Expandable storage options for consoles are increasingly essential, especially with the Xbox Series X offering around 800GB of usable storage. With modern games often requiring substantial space, you might find yourself frequently uninstalling games to make room for new ones. That's where investing in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S becomes a smart move, allowing you to keep more of your favorite games readily accessible.

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 AmazonIt's important to note that only a select few SSDs are compatible with running Xbox Series X games directly. However, if your goal is to merely store games rather than run them from the SSD, you have a wider array of options. 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 titles for future play.

Let's dive into the best SSDs that can run your Xbox Series X games, followed by some great alternative storage solutions.

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

2Enhance your gaming experience with this easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD. It offers extra storage with speedy transfer rates, making it feel as if you're playing directly from the console's internal storage. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage1TBInterfaceeSATARead/Write468.75MB/sPROSEasy to installFast transfer speedsCONSExpensiveThe Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S delivers performance that rivals the console's internal SSD, enabling you to play games optimized for Xbox Series X|S without compromise.

Its plug-and-play installation means you don't need to be a tech expert to add more storage. You get high data transfer rates and quick loading times, seamlessly integrating with your Xbox's Velocity Architecture and supporting Quick Resume. While it's a pricey option, it's the official way to expand your Xbox Series X storage. Choose from 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions to suit your 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 promises performance on par with the native SSD. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage1TB InterfaceeSATARead/Write900MB/sPROSA cheaper alternative to the Seagate Expansion CardDurable and pocket-sizedCONSMarginally slower boot timesThe WD_Black 1TB C50 has entered the Xbox expansion card market, offering a compact and durable solution. Available in 512GB and 1TB capacities, it's a more affordable alternative to Seagate's offerings.

Installation is as simple as plugging it into the Xbox Series X’s expansion card port. While boot times may be slightly slower than the internal storage, the difference is minimal. If the 2TB option from Seagate is more than you need, the WD_Black 1TB C50 provides excellent value, allowing you to transport your game library easily.

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 or playing backwards-compatible titles, the Samsung T7 SSD offers great versatility. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage2TBInterfaceUSB 3.2Read/Write1,050/1,000MB/sPROSLightweight and portable256-bit AES encryption for storing filesCONSCannot play Series X games directly from the SSDWhen you opt for non-expansion card storage, you can get more storage for your money. The Samsung T7, for example, provides 2TB at a similar price to the WD_Black 1TB C50. However, you can't play Xbox Series X games directly from this SSD.

It's perfect for storing games that you might want to play later, without the wait of reinstalling. With its lightweight design and 2TB capacity, it's also great for storing other files. Connect it via USB-C and enjoy high read/write speeds, along with Samsung's AES 256-bit encryption for secure storage.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1The Crucial X8 offers excellent value, perfect for storing your Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up space on your Series X for newer titles. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage1TBInterfaceUSB 3.2Read/Write1,050MB/sPROSCompact and quickStorage up to 4TBCONSNo encryptionThe Crucial X8 matches the Samsung T7 in speed but provides great value with options up to 4TB. While you can't run current-gen games from it, it's versatile for use across Xbox, PC, and Mac, and its durable design makes it travel-friendly.

With the potential for massive storage, you can keep your entire game library on the Crucial X8, making it a cost-effective solution for storing your games.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0A stylish and robust external SSD, perfect for archival storage, though not for running current-generation games. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage2TB InterfaceUSB 3.2Read/WriteUp to 2,000MB/sPROSFast transfer speedsRobust and stylish designCONSA little pricey stillThe WD_Black 2TB P40 stands out with its sleek design and RGB lighting. While the lights don't boost performance, they add flair to your setup. This SSD works across multiple platforms but can't run Xbox Series X games directly.

Available in capacities from 500GB to 2TB, it's relatively affordable compared to official expansion cards but still pricier among external SSDs. With USB 3.2 Gen2x2, you get impressive speeds, and its shock-resistant casing can handle drops up to 2m. It's a stylish yet practical choice for storing your games and other files.

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSDs

For SSDs that can run best Xbox Series X games and support features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, your choices are limited to the Seagate Storage Expansion Card or WD_Black C50. Both are expensive, typically around the same price for 1TB, which is often the optimal size.

If you don't need to play Xbox Series X games directly from the SSD, you can explore various USB 3.2 SSDs for budget-friendly or high-capacity storage options. These can store Xbox Series games and play older titles, easily connecting to the Xbox Series X via USB.

Consider fast read and write speeds for efficient loading and saving. Durability and size are also important if you plan to carry your SSD. A 1TB or larger SSD is advisable for a substantial gaming library, with options up to 4TB available for extensive storage.

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, external SSDs can be used to store Xbox games, avoiding the need to frequently install and uninstall titles.

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?

The Xbox Series X’s advertised storage is 1TB, but some space is reserved for system software, leaving around 800GB available for games.

Do you actually need additional storage for your Xbox?

With the Xbox Series X|S offering either 1TB or 500GB, additional storage becomes necessary if you plan to install multiple games simultaneously. Many AAA titles exceed 150GB, so you'll quickly need more space to keep your games ready to play.