Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. With only about 800GB of usable space, uninstalling games to make room for new ones quickly becomes a chore. The solution? Invest in an SSD for your Xbox Series X|S.

**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 a few SSDs on the market can directly run Xbox Series X games. However, if you just need storage (and are okay with slightly longer load times for those games), your options expand significantly. You can always play older Xbox One or 360 games directly from a compatible hard drive, or simply store your Series X games for later.

First, we'll cover the best SSDs for running Xbox Series X games, then explore alternative storage solutions.

Have a PS5? Check out the best PS5 SSDs

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 extra storage and speedy transfer rates. Games feel like they're running directly from 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 nearly identical to the console's internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance for Xbox Series X|S optimized games. Its plug-and-play installation is incredibly user-friendly. While pricey, it's the best way to officially expand your Xbox Series X storage, fully supporting Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume. 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions are available.

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.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Cheaper than the Seagate Expansion Card, durable and pocket-sized. Cons: Marginally slower boot times.

A more affordable alternative to Seagate, the WD_Black 1TB C50 is compact and durable. Available in 512GB and 1TB options, it seamlessly integrates with the Xbox Series X's expansion card port. While boot times are slightly slower than the internal SSD, the difference is minimal. Great for portability and a diverse game library.

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 backwards-compatible games or long-term archiving.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

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

Pros: Lightweight and portable, 256-bit AES encryption. Cons: Cannot play Series X games directly.

Stepping away from expansion cards, the Samsung T7 offers more storage for the price. You can't play Series X games directly from it, but it's perfect for storing games you play less frequently, preventing constant installation/uninstallation. Its portability and encryption are added bonuses.

4. Crucial X8 External SSD

The Best Value Xbox Series X SSD

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1Excellent value for storing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up your Series X SSD for newer titles.See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Storage: 1TB (up to 4TB)
• Interface: USB 3.2
• Read/Write: 1,050MB/s

Pros: Compact and quick, storage up to 4TB. Cons: No encryption.

Offering comparable speeds to the Samsung T7, the Crucial X8 provides exceptional value. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, it's ideal for storing your game library, though not for directly playing Series X games. Its compatibility with Xbox, PC, and Mac adds versatility.

5. WD_Black 2TB P40

The Best External Xbox Series X SSD (Style Focus)

### WD_Black 2TB P40

0A stylish external SSD for archiving Xbox Series X games.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 little pricey.

For those who value aesthetics, the WD_Black P40 boasts RGB lighting and a sleek design. While the RGB doesn't impact performance, it adds visual flair. Compatible with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5, it offers fast transfer speeds and durable construction. 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 and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your best bets (though expensive). If direct-from-SSD gameplay isn't essential, many USB 3.2 SSDs offer more affordable and higher-capacity options for storing your games.

SSDs for Xbox Series X FAQ

Can any SSD work with Xbox Series X?

Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) and the internal storage can run Xbox Series X games directly. External SSDs are great for storing games.

Is the Xbox Series X SSD fast?

The internal SSD boasts an IO throughput of around 2.4GB/s.

Why does my Xbox Series X only have 800GB?

System software uses some of the 1TB storage, leaving about 800GB for games.

Do you need additional storage?

With many AAA games exceeding 150GB, additional storage is highly recommended for a smooth gaming experience and easy access to your game library.