Storage for Xbox matters a lot for gamers, especially if you’ve got a ton of digital games, DLCs, and big cloud saves or game captures. Since even the newest consoles’ storage fills up fast, getting fast and reliable external Xbox storage is essential. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for your gaming needs?
The best Xbox storage should offer considerable space, high-speed read/write capabilities for faster load times, efficient file management, and excellent value for money. Our in-house experts have conducted rigorous research, testing and assessment across numerous types of external storage devices to find the ones that deliver optimal performance for Xbox gamers.
Rest assured, our deep dive into these storage solutions was macroscopic. It included knocking together different storage devices, whether traditional hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), or a new technology in the market – a solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD), thus guaranteeing you a comprehensive review that blends analytical precision with real-world performance.
We evaluated the read and write speeds of these devices, the efficiency in heat dissipation, transfer set up, and space management, and, crucially, the price per gigabyte. We took into account tried and tested best practices in data safety and security. Ultimately, on the other side of numerous gaming sessions, stress tests and benchmark analyses, we have a refined list of the best Xbox storage devices to share with you.
Best Xbox Storage
Selecting the ideal external storage for your Xbox is key in enhancing your gaming performance and experience. Your chosen storage should accommodate heaps of games or game-related data, boost load times, and be economic in cost. It may seem daunting given the multitude of options available, but fear not – we’ve done the nitty-gritty homework for you. Below is a compilation of the best Xbox storage devices, each rigorously tried and tested to rival your most extensive game library or memory.
UnionSine 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one,Xbox 360-Super Fast Transmission-HD-2510(Black)
If you’re looking for a reliable and fast external hard drive, the UnionSine 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive is a great option.
Pros
- The hard drive is super slim and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- It supports USB 3.0, providing a super fast data transmission speed of up to 60MB/s.
- The hard drive is compatible with Windows 10/8/7/XP, Mac OS X 10.9-10.14, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Android 5.1-5.1.1.
Cons
- The hard drive is not bus-powered, so you’ll need to have a power source available if you want to use it with your PS4 or Xbox.
- Some users have reported issues with the hard drive not being recognized by their computer or console.
- The hard drive is unformatted, so you’ll need to format it before you can use it.
We’ve used the UnionSine 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive and found it to be a great option for those who need extra storage for their computer, laptop, PS4, or Xbox. The hard drive is super slim and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. It also supports USB 3.0, providing a super fast data transmission speed of up to 60MB/s. Additionally, the hard drive is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and consoles, making it a versatile option.
One downside to the hard drive is that it’s not bus-powered, so you’ll need to have a power source available if you want to use it with your PS4 or Xbox. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the hard drive not being recognized by their computer or console. Finally, the hard drive is unformatted, so you’ll need to format it before you can use it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and fast external hard drive, the UnionSine 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive is a great option to consider.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card For Xbox Series XS 1TB Solid State Drive – NVMe Expansion SSD, Quick Resume, Plug & Play, Licensed(STJR1000400)
If you’re looking to upgrade your Xbox Series X storage, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Seagate Storage Expansion Card is easy to install, with a simple plug-and-play setup that requires no external power source.
- The card supports Quick Resume, allowing you to resume your games from where you left off almost instantly.
- With a read speed of up to 2,400 MB/s, this expansion card is fast enough to keep up with the Xbox Series X’s high-speed gaming.
Cons
- The Seagate Storage Expansion Card is a bit pricey compared to other external hard drives with the same capacity.
- The card is only compatible with the Xbox Series X and S consoles, so it won’t work with older models.
- Some users have reported issues with the card not showing up or being recognized by the console.
We’ve been using the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The card is easy to install, and the setup process is straightforward. We also appreciate that it supports Quick Resume, which allows us to jump back into our games without any lag.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is a bit pricey compared to other external hard drives with the same capacity. However, we believe that the benefits of having a faster storage option outweigh the cost. Additionally, the card is only compatible with the Xbox Series X and S consoles, so if you’re using an older model, this card won’t work for you.
Overall, if you’re looking to upgrade your Xbox Series X storage and want a faster, more efficient option, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is definitely worth considering.
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with built-in green LED bar , Xbox Certified, 3 year Rescue Services (STKX2000400)
If you’re an Xbox gamer looking for an external hard drive to expand your storage, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a solid choice.
Pros
- With 2TB of storage, you can store up to 50+ Xbox games.
- Seamlessly installs and works with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.
- Compatible with Xbox Live, so you can keep your Gamertag, achievements, and Xbox Live reputation.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the hard drive not being recognized by the Xbox console.
- The hard drive can be slow to spin up and load games.
- The hard drive may not be suitable for users who need to transfer files between different platforms.
The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a reliable and easy-to-use external hard drive for Xbox gamers. It’s plug-and-play, so you don’t need to worry about any complicated setup processes. The hard drive is also backed by Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services for three years, so you can feel confident that your data is safe.
One of the best things about the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is its compatibility with both the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. This means that you can use the hard drive with your current console and then upgrade to the next generation without having to buy a new hard drive.
Another great feature of the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is its built-in green LED bar. This not only looks cool, but it also lets you know that the hard drive is working and connected to your console.
However, some users have reported issues with the hard drive not being recognized by the Xbox console. Additionally, the hard drive can be slow to spin up and load games, which can be frustrating for some users. Finally, the hard drive may not be suitable for users who need to transfer files between different platforms.
Overall, if you’re an Xbox gamer looking for an external hard drive to expand your storage, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a solid choice. Just be aware of the potential issues mentioned above before making your purchase.
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 4TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with built-in green LED bar , Xbox Certified, 3 year Rescue Services (STKX4000402)
If you’re an avid gamer looking for an external hard drive to store your Xbox games, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a great option.
Pros
- The 4TB storage capacity provides ample space for storing your favorite Xbox games.
- The sleek black design with a built-in green LED bar looks great and adds a unique touch to your gaming setup.
- With USB 3.2 Gen 1 support, you can quickly transfer and access your games.
Cons
- The hard drive is not compatible with PCs, making it a less versatile option for some users.
- Some users have reported issues with the hard drive not being recognized by their Xbox consoles.
- The price point may be higher than other external hard drives with similar storage capacities.
We’ve been using the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 4TB storage capacity is more than enough to store all of our favorite Xbox games, and the sleek black design looks great on our gaming setup. The built-in green LED bar is a unique touch that adds a bit of flair to the hard drive.
One of the standout features of the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is its USB 3.2 Gen 1 support. This means that you can quickly transfer and access your games, without having to wait for long load times. The hard drive is also Xbox certified, so you can rest assured that it’s compatible with your Xbox console.
While the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a great option for Xbox gamers, it’s important to note that it’s not compatible with PCs. This may be a deal-breaker for some users who are looking for a more versatile external hard drive. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the hard drive not being recognized by their Xbox consoles, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you’re an avid Xbox gamer looking for an external hard drive to store your games, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a great option. Its 4TB storage capacity, sleek design, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 support make it a top choice for many gamers.
WD_Black 512GB C50 Storage Expansion Card, Officially Licensed for Xbox, Quick Resume, Plug & Play, NVMe SSD Expansion for Xbox Series X|S Gaming Consoles – WDBMPH5120ANC-WCSN
If you’re looking to upgrade your Xbox Series X or S’s storage, the WD_Black 512GB C50 Storage Expansion Card is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The WD_Black expansion card is officially licensed by Microsoft, ensuring seamless integration with your console.
- With up to 512GB of additional storage, you can store more of your favorite games and enjoy faster load times.
- The WD_Black expansion card is plug-and-play, making it easy to install and start using right away.
Cons
- The WD_Black expansion card is relatively expensive compared to other storage expansion options.
- The WD_Black expansion card is limited to 512GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users.
- The WD_Black expansion card is an NVMe SSD, which may require additional power from your console.
The WD_Black 512GB C50 Storage Expansion Card is a great option for Xbox Series X or S owners who want to upgrade their console’s storage without having to purchase an entirely new console. The card is officially licensed by Microsoft, ensuring seamless integration with your console, and with up to 512GB of additional storage, you can store more of your favorite games and enjoy faster load times.
One of the biggest pros of the WD_Black expansion card is its plug-and-play functionality. This means that you can easily install the card yourself without needing any additional tools or expertise. Once installed, the card will automatically be recognized by your console, making the entire process quick and hassle-free.
However, the WD_Black expansion card is relatively expensive compared to other storage expansion options. Additionally, the card is limited to 512GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users. Finally, the WD_Black expansion card is an NVMe SSD, which may require additional power from your console, so make sure that your console has the necessary power supply before purchasing the card.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality storage expansion option for your Xbox Series X or S and don’t mind the higher price point, the WD_Black 512GB C50 Storage Expansion Card is a great choice.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Xbox storage solution, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you choose the right product that meets your needs.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an Xbox storage solution is capacity. The capacity of the storage device will determine how many games and other media you can store on it. It is important to choose a storage device with enough capacity to store all of your games and other media.
Compatibility
Another important factor to consider is compatibility. The storage device you choose should be compatible with your Xbox console. It is important to check the compatibility of the storage device before making a purchase.
Speed
The speed of the storage device is also an important factor to consider. A faster storage device will allow for faster load times and a better gaming experience. It is important to choose a storage device with a fast read and write speed.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider when choosing an Xbox storage solution. The storage device should be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. It is important to choose a storage device that is made of high-quality materials and is built to last.
Price
Finally, price is also an important factor to consider when choosing an Xbox storage solution. The price of the storage device should be within your budget. It is important to compare prices and choose a storage device that offers the best value for your money.
In summary, when choosing the best Xbox storage solution, it is important to consider capacity, compatibility, speed, durability, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose a storage device that meets your needs and provides a better gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top external hard drives for Xbox One?
There are several external hard drives that are compatible with Xbox One and offer ample storage space. Some of the top external hard drives for Xbox One include Seagate Game Drive, WD Elements Portable External Hard Drive, and Toshiba Canvio Basics. These hard drives offer fast data transfer rates and are designed to enhance your gaming experience.
How do I expand my Xbox One storage without an external hard drive?
If you don’t want to use an external hard drive, you can expand your Xbox One storage by upgrading to a larger hard drive. This involves opening your Xbox One console and replacing the existing hard drive with a new one. However, this process requires some technical expertise and may void your console’s warranty.
Can I use a USB 3.0 hard drive for Xbox One?
Yes, you can use a USB 3.0 hard drive for Xbox One. However, not all USB 3.0 hard drives are compatible with Xbox One, so it’s important to check the compatibility of the hard drive before purchasing it.
What is the recommended external hard drive for Xbox One X?
The recommended external hard drive for Xbox One X is the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox. This hard drive offers fast data transfer rates and is designed to enhance your gaming experience. It also comes with a 2-month trial of Xbox Game Pass, which gives you access to over 100 games.
What are the best options for purchasing an Xbox One SSD?
If you want to purchase an Xbox One SSD, you can either buy a pre-built console with an SSD or upgrade your existing console with an SSD. Some of the best options for purchasing an Xbox One SSD include the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, the Crucial MX500, and the Western Digital Blue. These SSDs offer fast data transfer rates and are designed to enhance your gaming experience.
What is the optimal storage solution for an Xbox One X?
The optimal storage solution for an Xbox One X is an external hard drive that offers fast data transfer rates and ample storage space. Some of the top external hard drives for Xbox One X include the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox, the WD Elements Portable External Hard Drive, and the Toshiba Canvio Basics. These hard drives are designed to enhance your gaming experience and provide you with the storage space you need.
