Best SSD external drives for Xbox Series X & Series S 2022

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Best SSD external drives for Xbox Series X & Series S 2022

Source: Microsoft

Best SSD Drives for Xbox Serial Ten|S Windows Cardinal 2022

Xbox Series X and Serial South raise the bar for console performance, with its new custom NVMe solid-country bulldoze (SSD) storage a crucial component in those gains. Y'all can also expand either console's storage chapters with external difficult drives, or an SSD delivering the pinnacle in speed. However, both consoles vastly differ from the Xbox One family, with firm limitations applied to most drives. That makes the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox the best SSD for Xbox Serial X and Series S, mirroring each console's own internal SSD.

• Best overall SSD: Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S (1TB)
• Best budget SSD: Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series Ten|South (512GB)
• Best cheap SSD: ADATA SD600Q 480GB SSD
• All-time SATA SSD: Samsung 870 QVO 1TB SATA SSD
• Best 500GB SSD: Samsung T7 500GB Portable SSD
• Best 1TB SSD: WD_Black 1TB P50 Game Drive
• All-time 2TB SSD: Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD

Best overall: Seagate 1TB Xbox Storage Expansion Bill of fare

Source: Seagate

The Xbox Series X and Series Due south bring diverse enhancements over previous Xbox consoles, but speedy storage has proven i of the almost impactful changes to these systems. The consoles stone best-in-class SSD drives, removing a severe bottleneck that punished earlier Xbox 1 consoles and speeding up load times beyond the lath. Merely USB storage has significant limitations on SSDs, and for Xbox Series X and Serial S, they're simply non adequate.

Expanding Xbox Serial 10 and Series S storage is simple, with Microsoft creating the "Xbox Storage Expansion Card," an official Microsoft-sanctioned SSD designed to meet the demands of current-generation gaming. The cartridge matches the internal SSD speeds exactly, which means 2.4GB/s transfer rates, with an ultra-fast line to the processor via PCIe four.0 technology. These cards hook up through a defended "Storage Expansion" port, located at the rear of new Xbox consoles.

However, USB storage still works, but games designed for the consoles can only play from the internal SDD or officially licensed SSD expansion cards. Hard drives and SSDs connected via USB can only play older Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles via backward compatibility. While they tin shop games designed for Xbox Serial X and Series S, you'll need to transfer games onto the internal SSD or expansion card to play. Hither's a handy breakup reflecting the differences between an expansion carte du jour and USB storage.

	Seagate Expansion Bill of fare	USB external drive
Xbox Serial X/S games	✓	Storage only
Xbox Ane games (upgraded)	✓	Storage only
Xbox 1 games (not upgraded)	✓	✓
Xbox 360 games	✓	✓
Original Xbox games	✓	✓

Seagate only distributed a 1TB version of the Storage Expansion Card at launch, doubling the base Xbox Series 10 storage and tripling the initial offering of Xbox Series S. New 512GB and 2TB additions released in 2022, providing a cheaper entry bespeak, plus a more expensive loftier-capacity alternative.

The Seagate Storage Expansion Menu takes a compact course, measuring 53mm by 32mm, only marginally larger than the average thumb drive. It's a simple plug-and-play solution, automatically configured to work with Xbox Series 10 and Series S direct out the box. Microsoft also allows those with multiple expansion cards to hot-swap storage on the fly without restarting the console. The device ships aslope a plastic sleeve, protecting the card when not in use.

The primary hurdle for near volition exist the toll of the Seagate Storage Expansion Card. The 1TB model costs $220 in the U.S. with a like $280 RRP in Canada and £220 in the U.One thousand. The price isn't surprising, in line with notoriously costly PCIe iv.0 hardware over on PC. Information technology's the nature of cutting-border technology, cartoon the best performance from either panel with no compromises.

While Xbox Series X and Series S support countless USB devices, only the Seagate Storage Expansion Card provides a true internal storage extension. Information technology comes with no limitations, mirroring the base panel in every way. If yous can afford the premium, there'due south no better SSD than this.

Pros:

• Plays all Xbox Series X and Series S games
• Fastest SSD for Xbox
• Designed to friction match internal SSD exactly
• Easy to utilize

Best overall SSD

Seagate Storage Expansion Carte du jour for Xbox Series X|S (1TB)

The no-compromise SSD for Xbox Series X and S

Microsoft and Seagate'south custom NVMe SSD card is the only external storage capable of playing Xbox Series Ten and Series S titles. Information technology's available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB flavors, leveraging bleeding-border PCIe four.0 technology to guarantee unbeatable read and write speeds.

All-time upkeep: Seagate 512GB Xbox Storage Expansion Card

Source: Seagate

Xbox Storage Expansion Cards remain the best SSD choice for Xbox Series X and Series South, packing the same loftier-operation storage applied science found within the consoles. While no USB alternative offers the same seamless expansion, that premium price tag tin can be hard to justify, especially when opting for the largest 1TB and 2TB models. Microsoft and Seagate have too launched a 512GB Storage Expansion Carte du jour, delivering the aforementioned nil-contain storage, albeit with a more affordable $140 RRP.

The 512GB model halves overall storage capacity compared to the 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card while shaving $80 off the cost. The carte du jour over doubles the bachelor storage on Xbox Series S and adds over l% more to Xbox Serial 10 when factoring in the reserved internal storage on either console. While we recommend stretching to the 1TB card when in your budget, the 512GB Expansion Carte du jour works great for those who desire a little extra room for games.

While the Xbox Serial S boasts a 512GB internal SSD, bodily storage space is closer to 364GB, with room spared for the operating organisation and extra bloat. Popular franchises like Call of Duty, Halo, and NBA 2K all serve downloads northward of 100GB, making it easier than e'er to max out internal storage. The 512GB carte proves ample to store games on your daily rotation, providing that much-needed overhead for devices similar Xbox Series Southward.

The 512GB Xbox Storage Expansion Card otherwise mirrors its 1TB and 2TB equivalents, including the same support for all Xbox Series 10 and Serial South Optimized titles. Information technology too supports backward-uniform Xbox Ane, Xbox 360, and original Xbox experiences, with the same benefits to load times and performance. It besides adopts that compact form factor, sliding directly into the dedicated Storage Expansion port with an instant plug-and-play setup.

While Xbox Series X and Series South storage can get confusing, opting for an official Storage Expansion Menu removes the defoliation. The 512GB adds room for a handful of actress games, especially suited for the lower internal storage included with Xbox Series S — or Xbox Series 10 owners on a budget.

Pros:

• Plays all Xbox Series Ten and Serial South games
• Fastest SSD for Xbox
• Designed to match internal SSD exactly
• Easy to use
• Virtually affordable Expansion Card

Cons:

• Still expensive
• Better value from 1TB, 2TB Expansion Cards

All-time upkeep SSD

Seagate Storage Expansion Bill of fare for Xbox Serial X|South (512GB)

The full Xbox expansion for less

Microsoft's Storage Expansion Cards are at present available in a smaller 512GB chapters, slashing the entry price for its new custom Xbox SSDs. The cheapest manner to expand Xbox Series X or Series South without limits.

Best cheap SSD: ADATA SD600Q 480GB SSD

Source: ADATA

While solid-state storage often comes at a premium versus slower HDDs, this entry-level bulldoze from ADATA makes such engineering more accessible at a reduced price. The company sells one of the cheapest SSDs on the market place, allowing budget-witting buyers to upgrade with some compromises. The SD600Q provides a capable foray into SSDs for Xbox consoles, falling in line with the cost of a make-new video game.

ADATA packs the usual benefits seen with flash storage, producing faster speeds, reduced power consumption, and improved durability over hard disks. The quoted 440MB/s read and write figures clock in around one-fifth of Microsoft'due south next-gen internal SSD, although real-world results oftentimes fall brusk of that peak. Just it still delivers a sizeable leap over your average hard drive, topping other cost-conscious alternatives. Those with a tight upkeep might but be improve investing in a hard bulldoze, only the SD600Q is amongst the best, every bit far as super cheap SSDs go.

The SD600Q's cheapest model provides 240GB for just $35, with larger 480GB and 960GB capacities also available. Those lower capacities are better when on a budget, with the 480GB model our preferred sugariness spot with headroom for various games.

The rest of the package provides less glamour, with flimsy construction and weighing just 120 grams. It comes in cheaper black, blue, and reddish plastic shells, adding a hint of color to your Xbox Series X and Serial S. There'southward as well a short USB-A cable included in the box, which hooks up directly to the consoles.

And as with all USB drives, the ADATA SD600Q has the same limitations on playable titles due to its transfer speeds. You lot can play Xbox I, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles direct from this SSD, although it's express to only storing next-generation games. Still, the speed heave comes in handy when shuttling games to your internal SSD. ADATA might not provide the best, simply it's a price that's hard to ignore.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Faster than cheap HDDs
• Compact

Cons:

• Can't play Xbox Serial Ten, Series Due south games
• Better performance elsewhere

All-time inexpensive SSD

ADATA SD600Q 480GB SSD

Save big on SSD storage

Expand your Xbox Serial X or Series S with an external USB SSD that's surprisingly affordable. While compromising performance and build quality relative to peers, don't overlook the low starting price.

Best SATA SSD: Samsung 870 QVO 1TB SATA SSD

Source: Samsung

While portable USB drives are piece of cake to add fast, reliable storage to Xbox Series X or Series Due south, don't overlook a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. This bulldoze is about part over form, and information technology'southward budget-friendly for Xbox consoles, too. We recommend the Samsung 870 QVO, a performant 1TB SSD available for $105, undercutting traditional external USB drives.

The 870 QVO tops out at 560MB/s read speeds while writing upward to 530MB/South, pushing the best you'll get over USB. Those specifications volition speed upward transfers to the internal SSD, reducing the time spent shuttling games back and forth. Compared to slower mechanical hard drives, it will likewise cutting load times on older Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.

But the form gene is the differentiator here — a ii.five-inch SATA drive isn't exactly designed for consoles. It lacks a protective enclosure, so information technology's not designed for use on the route, merely won't bear upon longevity if left hooked up to your console in the living room.

Even so, as a SATA SSD, purchasing this bulldoze for Xbox consoles requires a split up USB cable. The chosen cable matters, with junior products likely affecting transfer speeds and load times. We recommended a branded pick like the SABRENT USB 3.1 hard drive adapter, designed to deliver a rock-solid connection, and available for only $15 on Amazon.

While there are many inexpensive SSDs out in that location, the majority use slower or less reliable drives. Just choosing a SATA SSD cuts storage to the blank essentials, undercutting our other recommendations on this list. You lot don't need to exist technically minded; it'south just about being smart when you buy.

Pros:

• More affordable than other USB SSDs
• Great speeds
• Compact

Cons:

• Less durable for travel

Best SATA SSD

Samsung 870 QVO 1TB SATA SSD

Just the basics

This ii.5-inch SATA SSD delivers great speeds at the lowest possible toll. Just remember to purchase a USB cable to connect this to your Xbox console.

Best 500GB SSD: Samsung T7 500GB Portable SSD

Source: Samsung

With Xbox Series 10 and Series S expandable storage extending to external USB drives, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD should be on your radar. Its latest solid-state lineup delivers a remainder of functioning and relative affordability in a compact form factor. Information technology's among the best SSDs for Xbox One, with many of the same benefits as well amplified on Microsoft's latest panel family.

Samsung distributes the T7 range in three capacities, 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB, with the former an accessible entry into loftier-performance storage, oftentimes available far beneath $100. The series peaks at 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds, with the USB 3.2 support on each new Xbox pushing towards the best each bulldoze delivers. It'southward about half the speed of Microsoft's internal NVMe SSD bulldoze used by Xbox Series X and Serial South. However, that speed differential has a minimal performance impact on titles uniform with USB-connected storage.

The Samsung Portable SSD T7, as with any USB drive, can play only Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles on Xbox Series X and Serial S. The drives can also shop Xbox Series X- and Series S-optimized titles, just with each manually transferred to the internal SSD if played. The T7 SSD is a backward-compatibility maestro, while also excelling at shuttling upgraded titles to and from the internal storage. The high speed slices the transfer time over using a slower hd (HDD) for the same purpose.

The Samsung Portable SSD T7 also impresses with its structure, using premium materials for a lightweight yet rugged design. The drive sports an aluminum unibody, available in grey, reddish, or blue colorways, weighing only 58 grams. And inside the box comes the SSD, alongside a USB Type C-to-A cable used for Xbox consoles and a USB Type-C to C cable for other compatible devices.

While USB drives come up with a handicap on Xbox Series X and Serial S, the Samsung Portable SSD T7 provides the all-time in course when balancing functioning with the price tag. The Seagate-branded expansion carte du jour may feature extended functionality, but this provides some of the benefits at a much more palatable starting price. While it requires some additional legwork due to limitations on new consoles, it'due south the best you'll find when skirting the expansion card.

Pros:

• Bully performance
• Affordable starting toll
• Premium design
• Compact

Cons:

• Can't play Xbox Series X, Series S games

Best 500GB SSD

Samsung T7 500GB Portable SSD

The best in portable USB SSDs today

The Samsung T7 SSD lineup boasts loftier speeds and premium construction for a fantabulous storage solution. The smaller capacities get-go sub $100, ideal for backward compatibility or creating infinite for your next-generation blockbusters.

All-time 1TB SSD: WD_Black 1TB P50 Game Drive

Source: Western Digital

Western Digital fabricated its functioning-focused WD_Black lineup with considerations for gaming, making it one of the best high-speed SSD solutions on Xbox Series X and Serial S. The shock-resistant, matte black metallic trounce channels an industrial design. At the same time, its compact grade factor also makes it portable for those on the move.

Every bit with all SSD drives, this proves beneficial when playing astern-uniform titles or offloading surplus titles from your internal SSD. The WD_Black 1TB P50 Game Drive delivers 2,000MB/s pinnacle read and write speeds, although actual performance will fall short between lower sustained rates and limitations imposed past USB. But information technology'due south an ideal pick to reduce transfer times when shuttling titles to and from the SSD or when loading Xbox 1, Xbox 360, or original Xbox games via backward compatibility.

The series comes in three capacities, with its 500GB model starting at $125, with additional larger models for a premium. But the 2TB model costs $350, whereas the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card provides much more value for less. It means that unless you're looking at the speed delivered by its 500GB or 1TB model, it'southward ameliorate to commit to the 1TB expansion carte, given its benefits that extend to Xbox Series X and Series Due south Optimized games.

The WD_Black 500GB 1TB Game Drive is one of the best USB-based SSDs, downwards to its performance across Xbox and PC. While you'll find better per-GB value elsewhere, and performance falls short compared to the expansion menu, you're getting an ideal middle ground when on a house budget.

Pros:

• Dandy operation
• Rugged metal design
• Good starting toll
• Compact

Cons:

• Can't play Xbox Series X, Series Due south games
• 1TB and 2TB models aren't worth it for Xbox

All-time 1TB SSD

WD_Black 1TB P50 Game Drive

Fix for anything

This gaming-geared WD_Black SSD provides stellar functioning, wrapped up in a battle-ready industrial metal beat out.

All-time 2TB SSD: Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD

Source: Samsung

When expanding Xbox Series Ten and Series S storage, choosing a high-capacity SSD provides speed benefits while multiplying the room on your console. Opting for both speed and infinite will cost a premium just offers optimal performance beyond a broader catalog of installed titles. The 2TB variant of the Samsung T5 series earns our pick, positioned among the best SSDs for Xbox consoles.

This SSD delivers upwards to 540MB/s read and write speeds, but over i-fifth of that provided by the internal Xbox Serial X and Series South SSD. It yet locks downwardly a sizeable bound over standard difficult drives, cuts load times, reduces transfer times, and more often than not eliminates a crucial clogging for your next-generation console.

While the 2TB model represents the height of the line, Samsung also has 500GB and 1TB models at lower RRPs. We recommend opting for some of the best hard drives for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series South for higher capacities, which, while slower, provide several terabytes at reasonable prices. SSDs are notorious for offering fewer gigabytes or terabytes per dollar over an HDD.

For a high-capacity SSD for Xbox Series Ten and Serial S, you lot can't go incorrect with Samsung T5 Portable SSDs. It comes with the aforementioned restrictions as all USB devices, capable of storing adjacent-generation titles, but with a requirement to movement them to internal storage to play. Even so, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles are all playable, pushing the all-time from your existing library.

Pros:

• 2TB model provides great value
• Good performance
• Slimline build

Cons:

• Tin can't play Xbox Series 10, Series Due south games
• Ameliorate value from difficult drives

Best 2TB SSD

Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD

All the space you lot need

If you need maximum infinite and maximum performance, the Seagate Barracuda family tops out at 2TB. It's platonic for offloading titles from your internal SSD, with curt loading times and transfer times.

Lesser line

With Xbox Series Ten and Series Southward featuring custom NVMe SSDs, the next generation heavily leans on fast storage to maximize operation. That high demand means that while USB iii.2 drives piece of work with the console, they're limited compared to baked-in storage. Microsoft has partnered with Seagate on its ain proprietary expansion solutions, mimicking the internal SSD used simply compacted into a portable form factor. That positions the Xbox Storage Expansion Card series as the few SSD expansions capable of playing Xbox Serial-optimized titles.

But the Microsoft-approved expansion card isn't cheap, with other USB SSDs also suited for astern compatibility and storage. The Samsung T7 Portable SSD provides a high-speed culling, platonic for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles via backward compatibility. And provided yous're open to navigating the limitations, it'due south also a quick drive to shuttle games back and forth from your internal SSD.

Credits — The squad that worked on this guide

Matt Dark-brown is a senior editor at Futurity for Windows Fundamental. Following years of professional consumer applied science and gaming coverage, he'south focused on the world of Xbox and Windows PCs. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

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DYNAMIC DUO

Take a friend? Cheque out these two-player co-op games for Xbox.

Accept friends? Want to play games with them? Thankfully, you can with Xbox! The Xbox platform is a vivid and cheerful place for those who accept friends (as long as you lot avoid random comms on Telephone call of Duty). In any case, these are our picks for all-time 2 actor games for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Serial S.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/best-ssds-xbox-series-x-series-s

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