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, leaves users with approximately 800GB of usable space. This quickly fills up, necessitating frequent game uninstallations. The ideal solution? Invest 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: only a select few SSDs support direct gameplay of Xbox Series X titles. However, using an SSD solely for storage (playing games from the console's internal drive) opens up many more options. This allows for storing Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Series X games.

This guide first covers SSDs compatible with direct Xbox Series X gameplay, followed by alternative storage solutions.

• 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 Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume.
• Cons: Expensive.

This plug-and-play card delivers speeds comparable to the console's internal SSD. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50:

The Most Portable:

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

Offered in 512GB and 1TB options, this card provides a cost-effective solution.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only:

3. Samsung T7 External SSD:

The Most Versatile:

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

Excellent for long-term storage of games and other files. Offers great value for its storage capacity.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD:

The Best Value:

• Pros: Cost-effective, compact, available up to 4TB.
• Cons: No encryption.

Ideal for storing Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Series X games (not for direct gameplay of Series X titles).

5. WD_Black 2TB P40:

The Best External SSD:

• Pros: Fast transfer speeds, stylish design (RGB lighting), robust.
• Cons: Relatively pricey for an external SSD.

A visually appealing option with high transfer speeds, suitable for storing games and other files (not for direct Series X gameplay).

Choosing the Right SSD:

For plug-and-play functionality with Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate or WD_Black C50 are the only choices. However, if direct gameplay isn't a requirement, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater value and capacity. Prioritize fast read/write speeds, durability, and size based on your needs. 1TB is generally a good starting point, but options up to 4TB exist.

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 advertised storage.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan on installing multiple large games simultaneously.