Expand your Xbox Series X storage and cut game load times with the right SSD. From blazing-fast transfer speeds to seamless installation, these top picks keep your gaming library ready at a moment’s notice.
Storage space inside our consoles is at an absolute premium these days. Even though the Xbox Series X ships with 1 TB of built-in storage (the Series S has just 512 GB, unless you buy the 1 TB carbon black version of the Series S), you may be amazed – no, terrified – by how quickly that space can get gobbled up by games, updates, apps, and saves. Game Pass members in particular should be warned that going on a downloading spree will likely end in sadness – that is, until you upgrade your storage.
If you’re constantly shuffling around game installations and wondering where you’re going to find space for that next 50 GB update, or that next 148 GB game, you should purchase some extra storage for your console. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best supplementary storage options for your Xbox.
What we’re looking for
We’re after SSDs that match the Xbox Series X’s speed and reliability standards, offering quick load times and smooth performance for both new and classic titles. The right drive should provide seamless integration, stable data transfer, and enough capacity for growing game libraries. Our focus is on models with proven durability, consistent read and write speeds, and solid value across different storage sizes.
At least 1 TB of storage
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It’s not uncommon to see new Xbox games and their updates with huge install sizes (some nearing 100 GB each). To prevent running out of space, it’s important to buy at least a 1 TB SSD that can ideally fit many games, depending on their size. If you have a flexible budget, and an itchy trigger finger for trying new Game Pass games, we recommend buying an even bigger 2 TB SSD.
Speed
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Xbox Series X games have a need for speed. By that, I mean they need fast storage to run at all. If you’re running out of internal solid-state storage on your console, you need one of a small selection of SSDs made for its rear expansion card slot. Only these can provide speeds that match the performance of the console’s internal SSD. That’s not to say bigger, slower drives are needless purchases. In fact, these can stream Xbox One and Xbox 360 (but not Xbox Series X) games over USB without having to copy them to your Xbox’s internal storage.
Best bang for your buck
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Getting the most for your money is always our north star in recommending Xbox SSDs, though compared to the PS5 – which supports off-the-shelf M.2 SSDs – prices are significantly higher for Microsoft’s proprietary storage setup. Until more manufacturers develop expansion cards, prices will likely remain much higher than we prefer.
The best Xbox Series X SSD
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card remains the best SSD for the Xbox Series X, offering seamless plug-and-play installation and performance identical to the console’s internal drive. Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, it supports the Velocity Architecture, enabling ultra-fast load times and smooth gameplay transitions. Available in multiple capacities, it provides reliable storage for large game libraries without sacrificing speed or compatibility.
Seagate storage expansion card
$150$20025% off $150
One could say that Microsoft is taking an old-school approach with its officially licensed Seagate storage expansion cards. They look like memory cards, and you stick one in the back of the console. It’s even simpler than opening up a PS5 to install an M.2 SSD.
Currently, this is the only SSD add-on for Series X that you can load the latest games from, as it matches the speed of the console’s built-in SSD. While having just one option makes it very easy to shop for a storage-boosting gadget for your Xbox, the lack of competition here means that you’re going to pay significantly more money per gigabyte than PS5 owners do for their PS5 SSD upgrades (the 1 TB add-on for Xbox nets you about 5 GB per dollar spent versus 10 GB or more per dollar for PS5-ready SSDs). We wish we could suggest that you swap your Xbox’s internal SSD, but the crummy facts are that doing so is both a difficult and warranty-voiding venture.
The Seagate expansion cards for Xbox are available in 1 TB and 2 TB configurations. Both configurations are available at Amazon, Best Buy, or GameStop.
Read More $200 at Amazon (2 TB)$150 at Best Buy (1 TB)
WD Black C50 expansion card
$140 $140
Western Digital has launched its own alternative to the Seagate storage expansion card. The WD Black C50 expansion card is available in either 512 GB ($79.99) or 1 TB ($139.99) at Amazon. Both GameStop or Best Buy also sell the cards for $89.99 and $149.99, respectively. The C50 expansion card is virtually identical to the version made by Seagate (save for the lanyard hole), offering a competitive price without compromising performance. However, unlike the Seagate expansion card, the C50 isn’t currently available in a 2 TB format. Now, let’s see if the prices on these begin to fall.
Read More $140 at Amazon (1 TB)$150 at GameStop (1 TB)$150 at Best Buy (1 TB)
External Xbox hard drives
External Xbox hard drives offer convenient storage expansion for gamers who prefer keeping a large library of titles ready to play. While they cannot run native Xbox Series X games directly due to speed limitations, they are perfect for storing and playing backward-compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. Players can also move Series X games between the internal SSD and the external drive to manage space without re-downloading. Choosing a fast USB 3.1 or 3.2 drive ensures smoother transfers and better overall performance.
There are bigger external hard drives that are significantly less expensive than the official expansion cards. We’ve listed three below, but be warned: These can only be used to store a Series X game’s installation files. If you want to play a game that’s on the external hard drive, you will have to transfer the files to the console’s internal SSD (Xbox One-era games can be both stored and played via the external drive).
Having some bulk storage set aside isn’t quite as helpful as expanding the console’s SSD storage, but transferring a game’s files is still faster than having to re-download them every time you want to boot up a particular title.
WD Black D30 game drive
$96$19049% off $96
The WD Black D30 game drive is a stocky, external SSD available in 500 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB configurations. The game drive connects with its USB-C-to-A cable that offers transfer speeds of up to 900 MB/s. The 1 TB D30 and 2 TB configurations are available for $95.99 and $149.99, respectively.
Read More $96 at Best Buy (1 TB)$150 at Best Buy (2 TB)
WD Black P40 game drive
$120$18033% off $120
Current prices for Seagate Storage Expansion Card 1TB and 2TB
Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X remain premium-priced due to their proprietary design, but sales often bring costs down significantly.
Recent US Pricing (as of late 2025 sales)
Prices fluctuate with promotions, especially around holidays; these reflect tracked deals from reliable sources like Amazon and Windows Central.
| Capacity | Retail Price | Recent Sale Price | Lowest Ever | Retailer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $160 | $130 | $118 | Amazon/Best Buy |
| 2TB | $260-$360 | $218 | $193 | Amazon (varies by listing) |
European Pricing Context
In the Netherlands/Amsterdam area (your location), expect €150-€220 for 1TB and €300-€400 for 2TB before sales at sites like Coolblue or Budgetgaming, often 10-20% higher than US due to VAT and import.
Check current Amazon.nl, Bol.com, or Coolblue for live deals-1TB frequently dips under €150 during promotions. The 2TB offers best long-term value if your game library exceeds 1TB total.
Where to buy Seagate Storage Expansion Card at lowest price
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card offers the best value during sales at major retailers, with second-hand options often being the absolute cheapest.
Top Places for Lowest Prices (New Units)
Focus on these sites for current deals, prioritizing your Amsterdam/NL location where possible-prices include VAT and shipping.
| Retailer | Typical Lowest Price (1TB / 2TB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.nl or Amazon.de | €140-€160 / €280-€320 | Frequent flash sales; check “Today’s Deals” or subscribe for alerts |
| Coolblue.nl | €150-€170 / €320+ | Free next-day delivery in NL; bundle deals with Xbox accessories |
| Bol.com | €145-€165 / €290-€340 | Marketplace sellers often undercut; Prime-like fast shipping |
| Budgetgaming.nl | €155 / €310 | Gaming specialist with occasional €10-20 discounts |
| Seagate.com (direct) | $130-$150 USD / $200-$220 USD (~€120-€140 / €185-€205) | US pricing converts favorably; ships to EU but add duties |
Cheapest Options (Used/Refurbished)
For 20-40% savings, go second-hand-verify seller ratings and warranty.
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eBay or Marktplaats.nl: 1TB often €90-€120, 2TB €200-€250; local NL pickup avoids fees.
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Facebook Marketplace/Groups: Amsterdam-area deals under €100 for 1TB; search Xbox groups for quick local sales.
Quick Tips
Prices drop most during Black Friday remnants or February sales (now-ish in 2026). Use sites like Idealo.nl or Kieskeurig.nl to compare live NL prices across shops. For 1TB, aim under €150 new-anything lower is a steal.
