Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025
- By Daniel
- Mar 17,2025
Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's approximately 800GB of usable space fills up quickly with a few game installations. The ideal solution? An SSD designed for your Xbox Series X|S.
TL;DR - Top Xbox Series X SSDs:
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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
It's important to note that only certain SSDs support running Xbox Series X games directly. However, many more options exist if you simply need additional storage for games you don't need to play immediately. This includes older Xbox One or Xbox 360 titles.
First, we'll review SSDs that run Xbox Series X games, followed by alternative storage solutions.
Have a PS5? Check out the best PS5 SSDs
AnswerSee Results1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
---------------------------------------------------------The Best Overall Xbox Series X SSD
Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
2Grab this easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD for extra storage and fast transfer speeds, providing a seamless gaming experience.See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Storage: 1TB | |
| Interface: eSATA | |
| Read/Write: 468.75MB/s | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to install | Expensive |
| Fast transfer speeds |
The Seagate Expansion Card offers speeds comparable to the console's internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance for Xbox Series X|S optimized games. Its plug-and-play installation is incredibly user-friendly. While expensive, it's the best option for a direct, seamless expansion of your console's storage, fully supporting features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture. 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions are available.
2. WD_Black 1TB C50
------------------------The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD
### WD_Black 1TB C50
1Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD offers speeds comparable to the native SSD.See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Storage: 1TB | |
| Interface: eSATA | |
| Read/Write: 900MB/s | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Cheaper than Seagate | Marginally slower boot times |
| Durable and pocket-sized |
A more affordable alternative to the Seagate card, the WD_Black 1TB C50 (available in 512GB and 1TB) offers compact portability and easy installation. While slightly slower boot times exist compared to the internal SSD, the difference is minimal. Ideal for users who don't require the largest storage capacity and prioritize affordability and portability.
For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only
===========================================================3. Samsung T7 External SSD
------------------------------The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD
### Samsung T7 External SSD
0A great choice for storing backwards-compatible games or long-term storage.See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Storage: 2TB | |
| Interface: USB 3.2 | |
| Read/Write: 1,050/1,000MB/s | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight and portable | Cannot play Series X games directly |
| 256-bit AES encryption |
Offering more storage for the price than the WD_Black C50, the Samsung T7 excels at archiving games and other files. Its portability and encryption features are beneficial. Note: You cannot play Xbox Series X games directly from this drive.
4. Crucial X8 External SSD
------------------------------The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD
### Crucial X8 External SSD
1Great value for storing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up space on your Series X SSD for newer titles.See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Storage: 1TB (up to 4TB) | |
| Interface: USB 3.2 | |
| Read/Write: 1,050MB/s | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Compact and quick | No encryption |
| Storage up to 4TB |
The Crucial X8 provides excellent value, especially at higher storage capacities (1TB, 2TB, and 4TB). While not for running Series X games directly, it's ideal for archiving and freeing up space on your internal drive. Compatible with Xbox, PC, and Mac.
5. WD_Black 2TB P40
------------------------The Best External Xbox Series X SSD
### WD_Black 2TB P40
0A stylish external SSD perfect for archiving Xbox Series X games (cannot run games natively).See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Storage: 2TB | |
| Interface: USB 3.2 | |
| Read/Write: Up to 2,000MB/s | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Fast transfer speeds | A little pricey |
| Robust and stylish design |
The WD_Black P40 stands out with its stylish design and RGB lighting. While aesthetics don't impact performance, it offers fast transfer speeds (up to 2,000MB/s) and is compatible with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5. Storage options range from 500GB to 2TB.
Choosing the Best Xbox Series X SSD
-----------------------------------------For plug-and-play functionality with Xbox Series X games and features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate Expansion Card and WD_Black C50 are your primary choices. Both are expensive, with 1TB often being the optimal balance of price and capacity.
If direct game play from the drive isn't necessary, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer more budget-friendly or higher-capacity options for storing games. These easily connect via the Xbox Series X's USB port. Prioritize fast read/write speeds, durability, and size. A 1TB SSD or larger is recommended for substantial game libraries; drives up to 4TB are available.
Xbox Series X SSD FAQ
------------------------------Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X? Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) or the internal storage can run Xbox Series X games directly. External SSDs can store games for later access.
Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast? The internal 1TB NVMe SSD has an IO throughput of approximately 2.4GB/s.
Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB? System software uses some of the advertised 1TB, leaving around 800GB for user storage.
Do you need additional storage? While the Xbox Series X|S offers 1TB or 500GB, additional storage is highly recommended if you install multiple games, especially large AAA titles (some exceeding 150GB).
