Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide

Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's usable storage (around 800GB) fills up quickly. The best solution? An external SSD. However, not all SSDs are created equal. This guide breaks down 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

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

SSDs for Running Xbox Series X Games:

Only a few SSDs offer full compatibility for running Xbox Series X games directly. These provide optimal performance, leveraging features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture.

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: The top overall choice. This officially licensed SSD offers seamless plug-and-play installation, fast transfer speeds, and performance comparable to the console's internal drive. While expensive, it's the most convenient solution for playing Series X games directly from the expansion card. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.

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

2See it at Amazon

2. WD_Black 1TB C50: A more affordable alternative to the Seagate card. Also officially licensed, it offers excellent speeds, though slightly slower boot times than the Seagate option are reported. Compact and durable, making it a portable solution. Available in 512GB and 1TB sizes.

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1See it at Amazon

SSDs for Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

These SSDs are ideal for storing games (especially older Xbox One and 360 titles) without the need to run them directly from the drive. They offer greater storage capacity for your money.

3. Samsung T7 External SSD: Highly versatile and portable, offering significant storage (2TB+) at a competitive price. Cannot run Series X games directly, but excellent for archiving and transferring games to and from your console. Features 256-bit AES encryption for data security.

### Samsung T7 External SSD

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4. Crucial X8 External SSD: A budget-friendly option with good value for money. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, making it suitable for large game libraries. Like the Samsung T7, it cannot run Series X games directly but excels at storage.

### Crucial X8 External SSD

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5. WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with RGB lighting, offering fast transfer speeds and robust build quality. Suitable for storing games and other files, but cannot run Series X games directly. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.

### WD_Black 2TB P40

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Choosing the Right SSD:

For optimal performance with Series X games, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your best choices. If you only need storage for archiving or playing backwards-compatible titles, the Samsung T7, Crucial X8, or WD_Black P40 provide excellent value and capacity. Consider your budget, desired storage capacity, and portability needs when making your decision.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs can run Series X games directly. External SSDs can store games.
• 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 advertised storage.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install many large games.

Remember to check current prices and availability before purchasing.