Microsoft Xbox Series X vs Microsoft Xbox Series S
Gaming Consoles comparison: specs, VersusAnything Score, key differences and a clear recommendation.
If you are torn between Microsoft Xbox Series X and Microsoft Xbox Series S, this page lays out every specification that separates them and what each one means in use. The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's 12-teraflop flagship with Quick Resume, broad backwards compatibility and day-one Game Pass access. The Xbox Series S is the smallest, cheapest current-gen console, targeting 1440p rather than 4K but running every Series X game.
Quick verdict
On the VersusAnything Score, Microsoft Xbox Series S finishes ahead, 62 to 48. It is the better buy for Game Pass subscribers on a 1080p or 1440p screen; for players who value Game Pass and the ability to play four generations of Xbox games, Xbox Series X still makes more sense.
VersusAnything Score
Scores are calculated from measurable specifications normalised within the gaming consoles category and weighted by the factors above. Text-only rows (such as chipset or operating system) are explained but not scored. How the score works.
Side-by-side overview
Microsoft Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's 12-teraflop flagship with Quick Resume, broad backwards compatibility and day-one Game Pass access.
Best for players who value Game Pass and the ability to play four generations of Xbox games
Microsoft Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is the smallest, cheapest current-gen console, targeting 1440p rather than 4K but running every Series X game.
Best for Game Pass subscribers on a 1080p or 1440p screen
Key differences
- CPU: Xbox Series X 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz vs Xbox Series S 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.6 GHz — a preference, not a scored win
- Max output: Xbox Series X 4K at up to 120 fps, 8K capable vs Xbox Series S 1440p at up to 120 fps, 4K upscaled — a preference, not a scored win
- Disc drive: Xbox Series X Yes (4K Blu-ray) vs Xbox Series S No — a preference, not a scored win
- Price (USD, 2025 list): Xbox Series X $649 vs Xbox Series S $399 — Xbox Series S is better here
- Weight: Xbox Series X 4.45 kg vs Xbox Series S 1.93 kg — Xbox Series S is better here
Specification comparison table
| Specification | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| GPU power | 12.15 TFLOPS | 4 TFLOPS |
| CPU | 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz | 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.6 GHz |
| Max output | 4K at up to 120 fps, 8K capable | 1440p at up to 120 fps, 4K upscaled |
| Storage | 1,000 GB | 512 GB |
| Disc drive | Yes (4K Blu-ray) | No |
| Key exclusives | Halo, Forza, Starfield, Gears, plus Game Pass | Halo, Forza, Starfield, Gears, plus Game Pass |
| Price (USD, 2025 list) | $649 | $399 |
| Portable | No | No |
| Weight | 4.45 kg | 1.93 kg |
Performance: Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S Score: Xbox Series X 83 · Xbox Series S 33
Xbox Series X offers 12.15 TFLOPS of GPU power while Xbox Series S stops at 4 TFLOPS; the 8.15 TFLOPS gap matters because teraflops are a rough proxy for how much graphical headroom the console has. Xbox Series X: 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz. Xbox Series S: 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.6 GHz. Neither is scored, but the CPU decides frame-rate stability in simulation-heavy games.
For max output, Xbox Series X uses 4K at up to 120 fps, 8K capable whereas Xbox Series S goes with 1440p at up to 120 fps, 4K upscaled. This is a preference rather than a scored win: output resolution and frame rate decide what your TV or screen can show.
Storage: Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S Score: Xbox Series X 83 · Xbox Series S 25
Xbox Series X offers 1,000 GB of storage while Xbox Series S stops at 512 GB; the 488 GB gap matters because modern games exceed 100 GB each, so storage fills quickly.
Value: Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S Score: Xbox Series X 17 · Xbox Series S 100
Xbox Series X: Yes (4K Blu-ray). Xbox Series S: No. Neither is scored, but a disc drive lets you buy used games and lend them. On key exclusives the two match exactly (Halo, Forza, Starfield, Gears, plus Game Pass).
Xbox Series S is better on price (USD, 2025 list) at $399 against $649, a $250 difference; lower is better because console prices moved in 2025, so we use the latest official list price.
Portability: Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S Score: Xbox Series X 0 · Xbox Series S 67
Both list No for portable, so nothing separates them here.
Xbox Series S is better on weight at 1.93 kg against 4.45 kg, a 2.52 kg difference; lower is better because weight matters for handhelds and for carrying a console to a friend's house.
Pros and cons
Xbox Series X
Pros
- 12 TFLOPS GPU
- Game Pass day-one releases
- Best backwards compatibility
- Better GPU power (12.15 TFLOPS)
- Better storage (1,000 GB)
Cons
- Weaker weight (4.45 kg)
- Weaker price (USD, 2025 list) ($649)
Xbox Series S
Pros
- Smallest Xbox ever
- Lowest-cost current-gen console
- Runs all Series X games
- Better GPU power (4 TFLOPS)
- Better storage (512 GB)
Cons
- Weaker weight (1.93 kg)
- Weaker price (USD, 2025 list) ($399)
Which one should you buy?
Choose Microsoft Xbox Series X for…
Players who value Game Pass and the ability to play four generations of Xbox games. It stands out for 12 tflops gpu, game pass day-one releases, best backwards compatibility.
Choose Microsoft Xbox Series S for…
Game Pass subscribers on a 1080p or 1440p screen. It stands out for smallest xbox ever, lowest-cost current-gen console, runs all series x games.
Final verdict
Xbox Series S scores 62 to Xbox Series X's 48 on our category weighting, making it the stronger overall pick for Game Pass subscribers on a 1080p or 1440p screen. Xbox Series X remains the right call for players who value Game Pass and the ability to play four generations of Xbox games. The VersusAnything Score is a transparent starting point, not a command; weight the rows you care about and the right answer for you may differ.
Compare with another console
Frequently asked questions
Is Xbox Series X better than Xbox Series S?
On the VersusAnything Score, Xbox Series S finishes ahead 62 to 48. That makes Xbox Series S the better overall pick for Game Pass subscribers on a 1080p or 1440p screen, while Xbox Series X is still the right choice for players who value Game Pass and the ability to play four generations of Xbox games.
What is the biggest difference between Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S?
The largest gap is CPU: Xbox Series X lists 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz while Xbox Series S lists 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.6 GHz. The CPU decides frame-rate stability in simulation-heavy games.
Which is cheaper, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?
Xbox Series S is cheaper on price (USD, 2025 list): $399 against $649 for Xbox Series X. Street prices vary by country and retailer, so check current offers.
Who should choose Xbox Series S over Xbox Series X?
Xbox Series S is the better fit for Game Pass subscribers on a 1080p or 1440p screen. Its strongest points are smallest xbox ever, lowest-cost current-gen console, runs all series x games.
Sources
- Xbox Series X: Microsoft official (manufacturer)
- Xbox Series S: Microsoft official (manufacturer)
Specifications last verified: 2026-10-01. Prices are launch or official list prices in US dollars unless stated. See our sources and data policy.