Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a must for serious gamers. With only around 800GB of usable space, you'll quickly run out of room after installing a few games. The solution? An SSD. But choosing the right one can be tricky, so we've compiled this guide to help you find the perfect fit.

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 certain SSDs can run Xbox Series X games directly. Others are ideal for storing games, allowing you to play older titles (Xbox One, Xbox 360) or archive your Series X games for later.

First, let's look at the best SSDs for running Xbox Series X games, followed by storage-only options.

Playing on a PS5? Check out our best PS5 SSDs guide!

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

2Grab this easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD for speedy transfer rates and seamless gameplay. It integrates perfectly with the console's 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 offers speeds comparable to the console's internal SSD, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Its plug-and-play installation is incredibly user-friendly. While pricey, it's the best option for optimal performance and compatibility with Xbox Series X|S features like Quick Resume. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions.

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, at a more affordable price.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Cheaper than Seagate, durable, pocket-sized.

Cons: Marginally slower boot times.

A more affordable alternative to the Seagate card, the WD_Black C50 (available in 512GB and 1TB) offers a compact and durable design. While slightly slower boot times exist, the difference is minimal. Easy installation and quick game transfers make it a strong contender.

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 for later access or archiving backwards-compatible titles.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption.

Cons: Cannot play Series X games directly.

Offering excellent value and portability, the Samsung T7 excels at storing games. Its 2TB capacity is a great advantage, but remember you can't play Series X games directly from it. Perfect for archiving or storing games you don't play frequently.

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 Xbox 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, quick, up to 4TB storage.

Cons: No encryption.

The Crucial X8 provides exceptional value, especially at higher storage capacities (1TB, 2TB, 4TB). While not ideal for running Series X games, it's perfect for storing your game library, freeing up space on your console's internal drive.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best-Looking External Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0A stylish external SSD perfect for archiving your Xbox Series X games. Note: You can't run current-gen games directly from it.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 bit pricey.

The WD_Black P40 boasts a stylish design with RGB lighting. While aesthetics don't impact performance, it offers fast transfer speeds (up to 2,000MB/s) and is compatible with various consoles and PCs. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB options.

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSD

For plug-and-play functionality with features like Quick Resume, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your best bets. However, they are expensive. If direct game play from the external drive isn't crucial, explore the other options for more affordable and higher-capacity storage solutions.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ

• Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X? Only licensed external SSDs or the internal storage can run Series X games directly. External SSDs can store games.

• Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast? Yes, it's a 1TB NVMe SSD with high IO throughput.

• Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB? System software uses some of the 1TB storage.

• Do I need additional storage? If you install many large games, additional storage is highly recommended.