Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's usable 800GB fills up quickly. The solution? An external SSD. This guide reviews the best options.

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 few SSDs allow direct gameplay of Xbox Series X titles. Others are ideal for storage only. You can play older Xbox One and 360 games from compatible hard drives.

Best SSDs for Running Xbox Series X Games:

• Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: The top choice. Offers speeds comparable to the internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance with Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture. Easy plug-and-play installation. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Pricier than other options.

• WD_Black 1TB C50: A more affordable alternative to the Seagate card. Slightly slower boot times, but still offers excellent performance. Compact and durable. Available in 512GB and 1TB.

SSDs for Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

• Samsung T7 External SSD: Excellent value, offering more storage for the price. Lightweight and portable. Features 256-bit AES encryption. Cannot run Series X games directly.

• Crucial X8 External SSD: Cost-effective option for storing a large game library. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Compact, durable, and compatible with PC and Mac. Lacks encryption.

• WD_Black 2TB P40: Stylish external SSD with RGB lighting. Offers fast transfer speeds (up to 2,000MB/s). Durable and compatible with multiple platforms (Xbox, PC, Mac, PS5). Relatively expensive.

How to Choose:

For seamless gameplay of Series X titles, the Seagate or WD_Black C50 are your best bets. For budget-conscious gamers or those needing extensive storage, explore the external SSD options. Prioritize fast read/write speeds for optimal loading times. Consider portability and durability based on your needs. 1TB is generally a good starting point, but larger capacities (up to 4TB) are available.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate card) allow direct Series X gameplay. External SSDs are great for storage.

• How fast is the internal SSD? Approximately 2.4GB/s IO throughput.

• Why only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the 1TB advertised storage.

• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install multiple large games, additional storage is highly recommended.