Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide

Expandable storage is crucial for modern consoles. The Xbox Series X, despite boasting 1TB of storage, offers only around 800GB of usable space. This quickly fills up, necessitating frequent game uninstallations. The ideal solution? Investing in an SSD.

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!)

It's important to note that only a select few SSDs support direct game play for Xbox Series X titles. Others are ideal for storage only. Older Xbox One and 360 games can be played from compatible hard drives.

First, we'll examine SSDs compatible with Xbox Series X gameplay, followed by alternative storage options.

• PS5 users? Check out our best PS5 SSDs guide.

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S:

The Best Overall:

• Pros: Easy installation, official Xbox SSD, fast transfer speeds, seamless integration with console's storage.
• Cons: Expensive.

This plug-and-play card offers speeds comparable to the internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50:

The Most Portable:

• Pros: Official Xbox SSD, more affordable than Seagate, durable and compact.
• Cons: Marginally slower boot times than Seagate.

A cost-effective alternative, offering 512GB and 1TB options. Easy installation and fast transfer speeds.

Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD:

The Most Versatile:

• Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption.
• Cons: Cannot play Series X games directly.

Offers excellent value with high storage capacity (2TB). Ideal for archiving games and other files.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD:

The Best Value:

• Pros: Compact, fast, available up to 4TB.
• Cons: No encryption.

A budget-friendly option with good storage capacity (up to 4TB). Suitable for storing Xbox One, 360, and Series X games.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40:

The Best External SSD:

• Pros: Fast transfer speeds, stylish design with RGB lighting.
• Cons: Relatively expensive.

A visually appealing option with high storage capacity (2TB) and fast transfer speeds. Suitable for all platforms.

Choosing the Right SSD

For plug-and-play functionality and optimal performance with features like Quick Resume, the Seagate or WD_Black C50 are the best choices. However, if direct gameplay isn't required, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater value and capacity.

Consider factors like read/write speeds, durability, and portability. 1TB or larger is recommended for substantial game libraries.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) allow direct Series X game play. External SSDs can store games.
• Is the internal SSD fast? Yes, it's a 1TB NVMe SSD with ~2.4GB/s throughput.
• Why only 800GB usable space? System software consumes some of the 1TB storage.
• Do you need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install multiple large games simultaneously.