Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide

Limited storage space on the Xbox Series X is a common frustration. The console's usable storage of approximately 800GB fills up quickly, forcing difficult uninstall decisions. The ideal solution? Invest in an external SSD. However, not all SSDs are created equal. 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!)

SSDs for Direct Game Play:

Only a select few SSDs offer seamless integration with Xbox Series X, allowing games to run directly from the drive with optimal performance, leveraging features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture. These are your primary choices:

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: This officially licensed SSD provides plug-and-play functionality, ensuring fast transfer speeds and near-native performance. While pricey, it's the most convenient option for optimal gaming. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.
WD_Black 1TB C50: Western Digital's official offering provides a more budget-friendly alternative to the Seagate card, though boot times may be slightly slower. Available in 512GB and 1TB options.

SSDs for Game Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

For storing games (Xbox One, 360, and Series X titles not requiring direct-from-drive play), numerous external SSD options provide significantly more storage per dollar. These drives connect via USB:

Samsung T7 External SSD: Offers excellent value with high storage capacity (up to 2TB) and fast read/write speeds. Features portability and data encryption. Cannot run Series X games directly.
Crucial X8 External SSD: A cost-effective option with various storage capacities (1TB, 2TB, 4TB). Compact, durable, and compatible with multiple platforms (Xbox, PC, Mac). Cannot run Series X games directly.
WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with RGB lighting, offering high speeds and robust design. Pricier than other external options but boasts impressive transfer rates (up to 2000MB/s). Cannot run Series X games directly.

Choosing the Right SSD:

For optimal performance and seamless integration, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are recommended. If budget is a concern or you primarily need additional storage for archiving games, the external SSD options provide excellent value. Consider storage capacity (1TB is a good starting point), read/write speeds, portability needs, and budget when making your choice.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

Can any SSD work? Only officially licensed expansion cards allow direct game play. External SSDs are ideal for storage.
Xbox Series X SSD speed? The internal SSD boasts ~2.4GB/s throughput.
Why only 800GB usable? System software utilizes a portion of the advertised 1TB storage.
Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan on installing multiple large AAA games, additional storage is highly recommended.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the best storage solution for your Xbox Series X needs.