Expandable storage options for consoles are a necessity in today's gaming world, and the Xbox Series X is no exception. With only about 800GB of usable storage out of the box, you'll quickly find yourself juggling game installations. The best way to avoid this hassle? Invest in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S.
TL;DR - These are the best Xbox Series X SSDs:
Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
2See it at Amazon
### WD_Black 1TB C50
1See it at Amazon
### Samsung T7 External SSD
0See it at Amazon
### Crucial X8 External SSD
1See it at Amazon
### WD_Black 2TB P40
0See it at Amazon
The challenge is that only a select few SSDs can directly run Xbox Series X games. If you're just looking to store games, however, you have many more options at your disposal. You can play older Xbox One or Xbox 360 games directly from a compatible external drive or use it to store your favorite Xbox Series X titles.
Let's dive into the best SSDs that support and run Xbox Series X games, followed by some alternative storage solutions.
Have a PS5? Check out the best PS5 SSDs
AnswerSee Results**1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S** ---------------------------------------------------------The Best Xbox Series X SSD Overall
Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
2Grab this easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD to enjoy extra storage and speedy transfer rates so games feel like you're playing directly from the console's storage. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: eSATA
- Read/Write: 468.75MB/s
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Fast transfer speeds
Cons:
- Expensive
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is nearly as fast as the console's internal SSD, allowing you to play games optimized for Xbox Series X|S seamlessly. Its plug-and-play installation means no technical expertise is required to expand your storage. With high data transfer rates and quick loading times, your gaming experience remains unaffected. While it's pricey, this is the official solution for expanding your Xbox Series X storage, supporting features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture. You can choose between 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions to suit your needs.
2. WD_Black 1TB C50
The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD
### WD_Black 1TB C50
1The WD_Black C50 is Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD, designed to run your games at speeds comparable to the native SSD. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: eSATA
- Read/Write: 900MB/s
Pros:
- A more affordable alternative to the Seagate Expansion Card
- Durable and pocket-sized
Cons:
- Marginally slower boot times
While Seagate was the sole provider of Xbox expansion cards, Western Digital's WD_Black 1TB C50 now offers competition. This compact, durable drive is available in 512GB and 1TB options, providing a more budget-friendly alternative. It slots effortlessly into the Xbox Series X's expansion card port, requiring no setup. Though boot times may be slightly slower than the internal SSD, the difference is minimal. If you don't need Seagate's 2TB option, the WD_Black 1TB C50 is an excellent choice, offering a large game library in a portable package.
For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only
3. Samsung T7 External SSD
The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD
### Samsung T7 External SSD
0If you're looking to play backwards-compatible games or store your games long-term, the versatile Samsung T7 SSD is an excellent choice. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Storage: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: 1,050/1,000MB/s
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- 256-bit AES encryption for storing files
Cons:
- Cannot play Series X games directly from the SSD
When you venture beyond the Xbox Series X's expansion cards, you'll find more storage for your money. The Samsung T7, for example, matches the price of the WD_Black 1TB C50 but offers twice the storage. However, you can't play Xbox Series X games directly from this SSD. Instead, it's ideal for storing games you plan to play later, allowing quick transfers back to your console when needed. At just 2 ounces, the T7 is highly portable, and with 2TB of space, you can store games, photos, and documents. Connect it via USB-C to enjoy speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, and secure your files with Samsung's AES 256-bit encryption.
4. Crucial X8 External SSD
The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD
### Crucial X8 External SSD
1The Crucial X8 External SSD offers great value for storing your Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up space on your Series X SSD for newer titles. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: 1,050MB/s
Pros:
- Compact and quick
- Storage up to 4TB
Cons:
- No encryption
Matching the Samsung T7 in speed, the Crucial X8 provides excellent value. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, this portable SSD is perfect for storing Xbox Series X games, though you can't run current-gen games directly from it. It's compatible with your Xbox, PC, and Mac, making it versatile for storing games, files, music, and photos. Its shock-resistant design ensures durability on the go. With up to 4TB of storage, you can house your entire Xbox game library and enjoy a cost-effective solution.
5. WD_Black 2TB P40
The Best External Xbox Series X SSD
### WD_Black 2TB P40
0With 2TB of storage, this external SSD is an ideal archival drive for your Xbox Series X, though you can't run current-generation games natively on it. However, you can store them for later use. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Storage: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: Up to 2,000MB/s
Pros:
- Fast transfer speeds
- Robust and stylish design
Cons:
- A little pricey still
For a standout external storage solution, consider the WD_Black 2TB P40, which boasts a stylish design with RGB lighting. While the lights don't enhance performance, they add flair. The P40 is compatible with your Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5, though you can't run Xbox Series X games directly from it. Available in capacities from 500GB to 2TB, it's relatively affordable compared to official expansion cards but still on the pricier side among external SSDs. Its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface delivers speeds up to 2,000MB/s, surpassing the Crucial X8 and Samsung T7. Encased in shock-resistant material, it can withstand drops up to 2m, offering both style and substance for your Xbox Series X games and other files.
How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSDs
If you're looking for a plug-and-play SSD to run the best Xbox Series X games and support features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, your options are limited to the Seagate Storage Expansion Card or WD_Black C50. Both are pricey, but 1TB is often the ideal size for these SSDs.
However, if you don't need to play your Xbox Series X games directly from the drive, you have a variety of USB 3.2 SSDs to choose from. These are perfect for budget or high-capacity storage, allowing you to store Xbox Series X games and play older Xbox One and 360 titles. They easily connect to your Xbox Series X via a USB port.
Consider fast read and write speeds for quick loads and saves, as well as durability and size if you plan to take your SSD on the go. A 1TB SSD or larger is recommended for a substantial gaming library, with options up to 4TB available for massive storage needs.
SSDs for Xbox Series X FAQ
Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X?
You can only play Xbox Series X games directly from the console's internal storage or a licensed external SSD like the Seagate Expansion Card. However, you can use external SSDs to store your Xbox games, avoiding the need for constant installation and uninstallation.
Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?
The Xbox Series X's storage is a 1TB NVMe SSD with an IO throughput of around 2.4GB/s.
Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB?
The Xbox Series X's advertised 1TB storage is reduced to about 800GB due to system software requirements.
Do you actually need additional storage for your Xbox?
If you plan to install multiple games on your Xbox Series X|S, which comes with either 1TB or 500GB of storage, you'll likely need additional storage. Some AAA titles exceed 150GB, quickly filling up your console's storage. Additional storage allows quick access to games without constant uninstalling and reinstalling.
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