Best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions in 2023
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The best Xbox Series X hard drives are an excellent addition to your console loadout. Whether it’s the officially licenced Seagate expansion card, or an external drive, there are plenty of ways to enhance the Xbox Series X’s storage. Of course, the products we’ve rounded up below will also work for the Series S, and might even come in more handy on the «Game Pass machine» due to the limited storage of that console.
Unfortunately, there’s no M.2 port in the Xbox Series X or S, which means you won’t quite get the benefits of the best SSDs for gaming like PS5 owners do. Having said that, you do have a similar amount of storage space out of the box. Just like the PS5, the 1TB claimed on the packaging actually equates more to around 802GB once the OS and general bloat is factored in. As for the Series S, you’re cutting that down by half. So, either way, either console can really benefit from one of the best external hard drives.
The fastest solution available to you is undoubtedly going to be the officially licensed Seagate Storage Expansion card. This allows for native performance that’s on par with the Xbox Series X’s very own internal SSD. It’s the closest the Xbox Series gets to matching the best PS5 SSD expansions, and the best part is, you don’t need to worry about overly-complicated DIY. Keep in mind that you cannot boot Xbox Series X games off of an external hard drive, whether it’s an SSD or HDD, so we tend to view these options more as expanded storage for unused or last gen games.
If you boosted the storage of your previous Xbox, you may still be able to use one of the best Xbox One external hard drives. For now though, allow us to walk you through the best Xbox Series X hard drives.
Best Xbox Series X hard drives and memory cards 2023
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1. Official Seagate Storage Expansion Card
The best Xbox Series X hard drive
Specifications
Capacity: 1TB
Storage type: NVMe SSD memory card
Console compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : Yes
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Runs Series X games and enhancements
+
Incredibly fast
+
Reliable
Reasons to avoid
—
One of the priciest options on the market
Putting the price tag for 1TB (920GB usable) aside for one moment, the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X is the best option for expanding your storage with no compromises on performance.
We’ve extensively tested the load times of this card vs the internal storage of the console along with performance on games enhanced for Series X and it matches the internal NVMe SSD at every turn.
But this early into the console’s life, there’s a strong case for you not really needing it yet. You can still fit a fair few games on the default storage and the other Xbox Series X external storage solutions on this page will give you even more GB for less money and we’d use them as a holding bay for your Series X games and to run most older Xbox One titles. We did cut Red Dead Redemption 2’s loading times in half on this card compared to something like the WD Black P10 though.
If you can afford it, this is certainly the card to go for but you’re certainly paying through the nose for that early adapter hookup. We have seen this go for $15 less over Black Friday, but overall, it’s going to be a while before the price drops. It’s still unclear as to when other brands will produce cards of their own.
2. WD Black P10 1-5TB Game Drive
A reliable and built-to-last Xbox Series X hard drive
Specifications
Capacity: 1-5TB
Storage type: : HDD
Console compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: 3.
0
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Portable yet rugged design
+
Runs quiet and cool
+
3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid
—
Standard HDD speeds
The WD Black P10 drives are a perfect companion for anyone rocking an Xbox Game Pass. We used a 5TB one a while back to download every single game available on the service for our Xbox One giving us a real home arcade experience with hundreds of games at our fingertips.
And when the Series X arrived, we simply plugged the P10 straight in and started playing our games again. Although we did shift some over to the Series X itself to take advantage of those increased loading speeds offered by the console’s SSD. So yes, the speeds on the P10 are just the standard rates of an HDD of around 130Mbps, but given the large capacities you can get for a fraction of the cost of the official SSD expansion card mentioned above, we think this is the best external hard drive (HDD) for the Xbox Series X.
The drive’s rugged design makes it a great match if you need to carry it around a lot too when you’re taking your digital game collection to someone’s else house for games night and the like. Look out for the Xbox branded version if you can as some come with a code for a few months of Game Pass access.
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(Image credit: WD)(Image credit: WD)(Image credit: WD)(Image credit: WD)(Image credit: WD)
3. WD Black P50 Game Drive
A speedy, quality, and robust Sereis X external hard drive
Specifications
Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Storage type: SSD
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: USB 3.2/Type C
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent speeds
+
Great design
+
Robust build
+
Purpose-built for gaming
Reasons to avoid
—
More expensive than most other XSX externals
The P50 is one of the best external drives for any device right now, let alone specific consoles or gaming platforms.
This is mostly due to the fact that, at it’s core, this is as close to having a PC NVMe SSD in a case, plugged into your external console ports. It genuinely offers speeds and performances that are usually only seen in those drives within the best gaming PCs and on best SSD for gaming lists. All encased within a unit that has a quality, cool design, and a robust build.
Speaking of that unit, on the outside, the P50 is military metal-styled, rectangular in shape, and features slick molded metal in black along with the traditional WD_Black aesthetics and markings. There’s a small but clear LED indicator on one of the short ends which is always a help, but one small downside is that it does get a little warm when in use so it’ll pay to keep that in mind when positioning it.
When it comes to speeds, what you’re told you’re getting and what happens is pretty much bang on. Its incredible performance for an external SSD and the stated speeds of ‘up to 2000MB/s’ were on the money in our testing.
Real-world performance-wise, the P50 gives you everything a high-quality external SSD should do: games were loaded incredibly quickly, files were retrieved in the snap of a finger, and the performance levels were incredibly consistent. It’s a sure-fire SSD that will rapidly improve your gaming experience by reducing your time looking at loading screens and increasing the time actually playing. A true winner, and definitely one of the best Xbox Series X hard drives.
(Image credit: SanDisk)
4. SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD
The fastest external SSD we’ve tested on Series X
Specifications
Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Storage type: SSD
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: USB 3.2/Type C
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Top performance of external SSDs
+
Rugged design
+
Water and dust resistant
Reasons to avoid
—
Almost as expensive as the memory card.
…
—
…and slower
This Pro variant of the portable SSD is a great match for gaming on the Xbox Series X|S consoles. It’s far from cheap, but the transfer speeds are the best we’ve seen on everything we’ve tested on the Series X with the exception of Seagate’s bespoke memory card mentioned earlier.
We clocked transfer speeds at twice as fast as the non-Pro version and it even managed to outpace the excellent Samsung T5 series and even the similarly-priced T7 upgrade. It’s super durable too with a 2m drop-protection and IP55 water and dust resistance.
You really need to catch it at a good time with a discount as we regularly see it for a similar price to Seagate’s card (which is faster and will run Series X titles directly). Time it right though and you can find this one going for as much as $70 less than the memory card, making it a super option for storing current-gen titles or playing last-gen games with super fast loading and transfer speeds.
(Image credit: Samsung)
5. Samsung T5 SSD 1TB
The best Xbox Series X hard drive under $100 / £100
Specifications
Other capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 2TB
Storage type: SSD
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: 3.1
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Affordable SSD storage for Xbox
+
Samsung is a top brand for storage
+
Super fast load times…
Reasons to avoid
—
It won’t run Xbox Series S/X games
You don’t have to fork out for the official Seagate memory card for the Xbox Series X to get improved load times on your Xbox One games, instead, you can opt for an external USB SSD, and Samsung makes some of the very best, with the T5 series offering the best gigabyte to cost ratio for our liking.
All said and done though, if your main reason for increasing storage options on your Xbox Series X is to have somewhere to enjoy your Game Pass/Xbox One library, and you’re happy to juggle the internal SSD space for just Series X games, then a Samsung T5 is a great option if you want to cut down on those load times. If you’re not fussed about faster loading, then pick a regular external HDD from this page and save a lot of cash.
Important note: while this will dramatically improve loading times of Xbox One games (by nearly 75% in some cases), it still won’t run Series X games, or Xbox One games optimized for Series X with all the enhanced graphics and so on, although you can store the games here no problem.
6. WD My Passport 4TB
The best value Xbox Series external hard drive solution
Specifications
Capacity: 1-5TB
Storage type: HDD
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: 3.
0
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Tried and tested for years
+
Regularly discounted
Reasons to avoid
—
Average speeds
We’ve seen the outer casing change a few times in recent years, but Western Digital’s My Passport series has been a great fit for expanding storage capacities of Xbox and PlayStation consoles for a few years now and this series is always on lists of recommended options from ourselves and plenty of other sites too.
Via the retailer links above you’ll generally land on our favored 4TB model, but you might find smaller drives are enough for you depending on how many games you want immediate access to without having to redownload them all the time.
WD My Passport has been released in a wide range of colors, so you will have more options to choose from and you should never pay the full MSRP for one of these as they’re seemingly always on sale.
If you just want plenty of space for the lowest cost without risking losing your data, the WD My Passport is the way to go for on Xbox Series X hard drive.
7. Seagate Halo Game Drive for Xbox
A lovely design for Halo fans from a reliable brand
Specifications
Capacity: 2 or 5TB
Storage type: HDD
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: 3.0
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Stylish design for Halo fans
+
Compact size
Reasons to avoid
—
Expensive per TB
—
Casing feels a bit flimsy
Seagate has been making great value portable hard drives for a while now and is one of the go-to brands on both Xbox and PlayStation in recent years. It also makes a few limited-edition branded models like the Last of Us Part 2 model as found on our best PS4 external hard drives guide, while over on Xbox there’s a bright green version or there’s this Halo Game Drive.
Truth be told, crack these drives open and you’ll find the same, admittedly very good, portable hard drive Seagate sell in the more plain designs for less money. So yes, you’re paying a bit of a premium for the branding, but if you really like the look of them and your home entertainment center is arranged as such as you’ll be able to see the drive and admire it, then why not treat yourself to this bespoke Xbox Series X hard drive? This Halo model comes with a design of Master Chief on the front and a UNSC logo on the back. Unlike the basic standard Seagate drives you get a more durable braided cable and it’s a lovely shade of green too, which we really like (so tired of black cables).
The drive itself is super small at around 3.2×0.75×4.5-inches and generally quite sturdy around the sides and underneath, but the top cover feels much weaker, so just be aware if you’re going to be on the move with this one a lot.
(Image credit: Seagate/Microsoft)
8. Seagate Halo Infinite Special Edition Game Drive for Xbox
The best external drive for style and for Halo and Xbox fans
Specifications
Capacity: 2TB or 5TB
Storage type: : HDD
Console compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
USB type: 3.
0
Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Seagate quality
+
That incredible design and RGB
+
Large capacities
+
2-year warranty
Reasons to avoid
—
‘Only’ HDD performance
The Seagate Halo Infinite Special Edition Game Drive for Xbox is a mouthful but, in essence, what we have here is a supremely cool, special edition hard drive to team with your Xbox console.
While ostensibly this is just a simple-but-effective, and ever-reliable Seagate external HDD, the attraction comes hard and heavy with the design and RGB effects. This really sets the hard drive apart and is perfect for Xbox and Halo fans.
Yes, the performance won’t be blistering — it’s only an HDD after all, offering those limited speeds, but at least with USB 3.
0 interfaces — so it’s not going to be one for those looking for only optimized game storage and being able to play those games from the drive. But if you’ve got a whole bunch of older games, perhaps, that you’re keen to keep within arms reach, and keep on something that looks cool as heck then this is an absolutely blinding choice.
(Image credit: Future)
9. Samsung T7 Shield
The best durable and speedy external Xbox Series X SSD
Specifications
Capacity: 1TB
Storage type: SSD
Sequential Read: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Sequential Write: Up to 1,000 MB/s
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Fast performance
+
Small form factor
+
Tactile but rugged design
Reasons to avoid
—
Cable isn’t that long
The Samsung T7 Shield is the latest in Samsung’s range of high-speed performance-first external SSDs but this one has an emphasis on durability.
Samsung says that the T7 drives should offer double the performance of the still-excellent T5 drives — and our testing proves that’s very much the case. While the 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write won’t bother NVMe counterparts, as far as external drives go, the Samsung T7 Shield is certainly offering excellent sequential performance. We found that the claimed figures were largely in keeping with the maximum sequential performance, and solid figures from an external drive plugged in via USB 3.2.
Another main selling point of this drive is the rugged nature of its outer casing. Samsung has stated that the T7 Shield is able to withstand all manner of harsh conditions, with drop tests being done four times from three meters in the air onto solid concrete with no signs of physical damage to the casings or internals.
At around $160 / £130 mark for a 1TB model or $290 / £215 mark for 2TB, it’s far from the cheapest Xbox Series X external hard drive around, but those speeds, and tank-like shell, may justify the investment for you.
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(Image credit: Silicon Power)(Image credit: Silicon Power)(Image credit: Silicon Power)
10. Silicon Power Bolt B75 Pro
An underrated Xbox Series X hard drive, that’s both light and sturdy
Specifications
Capacity: up to 2TB
Storage Type: SSD
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Solid, shock-proof design
+
Light and easily transportable
+
SSD performance
Reasons to avoid
—
Other brands will offer more confidence
Away from the mega-big boys of the best Xbox Series X hard drive market, manufacturers and brands like Silicon Power quietly go about their business of making equally dependable, robust, competitively priced, and quality hard drives. And SP’s Bolt B75 Pro SSD drive is exactly that.
This is an Incredibly light, but incredibly robust unit, which means it’s easily transportable yet you can have great confidence in it if you’re prone to mishaps, or just want that extra protection.
Its military-grade shockproof, aluminium case will look after the important stuff inside easily and the casing definitely exudes the rugged quality that was intended. The unit as a whole doesn’t feel solid but that comes from its lightness — some folks may prefer a more hefty unit.
The SSD’s performance is very solid, but nothing too spectacular. As a result, if you’re after something that offers good value, want to upgrade from an existing HDD to SSD to ensure you get that better and faster performance without number chasing too much, and you want something robust then this is a great contender.
(Image credit: Xbox )
Buying tips for Xbox Series X external hard drives
If you’re heading out to shop for your own Xbox Series X external hard drive or are considering seeing if an old drive you have at home might be usable instead, there are a few things to bear in mind.
It’s worth double checking what USB type the drive has. For Xbox Series X you’ll need one that has a USB 3.
0 connection or higher. Legacy USB 2.0 and 2.1, often found on older drives, are a no go. Unlike the PS5, the Series X console does not have a modern USB-C (sometimes listed as ‘Type-C’) port, so we’d avoid drives that only have USB-C connections as even USB-C to USB 3.0 adapters aren’t guaranteed to make them work. Some drives like the Samsung T5 mentioned above have a USB Type C connection going into the drive itself and a USB 3.0 connection on the other end of the cable — this is fine.
When you plug an external hard drive into your Xbox Series X, it will ask for permission to format it. Full warning — this will delete everything else on the drive. So be sure to remove or backup anything on there you were thinking of using. Sadly, you cannot use a single external hard drive to store both PlayStation and Xbox games, so if you had the smart idea to buy one massive drive to use for both, this unfortunately won’t work.
If you’re still unsure of what to go for, have a look at our frequently asked questions below.
We’ve tried to cover the bases of what you need to know when buying one of the best Xbox Series X hard drives.
Best Xbox Series X hard drives: FAQs
Should I get SSD or HDD for my Xbox Series X/S?
We’d always recommend that you get an SSD, if you can afford it. SSD, even externally, massively outperforms the fastest HDD. While it is more expensive than a typical HDD, we’d say it’s worth the extra money for the transfer, read, and write speeds you get. If you’re looking for larger capacity drives for more than just games, HDD is much cheaper, and we’d definitely recommend HDD in those cases. Overall though, we’d say the best Xbox Series X hard drives are SSD ones.
Is 1TB enough for Xbox Series X?
1TB is more than enough storage, since it’s already more than double what you have to play with in terms of base internal storage. However, if you can get more than 1TB, that will definitely give you more futureproofing. As games continue to get larger, a 1TB Xbox Series X hard drive might not go as far.
Whereas, a 2TB drive may not cost much more, but will definitely give you ample storage as we get further into the Xbox Series X/S’s lifespan.
What is the fastest hard drive for Xbox Series X?
Your best bet is the official Seagate storage expansion for Xbox Series X, since it’s the closest thing to additional internal SSD storage as you’ll get. You’ll also be able to play Series X games on this drive, since it can keep to the sequential read and write speeds of the internal SSD. For external drives though, we’d always recommend SSD over HDD, simply due to the performance. HDD struggles to reach read and write speeds of 200MB/s, and SSD smashes that by thousands of MB/s depending on the drive, however, will be slowed down somewhat by the USB connection.
Today’s best Xbox Series X hard drive deals
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox
£182
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WD Black P10 5TB
£143.
02
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Reduced Price
WD Black P50 1TB
£239.99
£210.37
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Another excellent upgrade to your new console we’d recommend looking into is audio and the best options are covered in our best Xbox Series X headsets guide. We’ve got you covered if you’d like to see what the best TV for Xbox Series X is too. Of course, if you’re after something cheaper, take a look at the best Xbox Series X accessories on the market.
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Ever since playing Journey at the age of 15, I’ve been desperate to cover video games for a living.
After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship over at Expert Reviews. Besides that, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel and Podcast for the last 7 years. It’s been a long road, but all that experience somehow landed me a dream job covering gaming hardware. I’m a self-confessing PlayStation fanboy, but my experience covering the larger business and developer side of the whole industry has given me a strong knowledge of all platforms. When I’m not testing out every peripheral I can get my hands on, I’m probably either playing tennis or dissecting game design for an upcoming video essay. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.
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How to expand Xbox Series X & Series S storage with an external drive
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Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)
Xbox Series X and Series S introduce significant changes to system storage, adopting custom solid-state drives (SSDs) under the hood. Microsoft has positioned this high-speed storage as fundamental to next-generation gaming, helping deliver shorter load times with support for complex game worlds. This SSD requirement guarantees the best from the latest Xbox consoles but can make storage expansions a little more complicated. You now have a few options when adding space to your Xbox Series X and Series S versus Xbox One, and as a consequence, it’s essential to understand which works best for you.
Expanding Xbox Series X, Series S storage: The basics
(Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S pack the same SSD storage, bringing up to 40 times speed increases over older Xbox One consoles. Microsoft opted for a custom solution based on NVMe SSD technologies, delivering best-in-class read and write speeds, albeit costly compared to the slower hard drives from the Xbox One era.
The Xbox Series X ships with a 1TB internal SSD drive, while the Xbox Series S features a reduced 512GB capacity out of the box. In reality, Xbox Series X has just 802GB of space usable for games, with Xbox Series S offering just 364GB. With new releases from franchises like Call of Duty, Halo, and NBA 2K now surpassing 100GB, it’s easier than ever to outgrow the included storage.
When your games library eventually fills the internal drive, Microsoft provides two primary routes to increase your available storage on Xbox Series X and Series S. The two storage expansions are both solutions for playing and storing Xbox games, although which is best varies between users, and the games they choose.
- The Xbox Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is the best storage option for most, designed to offer up a seamless extension of your Xbox console. It’s a compact memory card-style SSD almost identical to the internal SSD in performance and function.
While expensive compared to alternatives, it’s hassle-free and supports all Xbox games. - You can also opt for a USB external drive, choosing between a vast range of third-party options at competitive prices. External hard drives remain extremely affordable, with simple plug-and-play support like Xbox One consoles. However, USB drives come with limitations and don’t support all next-gen Xbox games.
In brief, the growing list of Xbox Series X and Series S Optimized games need high-speed storage, and only Microsoft’s custom SSDs can deliver. Beyond the internal SSD included with Xbox Series X and Series S, the official Xbox Storage Expansion Card is the only seamless upgrade.
While USB hard drives work fine, they only store those games, and you will need to transfer them to the SSD to play. However, backward-compatible titles, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, work fine on USB drives. Here’s a handy breakdown of how USB drives compare to the SSD expansion card.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Media type | Internal SSD | Seagate Expansion Card | USB external drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X/S games | ✓ | ✓ | Storage only |
| Xbox One games (upgraded) | ✓ | ✓ | Storage only |
| Xbox One games (not upgraded) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xbox 360 games | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Original Xbox games | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
The challenges around storage space only grow for Xbox Series X and Series S, with top titles larger than ever.
The latest blockbusters demand more storage, with the added increased capabilities of the latest consoles unlikely to reverse that trend. While Microsoft states that Xbox Series S titles should sometimes clock in smaller than Xbox Series X, storage is far from plentiful on either device.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
(Image credit: Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central)
With Xbox Series X and Series S focused on delivering next-gen experiences, games designed for the consoles require the full bandwidth of their custom SSD technologies. Traditional USB external hard drives don’t hit the mark, which saw Microsoft and Seagate cook up a custom «Storage Expansion Card.» In short, it’s a proprietary, high-speed SSD that’s guaranteed to meet the standards for Xbox Series X and Series S.
The Xbox Expansion Card makes it simple, with three sizes available in 2022. Seagate Storage Expansion Card comes in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB flavors, with pricing proportional to their respective capacities.
While Microsoft has also discussed storage from other manufacturers, the ongoing exclusivity period with Seagate means we’re yet to see those materialize.
The high cost reflects the bleeding-edge hardware inside, falling in line with our previous predictions before pricing was even announced. The card guarantees the best in internal and external storage, even if pricier than slower USB drives.
Our full review of the Xbox Storage Expansion Card dives into why we still recommend it for most Xbox users. «I can’t say the Xbox Storage Expansion Card is a great deal, yet I still wholeheartedly recommend it to those on the fence,» I stated in our newly updated review for 2022. «Yes, in terms of value, you can add much more space to your console for less with a cheaper USB external drive. But there’s no alternative that integrates so well with Xbox consoles, making the complete experience hassle-free. It’s a premium product with a high asking price, making it impossible to compare this to anything on the market.
«
Xbox Series X, Series S Seagate Expansion Card: Price and size
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card aims to deliver the best possible gaming experience, exactly matching Microsoft’s baked-in solution. The cards are designed to deliver best-in-class technology without compromising convenience, even if you’ll need to pay for that luxury.
The Xbox Storage Expansion Card, as expected, costs more than your everyday hard drive. Pricing starts at $139.99 for the entry-level 512GB model, while the 1TB and 2TB versions cost $219.99 and $399.99, respectively.
Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S (512GB)
Seagate’s entry-level Xbox Storage Expansion over doubles available space for Xbox Series S consoles while adding over 50% more room to Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. This budget-friendly add-on means space for a few more games without compromising load times or next-gen compatibility.
Buy from: $169 at Amazon | $139 from Walmart
Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S (1 TB)
This 1TB expansion launched in tandem with Xbox Series X, exactly matching the internal hard drive or tripling what’s found inside the Xbox Series S.
It’s the ideal middle ground for most, accommodating small game collections or Xbox Game Pass aficionados.
Buy from: $220 at Amazon | $220 from Walmart
Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S (2 TB)
The latest and greatest Expansion Card clocks in at 2TB, providing ample overhead for dozens of extra titles. While that high price might be hard to justify, it’s a one-stop storage companion primed for the next decade of Xbox gaming. This is Seagate’s top-tier card for diehards.
Buy from: $400 at Amazon | $400 from Walmart
Today’s best Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X deals
Reduced Price
$219.99
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$199.
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USB external hard drives for Xbox Series X|S
Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central)
Unlike the Xbox Expansion Card, opting for an external USB drive opens your options to a competitive market of third-party devices. While inferior to Microsoft’s slick SSDs on the spec sheet, they’re much more affordable, but still lighten the load on your internal storage.
Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles all run on an external USB hard drive with Xbox Series X and Series S. And provided previous-generation software doesn’t receive Xbox Series-geared upgrades, it also runs on USB storage.
But to stress, Xbox Series X and Series S titles won’t run on external hard drives due to slow transfer speeds, failing to meet next-generation demands.
An internal SSD or an external expansion card is required for upcoming releases or older games updated for the latest generation.
But with the high price of the SSD expansion card, it’s worth stressing that all Xbox Series X and Series S titles can be offloaded to an external USB hard drive. While some titles may not be playable from the slower storage, it’s still possible to shift data between an SSD where your games can be playable and a USB for storage. Your USB hard drive’s transfer speeds will determine how fast they move back and forth, but it’s a useful way to cycle games from the internal SSD with a huge investment.
Best Xbox Series X, Series S external hard drives
Source: Richard Devine / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Richard Devine / Windows Central)
If the SSD Expansion Card isn’t for you, a vibrant ecosystem of USB-connected hard drives will meet demands for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. These storage solutions all function with Xbox Series X and Series S today, multiplying your console’s capacity, without hurting the wallet.
Microsoft supports almost all Xbox One accessories with Xbox Series X and Series S, extending to the existing storage ecosystem. That guarantees partial compatibility for external hard drives from the Xbox One era, should you want to reuse an existing drive.
If you’re looking to buy, the best Xbox Series X hard drives start as cheap as a video game, offering reliable storage within performance demands below $50. That 1TB expansion can over triple your room across some consoles like Xbox Series S. We’ve recommended the Toshiba Canvio Basics since launch, consistently offering the best-priced 1TB drive, getting more gigabytes for your dollars.
Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable External Hard Drive — 1TB
Expanding your Xbox storage doesn’t need to be expensive, and this 1TB hard drive is one of the cheapest options out there. It’s performant to support Xbox One games and older backward-compatible titles, while also ideal for offloading Xbox Series X/S games.
You can also go big or go home with this 4TB behemoth from Western Digital, providing room for your full games collection for the average user. It offers four times the internal capacity that ships with Xbox Series X, proving an essential pickup today and all you’ll need as a next-generation sidekick. While SSDs are incredibly costly in these sizes, slower hard drives remain affordable right now. This is recommended for those with sizeable game libraries, or those keen to explore services like Xbox Game Pass.
WD Elements Portable External Hard Drive — 4TB
This 4TB Western Digital portable drive is all you need, hitting the highest capacity of its USB-powered drives. Formidable speeds and space for dozens of games make this ideal for any frequent gamer.
Opting for an SSD will boost your read and write speeds over a traditional hard drive, cutting load times across your favorite titles on Xbox One consoles.
And while even the best external SSDs for Xbox Series X and Series S don’t match Expansion Card, still barred from next-gen titles, that boost still comes in handy for backward compatibility or fast transfers to your internal drive.
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 500GB
Samsung’s T7 500GB external drive packs top-tier speed below $100. You’re getting an over 50% boost in capacity with Xbox Series X while over doubling Xbox Series S. That speed won’t match what’s inside either console, but it’s still a vast improvement over other USB drives. Encased in a shock-resistant metal finish, it fits stealthily beside any console.
Seagate Expansion Card vs. USB: Which is for you?
Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central)
When your Xbox Series X or Series S runs low on storage, your decision to expand primarily hinges on whether to invest in the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox.
With fast storage fundamental to titles designed for the next generation, this external SSD offers a seamless solution at a high price. The cost may deter some but reflects the reality of the hardware, pushing the best from either console.
While Microsoft first launched its Storage Expansion Card with just one 1TB model from Seagate, we’re now seeing additional capacities hitting the market, spanning a variety of price points. Pricing now starts at $140 for the entry-level 512GB model, while those with larger game collections can invest considerably more with 1TB and 2TB variants.
USB external drives may yield more gigabytes for your dollar, but the functionality posed by official Xbox Expansion Cards helps justify the cost. It might be a significant investment, but with years of Xbox Series X and Series S games ahead, it’s a solid companion for the latest console generation. It delivers the most seamless extension of the console’s internal SSD, avoiding the pain of shuttling games between drives on the regular.
Investing in a USB external hard drive may be more appropriate when looking for an affordable alternative, especially in the short term. Connecting USB devices is an easy way to store your games, even if the limitations mean you can’t play without moving them to your internal SSD. It saves redownloading titles, provided you’re happy to cycle them back and forth.
How to use external drives with Xbox
Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
After selecting your preferred storage solution, it’s time to set up and use it with your Xbox console. While the approach to the Expansion Card and USB drives differs, both are relatively easy to connect and configure in a matter of seconds. The simple plug-and-play support means you don’t need to do much after connecting the drives into their respective ports.
How to use the Xbox Seagate SSD Expansion Card
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card connects to Xbox Series X and Series S via a dedicated, proprietary connector on the console’s rear.
The rectangular port sits adjacent to the HDMI output on both consoles, labeled with «STORAGE EXPANSION.» They come in only slightly larger than your average USB thumb drive, with a sliding plastic cover for safekeeping. Upon removing the included cover, the SSD slides into the port, slightly protruding from the back I/O panel.
Microsoft also allows external SSD cards to be inserted with the console turned on, enabling those with multiple expansion cards to hot-swap on the fly. When inserted, the Xbox Series X or Series S will automatically recognize and configure your external storage.
- Remove the protective sleeve included with the Xbox Storage Expansion Card.
- Insert the Expansion Card into the Storage Expansion port.
- Firmly press the Expansion Card until it emits a distinct click. Your Xbox console will automatically detect and configure the Xbox Storage Expansion Card, coupled with an on-screen notification.
Once configured to work with your Xbox Series X or Series S console, the Xbox Storage Expansion Card will add its respective capacity to your pool of available Xbox storage. However, a small fraction of storage will be reserved for the system. For example, the 1TB Storage Expansion Card actually adds 920GB, with around 100GB locked down out of the box. Following setup, you can copy, move, and install content between the internal SSD and the external Storage Expansion Card.
How to use a USB external drive with Xbox Series X, Series S
Most modern external hard drives work on Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, expanding your capacity for games, with speedier load times also obtainable via compatible SSDs. You’ll need a USB 3.0 external drive to meet the requirements, ensuring high data transfer rates to run backward-compatible games over a USB connection. Compatible drives must also have at least 256GB of storage, although we recommend shopping for at least 1TB for future peace of mind.
Don’t forget that the best Xbox One hard drives and SSDs are also compatible with new Xbox consoles if you’ve recently made the upgrade.
- Connect the required USB cable to your external drive.
- Insert the USB cable into the USB port on your Xbox console. Your Xbox console will automatically detect and configure the external drive, coupled with an on-screen notification.
- Format the hard drive to store games, if prompted.
The Xbox Series X and Series S feature USB-A ports, making it important to check whether an external hard drive uses the correct connector to hook up to the console. That’s especially important with modern SSDs, more commonly using USB-C connectors to achieve the highest possible transfer speeds. The two consoles feature twin rear-facing USB-A ports, ideal for hiding external hard drives while freeing up the front port.
You’ll also need to permit your console to format the drive, losing all data currently stored onboard.
It’s crucial to back up ANY stored files to avoid losing existing documents and data. Your Xbox console will automatically detect external storage when connecting a USB external drive, with on-screen prompts to ease the setup process.
This external hard drive can be used to store Xbox Series X|S games, although you’ll need to transfer them to the internal SSD, or an official Xbox Storage Expansion Card, when it’s time to play. However, older Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games still work as normal with these USB drives.
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Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central’s Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft’s gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
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Is it possible to connect a regular external hard drive to the Xbox Series X. Hard drive for xbox series s
Contents
We tested card loading times and improved gaming performance on the X-Series compared to the console’s internal storage. At every stage, the card is comparable to an internal NVME SSD.
Best Xbox Series X/S Accessories
Xbox Series X can be pre-ordered starting November 10, 2020. And if you’re one of the lucky ones who got it from the first, you’ll definitely want to get some extra accessories for your console.
Simplification improves the gameplay.
Each console has its own unique additions — on — that greatly enhance the gaming experience, and the X series is no exception. Let’s talk about what’s already available on the new Microsoft Xbox series consoles.
Microsoft Xbox Series Controller
New console means new controls, and while the X-Line controller may look exactly like the Xbox One, it has a few small changes.
The shape of the controller has changed slightly. The D-PAD has been redesigned with more embossed buttons, a USB-C port and a new share button for sharing video clips and screenshots.
With the new hybrid crossbar, embossed trigger surface and rear shell, you’ll never miss a goal again.
These improvements are always a pleasure to look at, even without innovative new features. It’s also worth noting that the Xbox One Control works with the Series X. If you already have it, you can save some money on buying it.
Easily connect and switch between devices including Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, iOS and Android.
Xbox Series X/S Dual PowerA Charging Station
The new Xbox Control continues to run on AA batteries, but the charging station solves this problem. This station not only holds and charges two controls at the same time, but also includes two batteries that each last 40 hours when fully charged. If you don’t want to deal with constantly changing batteries, this is by far the best alternative.
Xbox Dual Power Charging Dock — Black, Wireless Charging Manager, Batteries, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One — Xbox Series X Charges two Xbox Core controls and is always ready to play on this base.
Supports simple plug-and-play functionality. This means you can simply access and connect to your Xbox console’s game data. Authentication requires an Xbox Live connection from the original owner of the game or game disc.
Can I connect an external HDD to my Xbox Series X?
In addition to a Seagate memory card that connects to the Xbox Series X via a dedicated receiver, you can connect a standard external hard drive to the console via a USB port.
As officially confirmed by Microsoft, you can connect a regular external hard drive or SSD to the Xbox Series X, but with some shades of gray.
What games can I install on external hard drives for Xbox Series X?
An Xbox Series X console—which connects to an external HDD or SSD—will run on a USB hard drive and only play Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Xbox console games. In other words, it runs games built for Xbox Series X and installed on an external USB drive that can’t do it.
As a result, games made specifically for Xbox Series X have less than 1TB of internal storage available on the console and less than 1TB of external storage (Seagate memory card).
Players can mount or install Xbox Series X games to an external hard drive or SSD. However, you won’t be able to run them. This can be useful if your internet connection is slow and you don’t want to delete games on your Xbox Series X console, but they’re taking up valuable free space. In this case, they can be transferred to an external USB drive, but it will need to be returned for further execution.
What are the restrictions on using external USB drives?
One of the features of the Xbox Series X consoles is Quick Continue. This allows you to switch directly between game parties. If games are installed on external USB drives, this feature will not work with them.
Another feature of the new consoles is instant speed in games, including retroactive compatibility (Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox). When these games are installed to an external USB drive, the download speed is limited by the speed of the external hard drive or SSD.
Seagate External Hard Drives are officially supported by the Xbox One console and are available in 2TB and 4TB. Therefore, you can choose the right model according to your needs. For example, if you want to use the model to store media (screenshots, videos) or the games themselves.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox (512GB)
Specifications
Reasons to buy high-performance storage technology, as in the console.
None of the USB alternatives offer the same seamless expansion, but the higher price can be hard to justify, especially if you go for the largest 1TB and 2TB models. Microsoft and Seagate also released a 512 GB memory card. It’s a more affordable model at RRP $140 but offers the same zero storage.
The 512 GB model cuts the total memory in half compared to the Seagate 1 TB Memory Expansion Card, saving $80. The card more than doubles the amount of storage on Xbox Series S consoles and 50% more on Xbox Series X consoles when considering each console’s internal storage. Up to 1TB expansion is recommended, but if the budget allows, a 512GB expansion card is perfect for those who need a bit more gaming space.
The Xbox Series S has a 512 GB internal SSD, but the actual storage capacity for the operating system and additional content is closer to 364 GB. Popular game series such as Call of Duty, Halo, and NBA 2K offer over 100GB downloads, making emptying internal storage easier than ever.
A 512 GB card has been enough for daily storage of alternative games, giving a much-needed edge to devices like the Xbox Series S.
The Xbox 512 GB Memory Expansion Card shares all the features of its TB counterpart, including optimized support for all Xbox Series X and Series S. It also supports Xbox One, Xbox 360, and early Xbox versions, offering the same load time and performance benefits. It also plugs directly into a dedicated storage expansion port for immediate plug-and-play installation in this compact form factor.
Xbox Series X and Series S storage can be confusing, but choosing an official memory expansion card clears the confusion. 512GB adds the small internal storage space found on the Xbox S series or room for a handful of additional games, making it especially suitable for low-budget Xbox X owners.
ADATA SD600Q 480GB SSD
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
SSDs are often more expensive than slower hard drives, but these entry-level ADATA drives make the technology more accessible at a lower price.
The company sells some of the cheapest SSDs on the market, allowing budget buyers to compromise and upgrade. The SD600Q provides a compatible SSD input for Xbox consoles as it drops to the cost of a brand new video game.
ADATA has the usual advantages of flash drives: faster than hard drives, lower power consumption and better endurance. The claimed 440MB/s read/write is about five times that of Microsoft’s next generation internal SSDs, but actual performance is often below that peak. However, it still greatly outperforms the average hard drive and outperforms other low cost alternatives. For those on a budget, it might be better to invest in a hard drive, but the SD600Q is one of the best ultra-cheap SSDs out there.
The cheaper SD600Q model offers 240 GB for just $35, but larger 480 GB and 960 GB models are also available. These smaller capacity drives are ideal for those on a budget; the 480GB model is our favorite option for a variety of games.
The rest of the package is less attractive, with a loose construction and only 120 grams.
Offered in cheaper plastic cases in black, blue, and red, it adds a hint of color to the Xbox Series X and Series S. The package also includes a short USB-A cable that plugs directly into the console.
Also, like all USB flash drives, the ADATA SD600Q has the same limitations on the games it can play due to the transfer speed. Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games can be played directly from this SSD, but it’s limited to next-gen game storage. However, if you want to move your games to an internal SSD, the faster speed can be helpful. ADATA may not offer the best, but its price is hard to ignore.
Samsung 870 QVO 1TB SATA SSD
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Portable USB drives make it easy to add fast, reliable storage to your Xbox Series X or S-Series, but don’t overlook the 2.5- inch SATASSD. This drive is associated with versatility and is also budget friendly for Xbox consoles. We recommend the Samsung 870QVO, an economical $105 1TB drive.
This undermines traditional USB external drives.
The 870QVO’s maximum read speed is 560MB/s and write speed is 530MB/s, which is the best you can find over USB. These features speed up the transfer of data inside the SSD and shorten the game sharing time. Compared to slower mechanical hard drives, loading times for older Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games have also been reduced.
The difference here, however, is the formatting factor: 2.5″ SATA drives aren’t exactly designed for consoles. The lack of a protective case means they are not suitable for on-the-go use, but this will not affect their lifespan if plugged into a console in the living room.
However, since this is a SATA SSD, you will need a separate USB cable to purchase this drive for your Xbox console. The cable you choose is of great importance, and a poor quality product can affect data transfer speeds and download times. Proprietary options such as SABRENT USB 3.1 hard drive adapters are recommended.
It is designed to provide a stable connection and is available on Amazon for just $15.
There are many inexpensive SSDs, but most of them use slow or unreliable drives. However, choosing a SATA SSD limits storage to only the essentials and degrades other recommendations on this list. You do not need to be tech-savvy — the main thing is that the purchases are made wisely.
The Xbox One S has been on sale for a year now, but is still sold with a built-in «classic» hard drive. However, the SSD can be easily connected as an external drive and run games from it.
WD My Passport 4TB
The Best External Hard Drives for the Xbox Series
Capacity: 1-5TB Storage Type: HDD Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.0 optimized Plays Series X/Series S games: no
$81View at Walmart$109.99View at WesternDigital.comPrimeLow in stock$129.99View at Amazon980Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ Average speed with regular discounts tested over many years
26 years after its first release, Quake’s latest game update offers a number of accessibility options.
Cases have changed over the years, but WesternDigital’s MyPassport series is a great way to add storage to your Xbox and PlayStation consoles and is always on our list of recommended options. From us and many other sites.
The vendor links above will usually give you the 4TB model you like, but depending on how many games you need to access immediately without having to reboot multiple times, a smaller drive might be enough.
WD My Passport is available in a wide range of colors to give you more options. You also don’t have to pay the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for them, as they are always in stock. If you need a lot of space at the lowest price without the risk of data loss, WDMyPassport is what you need today for your XboxSeriesX.
Seagate Halo Game Drive for Xbox
Designed for Halo fans of reputable brands.
Capacity: 2TB or 5TB Storage Type: HDD Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.
0 Series X/Series S optimized games: no
Prime $92.49Show at Amazon $92.49Show at Microsoft $92.49Show at BestBuy Sleek design for Halo fans Compact TBC size for on-the-go use Case a bit slippery…
Seagate has a long history of making affordable portable hard drives, and in recent years has become one of the most popular brands for Xbox and PlayStation. She also makes exclusive models like Last of UsPart 2 in our guide to the best external hard drives for PS4, while Xbox has a bright green version or this drive for Halo games.
In truth, if you hack these drives, you will find equally good portable hard drives with the same simple design for less money. So, yes, you pay a little more for branding, but if you really like the look of them and your home entertainment center for you to look at and admire, why not make your own? This Halo model features the Master Chief design on the front and the UNSC logo on the back. Unlike the mainstream typical Seagate drives, this drive has sturdier braided cables and a nice green tint that we really like (we’re tired of the black cables).
The drive itself is very small — about 3.2 x 0.75 x 4.5 inches — and overall very solid on the sides and bottom, but the top cover looks a lot weaker so you need to know if it will work with it. Very.
(Photo courtesy of Samsung).
Samsung T5 SSD
Great Outdoor SSD Options for Xbox X Series
Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Drive type: SSD | Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.1 | Optimized for Series X / Series S games: No
Read more Jett: Far Shores: Astral Return of Superlotters in Edge 360 Headlines
View customer reviews $109.99 samsungprime watch $123.97 Amazon browse $149.99 Amazon Microsoft US632 view but they still won’t run Series X games
To improve Xbox One game load times, you don’t have to splurge on Seagate’s official Xbox Series X memory card, but you can opt for an external USB SSD Samsung makes the best T5 in the order. the best gigabyte ratio that deserves our preference.
Important note: This greatly improves the launch time of Xbox One games (almost 75% in some cases), but the X series or Xbox One games are optimized with all the improved graphics etc, but you can save games here without problems.
Now there’s a new Samsung T7 that again improved download speeds, but the increased cost (despite the discount) brings it closer to Seagate expansion cards, but still won’t run X-series games. Check out the latest prices. On Amazon US and Amazon UK, recent discounts have been around 25%, so try to find a good deal.
However, if your primary reason for adding more storage on your Xbox Series X is to have room to put your Game Pass/Xbox One library, and you’re willing to use the internal SSD only for Series X games, the Samsung T5 is great. An option if you want to reduce startup time. If you don’t mind fast startup times, choose a regular external hard drive on this page and save a lot of money.
Another great update for the new consoles should be noted.
Sound and the best options are listed in our guide to the best Xbox Series X headphones. Looking for the console itself? Then check out our latest picks for where to buy Xbox Series X. If you’re looking to find the best TV for your Xbox series console, we’ve got you covered.
If you’ve been using an older Xbox for a long time, all of the above storage options (except expansion cards) will work, but if you’d like a dedicated guide, check out Best Xbox One Externals.
An overview of Seagate’s best storage expansion offerings. Xbox Series Xamazon $219.98 Seagate Storage Expansion Card Xamazon $219.98 WD Black P10AMAZON $79.99 See all prices DDWD 4TB my Passport Portable. Western Digital Passport 4TBWALMART $129.99 See all prices all awards for Xbox game discs prices. Xbox Haloamazon Seagate Game Drive $109.99 $92.49 See all values SSD T5 USB 3.1 500GB. Samsung Portable SSD T5SAMSUNG $ 109.99 View All Browse our selection of over 130 million items at the best prices every day!
Best Xbox Series X External Hard Drives, Memory Cards & Storage
(Image credit: Future)
Buying an Xbox Series X external hard drive is one of the first things we recommend if you’ve recently bought one of the heavy duty gaming next generation systems.
In fact, you have even more storage options to choose from, like a faster (but more expensive) external SSD, or you can get the ultimate luxury experience with the Xbox Series X Storage Expansion Card. We’ll let you know which ones might be the best for you, as well as the best deals to date.
The Xbox Series X doesn’t have a lot of storage, as the 1TB listed on the box actually equates to about 802GB of regular storage. As for the cheaper Series S console, the listed 512GB is a pretty horrendous 364GB of usable space. So yes, let’s make an update so you can fit more than Call of Duty: Warzone and a few more modern mid-sized Triple A games on your new PC.
But let’s get something straight. The bespoke internal NVMe SSDs inside the consoles are purpose-built and able to boot at incredible speeds and make a big difference in Series X games. a patch for the Series X version to take advantage of the new hardware (also known as «optimized for Series X/S»), you must run the game from an internal SSD or an official Seagate storage expansion card (more on the card later).
Any other drives listed on this page, even external SSDs rather than HDDs, won’t give you next generation graphical enhancements.
Instead, we recommend using these other drives as storage for unused games to save you the hassle of constantly reloading them. So if you have Xbox Game Pass, you can have a lot of games ready. If the game didn’t have a Series X patch, you can still play them directly from that disc, but some may benefit from faster load times if you move them to your Series X or Series S.
Seagate Official Storage Expansion Card
Matches the superior power inside Series X
Capacity: 1TB | Storage Type: NVMe SSD Memory Card | Console compatible: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S | Plays titles optimized for Series X / Series S: yes
Prime $219.98 View at Amazon $219.99 View at Best Buy $219.99 View at Microsoft US Launches Series X games and enhancements Incredibly fast Reliable Seriously expensive
Price $220 / £220 for 1TB (920GB usable) aside, Seagate’s Official Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X in is the best option for expanding storage without sacrificing performance.
We’ve thoroughly tested this card’s load times against the console’s internal storage, as well as Series X enhanced game performance, and it matches the internal NVMe SSD every step of the way.
But at the very beginning of the console’s existence, there are strong arguments that you don’t need it yet. You can still fit a few games on the default storage, and the other Xbox Series X external storage solutions on this page will get you even more GB for less, and we’ll use that as a bay for your Series X games and run most old Xbox One games. We actually halved Red Dead Redemption 2’s load time on this map compared to something like the WD Black P10.
If you can afford it, this is definitely the card to go for, but you are definitely paying for that early adapter connection. We saw it was $15 less on Black Friday, but overall it will be a while before the price drops. It is not yet clear when other brands will release their own cards.
WD Black P10 Game Drive 1-5TB
Slightly expensive, but reliable and durable
Capacity: 1-5 TB | Storage type: HDD | Console Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.
0 | Title playback optimized for Series X / Series S: No
$59.99 View at Microsoft USPrime $64.99 $64.99 View at Best BuyPortable yet rugged design Runs quiet and cool 3 year warrantyStandard hard drive speeds
WD Black P10 drives are the perfect companion for anyone with an Xbox Game Pass. We used 5TB a while ago to download every game available on the service for our Xbox One, giving us a true home arcade experience with hundreds of games at our fingertips. We loved it so much that it won our Best Gaming Hard Drive at the GamesRadar Hardware Awards 2020.
And when the Series X came out, we just plugged in the P10 and started playing our games again. Although we did upgrade to the Series X itself to take advantage of the increased download speeds offered by the console’s SSD. So yes, the speeds on the P10 are just standard hard drive speeds of around 130Mbps, but considering the large capacity you can get for a fraction of the cost of the official SSD expansion card mentioned above, we think this is the best external hard drive.
disc (HDD) for Xbox Series X.
The drive’s rugged design makes it a great choice if you need to carry around a lot when taking your digital game collection to someone’s house for game night and the like. If possible, look into the Xbox-branded version, as some of them come with a code for several months of access to Game Pass.
WD My Passport 4TB
Best external hard drive solution for Xbox Series
Capacity: 1-5 TB | Storage type: HDD | Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.0 | Plays Series X / Series S Optimized Titles: No
$81 View at Walmart $109.99 View at WesternDigital.comPrimeLow Stock $129.99 View at Amazon980 Amazon Customer Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆Verified for years Regularly Discounted Medium Speed
We’ve seen the outer case change a few times in recent years, but Western Digital’s My Passport series has been great for increasing the storage capacity of Xbox and PlayStation consoles for several years now, and the series is always on the lists of recommended options.
from ourselves and many other sites.
The seller links above will usually take you to our favorite 4TB model, but you may find smaller drives are enough for you depending on how many games you want to access immediately without having to constantly redownload them . The
WD My Passport has been released in a wide range of colors so you have more options to choose from and you should never pay the full MSRP for one as they seem to always be on sale. If you just need a lot of space at the lowest price without risking data loss, WD My Passport is what you need today on Xbox Series X.
Seagate Halo Game Drive for Xbox
Great design for Halo fans from a trusted brand
Capacity: 2TB or 5TB | Storage type: HDD | Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.0 | Series X / Series S optimized title playback: No
Prime $92.
49 View at Amazon $92.49 View at Microsoft 9$2.49 View at Best Buy Stylish design for Halo fans Compact size Road-worthy for TBC Case feels a bit flimsy
Seagate has long been making affordable portable hard drives and has been one of the hot brands for both Xbox and Xbox in recent years. for PlayStation. It also makes a few limited edition branded models, like the Last of Us Part 2 model found in our best PS4 external hard drive guide, while there’s a bright green version on Xbox or this Halo Game Drive.
Truth be told, hack these drives and you’ll find the same admittedly very good Seagate portable hard drive in a simpler design for less money. So yes, you pay a little more for branding, but if you really like the look of them and your home entertainment center is set up in such a way that you can see the drive and admire it, then why not indulge yourself? This Halo model features the Master Chief design on the front and the UNSC logo on the back. Unlike basic standard Seagate drives, you get a stronger braided cable, as well as a nice shade of green that we love (we’re so tired of black cables).
The drive itself is very small — about 3.2 x 0.75 x 4.5 inches and is generally pretty solid on the sides and bottom, but the top cover seems a lot weaker so just be aware if you’re going with this move. one many.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung T5 SSD
Great External SSD for Xbox Series X
Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Storage type: SSD | Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One | USB type: 3.1 | Plays optimized Series X / Series S titles: No
$109.99 View at SamsungPrime $123.97 View at Amazon $149.99 View at Microsoft US632 Amazon customer reviews ☆☆☆☆☆ Available SSD storage for XboxSamsung — top brand for data storage Super fast loading. But still won’t run Series X games
You don’t have to shell out for an official Seagate Xbox Series X memory card to improve Xbox One game load times, you can opt for an external USB SSD instead, and Samsung makes some of the very best.
with the T5 series offering the best gigabyte-to-value ratio for our taste.
Important note: While it will drastically improve Xbox One game loading times (up to 75% in some cases), it still won’t run Series X games or Xbox One games optimized for Series X with all improved graphics etc, although you can store games here no problem.
There is a Samsung newer than T7 now too, download speed has improved again, but the increased cost (despite discounts) makes it pretty close to the Seagate expansion card, but still not able to run Series X games. Check the latest prices on Amazon US and Amazon UK to see if you can get a good deal as we’ve seen around 25% off lately.
All said and done, however, if your primary reason for adding more storage on your Xbox Series X is to have a place to use the Game Pass/Xbox One library and you’re happy to use the internal SSD space for Series X games only , then the Samsung T5 is a great option if you’re looking to improve boot times.
If you’re not worried about faster boot times, choose a regular external hard drive from this page and save a lot of money.
Another great upgrade to your new console that we recommend looking at is audio, and the best options are covered in our best Xbox Series X headsets guide. Still looking for the console itself? Then check out the latest options at where to buy Xbox Series X . We will help you if you want to know which is the best TV for Xbox Series X is too.
If you’ve been using your old Xbox for a while, all of the storage options mentioned above (with the exception of the expansion card) will work with it, but if you’d rather see our dedicated guide, skip to best xbox one external hard drives .
An overview of the best Seagate Storage Expansion offerings. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series XAmazon $219.98 See all pricesDiscounted priceWD_Black P10 Game Drive 1TB.
