Let’s face it: the Xbox Series S is a fantastic little console, offering next-gen gaming at an attractive price point. But there’s one common gripe among users – the limited internal storage. With modern game sizes ballooning, that 512GB (or less, after the OS) fills up quicker than you can say “Quick Resume.” If you’re tired of constantly deleting games to make space for new ones, it’s time to consider an external SSD.
While there isn’t one definitive “Lexar best external SSD for Xbox Series S” that’s an official expansion card, Lexar does offer incredibly fast and reliable portable SSDs that can serve as excellent storage solutions for your older Xbox One/360/Original Xbox games, and also to quickly offload and store your Series X|S optimized titles until you’re ready to play them from your internal drive or an official expansion card. For true plug-and-play Series S|X gaming, you’ll need one of the officially licensed expansion cards from Seagate or WD_Black. We’re going to dive into the best options available, covering both types, to help you make the smartest choice for your gaming setup.
We’ve scoured the market for the top contenders, focusing on speed, reliability, compatibility, and value. Here are our picks for the 7 best external SSDs that will supercharge your Xbox Series S storage experience.
1. Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD
The Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse of speed and durability packed into a sleek, magnetic design. While it won’t let you play Xbox Series S|X optimized games directly from it (you’d need to transfer them to your console’s internal storage or an official expansion card first), it’s an exceptional choice for storing a vast library of older Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. Plus, its blazing-fast transfer speeds mean moving your Series X|S games back and forth will be a breeze, making it one of the top contenders if you’re looking for a Lexar best external SSD for Xbox Series S to handle your overflow.
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Key Features
- Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write speeds for incredibly fast file transfers.
- MagSafe-compatible design for easy attachment to smartphones (with accessory for other devices).
- IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, and drop resistant up to 3M.
- Thin, stylish liquid silicone build with a cable organizer/lanyard.
- Thermal control design to maintain high performance.
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Pros
- Extremely fast for moving games to/from your console.
- Very durable and resistant to elements.
- Compact and stylish design.
- Great for storing a large library of older Xbox games.
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Cons
- Cannot play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from it.
- Performance on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 might be lower.
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User Impressions
Users are consistently impressed with the ES5’s incredible speed and robust build quality. Many highlight its compact size and the peace of mind that comes with its ruggedness. While Xbox users note the limitation for Series X|S optimized games, they find it invaluable for managing their game library efficiently. -
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2. Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB Solid State Drive
When it comes to playing Xbox Series X|S optimized games without compromise, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is the gold standard. Designed in direct partnership with Xbox, this card integrates seamlessly with the Xbox Velocity Architecture, ensuring that games played from it perform identically to those on the internal SSD. For serious gamers who refuse to wait for transfers, this is truly the ultimate solution, offering massive storage capacity without any performance hitches.
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Key Features
- Officially licensed and designed in partnership with Xbox.
- Seamlessly plays Xbox Series X|S games with no sacrifice in graphics, latency, load times, or framerates.
- Leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture for faster load times and immersive gameplay.
- Supports Quick Resume directly from the expansion card.
- Includes a 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
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Pros
- Only solution for playing Series X|S optimized games directly.
- Zero performance difference from internal SSD.
- Plug-and-play installation.
- Large 2TB capacity to hold many titles.
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Cons
- Higher price point compared to standard external SSDs.
- Proprietary format means it’s only compatible with Xbox Series X|S.
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User Impressions
Gamers universally praise the Seagate Expansion Card for its effortless integration and identical performance to the internal drive. The convenience of “just playing” without managing transfers is a major highlight, despite the cost. It’s often described as an essential upgrade for serious Series S|X owners. -
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3. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1 TB
Just like its 2TB sibling, the 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card offers the same impeccable performance and seamless integration for your Xbox Series S. If the 2TB version is a bit out of your budget but you still crave the ability to play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly without any performance compromise, this 1TB option is your best bet. It provides a significant boost to your console’s storage, allowing you to keep more of your favorite next-gen titles installed and ready to go.
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Key Features
- Officially licensed and designed in partnership with Xbox.
- Seamlessly plays Xbox Series X|S games with no sacrifice in graphics, latency, load times, or framerates.
- Leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture for faster load times and immersive gameplay.
- Supports Quick Resume directly from the expansion card.
- Includes a 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
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Pros
- Essential for playing Series X|S optimized games directly from external storage.
- Maintains full next-gen performance.
- Easy plug-and-play setup.
- More affordable than the 2TB version.
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Cons
- Still more expensive than conventional external SSDs.
- 1TB might fill up quickly for avid gamers.
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User Impressions
Users love the simplicity and effectiveness of this card. It delivers exactly what it promises: more storage for next-gen games without any fuss. The only common feedback is wishing they’d gone for a larger capacity, but for many, 1TB is a perfect starting point. -
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4. WD_Black 1TB C50 Storage Expansion Card, Officially Licensed
WD_Black is renowned for its gaming-focused storage solutions, and their 1TB C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is no exception. This officially licensed card provides the exact same performance as your Xbox Series S’s internal storage, meaning you can install and play your biggest next-gen titles directly from it with zero compromise. Its plug-and-play design and signature WD_BLACK aesthetics make it a functional and stylish addition to your gaming setup.
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Key Features
- Officially licensed Xbox storage expansion card.
- Leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture for identical performance to internal storage.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox Series X|S.
- Slick, industrial aesthetics matching the Xbox console.
- Allows playing Xbox Series X|S games directly without transferring.
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Pros
- Guaranteed full next-gen performance for Series X|S games.
- Effortless setup, no need to open the console.
- Robust and stylish design.
- Reliable brand reputation.
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Cons
- Premium price tag.
- Proprietary format.
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User Impressions
Gamers appreciate the WD_Black C50 for its reliable performance and seamless integration. The ability to simply plug it in and immediately have more space for optimized games is a huge win. Many commend its build quality and how well it complements the Xbox console’s look. -
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5. WD_Black 2TB C50 Storage Expansion Card, Officially Licensed
If 1TB simply isn’t enough for your ever-growing game library, the 2TB WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card steps up to the plate. Offering twice the capacity, this officially licensed powerhouse provides the ultimate storage upgrade for your Xbox Series S, allowing you to keep a massive collection of Xbox Series X|S optimized games ready to play at a moment’s notice. It boasts the same flawless performance as its 1TB counterpart, thanks to its deep integration with the Xbox Velocity Architecture.
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Key Features
- Officially licensed Xbox storage expansion card.
- Leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture for identical performance to internal storage.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox Series X|S.
- Slick, industrial aesthetics matching the Xbox console.
- Allows playing Xbox Series X|S games directly without transferring.
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Pros
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Full next-gen performance, indistinguishable from internal storage.
- Simple, instant setup.
- Backed by a trusted gaming brand.
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Cons
- Highest price point among the external SSDs listed.
- Proprietary connector limits universal use.
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User Impressions
Reviewers frequently highlight the relief of no longer needing to manage game installations and deletions. The 2TB capacity is a game-changer for digital-first gamers, and the “it just works” aspect is highly valued, making the investment worthwhile for many. -
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6. Lexar Armor 700 1TB USB 3.2 Gen Type-C Portable External SSD
The Lexar Armor 700 is built like a tank and performs like a racecar. This rugged portable SSD delivers blistering speeds and robust protection, making it an excellent choice for gamers who need a durable, high-capacity drive. Similar to the Lexar ES5, it excels at storing your Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles for direct play, and acts as a super-fast reservoir for your Xbox Series X|S optimized games, allowing quick transfers to your console’s internal drive when you want to jump in. If you’re looking for a durable Lexar best external SSD for Xbox Series S storage, this is a strong contender.
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Key Features
- Blazing fast transfer speeds up to 2000MB/s read and write (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).
- Massive 1TB storage capacity.
- IP66 water and dust resistance, plus 3-meter drop protection.
- Universal compatibility with PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles.
- Compact and portable design.
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Pros
- Exceptional durability against drops, water, and dust.
- Very fast for game transfers and playing older titles.
- Highly versatile for use with multiple devices.
- Slim and lightweight for portability.
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Cons
- Cannot play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly.
- Requires a USB-C port (or adapter) on some devices.
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User Impressions
Customers praise the Armor 700’s ruggedness and speed, often commenting on how secure their data feels on the go. Its universal compatibility is a big plus for those who use it across different platforms. Xbox users appreciate the quick game offloading and loading capabilities. -
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7. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s
For the casual gamer or anyone prioritizing a balance of performance, durability, and affordability, the Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD is a fantastic choice. While its speeds (up to 1050MB/s) aren’t as extreme as some others on this list, they’re still significantly faster than traditional hard drives, offering quick transfers for your Xbox Series S games. Its robust build, broad compatibility, and generous storage make it a versatile external drive for both gaming and everyday use.
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Key Features
- High-speed performance up to 1050MB/s.
- Built to last with IP55 water and dust resistance, and 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance.
- Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
- Compact 1TB capacity.
- Bonus software included (Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image).
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Pros
- Excellent balance of speed, durability, and price.
- Very durable and suitable for travel.
- Wide range of device compatibility.
- Good for storing and transferring Xbox Series S|X games, and playing older titles.
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Cons
- Slower than USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives.
- Cannot play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from it.
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User Impressions
Many users find the Crucial X9 to be a reliable workhorse, appreciating its solid build and consistent performance for daily tasks and gaming storage. The compatibility with various devices is a highlight, and for Xbox Series S owners, it offers a great way to expand storage without breaking the bank. -
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Choosing Your Xbox Series S External SSD
The “Lexar best external SSD for Xbox Series S” truly depends on your specific needs. If you need to play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from external storage, then the Seagate or WD_Black Storage Expansion Cards are your only real options. They offer seamless performance identical to the internal drive, but come at a premium.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option to store your Series X|S games and play older Xbox One/360/Original Xbox games directly from an external drive, then the Lexar ES5, Lexar Armor 700, or Crucial X9 are fantastic choices. Their high speeds will make transferring Series X|S games to your internal storage a quick affair, minimizing downtime.
Ultimately, all these options offer a significant upgrade to your Xbox Series S storage, letting you spend more time gaming and less time managing files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an external SSD for my Xbox Series S?
A1: The Xbox Series S comes with a relatively small 512GB internal SSD (with less usable space after the operating system). Modern games are huge, and you’ll quickly run out of space, forcing you to constantly delete and re-download titles. An external SSD drastically expands your storage, allowing you to keep more games installed and ready to play.
Q2: Can I play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from any external SSD?
A2: No. Xbox Series X|S optimized games require the high-speed Xbox Velocity Architecture, which is only supported by the console’s internal SSD or officially licensed Storage Expansion Cards (like those from Seagate and WD_Black). Standard external USB SSDs can store these games, but you’ll need to transfer them to your internal drive or an expansion card to play them.
Q3: What’s the difference between an expansion card and a regular external SSD?
A3: An expansion card (like Seagate or WD_Black C50) is specifically designed to work with the Xbox Velocity Architecture. It plugs into a proprietary port on the back of the console and allows you to play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from it with no performance loss. A regular external SSD (like Lexar or Crucial) connects via a USB port. It can play older Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games directly, and can store Xbox Series X|S games, but you must transfer the latter to the internal drive or an expansion card to play them.
Q4: How much storage do I really need for my Xbox Series S?
A4: It depends on your gaming habits. A 1TB external SSD is a good starting point and roughly doubles your usable storage. If you have a large digital library or play many new, big-name titles, 2TB or more will provide much greater peace of mind and minimize file management.
Q5: Are Lexar SSDs good for Xbox Series S?
A5: Absolutely! Lexar SSDs like the ES5 and Armor 700 are incredibly fast and durable. While they can’t play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly, they are excellent for storing older Xbox titles and for quickly moving Series X|S games to and from your internal storage. They offer great value, speed, and reliability as general-purpose external storage for your console.
Q6: Will an external SSD improve my game’s performance or load times for Xbox Series X|S optimized games?
A6: If you’re using an officially licensed expansion card (Seagate, WD_Black C50), yes, games will load and perform exactly as they do from the internal SSD, which is significantly faster than previous-gen consoles. If you’re using a standard USB external SSD, it won’t improve performance for Series X|S optimized games as they still need to be transferred to the internal drive to play. However, for older Xbox One/360/Original Xbox games, playing them from a USB SSD will often result in faster load times compared to playing from a traditional external HDD.
Q7: Is it worth paying more for an official expansion card?
A7: If you primarily play Xbox Series X|S optimized games and want the convenience of having many of them instantly accessible without any transfer times or performance compromises, then yes, the official expansion cards are worth the investment. For competitive gamers or those who value seamless access above all else, they are the best solution. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind transferring games, or mostly play older titles, a high-speed external USB SSD can be a more cost-effective alternative.