Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide

Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is crucial for gamers with extensive libraries. The console's usable storage (approximately 800GB) fills up quickly. This guide explores the best SSD options, addressing both speed and capacity needs.

TL;DR - Top Xbox Series X SSD Choices:

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

A key consideration: only a few SSDs support direct game play. Others are ideal for archiving or storing backwards-compatible titles.

High-Performance SSDs (for direct game play):

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: The top choice for seamless integration. This officially licensed SSD offers speeds comparable to the console's internal drive, ensuring optimal performance with features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture.

Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S

2See it at Amazon

• Pros: Easy installation, fast transfer speeds, full compatibility.
• Cons: Expensive. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50: A more affordable alternative from Western Digital, offering comparable performance to the Seagate card.

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1See it at Amazon

• Pros: Cheaper than Seagate, durable, portable. Available in 512GB and 1TB.
• Cons: Marginally slower boot times than the Seagate.

Storage-Focused SSDs (for archiving and backwards compatibility):

3. Samsung T7 External SSD: Excellent value for storage capacity. While not suitable for direct Series X game play, it's perfect for archiving games and other files.

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0See it at Amazon

• Pros: Large storage capacity (up to 2TB), lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption.
• Cons: Cannot run Series X games directly.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD: A budget-friendly option with good value for money. Similar to the Samsung T7 in functionality.

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1See it at Amazon

• Pros: Affordable, compact, quick transfer speeds (up to 4TB).
• Cons: No encryption.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with high transfer speeds. Primarily for storage, not direct game play.

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0See it at Amazon

• Pros: Fast transfer speeds (up to 2000MB/s), robust design, RGB lighting.
• Cons: Relatively expensive for an external SSD. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

Choosing the Right SSD:

For optimal performance with current-gen games and features, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your best bets (despite the higher price). For cost-effective storage of games you don't play frequently, or for backwards compatible titles, the external options (Samsung T7, Crucial X8, WD_Black P40) provide excellent value. Consider factors like speed, capacity, portability, and budget when making your decision.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed expansion cards allow direct Series X game play. External SSDs are for storage.
• Is the internal SSD fast? Yes, it's a 1TB NVMe SSD with high throughput.
• Why only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the 1TB capacity.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan on installing multiple large games.

Remember to select the SSD that best aligns with your gaming habits and budget.