Expandable storage options for consoles have become increasingly important, especially for avid gamers. The Xbox Series X offers around 800GB of usable storage, which can quickly fill up with just a few game installations. To avoid the constant cycle of uninstalling and reinstalling games, the ideal solution is to invest in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S.

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

While there are only a few SSDs capable of running Xbox Series X games directly, there are numerous options for storage if you're just looking to archive games. For instance, you can play older Xbox One or Xbox 360 games directly from a compatible external hard drive or store your Xbox Series X games for later use.

In this guide, we'll explore the best SSDs that can both run and support your Xbox Series X games, as well as some alternative storage solutions.

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

2Enhance your Xbox Series X|S experience with this easy-to-install, official SSD, which provides extra storage and fast transfer rates, making it feel like you're playing directly from the console's storage.

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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 matches the speed of the console's internal SSD, allowing you to play games optimized for Xbox Series X|S seamlessly. With a plug-and-play installation, you don't need to be a tech expert to expand your storage. It offers high data transfer rates and quick loading times, making your gaming experience smooth and uninterrupted.

While it is on the pricier side, the only significant drawback is the cost. If you're looking to expand your Xbox Series X's storage the official way, this is your go-to option. It integrates perfectly with the Xbox’s Velocity Architecture and supports Quick Resume, ensuring games perform as intended. You can choose from 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions based on your storage needs.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50

The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1Experience the convenience of Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD, which delivers game performance comparable to the native SSD.

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Product Specifications

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

PROS

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

CONS

• Marginally slower boot times

While Seagate once dominated the Xbox expansion card market, Western Digital's WD_Black 1TB C50 now offers a competitive alternative. This compact and durable SSD comes in 512GB and 1TB options, providing a cost-effective solution compared to Seagate.

Installation is as simple as inserting the card into the Xbox Series X’s expansion port, requiring no setup. Transferring games takes only minutes, allowing you to maintain a diverse game library. Although the boot times are slightly slower than the console's internal storage, the difference is minimal.

If you don't need the 2TB capacity offered by Seagate, the WD_Black 1TB C50 is an excellent, more affordable choice. It's quick to transfer large files and small enough to carry around, 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

0Ideal for storing games long-term and playing backwards-compatible titles, the Samsung T7 SSD is a reliable and versatile option.

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Product Specifications

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

PROS

• Lightweight and portable
• 256-bit AES encryption for file security

CONS

• Cannot play Series X games directly from the SSD

When you look beyond the Xbox Series X’s expansion card options, you'll find significantly more storage for your money. The Samsung T7, for example, offers 2TB of storage at a similar price point to the WD_Black 1TB C50, though it cannot run Xbox Series X games directly.

The Samsung T7 is perfect for storing games you want to play later without the hassle of reinstalling. You can keep your latest games on the Xbox Series X and store older ones on the T7, transferring them back when you're ready to play.

Weighing just 2 ounces, the T7 is highly portable. With 2TB of storage, it's ideal for storing Xbox games, photos, and documents. Connect it via USB-C and enjoy read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, along with Samsung’s AES 256-bit encryption for added security.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1The Crucial X8 External SSD offers great value, perfect for storing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up your Series X SSD for newer titles.

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Product Specifications

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

PROS

• Compact and fast
• Storage up to 4TB

CONS

• No encryption

With read/write speeds matching the Samsung T7, the Crucial X8 offers exceptional value. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, this portable SSD is ideal for storing Xbox Series X games, though you cannot run current-gen games directly from it.

The Crucial X8 is versatile enough for use across Xbox, PC, and Mac platforms, making it perfect for storing games, files, music, and photos. Its shock-resistant and durable design ensures it can handle the rigors of travel.

With up to 4TB of storage, you can keep your entire game library on the Crucial X8, making it an affordable solution for long-term storage.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0This stylish and robust external SSD is perfect for archiving your Xbox Series X games, though it cannot run current-generation games natively.

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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 stylish design and RGB lighting, adding a touch of flair to your setup. While the lights don't enhance performance, they certainly look impressive. This SSD is compatible with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5, but like other external SSDs, it cannot run Xbox Series X games directly.

Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, the WD_Black 2TB P40 is more affordable than the official Xbox expansion cards, though still on the pricier side for external SSDs.

Thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, you can enjoy speeds up to 2,000MB/s, surpassing the Crucial X8 and Samsung T7. The SSD's shock-resistant casing can withstand drops from up to 2m, ensuring durability.

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

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSDs

When looking for a plug-and-play SSD that can run the best Xbox Series X games and support features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, your choices are limited. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card and the WD_Black C50 are your primary options. Both are pricey, but 1TB is generally the sweet spot for these SSDs.

However, if you don't need to run Xbox Series X games directly from the drive, you have a wider range of USB 3.2 SSDs to choose from. These are ideal for storing Xbox Series X games and playing older Xbox One and 360 titles. They easily connect to the Xbox Series X's USB port.

Look for SSDs with fast read and write speeds for quick loading and saving. 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, though options up to 4TB are available for extensive storage needs.

SSDs for Xbox Series X FAQ

Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X?

Only Xbox Series X games can be played directly from the console’s internal storage or a licensed external SSD, like the Seagate Expansion Card. However, you can use other external SSDs to store your Xbox games, preventing the need to repeatedly install and uninstall them.

Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?

Yes, the Xbox Series X’s storage is a 1TB NVMe SSD with an IO throughput of around 2.4GB/s, ensuring fast performance.

Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB?

Although the Xbox Series X advertises 1TB of storage, some of this space is reserved for system software, leaving about 800GB available for games and apps.

Do you actually need additional storage for your Xbox?

Yes, if you plan to have multiple games installed at once. With some AAA titles exceeding 150GB, you'll quickly need more space to access your games without constant uninstalling and reinstalling.