Gaming Consoles
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are both current Xbox consoles, but they target very different budgets and TV setups. Series X is the stronger choice for 4K gaming, larger storage, and disc-drive options, while Series S is the cheaper digital Xbox built for Game Pass and 1440p play. This comparison looks at performance, storage, discs, Game Pass, and value.
Last updated: May 23, 2026
Microsoft Xbox
Xbox Series X
A full-power Xbox console built for 4K gaming, storage, and premium TV setups.
VS
Microsoft Xbox
Xbox Series S
A compact digital Xbox built for affordable Game Pass gaming and smaller setups.
Not enough votes yet
Be the first to cast your vote above!
↑ Cast your vote to help build the results
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Xbox Series X — Pros
✓Stronger hardware for 4K TV gaming
✓Better long-term choice for visually demanding AAA games
✓Available with larger storage options, including 1TB and 2TB models
✓Disc-drive models support physical games and 4K UHD Blu-ray discs
✓Better fit for large TVs, home cinema setups, and serious couch gaming
✓Same Xbox ecosystem benefits, including Game Pass, Quick Resume, Smart Delivery, and backwards compatibility
Xbox Series X — Cons
✕Costs more than Xbox Series S
✕Larger and heavier than Series S
✕Some newer Series X variants are all-digital, so buyers must check the exact model
✕Overkill if you mostly play casual games, indie games, or on a 1080p display
✕Extra power matters less if you do not have a good 4K TV or gaming monitor
Xbox Series S — Pros
✓Lower-cost entry into the current Xbox generation
✓Compact design works well in bedrooms, desks, dorm rooms, and small apartments
✓Strong value when paired with Xbox Game Pass
✓Supports many of the same current-generation Xbox games as Series X
✓Available in 512GB and 1TB storage versions depending on model and region
✓Good choice for 1080p or 1440p displays
Xbox Series S — Cons
✕Digital-only, with no disc drive on any Series S model
✕Less powerful than Series X for 4K gaming and visual performance
✕512GB model fills quickly with large modern games
✕Not ideal for physical game collectors or used-disc buyers
✕Some games may run at lower resolution, lower settings, or reduced visual quality than Series X
Where it shines
✦Play Forza Motorsport or Forza Horizon 5 on a 4K TV with higher visual detail
✦Run Halo Infinite, Starfield, Diablo IV, and Call of Duty with stronger performance headroom
✦Watch 4K UHD Blu-ray discs on Series X disc-drive models
✦Store more large games on 1TB or 2TB internal SSD models before expanding storage
✦Use Game Pass on a premium living-room setup with a large 4K display
✦Play supported games at up to 120fps on compatible TVs or monitors
✦Choose the disc-drive model if you buy used games or physical Xbox releases
Where it shines
✦Play Fortnite, Rocket League, Minecraft, Roblox, and EA Sports FC on a budget Xbox setup
✦Use Game Pass to try rotating games without buying every title separately
✦Set up a compact Xbox in a bedroom, student room, desk setup, or second room
✦Play digital Xbox games on a 1080p or 1440p TV without paying Series X prices
✦Choose the 1TB Series S model if Game Pass downloads are part of your routine
✦Use Quick Resume to jump between supported digital games quickly
✦Start current-generation Xbox gaming without needing physical discs or Blu-ray playback
⚖️
Our Verdict
Xbox Series X is usually the better fit if you want the full Xbox experience. It gives you stronger performance, better 4K gaming headroom, larger storage options, and the choice of disc-drive models if you still buy physical games or Blu-ray discs. For a main living-room console connected to a good 4K TV, Series X makes more sense. Xbox Series S is usually the better fit if you want the cheapest practical way into modern Xbox gaming. It is small, quiet, digital-only, and works well with Game Pass. It is not built to match Series X visually, but it does not need to. Its job is to make Xbox cheaper and simpler. The real decision is not just X versus S. It is main console versus budget console. Series X is the stronger long-term machine. Series S is the smarter low-cost entry if digital gaming and Game Pass are enough for you.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Xbox Series X if...
→You want the strongest Xbox console for 4K gaming
→You have a good 4K TV or high-refresh gaming monitor
→You want more internal storage from the start
→You still buy physical games or Blu-ray discs
→You want the better long-term console for demanding AAA games
Choose Xbox Series S if...
→You want the cheapest current-generation Xbox
→You are comfortable with digital-only gaming
→You mainly use Game Pass
→You play on a 1080p or 1440p TV or monitor
→You want a compact console for a bedroom, desk, or second room
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Xbox Series X much better than Xbox Series S?
A: Yes, if you care about 4K gaming, visual quality, storage, and disc-drive options. Series S still plays many current Xbox games, but Series X has stronger hardware and is the better match for a large 4K TV.
Q: What is the main difference between Xbox Series X and Series S?
A: The main difference is power and format. Xbox Series X targets native 4K gaming and can include a disc drive, while Xbox Series S is all-digital and designed for 1440p gaming with 4K upscaling.
Q: Can Xbox Series S play the same games as Xbox Series X?
A: Mostly, yes. Both are part of the same Xbox generation and share the same Xbox ecosystem. The difference is usually how games look and perform, not whether the game exists on the console.
Q: Does Xbox Series S have a disc drive?
A: No. Xbox Series S is all-digital. Microsoft says disc-based games are not compatible with either the 512GB or 1TB Series S consoles. If discs matter, choose a Series X disc-drive model.
Q: Is Xbox Series X worth it for a 1080p TV?
A: Sometimes, but Series S may be enough for many 1080p setups. Series X still gives better performance headroom and more storage, but its biggest advantage shows on a 4K TV or high-refresh gaming monitor.
Q: Which Xbox is better for Game Pass?
A: Both work well with Game Pass. Series S is the cheaper Game Pass machine, while Series X gives you the better Game Pass experience on a 4K TV with more power and storage.
Q: Should I buy Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S in 2026?
A: Buy Xbox Series X if you want the best Xbox performance, 4K gaming, more storage, and disc-drive options. Buy Xbox Series S if price, small size, and digital Game Pass access matter more.
Sources & References
Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.
Community (0)
Share your experience with Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S
💬
No opinions shared yet
Be the first to share your experience with Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S
Related Comparisons
More Gaming Consoles comparisons you might find useful