WD_BLACK D30 Portable External Xbox SSD, 1 TB

Last updated: August 3, 2023


This Xbox SSD is a versatile choice and is compatible with many devices, including PlayStation. It has a stylish look that aligns well with the console. The SSD has an extended capacity of two terabytes.

WD_BLACK D30 Portable External Xbox SSD, 1 TB

We looked at the top Xbox SSDs and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Xbox SSD you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This Xbox SSD is compatible with many different devices.

In our analysis of 23 expert reviews, the WD_BLACK D30 Portable External Xbox SSD, 1 TB placed 1st when we looked at the top 6 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Expanded capacity up to 2TB to store up to 50 games (As used for storage capacity, 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.) (Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.) Stylistically designed to sit alongside your console. Accelerated speeds up to 900MB/s to help minimize long load screens (Based on read speed and internal testing. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.) Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Practical design, if physically larger than required. Works on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with designated console models.
The D30 is a solid enough external SSD and is ready to go from the box for a range of tasks.
Fast peak read/write speeds. Chunky outer design says “gamer” without using RGB lighting. Casing made with game use thermal stress in mind.
Plug-and-play. Great build quality.
Industrial design with no obnoxious RBG lighting scheme. Breakneck transfer speeds on PCs with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port. Decent speeds on PCs with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port. Xbox One and PS4 games can be stored on and played directly from the WD_BLACK D30 on Xbox X | S and PS5 consoles.

What reviewers didn't like

Slow write performance, particularly sequential and sustained. Mediocre all-around performance.
A short cable is annoying and console owners, as per other drives, will have to be ok with storing and not launching games.
Poor speeds when transferring large game installs. Xbox Series X/S can’t make use of its full speed. Less effective all-round than some good quality SATA SSDs.
Expensive for the storage size.
Due to limitations placed by Microsoft and Sony on the Xbox X | S and the PlayStation 5, games that are optimized for those systems can be stored on the WD_BLACK D30, but you must transfer them to the console’s main memory before playing. If your computer doesn’t have USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, you won’t get the best Read/Write speeds this drive is capable of delivering.
View our Xbox SSD buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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