Upgrading your Xbox One X with an SSD can dramatically improve load times, reduce lag, and enhance overall gaming performance—especially when playing newer titles optimized for faster storage. While the Xbox One X doesn’t natively support NVMe expansion cards like the newer Series X|S, you can still benefit from high-speed external SSDs via USB 3.0. However, if you’re using or planning to upgrade to an Xbox Series X|S (which many Xbox One X owners do), investing in a compatible NVMe SSD expansion card is the smartest move. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the best SSDs that deliver seamless performance, plug-and-play convenience, and full compatibility with Xbox Velocity Architecture—so you can keep more games installed and ready to play at peak speed.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Ssd For Xbox One X Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. 2TB NVMe SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – Seagate Licensed Storage
This officially licensed 2TB NVMe SSD expansion card from Seagate is built specifically for Xbox Series X|S and delivers the same blazing-fast performance as your console’s internal storage. Whether you’re upgrading from an Xbox One X or already own a Series X|S, this drive lets you install and play next-gen games without compromise.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Full compatibility with Xbox Velocity Architecture
- ✓ Plug-and-play setup—no formatting or tools required
- ✓ 2TB capacity holds dozens of large AAA titles
- ✓ Matches internal SSD speed for zero performance loss
- ✓ Sleek, compact design that fits flush with the console
Why We Recommend It
As the highest-capacity officially licensed option, this Seagate expansion card eliminates storage anxiety for serious gamers. It’s reliable, fast, and future-proof—perfect if you want to keep your entire game library ready to launch instantly.
Best For
Gamers who want maximum storage without sacrificing speed or compatibility. Ideal for those with large digital libraries or who frequently play graphically intense titles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Xbox OS
- No performance drop compared to internal SSD
- Large 2TB capacity reduces need for constant game management
- Officially licensed by Microsoft
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than non-licensed alternatives
- Limited resale value due to proprietary form factor
Customer Reviews
“Works well, and is ready to plug and play out of the box. Highly recommended as part of a storage solution for your Xbox needs. Even if you have a 1tb Xbox this will match its 802gb of usable space and top it off with an additional 117gb, for a total of 919gb of added storage.”
“Review is for the 4 TB card. Expensive little bugger. It actually holds 3.7 TB once formatted (and it does come formatted). I’m the kind of guy who likes to keep my library local rather than download-delete-redownload due to capacity limitations.”
2. 1TB NVMe SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – Seagate Licensed Storage
The 1TB version of Seagate’s official Xbox expansion card offers the same elite performance in a more budget-friendly capacity. It’s a fantastic middle ground for gamers who want speed and reliability without maxing out their storage budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Identical performance to Xbox Series X|S internal SSD
- ✓ Instant recognition and setup via USB-C port
- ✓ Compact and durable all-in-one design
- ✓ Supports Quick Resume and fast travel features
- ✓ Backed by Seagate’s reputation for quality
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a balance between price and performance, this 1TB Seagate card is hard to beat. It doubles the storage of a standard Xbox Series S and adds serious space to a Series X—all while maintaining full feature parity.
Best For
Mid-tier gamers who want reliable expansion without overspending. Great for families or casual players building a solid digital library.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True plug-and-play experience
- No software tweaks or third-party drivers needed
- Consistent read/write speeds under heavy load
- Compact size doesn’t interfere with console placement
Cons:
- Still pricier per GB than traditional external HDDs
- Cannot be used with older Xbox One consoles for optimized games
Customer Reviews
“Works well, and is ready to plug and play out of the box. Highly recommended as part of a storage solution for your Xbox needs. Even if you have a 1tb Xbox this will match its 802gb of usable space and top it off with an additional 117gb, for a total of 919gb of added storage.”
“Review is for the 4 TB card. Expensive little bugger. It actually holds 3.7 TB once formatted (and it does come formatted). I’m the kind of guy who likes to keep my library local rather than download-delete-redownload due to capacity limitations.”
3. 1TB NVMe SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – WD Black Licensed Storage
WD Black’s 1TB expansion card brings competitive pricing to officially licensed storage, offering the same Xbox Velocity Architecture benefits as pricier rivals. It’s a smart choice for gamers seeking value without cutting corners on performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Officially licensed by Microsoft for guaranteed compatibility
- ✓ Leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture for optimal game performance
- ✓ Slim aluminum casing aids heat dissipation
- ✓ Ready to use immediately after insertion
- ✓ Supports all Xbox Series X|S features including Quick Resume
Why We Recommend It
WD Black delivers near-identical performance to Seagate at a slightly lower price point, making it our top pick for budget-conscious gamers who refuse to compromise on quality or speed.
Best For
Value-focused players who want official Xbox support and fast load times without paying premium branding fees.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lower cost than comparable Seagate models
- Reliable thermal management during extended play
- Seamless integration with Xbox dashboard
- Solid build quality with anti-scratch finish
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than Seagate’s design
- Limited availability during high-demand periods
Customer Reviews
“This was a gift to my son who has both an Xbox Series S and Series X. They installed this in their Series X and after answering a single on-screen question, it was ready to go. Gone are the days of loading games off an external hard drive, or swapping out multiple drives to remember which drive had which games.”
“As someone who constantly juggles game installs on my Xbox Series X, this WD storage expansion has been a lifesaver. After six months of use, I can confidently say it delivers exactly what it promises – seamless extra storage without compromising performance.”
4. 512GB NVMe SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – WD Black Licensed Storage
The 512GB WD Black expansion card is the most affordable entry into official Xbox NVMe storage. While smaller in capacity, it’s perfect for casual gamers or those supplementing existing storage with a few key titles.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Full Xbox Velocity Architecture support
- ✓ Ultra-compact and lightweight
- ✓ Pre-formatted and ready to use
- ✓ Matches internal SSD performance exactly
- ✓ Durable aluminum construction
Why We Recommend It
If you only need space for a handful of next-gen games or want to test the waters before upgrading further, this 512GB option provides genuine Xbox-level speed at a lower entry price.
Best For
Casual gamers, secondary console users, or those who primarily play physical discs but want faster installs for digital add-ons.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lowest-cost official expansion card
- Zero setup hassle
- Reliable performance over long-term use
- Fits easily in tight entertainment centers
Cons:
- May fill up quickly with modern game sizes
- Not ideal for large game libraries
Customer Reviews
“This was a gift to my son who has both an Xbox Series S and Series X. They installed this in their Series X and after answering a single on-screen question, it was ready to go. Gone are the days of loading games off an external hard drive.”
“As someone who constantly juggles game installs on my Xbox Series X, this WD storage expansion has been a lifesaver. After six months of use, I can confidently say it delivers exactly what it promises – seamless extra storage without compromising performance.”
5. 1TB NVMe SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – High-Speed Storage Drive
This third-party 1TB NVMe expansion card offers a more affordable alternative to branded options while still delivering solid performance for Xbox Series X|S games. It’s a great choice if you’re comfortable with non-official hardware and want to save money.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Plays Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly
- ✓ Ultra-slim 0.3-inch aluminum design
- ✓ Plug-and-play functionality
- ✓ Excellent heat dissipation
- ✓ Significantly cheaper than Seagate or WD Black
Why We Recommend It
While not officially licensed, this drive has been widely tested and works reliably with Xbox Velocity Architecture. If you’re on a tight budget but still want fast load times, it’s a worthy consideration.
Best For
Budget gamers who prioritize cost savings and are okay with slightly less brand assurance. Ideal for secondary setups or temporary expansions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Much lower price than licensed alternatives
- Compact and stylish design
- Good thermal performance under load
- Easy installation process
Cons:
- Not officially licensed—may lack long-term firmware support
- Potential compatibility issues with future Xbox updates
- Shorter warranty period compared to major brands
Customer Reviews
“Absolutely purchase this! Excellent product, works perfectly, and save some money too! No problems, plug and play. And doubles the storage size on my son’s Series S to play ‘X/S’ games. 💯”
“Here’s a five-star review for an Xbox expansion card: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Xbox Expansion Card is an absolute game-changer! Installation was a breeze—just plug it in, and you’re ready to go. The extra storage space is a lifesaver, letting me keep all my favorite games installed without worrying about uninstalling.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Ssd For Xbox One X
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for your Xbox One X—or better yet, upgrading to a compatible Xbox Series X|S—we prioritize official licensing, performance parity with internal storage, ease of use, and long-term reliability. While the Xbox One X supports external SSDs via USB 3.0, only the newer Series X|S can take advantage of NVMe expansion cards that unlock full Velocity Architecture benefits. That’s why our top recommendations focus on drives designed for Series X|S, which also future-proof your investment if you plan to upgrade consoles.
Budget Planning
Prices for official expansion cards range from around $80 for a 512GB model to over $200 for 2TB. While third-party options may seem tempting, they carry risks like compatibility issues or reduced performance. We recommend allocating your budget based on how many games you typically keep installed: casual players can start with 512GB, while hardcore gamers should aim for 1TB or more. Remember—this isn’t just extra space; it’s a performance upgrade that transforms your gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a high-quality SSD expansion card is one of the best upgrades you can make for your Xbox ecosystem. Whether you’re still rocking an Xbox One X or have moved to Series X|S, faster storage means less waiting and more playing. Our top picks balance speed, capacity, and value—so you can spend less time managing files and more time enjoying your games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these NVMe SSDs with my Xbox One X?
A: No—these NVMe expansion cards are designed exclusively for Xbox Series X|S consoles. The Xbox One X does not support this type of internal expansion. However, you can use external SSDs via USB 3.0 for faster load times on Xbox One X, though they won’t match the performance of the internal drive or Series X|S expansion cards.
Q: Do I need to format the expansion card before use?
A: No. All officially licensed expansion cards come pre-formatted and ready to use. Simply insert the card into the dedicated port on the back of your Xbox Series X|S, and the console will recognize it automatically.
Q: Will games installed on the expansion card run as fast as those on the internal SSD?
A: Yes—if you use an officially licensed card like Seagate or WD Black, games will perform identically to those installed on the internal SSD, including support for Quick Resume, fast travel, and high-resolution textures.
Q: Can I move games between the internal SSD and the expansion card?
A: Absolutely. The Xbox dashboard lets you easily transfer games between storage devices with just a few clicks. You can even set default install locations for new downloads.
Q: Are third-party expansion cards safe to use?
A: While some third-party cards work well, they aren’t officially licensed and may not receive firmware updates or full compatibility guarantees. For peace of mind and optimal performance, we recommend sticking with Microsoft-licensed options.
Ready to supercharge your Xbox gaming experience? Don’t let limited storage hold you back—choose one of our expert-recommended SSDs today and enjoy faster load times, smoother gameplay, and room for all your favorite titles. Click any “Check Price” button above to secure your upgrade now!