Best Cheap SSDs for XBOX Seriex S|X

Games are big these days, COD? 120GB, GTA? 140GB. While 1TB may seem a lot, really, it gets used up very quickly, even more true if you own the XBOX Series S, which comes with 500GB internal storage. The solution to running out of internal storage? Buying an XBOX-certified SSD for your console. In this Article we’ll cover the top 5 Cheap SSDs for XBOX Series S|X that do not compromise on quality.

Before we get started, though – let’s clear up the difference between SSDs and HDDs. HDDs use magnetic drives to store data, with physical moving pieces to read and write data – at a maximum speed of around 150 MB/s. SSDs on the other hand are much faster and do not use magnetic storage blocks, which means you can achieve anywhere up to 10GB/s with the right SSD.

Using an SSD for your XBOX is crucial, as an HDD will see your console grind to a halt. Ever seen a player loading 2 minutes longer than you? Yep, that’s an HDD desperately trying to keep up.

SEAGATE STORAGE EXPANSION CARD – $150

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card is currently the only SSD add-on compatible with the Xbox Series X that can play the latest games at the console’s full speeds. The proprietary card matches the built-in SSD’s performance, ensuring quick load times and gameplay. However, the lack of competition means this SSD upgrade costs significantly more per gigabyte than options for the PS5. While a 1TB Seagate card provides about 5GB per dollar spent, PS5 SSDs deliver around 10GB or more per dollar. Unfortunately, replacing the internal SSD on the Xbox is a difficult, warranty-voiding process.

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox comes in 1TB and 2TB versions, with prices starting at $149.99 for 1TB. The 2TB model costs around $280. Both sizes are available at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop.

WESTERN DIGITAL C50 EXPANSION CARD

The WD Black D30 is a compact external SSD with storage capacities of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. It connects via a USB-C to USB-A cable and provides transfer speeds up to 900 MB/s. The 1TB model is currently priced at $109.99 (regularly $149.99), while the 2TB version costs $169.99 (regularly $239.99). The D30’s durable design and fast transfer speeds make it a good choice for gaming and on-the-go use.

You can Buy the WD Black XBOX Series X|S Expansion here.

WD BLACK P40 GAME DRIVE

The WD Black P40 Game Drive is a slim external SSD with speeds up to 2,000 MB/s transfer rates. It provides fast storage in a compact design. The 1TB model is currently available at Best Buy for $119.99, marked down from the regular price of $179.99. Though slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the P40 offers high performance with its NVMe technology in a drive that takes up minimal space. The combination of fast transfer speeds, small form factor, and current discount make it an appealing option for gamers or anyone needing portable solid state storage.

You can buy the WD Black P40 here.

Will XBOX SSD Expansions get cheaper?

Following the laws of retail technology, yes. XBOX SSDs will get cheaper, but that’s because a newer, fancier technology has come out. Does that matter for you? Unless you’re a highly competitive gamer who needs that extra 500ms load time, no not really. A basic SSD or NVMe will be perfectly fine for your XBOX console, and they’re generally quite cheap already.

Should I use cheap SSDs for my XBOX?

As long as you stick to a large producer such as Samsung, WD or Sea Gate, you’ll be completely fine to spend under $100 on an SSD for your console. They will provide quality at a cheaper price – backed by customer warranties.

What next?

If you’re looking to upgrade your XBOX experience, your next point of focus should be your controller. We recently reviewed the XBOX Elite Series 2 controller, and we highly recommend it!