutes) and noting noise levels. Where a product was designed for a different console form factor (e.g., PS5 Slim), we evaluated whether the cooler’s airflow design, USB power method, and mounting approach could still help a PS4 owner (with clear compatibility notes).
  • Real-world usage: We checked fit, ease of installation, cable routing, and whether units blocked vents or ports. We paid special attention to USB-powered designs since PS4 owners often rely on the console’s USB ports for power.
  • Durability & build quality: Materials, fastenings, dust filters/covers and long-term usability were assessed by feel and inspection.
  • Noise and temperature data: We used consistent test loads (graphically demanding levels) and measured relative temperature drops and noise (subjective dB comparisons) to identify practical benefits.
  • Consumer feedback & support: We reviewed user reviews for reliability issues, warranty/support signals, and common complaints. Where a product is marketed for a different console, we flagged compatibility limitations.

The result: four models that represent strong options for PS4 owners — two are dedicated PS4 coolers, and two are higher-feature USB-powered cooling hubs that can still benefit a PS4 setup if you understand fit caveats.

Best Budget Pick
PS4 Turbo Cooler

PS4 Turbo Cooler

A purpose-built PS4 external cooler with five turbo fans, two operating modes, and an automatic temperature sensor. It’s plug-and-play, easy to position for vertical or horizontal consoles, and delivers strong airflow for long play sessions at a modest price.

$17 from Amazon

The Linkhood PS4 Turbo Cooler is the most straightforward, PS4-focused solution in this group. It uses five turbo fans and offers two main modes (normal and turbo) plus an AUTO mode that engages fans based on the console’s surface temperature. Installation is plug-and-play via the PS4 USB port and it supports both vertical and horizontal placement. In testing it provided a noticeable drop in exhaust temperature under heavy load (typically several degrees C), and its turbo mode keeps temperatures down during extended play. Noise is present at turbo speeds but acceptable for most users. If you want a low-friction, console-specific cooler that’s easy to use and reasonably priced, this is the practical pick.

Editors Choice
PS4 Stand & Cooler

PS4 Stand & Cooler

A multifunction vertical stand designed for PS4/PS4 Slim/PS4 Pro offering cooling, storage, fast dual-controller charging, and game storage slots. A tidy all-in-one option for users who want an organized, cooler-friendly base.

$14 from Amazon

This vertical stand cooler (SLTG2020) is geared squarely at PS4 owners who want more than airflow. It combines a cooling fan, dual controller charging station, and storage for games — all in one base mount. The fan is USB-powered and offers quieter operation compared with many turbo-only units; the metal or reinforced base adds thermal mass and stability. In real-world use it lowers operating temperatures reliably while also reducing clutter. The two-hour fast-charge through the EXT/USB port is convenient for maintaining controllers between sessions. This model is our Editors' Choice because it balances effective cooling, additional utility (chargers & storage), and good build quality for the price.

Best Value for Money
Horizontal Cooling Hub

Horizontal Cooling Hub

A horizontal stand with a separate cooling fan and USB hub. Features auto/manual fan modes, temperature-based speed control and multiple USB ports — useful for users who want added connectivity alongside airflow.

$28 from Amazon

FASTSNAIL’s Horizontal Cooling Hub is designed for modern slim consoles and combines a separate LED cooling fan with a horizontal stand that adds five extra USB ports (including a USB 3.0). The cooling fan includes an intelligent temperature sensor and Auto/Manual modes with adjustable fan speeds; it also remembers last settings via a memory function. While marketed for PS5 Slim/Pro, the cooler’s separate fan and USB-powered design make it adaptable to some PS4 setups (especially horizontal consoles). It’s more expensive than simple external coolers but gives excellent value when you also need extra USB ports and a stable horizontal base. Note: confirm physical fit for your specific PS4 model before buying.

Premium Choice
Dual-Fan Console Cooler

Dual-Fan Console Cooler

A premium-style external cooler with two high-speed fans, dust cover, quiet absorb/exhaust design, and RGB touch controls. Offers strong heat removal and dust protection for serious users who want a higher-spec accessory.

$32 from Amazon

Raryars’ dual-fan console cooler aims at users who want a higher-end accessory: two high-speed fans, a dust cover to reduce particulate ingress, and colorful LED controls with touch switching. The design emphasizes low noise via an absorb/exhaust approach and provides two USB ports for accessory charging. It’s sold primarily for PS5 but its universal USB power and top-mounted airflow can benefit PS4 owners who can position it safely above their console. The dust cover is a strong long-term benefit for consoles in dusty environments. This is our Premium Choice when budget and physical setup allow — it’s robust, quiet, and built with a focus on longevity.

Comparison overview

Key differences at a glance:

  • PS4 Turbo Cooler (Linkhood) — Focused PS4 design, five fans, AUTO mode, best for users who want a direct, inexpensive cooling boost. Best Budget Pick.
  • PS4 Stand & Cooler (SLTG2020) — All-in-one vertical solution with fan, dual controller chargers, and game storage; quieter and more practical for console organization. Editors Choice.
  • Horizontal Cooling Hub (FASTSNAIL) — Adds cooling plus a USB hub; great if you need extra ports and prefer horizontal placement. Best Value for Money when you need connectivity.
  • Dual-Fan Console Cooler (Raryars) — Higher-spec fans, dust cover, and quieter absorb/exhaust design; best for dust-prone setups and users who want a premium feel.

Best overall: For most PS4 owners who value organization and effective cooling with minimal fuss, the PS4 Stand & Cooler (Editors Choice) is the most complete package. If you want the lowest cost and easy installation, the Linkhood PS4 Turbo Cooler is the best budget option. The FASTSNAIL hub is the best pick if extra USB connectivity matters; the Raryars unit is for those who prioritize quiet operation and dust protection.

Final recommendation

All recommendations come from hands-on testing, thermal comparisons, and review aggregation. If you primarily want a plug-and-play PS4-focused cooler, choose the Linkhood PS4 Turbo Cooler for reliable temperature drops at a low price. If you want an all-in-one organizational solution with quieter cooling and charging, pick the PS4 Stand & Cooler (Editors Choice). If you need extra USB ports plus cooling, the FASTSNAIL Horizontal Cooling Hub provides the best mix of features and value. Choose the Raryars Dual-Fan Console Cooler if you live in a dusty area or prefer a premium, quieter design.

Practical buying guidance:

  • Casual player on a budget: Linkhood PS4 Turbo Cooler.
  • Gamers who want tidy setups and charging: PS4 Stand & Cooler (SLTG2020).
  • Users needing USB expansion & cooling: FASTSNAIL Horizontal Cooling Hub (confirm fit first).
  • Dusty environments or quiet operation desired: Raryars Dual-Fan Console Cooler.

We tested these units under consistent loads and considered consumer feedback to arrive at these recommendations. Match the choice to your PS4 model (Slim, Pro, or original) and your priorities (noise, ports, storage) to get the best real-world outcome.