Top SSD Picks for Xbox Series X|S in 2025

Expandable storage options for consoles have become increasingly common, and the Xbox Series X is no exception. With around 800GB of usable storage, you might find yourself frequently uninstalling games to make room for new ones. But it doesn't have to be that way! The best solution is to invest in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S, which can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing ample space for your game library.

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 Amazon

The catch, however, is that only a few SSDs on the market can run Xbox Series X games directly. If you're looking to merely store games rather than run them from the SSD, you'll have more options available. For instance, you can play older Xbox One or Xbox 360 games directly from a compatible external hard drive, or store your favorite Xbox Series X games for later use.

In this guide, we'll explore the best SSDs that support and run your Xbox Series X games, followed by some alternative storage options for those looking to store rather than run games directly from the SSD.

Have a PS5? Check out the best PS5 SSDs

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S

The Best Xbox Series X SSD Overall

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

2Grab this easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD to enjoy extra storage and speedy transfer rates so games feel like you’re playing directly from the console’s storage. See it at Amazon

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is nearly as fast as the console's internal SSD, allowing you to play games optimized for Xbox Series X|S seamlessly. With plug-and-play installation, you don't need to be a tech expert to expand your Xbox Series X storage. It offers high data transfer rates and quick loading times, making it feel just like playing directly from your console's storage.

While it is on the pricier side, the only real downside of this expansion card is its cost. If you're looking to increase your Xbox Series X's storage the official way, this is your best bet. It works seamlessly with the Xbox's Velocity Architecture and supports Quick Resume, ensuring you can enjoy games as intended. You can choose between 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions, depending on your storage needs.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50

The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1The WD_Black C50 is Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD, that promises to run your games just as fast as the native SSD. See it at Amazon

While Seagate previously dominated the Xbox expansion card market, Western Digital's WD_Black 1TB C50 offers a competitive alternative. Compact and durable, this expansion card is available in 512GB and 1TB storage options and is more affordable than Seagate's offering.

This expansion card easily slots into the Xbox Series X's expansion card port, requiring no setup. You can transfer games to the expansion card in minutes, giving you access to a variety of games. Although the WD_Black 1TB C50 has slightly slower boot times compared to the Series X's internal storage, the difference is minimal.

If you don't need the 2TB option that Seagate offers, the WD_Black 1TB C50 is an excellent choice at a more appealing price. It's small enough to transport easily and can handle large 80GB files in just a few minutes, making it perfect for gaming on the go.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD

The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0If you're looking to play backwards-compatible games or store your games long-term, the longtime favorite external Samsung T7 SSD is a great choice. See it at Amazon

When you look beyond the Xbox Series X's expansion card storage options, you'll find more storage for your money. The Samsung T7 SSD, for instance, offers 2TB of storage at a similar price to the WD_Black 1TB C50. However, you can't play Xbox Series X games directly from this SSD.

Instead, the Samsung T7 is ideal for storing Xbox games you might want to play later without waiting for installation. For example, you can install the latest Call of Duty game directly onto your Xbox Series X, then store the previous version on the Samsung T7 and transfer it back when you're ready to play.

Weighing just 2 ounces, the T7 is perfect for portability. With 2TB of storage, you can store Xbox games, photos, or work documents on the same SSD. Connect it to the Series X using a USB-C cable and enjoy read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. Plus, you can secure your files with Samsung's 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 is a value-conscious SSD that's great for storing all your Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, clearing up your Series X SSD for newer titles that need the extra speed. See it at Amazon

Offering the same speed as the Samsung T7, the Crucial X8 provides excellent value for money. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, this portable device is perfect for storing Xbox Series X games, though you can't run current-gen games directly from it.

The Crucial X8 is versatile, compatible with Xbox, PC, and Mac. It's ideal for storing games, files, music, and photos, and its compact size and durability make it easy to carry. With up to 4TB of storage, you can store your entire Xbox game library and enjoy a more affordable storage solution, even if it means waiting a few extra minutes to transfer games back to your console.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0With 2TB of storage, this external SSD is the perfect archival drive for your Xbox Series X, though please note you can't run current-generation games natively on it. That doesn't mean you can't store them there for later, though. See it at Amazon

If you want your external storage to stand out, consider the WD_Black 2TB P40 for its stylish design and RGB lighting. While the lights don't improve performance, they add a cool aesthetic. The P40 is compatible with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5, but you can't run Xbox Series X games directly from it.

Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, the WD_Black 2TB P40 is more affordable than the official Xbox expansion cards but still a bit pricey among external SSDs. With a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, it offers speeds up to 2,000MB/s, faster than the Crucial X8 and Samsung T7. The SSD is also encased in shock-resistant material, capable of surviving drops up to 2m.

If you value both style and substance, the WD_Black 2TB P40 delivers, providing ample storage for your Xbox Series X games and other files.

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSDs

If you're looking for a plug-and-play SSD to run the best Xbox Series X games and support features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, your options are limited. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card and WD_Black C50 are your primary choices. Both are expensive, but 1TB is typically the sweet spot for these SSDs.

However, if you don't need to play your Xbox Series X games directly from the drive, you have a variety of USB 3.2 SSDs to choose from. These are great for storing Xbox Series games and playing older Xbox One and 360 titles. They easily connect to the Xbox Series X via a USB port.

You'll want SSDs with fast read and write speeds for quick loads and saves. Consider durability and size, especially if you plan to take your SSD on the go. A 1TB SSD or larger is recommended for a decent gaming library, but options up to 4TB are available for extensive storage needs.

SSDs for Xbox Series X FAQ

Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X?

You can only play Xbox Series X games directly from the console’s internal storage or via a licensed external SSD, like the Seagate Expansion Card. However, you can use external SSDs to store your Xbox games so you don’t have to keep installing and uninstalling them to free up space.

Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?

The Xbox Series X’s storage is a 1TB NVMe SSD, with an IO throughput of around 2.4GB/s.

Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB?

While the Xbox Series X’s advertised storage is 1TB, it uses some of this space for system software, reducing the available storage space to around 800GB.

Do you actually need additional storage for your Xbox?

While the Xbox Series X|S comes with either 1TB or 500GB of storage, you may want to increase this if you plan to install multiple games on your console at any given time. Some AAA titles exceed 150GB in size, so after installing a handful of games, you’ll soon realize you need additional storage if you want to quickly access games and play them straight away.