Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's usable storage is approximately 800GB, quickly filling up with a few game installations. The optimal solution? Invest in an SSD.

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

However, only a select few SSDs support direct game execution. For simple storage (playing from the internal drive), many more options exist. Older Xbox One or 360 games, for example, run from compatible hard drives.

First, we'll cover SSDs for running Xbox Series X games, then explore alternative storage solutions.

PS5 owners? Check out our best PS5 SSDs guide.

How much extra Xbox Series X storage do you need?

None 512GB1TB2TB4TB and up AnswerSee Results

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S

Top Overall Xbox Series X SSD

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

2Grab this user-friendly, official Xbox SSD for enhanced storage and rapid transfer speeds, providing a seamless gaming experience.See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Storage: 1TB
• Interface: eSATA
• Read/Write: 468.75MB/s

Pros: Easy installation, fast transfers. Cons: Pricey.

The Seagate card offers speeds comparable to the console's internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance with Xbox Series X|S optimized games. Its plug-and-play nature simplifies installation. While expensive, it's the premier "official" solution. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50

Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD offers speeds matching the native SSD.See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Storage: 1TB
• Interface: eSATA
• Read/Write: 900MB/s

Pros: More affordable than Seagate, durable, compact. Cons: Slightly slower boot times.

A compact and robust alternative to Seagate, available in 512GB and 1TB. Easy installation via the expansion card slot. While marginally slower boot times exist, they're negligible.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD

Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0Ideal for storing backwards-compatible games or long-term archiving.See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Storage: 2TB
• Interface: USB 3.2
• Read/Write: 1,050/1,000MB/s

Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption. Cons: Cannot directly run Series X games.

Offers more storage per dollar than the expansion cards. Excellent for archiving games not currently in use. Lightweight and portable, with encryption for security.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1Excellent value for storing Xbox One and 360 games, freeing up space for faster Series X titles.See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Storage: 1TB (up to 4TB)
• Interface: USB 3.2
• Read/Write: 1,050MB/s

Pros: Compact, fast, up to 4TB storage. Cons: No encryption.

Provides exceptional value, available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Suitable for storing (not running) Series X games, and compatible with PC and Mac.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

Best External Xbox Series X SSD (Aesthetically)

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0Stylish external SSD for archiving Xbox Series X games (cannot run games directly).See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Storage: 2TB
• Interface: USB 3.2
• Read/Write: Up to 2,000MB/s

Pros: Fast transfers, stylish design (RGB lighting). Cons: Relatively expensive for an external SSD.

Features a stylish design with RGB lighting. Offers fast transfer speeds and compatibility with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

Choosing the Right Xbox Series X SSD

For plug-and-play functionality with features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your primary choices. They are, however, expensive.

If direct game execution isn't crucial, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater storage capacity and affordability. Prioritize fast read/write speeds, durability, and size based on your needs. 1TB or larger is recommended for most gamers.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate) allow direct Series X game play. External SSDs can store games.
• Is the internal SSD fast? Yes, it's a 1TB NVMe SSD with ~2.4GB/s throughput.
• Why only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the 1TB advertised storage.
• Do you need extra storage? Yes, if you install multiple large games, additional storage is highly recommended for convenient access.