With the release of next-gen games like EA Sports College Football 25 and the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, many gamers are facing an important decision: which Xbox console is best suited for their needs? Microsoft offers two exciting options, the Xbox Series X, starting at $479 and the Xbox Series S, starting at $269, and while both share the same game library and core features, they are designed for different audiences, with clear differences in performance, storage, and price.
In this post, we’ll help you make the best decision by comparing the key features of each console and suggesting which one is the best fit for you—whether you’re looking for an immersive 4K experience or just want to enjoy the latest releases with great value for your money. Keep reading to find out how to make the right choice!
Our top choices
Top pick
 Xbox Series X |
Best Value
 Xbox Series S |
Also great
 Xbox Series S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (512GB) | Xbox Series S (1TB) |
| Resolution | Up to 4K | Up to 1440p | Up to 1440p |
| Frame Rate | 60fps or more | 60fps | 60fps |
| Storage | 1TB | 512GB | 1TB |
| Disc Drive | |||
| Dimensions | 12 x 6 x 6 inches | 11 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches | 11 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches |
The Xbox Series X packs unmatched power, leading the current-gen consoles with its cutting-edge performance. With nearly double the storage of the Series S, it’s built for gamers who demand the best. Whether you’re playing on a 4K TV now or planning to upgrade, the Series X delivers breathtaking graphics and lightning-fast performance. Plus, if you value a disc drive for your collection of games and movies, this is the ultimate choice for a truly immersive experience.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X is the premium option in the Xbox lineup, and it justifies its higher price with significantly superior graphics hardware, delivering stunning visuals on 4K TVs. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your setup. If you own or plan to get one of our recommended 4K gaming TVs or a similar high-end model, the Series X is the obvious choice over the Series S. Both consoles offer fast boot times and quick loading, but the Series X stands out with its ample storage, giving you more room to store your favorite games. Additionally, if you have a collection of physical Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original Xbox games that you still enjoy, the Series X is the only model that comes equipped with a disc drive for those titles.
Games on the Series S are less optimized for 4K TVs, and it doesn’t come with a disc drive— which could be a drawback if you have a collection of physical games or movies, or prefer buying them used. However, its compact and lightweight design makes it more portable, and it’s fully capable of playing all the same next-gen games as the Series X. Paired with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, the Series S offers exceptional value for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
The 1TB Series S offers double the storage, but it’s still designed for the same audience as the original: gamers without 4K TVs or those seeking an excellent, Game Pass-focused value.
Why the Xbox Series S Might Be the Perfect Choice for You
If you don’t have a 4K TV (and don’t plan on getting one soon), don’t need a disc drive for physical games or movies, or simply want to stay within budget, the Microsoft Xbox Series S offers exceptional value. Despite being more affordable, it still allows you to enjoy the latest generation of games for years to come.
For gamers who primarily use Xbox Game Pass, the monthly subscription service with access to hundreds of games—including new releases—you won’t miss the absence of a disc drive. This makes the Series S an ideal choice for families and younger kids. The lower cost of the console paired with the extensive Game Pass library means access to more games than you can possibly play.
Additionally, the Series S is perfect for travelers and hosts. Its compact size easily fits into a carry-on bag, making it great for extended stays. If you have a guest room or a vacation rental, the Series S adds a lot more entertainment value compared to a standard media streaming box.
Currently, the Xbox Series S is available in two versions: a white model with 512 GB of storage for $269, and a black version with 1 TB of storage priced at $426. For most users, we recommend the more budget-friendly 512 GB option, which still offers great performance at a lower cost.
Xbox Series X: Ultimate Power and Unmatched Performance
The Xbox Series X is the flagship of the Xbox lineup, delivering a premium experience for those seeking maximum graphical performance and storage capacity. Priced around $500, it’s designed for gamers who want to fully leverage their 4K TVs and for those who have a collection of physical discs, as the Series X comes equipped with a Blu-ray disc drive.
- Graphical power: The Series X supports games at resolutions up to 4K with frame rates exceeding 60fps, offering incredibly detailed visuals and smoother gameplay. If you’re eyeing titles like Forza Motorsport or Hellblade 2, this is the ideal console for experiencing stunning graphics with ray tracing.
- Expanded storage: With 1TB of internal storage, the Series X offers nearly double the space of the Series S, allowing you to keep more games installed without needing to frequently manage space.
- Physical games and backward compatibility: If you own a collection of Xbox One, Xbox 360, or even original Xbox games, the disc drive lets you continue playing your favorite titles without hassle.
Xbox Series S: Great Value and Practicality
If you’re looking for a more affordable console, the Xbox Series S is the ideal choice, priced around $300 for the 512 GB model and $350 for the 1 TB version. While it doesn’t have the same graphical power as the Series X, the Series S offers a next-gen gaming experience at a lower cost, making it an excellent option for casual gamers or those without a 4K TV.
- Affordable performance: The Series S may not run games in native 4K, but it delivers impressive graphical quality at 1080p or 1440p resolutions. This is more than enough for most gamers, especially those who don’t own a 4K TV or are seeking a more budget-friendly alternative.
- All-digital gaming: Since the Series S lacks a disc drive, it’s perfect for those who have fully transitioned to digital gaming or take advantage of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service that offers access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee.
- Compact design and portability: The smaller size of the Series S makes it a great choice for those with limited space or who like to take their console on the go. It’s smaller, lighter, and easy to transport.
Game Pass: The Best Way to Maximize Your Xbox
No matter which console you choose, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is an essential recommendation for getting the most out of the Xbox ecosystem. With a $19.99 monthly subscription, you gain access to a library of hundreds of games, including day-one releases like the highly anticipated Starfield, and Bethesda classics like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
- For Xbox Series X: Game Pass is perfect for those who want to explore a wide variety of games without needing to invest in physical discs. Additionally, many games are optimized for 4K on the Series X, offering an immersive visual experience.
- For Xbox Series S: Game Pass is the ideal complement for digital gamers. Since there’s no disc drive, the vast library of downloadable games or cloud streaming more than makes up for it. This makes the Series S an excellent choice for those looking to save money while still enjoying the biggest game releases.
Which Console is Right for You?
Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S depends on the type of gamer you are and your specific needs:
- Choose the Xbox Series X if you want the best graphics quality, have a 4K TV, and value the ability to store a large number of games at once. It’s also the ideal option if you own or plan to buy physical games.
- Choose the Xbox Series S if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, primarily play in 1080p or 1440p, and if your focus is on Game Pass and digital games.
Both consoles offer an incredible next-gen gaming experience. If your budget allows and you want the highest possible performance, the Series X is the right choice. However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective and practical solution, the Series S won’t disappoint.
