Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide

Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is crucial for gamers with extensive libraries. The console's usable 800GB fills up quickly. The ideal solution? An external SSD. However, not all SSDs are created equal. This guide explores the best options, categorized for clarity.

TL;DR - Top Xbox Series X SSDs:

Our Top Pick: Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S (See it on Amazon!)

WD_Black 1TB C50: (See it on Amazon!)

Samsung T7 External SSD: (See it on Amazon!)

Crucial X8 External SSD: (See it on Amazon!)

WD_Black 2TB P40: (See it on Amazon!)

SSDs for Direct Game Play:

Only a select few SSDs allow direct game play from the drive, leveraging the Xbox Series X's Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume.

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: This officially licensed SSD offers seamless plug-and-play installation, fast transfer speeds comparable to the internal drive, and full compatibility with Xbox Series X|S features. While expensive, it's the most convenient solution. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50: Western Digital's official offering provides a more affordable alternative to the Seagate card. It's compact, durable, and offers comparable performance with only slightly slower boot times. Available in 512GB and 1TB.

SSDs for Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

These SSDs are ideal for storing games (Xbox One, 360, and Series X) without the requirement of direct play from the drive. They offer more storage per dollar.

3. Samsung T7 External SSD: A versatile and portable option with excellent read/write speeds (up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s) and 256-bit AES encryption. Perfect for storing a large game library, but not for direct gameplay of Series X titles.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD: A cost-effective choice with high storage capacity (up to 4TB) and fast transfer speeds. While lacking encryption, it's a great value for archiving games.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with RGB lighting, fast transfer speeds (up to 2,000MB/s), and robust design. More expensive than other external options, but offers a premium aesthetic and high capacity.

Choosing the Right SSD:

For optimal performance and seamless integration with Xbox Series X features, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are the top choices. If budget or higher storage capacity is a priority, consider the external SSD options for archiving and storing backwards-compatible games.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed expansion cards allow direct Series X game play. External SSDs can store games.
• Xbox Series X SSD speed? The internal drive is a 1TB NVMe SSD with ~2.4GB/s throughput.
• Why only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the advertised 1TB.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan on installing multiple large games simultaneously.