Comparison
Xbox Series X vs Series S: Which Xbox Should You Buy?
The Series X is the one for a 4K TV, with a disc drive and more storage. The Series S plays the same games at up to 1440p in a much smaller box.
It comes down to your TV. The Xbox Series X is the one to get for a 4K TV: three times the graphics power, true 4K, 1TB or more of storage and a disc drive. The Xbox Series S plays the same games at up to 1440p in a console less than half the weight. If you play on a 1080p screen or only buy digital, the Series S is enough.
The real difference: 4K power or a small, digital-only box
- Same on bothEvery Xbox Series game, up to 120fps, ray tracing, Game Pass, Quick Resume and backward compatibility with Xbox One, 360 and original Xbox games
- The Series X gets youTrue 4K, 12 teraflops and 16GB of memory, 1TB or 2TB of storage and a disc drive (on the Disc model)
- The Series S gets youA 1.9kg console about 6.5cm thick, built for 1080p and 1440p screens, with 512GB or 1TB of storage
You play on a 4K TV
You buy or borrow game discs
You want 1TB or more of storage
You want the sharpest graphics
You play on a 1080p or 1440p screen
You only buy digital or play Game Pass
You want a small console for a bedroom or dorm
You are buying for a younger player
Not sure? Answer 3 quick questions
What will you play on?
Do you buy game discs?
How many big games do you keep installed?
Round by round
The Series X has three times the graphics power (12 teraflops against 4) and targets true 4K. The Series S renders at up to 1440p and upscales, so games look softer on a big 4K TV.
Every Xbox Series game runs on both, and both play Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through backward compatibility. Game Pass works the same on both.
1TB or 2TB on the Series X, 512GB or 1TB on the Series S. Big games fill a 512GB Series S fast. Both take the same expansion cards and USB drives.
The Series X Disc model plays game discs you can buy used, sell or borrow, plus 4K Blu-ray movies. The Series S has no disc drive, so every game is a download.
At about 1.9kg and 6.5cm thick, the Series S fits on a shelf, in a backpack or under a small TV. The Series X is a 30cm tower at about 4.4kg.
On a 1080p or 1440p screen you lose little with the Series S, since it is built for those resolutions.
The Series X wins on graphics, storage and discs. The Series S wins on size and fits smaller screens. They play the same games, so your TV and whether you buy discs should decide it.
Skip it if
Skip the Series X if
- You play on a 1080p TV or monitor and only buy digital
- You need it to fit a small shelf, a dorm desk or a bag
- It is for a younger kid who mostly plays Game Pass
Skip the Series S if
- You have a 4K TV and care how games look
- You own game discs or buy used games
- You keep many big games installed at once
SOur take
If it is going under a 4K TV, get the Series X. The extra power is easy to see, and the disc drive lets you play your old Xbox One discs.
If it is for a bedroom, a dorm or a 1080p screen, the Series S plays every game in a much smaller box. Get the 1TB model if you can, because 512GB fills up fast.
Every spec side by side
Better Same on both
Specs from Microsoft. Storage and disc drive depend on the model.
Before you buy
Which model?
The Series X comes as the 1TB Disc model, a 1TB Digital model without a disc drive, and a 2TB model. The Series S comes in 512GB and 1TB, both digital only. Check the model on the product page before you add it to your cart.
Good to know
- Online multiplayer needs Game Pass Essential or higher for most games
- Storage expansion cards work in both consoles
- Xbox One controllers work on both
Price
A pre-owned Xbox Series X starts at $869.99 in our store, and an Xbox Series S starts at $659.99. Prices update live. Browse all consoles. Every console comes with up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.
Related: PS5 vs Xbox Series X · PS5 vs PS5 Slim vs PS5 Pro · PS5 vs Switch 2
Still choosing? Read our guide to which console to buy.
FAQ
Is the Xbox Series X or Series S better?
The Series X is better on a 4K TV: three times the graphics power, true 4K, more storage and a disc drive. The Series S is better if you play on a 1080p or 1440p screen, want a small console, or only buy digital games.
Can the Xbox Series S play the same games as the Series X?
Yes. Every Xbox Series game is made to run on both. The Series S runs them at lower resolution, and it cannot play game discs.
Does the Series S play in 4K?
It upscales to 4K for video and some games, but it renders most games at up to 1440p. For true 4K gaming, get the Series X.
Is 512GB enough on the Series S?
For a few big games at a time, barely. Big games can take a large chunk of it. Get the 1TB model, or add an expansion card or a USB drive for older games.
Do I need Game Pass to play online?
For most online multiplayer, yes: Game Pass Essential or higher. Free-to-play games are the usual exception.
Can I play my Xbox One games?
Yes, on both. The Series X also plays Xbox One game discs. The Series S plays them only as digital downloads.
Which Xbox is better for kids?
The Series S for a bedroom TV or a younger player who mostly plays digital and Game Pass games. The Series X for a family 4K TV or if you buy game discs.
Sources: Xbox: Series X; Xbox: Series S.
Évitez le prix du neuf
Procurez-vous le Xbox Series X d'occasion à partir de $869.99, testé par de vrais techniciens, avec une garantie d'un an et des retours sous 14 jours.
