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, with its approximately 800GB of usable storage, quickly fills up. The ideal solution? An external SSD. 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!)

Important Note: Only a limited number of SSDs can run Xbox Series X games directly. Others are ideal for storage only.

Top-Tier SSDs (for direct game play):

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: The best overall choice. This officially licensed SSD offers seamless integration, fast transfer speeds, and compatibility with Xbox Series X|S features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture. While expensive, it delivers optimal performance. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50: A more affordable alternative to the Seagate card. Also officially licensed, it provides excellent speeds, though marginally slower boot times than the Seagate. Compact and durable, making it highly portable. Available in 512GB and 1TB.

Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

3. Samsung T7 External SSD: A versatile option offering high storage capacity for the price. Excellent for storing games (Xbox One, 360, and Series X titles) for later access, but cannot run Series X games directly. Lightweight, portable, and features 256-bit AES encryption.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD: A budget-friendly choice with excellent value. Offers substantial storage (up to 4TB) and good speeds. Ideal for archiving games, but like the Samsung T7, it doesn't support direct Series X game play. Compact and durable.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with fast transfer speeds and a robust design. Features RGB lighting. While more expensive than other external options, it offers high performance and is compatible with multiple platforms (Xbox, PC, Mac, PS5). Cannot run Series X games directly.

Choosing the Right SSD:

For plug-and-play functionality and optimal performance with Series X features, the Seagate or WD_Black C50 are your best bets. If you prioritize storage capacity and budget, the external SSDs (Samsung T7, Crucial X8, WD_Black P40) are excellent alternatives for archiving and playing older titles.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? No. Only licensed external SSDs can run Series X games directly; others are for storage.
• Xbox Series X SSD Speed? The internal SSD boasts an IO throughput of around 2.4GB/s.
• Why only 800GB usable? System software utilizes some of the 1TB storage.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install many games, especially large AAA titles, extra storage is highly recommended for quick access.