Expandable storage options for consoles are increasingly popular, and the Xbox Series X is no exception. With only around 800GB of usable storage, avid gamers often find themselves juggling game installations. But it doesn't have to be this way! The best solution is to invest in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S, which can significantly expand your storage capacity and enhance your gaming experience.

TL;DR - These are the best 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 AmazonWhile only a few SSDs are compatible with running Xbox Series X games directly, there are many more options if you're looking to store games rather than run them. For example, you can use external drives to play older Xbox One or Xbox 360 games directly or store your Xbox Series X favorites for later use.

In this guide, we'll explore the best SSDs that can support and run your Xbox Series X games, as well as some alternative storage solutions for those looking to expand their library.

Have a PS5? Check out the best PS5 SSDs

The Best Xbox Series X SSD Overall

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

2This officially licensed SSD from Seagate offers a seamless solution for expanding your Xbox Series X storage. It's easy to install and provides fast transfer rates, making it feel like you're playing directly from 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 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is designed to match the speed of the console's internal SSD, allowing you to play games optimized for Xbox Series X|S without any performance loss. Its plug-and-play installation means you don't need technical expertise to increase your storage. It supports the Xbox's Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. Choose from 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions based on your needs.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50

The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1Western Digital's WD_Black 1TB C50 is another officially licensed SSD for Xbox Series X|S, offering portability and a more affordable alternative to the Seagate card. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

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

Pros:

• A cheaper alternative to the Seagate Expansion Card
• Durable and pocket-sized

Cons:

• Marginally slower boot times

The WD_Black 1TB C50 provides a compact and durable solution for expanding your Xbox storage. Available in 512GB and 1TB options, it's an excellent choice if you don't need the larger 2TB capacity. Although boot times may be slightly slower than the internal SSD, the difference is minimal. This SSD is perfect for gamers on the go, allowing you to easily transport your games and enjoy a large library wherever you are.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD

The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0For gamers interested in storing games long-term or playing backwards-compatible titles, the Samsung T7 External SSD is an excellent choice. 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 for storing files

Cons:

• Cannot play Series X games directly from the SSD

The Samsung T7 offers significant storage at a competitive price, but it cannot run Xbox Series X games directly. It's ideal for archiving games you might want to play later, allowing you to quickly transfer them back to your console. With its lightweight design and fast read/write speeds, it's perfect for storing a variety of files, including games, photos, and documents, all secured with AES 256-bit encryption.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1The Crucial X8 External SSD offers great value, making it an ideal choice for storing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games and freeing up space on your Series X SSD for newer titles. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

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

Pros:

• Compact and quick
• Storage up to 4TB

Cons:

• No encryption

The Crucial X8 matches the Samsung T7 in speed but offers more affordable options with capacities up to 4TB. It's perfect for storing a large library of games across multiple platforms, including Xbox, PC, and Mac. Its shock-resistant design ensures durability, making it an excellent choice for gamers on the move.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0The WD_Black 2TB P40 is a stylish external SSD perfect for archiving your Xbox Series X games, though it can't run current-generation games directly. 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 still

The WD_Black 2TB P40 stands out with its RGB lighting and versatile use across Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5. While it can't run Xbox Series X games natively, it's an excellent choice for storing games and other files, with fast transfer speeds and a durable design that can withstand drops of up to 2 meters.

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSDs

If you need an SSD to run best Xbox Series X games and support features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, your options are limited to the Seagate Storage Expansion Card or WD_Black C50. Both are expensive but offer seamless integration with your console. A 1TB capacity is typically the sweet spot for these SSDs.

For those not needing to run games directly from the SSD, USB 3.2 SSDs provide a range of budget-friendly and high-capacity options. These are perfect for storing Xbox Series X games and playing older titles. Consider factors like read/write speeds, durability, and size, especially if you plan to take your SSD on the go. A 1TB or larger SSD is recommended for a substantial gaming library, with options up to 4TB available.

SSDs for Xbox Series X FAQ

Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X?

Only licensed external SSDs like the Seagate Expansion Card can run Xbox Series X games directly. However, you can use other external SSDs to store games and avoid constant installation and uninstallation.

Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?

Yes, the Xbox Series X features a 1TB NVMe SSD with an IO throughput of approximately 2.4GB/s.

Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB?

The advertised 1TB storage on the Xbox Series X includes space used by system software, leaving about 800GB for games and other content.

Do you actually need additional storage for your Xbox?

Yes, if you plan to install multiple games simultaneously. AAA titles can exceed 150GB, quickly filling the available space. Additional storage helps you access games without constant management of your internal storage.