Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 2025

Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's usable 800GB fills up quickly. The solution? An external SSD. This guide reviews 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!)

Important Note: Only a few SSDs allow direct game play. Others are for storage only.

Best SSDs for Running Xbox Series X Games:

• Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: The top choice. Offers near-native speeds thanks to seamless integration with the Xbox's Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume. Easy plug-and-play installation. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Pricier, but the best performance.

• WD_Black 1TB C50: A more affordable alternative from Western Digital. Slightly slower boot times than Seagate, but still very fast. Compact and durable. Available in 512GB and 1TB.

SSDs for Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

• Samsung T7 External SSD: Excellent value for storage capacity. Offers 2TB at a competitive price. Lightweight and portable. 256-bit AES encryption. Cannot run Series X games directly.

• Crucial X8 External SSD: A budget-friendly option with good speed. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Compact and durable. No encryption.

• WD_Black 2TB P40: Stylish external SSD with RGB lighting. Fast transfer speeds (up to 2,000MB/s). Durable. Relatively pricey for an external drive. Cannot run Series X games directly.

Choosing the Right SSD:

For optimal performance (Quick Resume, Velocity Architecture), choose the Seagate or WD_Black C50. For cost-effective storage, consider the Samsung T7, Crucial X8, or WD_Black P40.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? No, only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) allow direct Series X gameplay. External SSDs can store games.

• How fast is the internal SSD? Approximately 2.4GB/s.

• Why only 800GB usable? System software uses some of the 1TB.

• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you install many large games (some exceed 150GB).