Best SSDs for Xbox Series X|S 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 solution? An SSD. This guide explores the best options, categorizing them 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

Note: Only certain SSDs allow direct game play from the drive. Others are ideal for storage only, freeing up your console's internal drive for frequently played titles.

First, we'll cover SSDs supporting direct gameplay, followed by storage-only alternatives.

Playing on PS5? Check out our best PS5 SSD guide.

1. 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 speedy transfer rates and seamless gameplay.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Easy installation, fast transfers.

Cons: Expensive.

This card offers near-native performance, leveraging the console's Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume. While pricey, it's the best for optimal performance. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions.

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 fast game performance.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Cheaper than Seagate, durable, portable.

Cons: Slightly slower boot times than Seagate.

A more affordable alternative to Seagate, offering 512GB and 1TB options. Compact and durable, ideal for portability. Slightly slower boot times compared to the Seagate card.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD

The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0Excellent for storing games and other files.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption.

Cons: Cannot play Series X games directly.

Great for archiving games or storing other files. Offers more storage for the price than the expansion cards but doesn't support direct Series X game play.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1A budget-friendly option for storing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Compact, fast, affordable, up to 4TB storage.

Cons: No encryption.

Excellent value for storing games. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Works with Xbox, PC, and Mac.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD (Aesthetically)

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0Stylish external SSD for archiving games.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Fast transfer speeds, stylish design (RGB lighting).

Cons: Pricey for an external SSD.

Stylish and fast external SSD with RGB lighting. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. Works with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5. Does not support direct Series X game play.

Choosing the Right SSD

For direct gameplay and features like Quick Resume, the Seagate or WD_Black C50 are your only options. However, for storage only, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater value and capacity. Consider speed, durability, and portability when choosing. 1TB is generally a good starting point, but larger capacities are available.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ

• Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) or the internal drive support direct Series X game play. External SSDs are excellent for storage.
• How fast is the internal SSD? Around 2.4GB/s.
• Why only 800GB usable space? System software uses some of the 1TB storage.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you install many large games, extra storage is highly recommended for quick access.