Expandable storage options for consoles have become a necessity, especially for gamers with the Xbox Series X. With only around 800GB of usable storage out of the box, you'll quickly find yourself juggling games, uninstalling to make room for new ones. But there's a better way! Investing in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S can revolutionize your gaming experience, providing ample space and swift performance.

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 AmazonThe challenge, however, lies in the limited number of SSDs compatible with running Xbox Series X games directly. If you're only looking to store games rather than play them directly from the SSD, your options expand significantly. You can play older Xbox One or Xbox 360 games directly from a compatible external drive or store your Xbox Series X games for later use.

First, let's explore the best SSDs that support and run your Xbox Series X games, followed by alternative storage options for archival and backwards-compatible games.

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 and speedy transfer rates, making your games feel as though they're playing directly from the console’s storage. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage1TBInterfaceeSATARead/Write468.75MB/sPROSEasy to installFast transfer speedsCONSExpensiveThe 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.

Its plug-and-play installation means you don’t need to be a tech expert to expand your Xbox Series X storage. Experience high data transfer rates and minimal loading times, making it feel no different from playing directly from your console’s storage.

Yes, it's on the pricier side, but that's the only real downside. If you want to expand 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 enjoy games as intended. You can choose between 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions to suit your storage needs.

2. WD_Black 1TB C50

The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1The WD_Black C50, Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD, promises performance comparable to the native SSD. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage1TB InterfaceeSATARead/Write900MB/sPROSA cheaper alternative to the Seagate Expansion CardDurable and pocket-sizedCONSMarginally slower boot timesWhile Seagate once dominated the Xbox expansion card market, the WD_Black 1TB C50 from Western Digital offers a compelling alternative. Its compact size and durable design make it a great choice, available in 512GB and 1TB options, at a more affordable price point than Seagate’s offerings.

This expansion card slots effortlessly into the Xbox Series X’s expansion port, requiring no setup. Transfer games to the card in minutes, enabling you to maintain a diverse game library. Although the boot times are slightly slower compared to the Series X’s internal storage, the difference is minimal.

If you don't need the 2TB option Seagate provides, the WD_Black 1TB C50 is an excellent choice, offering a more appealing price. It takes just minutes to transfer large 80GB files, and its compact size makes it easy to carry between locations, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of Xbox games.

For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only

3. Samsung T7 External SSD

The Most Versatile Xbox Series X SSD

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0For storing games long-term or playing backwards-compatible titles, the reliable Samsung T7 SSD is an excellent option. 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 SSDMoving away from Xbox Series X’s expansion card storage options, you'll find more storage for your money. The Samsung T7, for example, matches the price of the WD_Black 1TB C50 but offers 2TB of storage. However, it has a limitation: you can't play Xbox Series X games directly from this SSD.

Instead, the Samsung T7 is ideal for storing games you plan to play later, saving you from the hassle of reinstalling. You can install the latest game directly on your Xbox Series X and store older versions on the T7, transferring them back when you want to play.

Weighing only 2 ounces, the T7 is perfect for portability. With 2TB of storage, it can house your Xbox games, photos, and work documents. Connect it to your Series X using a USB-C cable and enjoy read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. Plus, it features Samsung’s AES 256-bit encryption for secure file storage.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1The Crucial X8 External SSD offers great value for storing your Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up space on your Series X SSD for newer, speed-demanding titles. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage1TBInterfaceUSB 3.2Read/Write1,050MB/sPROSCompact and quickStorage up to 4TBCONSNo encryptionWith performance identical to the Samsung T7, the Crucial X8 is an affordable option. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, it's perfect for storing Xbox Series X games, though you can't run current-gen games directly from it.

The Crucial X8 works across Xbox, PC, and Mac platforms, making it versatile for storing games, files, music, and photos. Its compact, shock-resistant design ensures durability, making it ideal for on-the-go use.

With potential storage up to 4TB, you can store your entire Xbox game library, providing a cost-effective storage solution, even if you need to wait a bit longer for game transfers.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0This 2TB external SSD is perfect for archiving your Xbox Series X games, although it cannot run current-generation games directly. It's ideal for storing games for future play. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage2TB InterfaceUSB 3.2Read/WriteUp to 2,000MB/sPROSFast transfer speedsRobust and stylish designCONSA little pricey stillFor a standout external storage solution, consider the WD_Black 2TB P40 with its stylish design and RGB lighting. While the lights don't boost performance, they enhance aesthetics. The P40 is compatible with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5, though it can't 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 pricey among 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 up to 2m.

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

How to Choose the Best Xbox Series X SSDs

If you need an SSD that supports Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture for running the best Xbox Series X games, your options are limited to the Seagate Storage Expansion Card or the WD_Black C50. Both are pricey but offer 1TB of storage, which is often the ideal capacity.

However, if you don't need to play your Xbox Series X games directly from the drive, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs are available for storing games and playing older Xbox titles. These SSDs connect easily to the Xbox Series X via USB.

Fast read and write speeds are crucial for quick loads and saves. Consider durability and size, especially if you plan to carry your SSD. For a substantial gaming library, a 1TB SSD or larger is advisable, with options up to 4TB 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 a licensed external SSD, like the Seagate Expansion Card. However, external SSDs can be used to store your Xbox games, eliminating the need for constant installations and uninstalls.

Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?

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

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 of usable space.

Do you actually need additional storage for your Xbox?

While the Xbox Series X|S comes with either 1TB or 500GB of storage, additional storage is beneficial if you plan to install multiple games simultaneously. With some AAA titles exceeding 150GB, you'll soon need more space to quickly access and play your games.