Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB vs Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB
Get the Series S for Game Pass on a smaller TV. Unless you have a big 4K TV or buy games on disc: then the Series X.
Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB
A small, quiet console for Game Pass that plays mostly at 1080p, with no disc drive and only 512GB. Microsoft's price rises have taken away its value.
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB
A powerful 4K console with a disc drive and Game Pass, but after Microsoft's price rises it costs more than a PS5 with a disc drive.
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Both play the same games, but the Series X runs them in 4K, has a disc drive and 1TB of storage. The Series S is far smaller and costs much less, and on a smaller TV the 1080p picture looks fine.
- —You play mostly through Game Pass.
- —It's for a smaller TV or a bedroom.
- —Space is tight.
- —You have a big 4K TV.
- —You buy games on disc.
- —You want lots of storage.
What verified owners report
Only reviews from checked buyers count, and every 1–3 star review is read by us. How we do this
Owners love how fast, small and quiet it is, and it's a popular present. The main complaints are the small storage and units that crashed or stopped working.
- ✓A hit as a present
- ✓Fast loading
- ✓Easy to set up and use
- −Crashed, overheated or stopped working
- −Storage fills up after a few games
Owners love the 4K graphics and fast loading. Most complaints are units that crashed or stopped working, mostly reviewed in its first two years, and some find it little better than an Xbox One X.
- ✓Great 4K graphics
- ✓A hit as a present
- ✓Fast loading
- −Crashed, switched itself off or stopped working
- −Little better than an Xbox One X for the money
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Small and quiet
- +Fast loading
- +Plays every new Xbox game with Game Pass
- −No disc drive: every game is a download.
- −512GB fills after a handful of big games, and the official expansion cards are expensive.
- −Most games run at 1080p, so they look softer on a big 4K TV.
- −Some owners had consoles that crashed or stopped working.
- +4K games with fast loading
- +Disc drive and 1TB SSD
- +Quick Resume keeps several games paused
- −It's a big, heavy box, about 30cm tall.
- −The official storage expansion cards are expensive.
- −Microsoft has raised the price several times since 2025.
- Is the Xbox Series S worth it?
- Is the Xbox Series X worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: TechRadar, Push Square (PS5 Pro reviews), manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Xbox Series S: 1,981 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Target (US), read October 2026.
Owner reports for the Xbox Series X: 3,950 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Target (US), read October 2026.