Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's roughly 800GB of usable space fills up quickly. The best solution? An SSD. This guide highlights top choices for boosting your Xbox Series X|S storage.
TL;DR - Top Xbox Series X SSDs:
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)
Note: Only certain SSDs run Xbox Series X games directly. Others offer storage for games, but you'll need to transfer them to the console to play. This opens up more budget-friendly options for archiving older Xbox One or 360 games.
First, we'll cover SSDs that support and run Xbox Series X games, then explore alternative storage solutions.
Playing on a PS5? Check out our best PS5 SSDs guide.
1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
The Best Overall Xbox Series X SSD
This official Xbox SSD offers easy installation, fast transfer speeds, and seamless integration with the console's Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume. It's expensive, but provides the best performance.
Pros: Easy installation, fast transfer speeds.
Cons: Expensive.
2. WD_Black 1TB C50
The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD
Western Digital's official Xbox SSD offers a more affordable alternative to Seagate, with comparable speed and a durable, compact design. Slightly slower boot times compared to the internal SSD.
Pros: Cheaper than Seagate, durable and portable.
Cons: Marginally slower boot times.
For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only
3. Samsung T7 External SSD
The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD
Ideal for storing games (not playing them directly), this SSD offers excellent value and portability. Features encryption for added security.
Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption.
Cons: Cannot play Series X games directly.
4. Crucial X8 External SSD
The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD
A budget-friendly option for storing Xbox One and 360 games, freeing up space on your internal SSD for newer titles. Available in various capacities.
Pros: Compact, quick, available up to 4TB.
Cons: No encryption.
5. WD_Black 2TB P40
The Best External Xbox Series X SSD (Aesthetically Pleasing)
Stylish external SSD with RGB lighting, offering fast transfer speeds and compatibility with multiple platforms. Pricier than other external options.
Pros: Fast transfer speeds, robust and stylish design.
Cons: A little pricey.
Choosing the Right Xbox Series X SSD
For plug-and-play functionality with Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your best bets. If direct game play isn't essential, many other USB 3.2 SSDs offer more affordable, high-capacity storage options for archiving games.
Xbox Series X SSD FAQ
Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X? Only licensed external SSDs or the internal storage can run Xbox Series X games directly. External SSDs can store games for later transfer.
Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast? The internal SSD offers around 2.4GB/s throughput.
Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB? System software uses some of the 1TB storage.
Do you need additional storage? Yes, if you plan to install many large games simultaneously.
