Best SSD for Xbox Series X – Top SSD Series For Your Xbox Series X

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Best Ssd For Xbox Series X
Best Ssd For Xbox Series X

Have you ever experienced deleting a game to make room for another one you found on Xbox Games Pass? It sucks, right? With games requiring more storage capacity for each console generation since Xbox One, it is only fitting that you keep up with your storage, too. Sure the 1 TB internal SSD looks like a lot, but you need to understand a typical game nowadays is around 50 GB, and you also have to consider the regular patches and updates.

Good thing that, like its predecessors, the Xbox Series X also supports external storage, the same as how PS5 supports external storage. All you have to do is plug it in, and you can enjoy the additional space for your gaming library. However, don’t settle for just any storage game drive; pick the best external hard storage drive deals– specifically, the SSD storage expansion card for the Xbox Series X.

An Expert’s Advice in Choosing an External SSD for Your Xbox Series X

Similar to choosing a modded Xbox Series X controller, picking the right external SSD for your Xbox Series X shouldn’t be taken lightly. As someone who’s been sponsored and have personally upgraded storage devices for more than a decade now, here are essential questions you should ask yourself to narrow down your options:

How Much Space Do You Need? Before you start shopping around, it’s crucial to ask yourself this question. How often do you find yourself deleting games to make space for new games? How many games do you normally download at once?

Some games (I’m looking at you, Call of Duty: Warzone) require a monstrous amount of space that they often take up all the space in your Xbox Series X’s default storage. If you think 250GB isn’t going to be enough, then you’ll surely want to get a 500GB SSD or even a 1TB SSD to have enough headroom for future games.

Does Speed Matter? Like external HDDs for consoles, SSDs have varying read and write speeds, which is why it’s crucial to ask yourself first if speed matters. But despite the speed difference, it shouldn’t be a determining factor if you’re only storing your games on them.

Going for a faster SSD may seem to be a no-brainer, but opting for a slightly slower one could greatly keep your costs down significantly, which brings us to our next topic:

What’s Your Budget? Here at HaykSaakian.com, we want to make sure that our readers think about their budget before pulling the trigger and investing in any deals. Having a set budget prior to shopping around can narrow your options and make sure that you stick only to the features that you really need, instead of getting distracted by minor features and upgrades.

Does Security or Design Matter to You? External storage devices are exposed to environmental hazards such as water, accidental fall, moisture, radiation, and even magnets, which could scientifically mess up the hardware. To ensure your external SSD gets the protection it needs, look for and see potential environmental hazards in your area first and base your needs on your findings.

On a similar note, other external storage devices have security features that range from requiring a password to the use of fingerprint scanning technology. Even though the need for these things is rare, it still isn’t too impossible. Whether this matters or not is up to you so base your needs on these things when shopping for the best deals.

Some Thoughts to Ponder. The abovementioned SSDs are tested in real-life situations, which is why it’s crucial to read through each review to assess each item in detail. Our reviews are concise, and we always put our readers first. Moreover, we always tend to avoid items based on marketing lines and focus more on actual usage. Rest assured, everything on our list has been fully tested.

7 Best SSD for Xbox Series X: Which Xbox Storage Expansion Card is for You?

SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD

Samsung T7 Portable Ssd

Pros
  • Slim, durable, and compact frame
  • Dynamic Thermal Guard technology
  • Password encryption
Cons
  • Prone to fingerprints and dust
Available Capacity 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
Transfer Speed 1050 Mbps
Interface USB 3.2 Gen2
Size 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches
Weight 2.08 ounces
Additional Features Password protected
Colors Blue, Gray, Red

A bulky external storage device would look hideous beside the Xbox Series X. If you want something slim and subtle, you will love the Samsung SSD T7.  

Design-wise, this SSD is similar to its predecessors, which is not a bad thing as it maintains a slick and posh appeal. It also comes with three color variants, namely red, gray, and blue. All the variants are made of aluminum, making them lightweight and portable. Measuring just 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches and weighing 2.08 ounces, this portable SSD will easily fit in the palm of your hand. 

Although this SSD is pretty lightweight, it is still super durable and can easily survive a two-meter drop. You won’t have to worry about overheating either, as Samsung equipped the T7 with Dynamic Thermal Guard technology. This feature minimizes heat generation during usage to maintain optimum temperature levels.

When it comes to performance, the T7 does not disappoint. Compared to the Samsung T5 model, it’s way faster now, from 540 MB/s on the Samsung T5 to 1050 Mb/s on the Samsung T7, boasting a smoother gaming experience with minimal loading times.

The SSD T7 is an outstanding storage solution, plus it is so small that it won’t take too much space. It also comes with a password protection feature, so you can be sure that your files are safe and secure at all times. Aside from your Xbox Series X, this external SSD is also compatible with PC, Mac, and Android devices.

Overall, the T7 deserves its spot in Samsung’s excellent portable SSD offerings. If you’re looking for a compact SSD for the Xbox Series X, then the T7 is a great pick.

SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable External SSD

Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable External Ssd

Pros
  • Shock and water-resistant
  • 5-year warranty
  • Secure Access data encryption
Cons
  • A bit pricey
Available Capacity 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
Transfer Speed 1050 Mbps
Interface USB 3.1 Type C
Size 4.34 x 2.26 x 0.40 inches
Weight 5.6 ounces
Additional Features Secure Access data encryption
Colors Black with orange accents

There are tons of SSDs on the market, but if you are after durability and fast read speeds for your Xbox Series X, then the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is ideal. This rugged-looking SSD is built like a tank, so even if you drop it, you can be sure that it will survive. Leave it to Sandisk and their 25 years of experience to make an SSD that means serious business.

The rugged look of the Extreme PRO SSD is not just for show. This SSD has an IP55 rating, so it is dust and water-resistant. Its aluminum body protects the game drive from drops of up to two meters. Though this SSD is built to last, it is neither bulky nor heavy. It measures 4.34 x 2.26 x 0.40 inches and weighs 5.6 ounces, not the lightest in the world, but enough to be carried around during travels. It is not that big as well, so you can put it beside your Xbox Series X without worrying about clutter.

Aside from your Xbox Series X, the Extreme PRO SSD is also compatible with your PCs or Macbooks. This SSD comes with USB Type-C and USB Type-A cables, so you can connect it to almost anything, except SATA, of course. Thanks to its proprietary NVMe technology, you can expect transfer speeds to up to 1050 MBps. 

You can choose between 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB for storage capacity. It is best to pick the 2 TB variant if you want to accommodate a huge game library. Moreover, you might need the space for future storage-hungry games, so it is best to be prepared.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro is an upgrade worth considering. Because compared to its predecessor, the SanDisk Extreme Pro can now hit read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s, whereas the SanDisk Extreme can only hit read and write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s.

Crucial X8 Portable SSD

Crucial X8 Portable Ssd

Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Durable body
  • Plug and play
Cons
  • Can get hot after hours of usage
Available Capacity 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
Transfer Speed 1050 Mbps
Interface USB-C / USB 3.1 Gen 2
Size 4.33 x 0.45 x 2.09 inches
Weight 3.53 ounces
Additional Features Extreme-temperature resistant, shockproof
Colors Black

The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is another excellent pick for expanding your Xbox Series X’s storage capacity. This SSD from Micron is not just sleek looking but is reliable as well. You can choose between 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB variant, but as always, the bigger, the better. Since games are getting bigger each year, it is better to invest in bigger storage. This external SSD promises excellent performance and versatility, and it is hard to be skeptical since Micron is known to deliver.

The Crucial X8 is elegant looking, but do not be fooled. It is super durable and can even survive extreme temperatures. Plus, it is shock and vibration proof and can survive a 7.5-foot drop with ease. With a hard drive this durable, you can play your games in peace knowing that your games are safe and sound inside this portable SSD.

When it comes to performance, the Crucial X8 can deliver up to 1050MBps of transfer speed. This transfer rate means that it can load your game faster than a regular hard drive, which is an excellent upgrade in your gaming experience.

The Crucial X8 is also user friendly; it is easy to use; no formatting is needed. Overall, this external SSD is an excellent pick for those who want a fuss-free SSD. It also comes with a USB Type-C connection, no SATA port since it’s exclusive to consoles.

HyperX Savage EXO Compact External SSD USB-C

Hyperx Savage Exo Compact External Ssd Usb C

Pros
  • Included USB Type-C and Type-A cables
  • Compact and portable
  • Stylish, perfect for gamers
Cons
  • Limited storage capacity
Available Capacity 480 GB, 960 GB
Transfer Speed 500 Mbps
Interface USB Type C
Size 4.87 x 1.91 x 0.4 inches
Weight 3.2 ounces
Additional Features Light and compact
Colors Black

The Kingston HyperX Savage EXO screams gaming from the get-go. Not surprising since HyperX is Kingston’s gaming line. This external SSD is slim and lightweight. Measuring 4.87 x 1.91 x 0.4 inches and weighing just 3.2 ounces, this SSD is small enough to get stashed inside your luggage during travels. If you travel a lot and like to bring your games around, then the Savage EXO is a great pick.

If you rarely hit the roads, the Savage EXO can also settle in your gaming station seamlessly. It is small, sleek, and stylish enough to earn its spot. Unlike other external SSD that break the bank, the Savage EXO is reasonably-priced. Unfortunately, it only comes in relatively limited storage capacity offers, so it might pose a problem if you plan on having a massive game library. However, the main selling point of the Savage EXO is its portability, and in this department, this SSD shines.

Performance-wise, the Savage EXO has decent transfer speeds of 500 Mbps via the USB Type-C connection. It might not be as fast as the other SSDs on this list but is more than enough for gaming. This external SSD is also plug-and-play, so you won’t have to worry about software or drivers. Overall, this SSD is excellent for gamers who value portability above all.

Western Digital My Passport SSD External Hard Drive

Western Digital My Passport Ssd External Portable Drive

Pros
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Excellent read and write speeds
  • Great heat management
Cons
  • Not budget-friendly
Available Capacity 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
Transfer Speed 1050 Mbps
Interface USB Type C
Size 3.54 x 1.77 x 0.39 inches
Weight 1.62 ounces
Additional Features Password protected
Colors Gray, Red, Blue

The Western Digital My Passport SSD may not be the cheapest additional Series X storage out there but is one of the most reliable. This external SSD is stylishly designed to make sure that it won’t stick out like a sore thumb on your gaming station. It comes in three color variants, namely gray, red, and blue. All of the variants are enclosed in a metal outer shell to ensure durability. Like most of Western Digital’s storage products, My Passport SSD promises fast and reliable performance.

Like most portable SSDs, My Passport is also shock and vibration-resistant. It can survive a two-meter drop unscathed. Plus, it has a 5-year manufacturer’s limited warranty, so you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

This SSD is also user-friendly as it doesn’t require a complicated setup process. That is amazing since the last thing you want to do is worry about installation when you can just store Xbox Series games and play them immediately. If you are particular with security, then you will love this device. It is password enabled and has 256-bit AES hardware encryption, so you can be sure that your data is safe and secure all the time.

When it comes to performance, the Western Digital My Passport SSD is the real deal. It utilizes high-speed NVMe technology that can reach read speeds of up to 1050 Mbps. One million bytes per second is fantastic when loading your games. Now you can game without worrying about your extended storage not keeping up.

Seagate Storage Expansion (BarraCuda)SSD – A Preferred Seagate Expansion Card

Seagate Barracuda Fast Ssd

Pros
  • Thin and compact design
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • LED power indicator
Cons
  • Plastic body
Available Capacity 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
Transfer Speed 500 Mbps
Interface USB Type C
Size 0.36 x 3.11 x 3.68 inches
Weight 6.7 ounces
Additional Features 3-year warranty
Colors Black

The Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD sports a thin and lightweight design that would look great next to your Series X console. This square-shaped SSD is all-black except for a green LED strip on the bottom of the drive. It also has a USB-C connector that can work, not just on your gaming console but on your PC as well.

This Seagate expansion card is pretty lightweight at just 6.7 ounces. It is thin, too, measuring only 0.36 x 3.11 x 3.68 inches. It won’t take too much desk space, and it won’t look awkward beside your Xbox Series X. Like most SSDs on the market, the BarraCuda Fast comes in three different storage capacities, from 500GB to 2TB. Your choice of capacity should depend on your needs, but it won’t hurt to invest in more storage, especially if you have the cash to spare.

When it comes to performance, the Seagate storage expansion (BarraCuda Fast) is decent even as a PC storage device, with 500 Mbps transfer speeds. Overall, this SSD Seagate storage device is one of the most reliable external solid-state drives for your Xbox Series X.

This pick is budget-friendly, has decent transfer speeds, a compact body, and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. Unfortunately, it is not waterproof, unlike some SSD on this list. No wonder why it’s included in the list since Seagate is a household name preferred by many in the gaming community.

READ MORE: The Best External Hard Drive Deals for Gaming Based on Performance and Experience

LaCie Rugged SSD PRO

Lacie Rugged Ssd Pro

Pros
  • Fast read and write speeds
  • Supports USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports
  • Weatherproof
  • 5-year warranty
Cons
  • A bit expensive
  • The included cable is short
Available Capacity 1 TB, 2 TB
Transfer Speed 2800 Mbps
Interface USB, USB Type C, Thunderbolt
Size 0.67 x 2.56 x 3.85 inches
Weight 3.52 ounces
Additional Features Rescue Data Recovery services
Colors Black

If you consider yourself as rich as Batman or just an ultimate klutz who is prone to knocking over expensive stuff, then you and the LaCie Rugged SSD PRO are a match made in heaven. This external SSD is built to withstand the extremes. It has an IP67 rating, which means that it is water and shock-resistant. This SSD can survive a three-meter drop and a two-ton car crush!

If that is not durable enough for you, then I don’t know what is. Though built like a tank, this SSD is not heavy nor bulky. It measures 0.67 x 2.56 x 3.85 inches and weighs 3.52 ounces, compact enough to bring around during out of town gaming escapades. This SSD also offers a 5-year limited product protection plan that includes Rescue Data Recovery Services. That means you won’t just enjoy hardware protection, but data protection services as well.

Performance-wise, the LaCie Rugged SSD PRO does not disappoint. Series X gamers should enjoy fast load times and data transfer thanks to its NVMe SSD technology. You get to enjoy up to 2800 Mbps of read and write speeds that clearly precedes almost everything on this list. But of course, it is significantly more expensive. It provides premium speed, so expects to pay the premium as well.

Why Get an SSD for Your Xbox Series X?

Sure, you can use a typical external HDD, so why invest in a much more expensive SSD? Well, the answer is quite simple. The Series X has a built-in NVMe SSD storage, so it is not recommended to downgrade with a standard HDD. You want to enjoy the full capability of your console’s hardware, right? Then it is only right to use the most optimal extended storage out there.

Remember, SSDs are designed to end the era of traditional HDDs, so in short, invest in the future. Unlike conventional hard drive devices, SSDs use flash memory to achieve better performance and superior durability.

Because traditional hard drive devices consist of small moving parts, like magnetic heads and spindles, it’s easy for things to go awry and lose all your data. So, if you want better performance for your Xbox Series X, investing in an SSD is the way to go. SSDs are also preferred by PS4 users nowadays because of this feature.

Here’s a quick comparison between an internal and external SSD load time speed:

With that aside, let’s now talk about the advantages of investing in an SSD for your Xbox Series X:

Durability

Traditional hard drives operate with small moving parts. In turn, this process generates heat, which is the leading cause of hard drive failure and data loss. Since SSDs don’t have any moving parts and don’t produce much heat, they are generally more reliable. Apart from the performance, they also don’t have any loose parts inside, they are also shock-resistant and can survive accidental drops. They are also not susceptible to wear and tear.

High-Speed Loading

SSD offers better read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives. HDDs usually have transfer rates of 100 to 200 Mbps, while SSDs have 500 Mbps up to 2800 Mbps! That is more than double the performance. With an SSD on your Xbox Series X, you can expect instant game loads, regardless of whether you’re playing FPS titles like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege or single-player titles.

Portability

If you are always on the go, bringing around a big and clunky HDD is the last thing you’d want. Good thing that SSDs weigh significantly less than HDDs. They are thinner, lighter, and more compact.

Efficiency

Since HDDs have moving parts, it is more power-hungry, hence, the slightly slower performance. On the other hand, SSDs do not have any moving parts, so they don’t need as much juice to operate. They are quiet and generate less heat for faster load times and a better gaming experience overall.

Plug and Play

With an SSD, you won’t need to worry about installing complicated software. It literally functions as a juiced-up thumb drive, so using it is super easy and fuss-free. Just plug it in via the USB Type-A or Type-C connections and you should be good to go.

Wrap-Up

The Xbox Series X already has tons of great titles to choose from. However, the console’s internal storage is limited, and it hurts to delete games just to free a bit of space. That is why it is recommended to invest in an external storage device, particularly an SSD that can keep up with the one built-in the Series X.

If you don’t know what to get, this article has you covered! The SSD market is massive, but you should be fine if you know what to look for. Look for durable picks that will survive wear and tear. You never know when an accident will strike. so it is better to be prepared.

Take note of the transfer speed, as it is the most crucial factor in choosing an SSD. This specification will determine how long you will spend on a game’s loading screen, so choose wisely. Next is storage capacity. You know how many games you usually have, but of course, it is better to invest in a high-capacity SSD to have the extra space needed when a game with massive files is released in the future. After all, extra gaming storage never hurt anyone!

Recap: Top SSDs for the Xbox Series X

  1. SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD
  2. SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable External SSD
  3. Crucial X8 Portable SSD
  4. HyperX Savage EXO Compact External SSD USB-C
  5. Western Digital My Passport SSD External Portable Drive
  6. Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD
  7. LaCie Rugged SSD PRO
4/5 - (1 vote)
Janzel Magpayo is a gamer and tech guru rolled into one. She also loves binging tv series and anime shows during her free time. Chef by profession and writer by passion, she currently lives up in the mountains with her seven cats.

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