Comparison
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which Console Should You Buy?
Pick the console your friends play on. If that's a tie, PS5 for exclusives, Xbox Series X for Game Pass value.
Buy the console your friends play on. If that's not a factor: get a PS5 for the exclusives, or an Xbox Series X if you want hundreds of games through Game Pass. Power-wise, they're basically even.
Quick verdict
- Best for exclusives: PS5. Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Gran Turismo 7, Astro Bot.
- Best value over time: Xbox Series X with Game Pass.
- Best on a budget: Xbox Series S, if you're fine with digital-only and lower resolution.
The short version
Both consoles play games in 4K, load fast from an SSD, and will play new releases for years. Graphics differences between the same game on each are small enough that most people can't tell.
The real choice is about games and subscriptions, not hardware.
Spec comparison
| PS5 | Xbox Series X | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | November 2020 | November 2020 |
| GPU power | 10.3 teraflops | 12 teraflops |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 825GB SSD (original), 1TB (Slim) | 1TB SSD |
| Disc drive | Disc or Digital editions | 4K Blu-ray included |
| Controller | DualSense: haptics, adaptive triggers | Xbox Wireless: AA batteries or pack |
| Subscription | PlayStation Plus | Xbox Game Pass |
| Backward compatible | Most PS4 games | Xbox One, plus many Xbox 360 and original Xbox games |
| Refurbished price | From $177.99 | From $187.99 |
Games
PlayStation's first-party games are the main reason to buy a PS5. Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part I, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Astro Bot are big, polished games you can't play on Xbox.
Xbox's story has changed. Microsoft now releases many of its games on PS5 too, so "Xbox exclusives" aren't much of a reason anymore. The reason to buy Xbox today is Game Pass: day-one access to Microsoft's own games plus a big rotating library.
Third-party games like Call of Duty, EA Sports FC, Fortnite and GTA come out on both.
Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus
Game Pass is the better deal if you play a lot of different games. New Microsoft games land in the top tier on release day.
PS Plus Extra and Premium give you a large catalogue of older games, but new first-party PlayStation games usually aren't included at launch.
Both are needed for most online multiplayer. Both raise prices now and then, so check current pricing before you commit.
Controller
The DualSense is the more fun controller. The haptics and adaptive triggers make you feel the tension of a bowstring or the road under a car. Battery life is shorter though.
The Xbox controller is the comfier one for long sessions, and it runs on AA batteries or a rechargeable pack, so it never dies on you mid-game if you keep spares.
What about PS5 Slim, PS5 Pro and Series S?
- PS5 Slim: smaller, 1TB storage, same performance. A good pick if you have shelf space limits.
- PS5 Pro: sharper and smoother in supported games. Worth it if you have a big 4K TV and care about frame rates. From $433.99.
- Xbox Series S: the cheapest way into current-gen. Digital only, smaller storage, aims for 1440p. Great for kids or a second TV. From $124.99.
Who should buy which
Get a PS5 if…
- Your friends are on PlayStation
- You want Sony's exclusives
- You want the best controller feel
Get an Xbox Series X if…
- You want Game Pass value
- You want a 4K Blu-ray player built in
- You still have an Xbox One or 360 game collection
Price range
Refurbished, the PS5 starts at $177.99 and the Xbox Series X at $187.99. Every console is tested, cleaned and covered by a 1-year warranty. See all refurbished consoles.
Thinking handheld instead? Read our Nintendo Switch comparison.
FAQ
Is the PS5 or Xbox Series X more powerful?
The Series X has slightly more raw GPU power (12 vs 10.3 teraflops). In real games, the difference is usually too small to notice.
Can I play PS4 games on a PS5?
Yes, the vast majority of PS4 games work on PS5, and many run better.
Is a refurbished console worth it?
Yes, if it's tested and warrantied. Consoles have few wear parts. Ours are fully tested, cleaned and come with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the PlayStation 5 pre-owned from $177.99, tested by real technicians with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns.