Expanding your Xbox Series X's storage is a common need. With only around 800GB of usable space, uninstalling games to make room for new ones quickly becomes a chore. The solution? Invest in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S.

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

It's important to note that only a few SSDs support running Xbox Series X games directly. However, many more options exist for storing games, allowing you to play older Xbox One or 360 titles, or archive your Series X games for later.

First, we'll cover SSDs that run Series X games, then explore alternative storage solutions.

Have a PS5? Check out the best PS5 SSDs

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

2This easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD delivers extra storage and fast transfer speeds, providing a seamless gaming experience. Enjoy games as if they were installed directly on the console's internal storage.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Easy to install, fast transfer speeds. Cons: Expensive.

The Seagate Expansion Card's speed rivals the console's internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance with Xbox Series X|S optimized games. Its plug-and-play installation is incredibly user-friendly. While pricey, it's the best option for maximizing performance and compatibility. 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: Cheaper alternative to Seagate, durable and pocket-sized. Cons: Marginally slower boot times.

A more affordable alternative to Seagate, the WD_Black 1TB C50 (available in 512GB and 1TB) is compact and durable. Installation is simple, and game transfers are quick. While slightly slower boot times exist compared to the internal SSD, the difference is minimal. A great choice if you don't need the 2TB option offered by Seagate.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD

The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0Ideal for storing backwards-compatible games or archiving your game library.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

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

Offering more storage for the price than the WD_Black C50, the Samsung T7 excels at archiving games. Its portability and encryption are significant advantages. Use it to store games you may not play frequently, easily transferring them back to your console when needed.

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 360 games, freeing up space on your Series X SSD for newer titles.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

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

The Crucial X8 provides excellent value, with options ranging from 1TB to 4TB. While you can't run Series X games directly, it's perfect for storing your game library and freeing up space on your internal drive. It's 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 ideal for archiving your Xbox Series X games.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Fast transfer speeds, robust and stylish design. Cons: A little pricey.

The WD_Black P40 stands out with its stylish design and RGB lighting. While aesthetics don't improve 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.

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSD

For plug-and-play functionality with Series X games and features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your primary choices. Both are expensive, with 1TB often being the optimal size.

If direct game play isn't crucial, various USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater storage capacity and affordability. Prioritize fast read/write speeds for quick loading and saving. Consider durability and portability if you plan to transport the SSD. 1TB or larger is recommended for substantial game libraries, with options available up to 4TB.

SSDs for Xbox Series X FAQ

Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X?

Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) and the internal storage allow direct play of Xbox Series X games. External SSDs can store games for later installation.

Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?

The Xbox Series X uses a 1TB NVMe SSD with ~2.4GB/s IO throughput.

Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB?

System software utilizes some of the 1TB advertised storage, leaving approximately 800GB for users.

Do you need additional storage for your Xbox?

While the Xbox Series X|S offers 1TB or 500GB, additional storage is highly recommended for users installing multiple large games (some exceeding 150GB). This ensures quicker access and avoids constant game installation/uninstallation.