PS5 vs Xbox Series X: The Hardware

The short answer

The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are very close cousins. Both are built around custom AMD chips, both have fast solid-state drives, both can show games in 4K with ray tracing, and both play the same big multiplatform games. If you only look at the hardware, there is no clear winner, and anyone who tells you otherwise is probably cheering for a team.

The differences are in the details. The Xbox has the higher raw graphics number on paper and a larger built-in drive. The PlayStation has a faster drive on paper, a controller with unusual touch feedback and a slot that makes storage upgrades simple. Both sell cheaper, digital-only or smaller versions, and both companies have released newer or revised models since launch.

This page is about the machines themselves: chips, memory, storage, controllers, sound, size and noise. If you want help choosing by the games you play, the subscriptions you may pay for and the friends you play with, read our separate guide, PS5 vs Xbox: which ecosystem fits your routine.

A word about method. We use specifications published by the makers and public information. We do not claim to have run our own performance scores, and we do not invent scores. Prices, bundles and model versions change often, so we do not print them. Always check the exact version on the store page.

The published specifications

These are the numbers the makers published at and after launch. Later models and revisions can differ in drive size and design, so check the version you are buying. The table is a starting point, and the next sections explain what each line means in practice.

Processor and graphics

Both consoles use eight-core processors built on the same AMD design family, and both use graphics chips based on the same technology. The main difference is how those chips are set up.

The Xbox Series X has a larger graphics chip that runs at a fixed speed. That gives it the higher teraflop number, a measure of theoretical calculation power. The PlayStation 5 uses a smaller graphics chip that can run at very high, variable speeds, and which adjusts according to the work it has to do.

What does this mean while playing? On paper, the Xbox has an advantage in raw graphics power, and in some games, you may see slightly sharper resolution or a steadier frame rate there. In other games, the PlayStation matches or beats it. The difference is usually small, and it changes from game to game and from update to update. How a game is built, and how much time the developers spent tuning it for each console, often matters more than the chip.

A teraflop figure is not a score for how fun or good a console is. It is one number out of many. Use it as a hint, not a verdict.

Memory

Both consoles have 16 GB of fast memory, shared between the processor and the graphics. This memory has to hold the game, the textures and the system.

The way it is split differs slightly. The Xbox divides its memory into a faster pool and a slower pool, with a fixed amount reserved for the system. The PlayStation uses a single pool. Developers say that both approaches work well, and ordinary players will not notice a difference. The more important point is that the amount is the same, so neither console has a memory edge.

Storage: size, speed and expansion

Storage is where the two consoles feel different in daily life.

Built-in size

The original Xbox Series X came with a 1 TB drive, and the original PlayStation 5 with an 825 GB drive. In practice, the free space is less than the headline number, because the system takes a share. Modern games are large, and many take a hundred gigabytes or more, so both fill up fast. Later versions of each console have changed the built-in size, so check the model.

Speed

The PlayStation's drive has a higher published raw speed. The Xbox's drive is slower on paper, but it uses clever software that helps it deliver data efficiently. In most games, both consoles load levels much faster than the older generation. In day-to-day play, many people struggle to notice a difference between them.

Expansion

This is the practical difference. The PlayStation has an internal slot for a compatible fast drive, which you can add yourself, and you can also use external drives for older games. The Xbox uses a special expansion card made for the console. It is easy to fit and works very well, but it costs more per gigabyte than a normal drive, and it is sold by fewer makers. You can also use an external drive on both consoles for older games, though newer games usually need the fast storage.

If you plan to own many large games, include expansion costs in your budget.

Disc or digital

Both companies sell versions with and without a disc drive. A digital-only console is cheaper and has no moving parts, but you can buy games only from the online store. A console with a disc drive lets you buy used games, borrow from friends, and resell games. It also plays 4K Blu-ray films.

Think about your habits. If you buy games on sale from the store and your internet is fast and stable, digital is fine. If you like to trade games, or your connection has data limits, a disc drive is helpful. Some editions allow you to add a disc drive later. Check the details for the model you consider.

Also consider how much you will download. Large game files and updates use a lot of data, and in some places, internet is slow or costly. Be sure that your connection can handle it.

Controllers

The controller is the part you touch for hours, so it matters a lot.

DualSense on PlayStation

The PlayStation controller has fine vibration motors that can make you feel different surfaces, like gravel or rain, and triggers that can push back to simulate tension, like pulling a bowstring. It has a built-in rechargeable battery, a microphone, a speaker and a light bar. Some games use these features in clever ways, and others barely use them. Battery life is limited, so many players keep a charging cable or dock close by.

Xbox Wireless Controller

The Xbox controller is familiar, and comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes. It uses removable AA batteries in the standard version, so you can swap them quickly, and a rechargeable pack is available. It also connects easily to a PC and to many phones. It has a share button and fine vibration, but less of the distinctive touch feedback of the DualSense.

Grips are personal. Some players prefer the symmetrical sticks of the PlayStation. Others prefer the offset layout of the Xbox. If you can try both, do it. Both consoles support extra accessories like pro-style controllers, and both can support adapted controllers for players with different physical needs.

Picture and sound

Both consoles support 4K resolution, HDR for brighter and richer pictures, and high frame rates up to 120 frames per second in games that offer it. Both support variable refresh rate with a compatible screen, which smooths out dips and prevents tearing. You need a TV or monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port to enjoy the highest options.

Not all games reach these peaks. Many offer a choice between a mode that looks better and a mode that runs smoother. Try both and see which you prefer.

For sound, the PlayStation has its own 3D audio system that works best with headphones, and the Xbox supports spatial sound formats such as Dolby Atmos, some of which require a licence or an extra purchase. A good headset can make a bigger difference to the experience than a console's audio system. See our audio guide and gaming gear guide for headset advice.

Your screen is also a limit. A budget TV may not show 120 frames per second or good HDR at all, so make sure that your screen supports what you want before you pay for it.

Features that change daily life

Resuming games

The Xbox has a feature that keeps several games suspended, so you can jump between them in seconds, even after a restart. The PlayStation has a way to resume a game quickly, though it works somewhat differently, and also offers shortcuts to activities within games. Which feels better depends on the games you play.

Menus and system

Both systems are fast and clean, and both have been updated many times. The PlayStation interface focuses on game-by-game cards with quick access to specific activities. The Xbox interface is built around your library, recent games and subscription content. It is partly personal taste.

Remote play and streaming

Both consoles can stream games to other devices, such as phones and tablets, from the console at home, and the quality depends on your network. Both also support cloud streaming through subscriptions in some regions, which lets you play without a powerful device. Availability differs by country, so check it.

Parental controls

Both have good tools to limit playing time, spending and who your children can talk to. If children use the console, set these up on the first day.

Size, noise and heat

The Xbox Series X is a tall, black box that looks like a small tower. It is designed to stand upright, though it can lie flat, and it uses a vertical airflow design that draws air in from the bottom and out of the top. The PlayStation 5 is a bigger, curved white and black design with an optional stand, and newer versions are smaller than the first release.

Both are generally quiet in normal use, though they can get louder during demanding games, especially in warm rooms. Heat and noise reports vary a bit between individual units and between revisions, so read recent opinions on the exact model.

Placement matters. Give each console space for air to move, avoid putting it in a closed cabinet and keep dust away from the vents. Check your entertainment unit before you buy, since the Series X is tall and the PS5 is wide.

Power use is moderate for both. A console draws more power during demanding games and less in menus and on the home screen. Features that keep the console in an instant-on state can use a bit of electricity while it rests, so check the power settings.

Older games and backward compatibility

If you own games from the previous generation, backward compatibility could save you money.

The PlayStation 5 plays the vast majority of PlayStation 4 games, and some are improved by the faster hardware. It does not play discs from earlier generations before that, though some older titles are available through other routes.

The Xbox Series X plays many games from the previous generation, and also supports a good selection of titles from earlier Xbox generations, in some cases with improvements such as better resolution or smoother frame rates. Its compatibility library is one of its notable features.

Before you buy, check that your favourite older games are supported. Lists change over time, and the makers publish them.

Other versions and models

Both companies sell more than one console. Understanding them helps you avoid buying the wrong one.

• Xbox Series S. A smaller, cheaper, digital-only console with lower graphics power, aimed at 1080p or 1440p screens. It plays the same games as the Series X, usually at a lower resolution, and has a smaller drive.
• PlayStation 5 digital edition. The same machine without a disc drive.
• Slimmer and revised models. Both companies have released updated designs with smaller bodies or different drive sizes since launch.
• PlayStation 5 Pro. Released later by Sony, with a stronger graphics chip aimed at sharper images and smoother frame rates. It costs more and is meant for players with a good 4K screen who want the best.

Check the exact name on the box. Retailers sometimes sell older stock, bundles and imports that look similar but differ in drive size, region and warranty.

Virtual reality, PC and extras

The PlayStation 5 has its own VR headset, PlayStation VR2, which works with the console and has a library of games. The Xbox does not have a VR headset of its own. If virtual reality is important to you, see our VR guide for how headsets work and what to check.

The Xbox has strong links with Windows computers, and many games can be played on both. The PlayStation also brings some of its games to PC after a time. If you already own a gaming PC, you may not need a console at all. Our PC build guide and gaming laptop comparison can help you decide.

Performance modes in games

Many modern games give you a choice instead of one fixed setting. A quality mode favours sharper pictures, richer lighting and ray tracing, and often runs at a lower frame rate. A performance mode favours smoothness, with a higher frame rate and sometimes a lower resolution. Some games add a mode that tries to balance both.

Neither console is better at this by default. What matters is how the particular game was built for each one. A good habit is to try each mode for ten minutes, and keep the one that feels best on your own screen. Fast competitive games usually feel better at a higher frame rate, while slower story games can look wonderful in quality mode.

Remember that your TV has settings too. A game mode on the TV reduces the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result, which helps in any fast game.

Your first day with a new console

• Place it with good airflow, away from heat and in a spot where you can reach the ports.
• Use the high-speed HDMI cable that came in the box for the best picture.
• Run the first update and let it finish before you play.
• Set up the TV mode and check HDR and the frame rate options in the settings.
• Create the account for each player, and set parental controls for children.
• Check the free space on the drive, and decide which games to keep.
• Keep the box and receipt until you are sure everything works.

A calm setup now saves a lot of frustration later.

Buying, warranty and the used market

When you buy, check the region of the console, the version, the warranty and who will repair it. Consoles are sold through official channels and parallel imports, and the warranty may not be valid across borders. Ask where service is done and how long it takes.

A used console can be good value, but check it carefully. Make sure it has not been banned from online services, that all ports work, that the disc drive reads discs, and that the console is not too noisy. Ask for the original accessories, and check that it has been reset and removed from the previous owner's account. Never buy a console that is still signed in to someone else's account.

Be careful with deals that look too good. Fake bundles and stolen items exist. Use trusted sellers and keep the receipt.

Who should pick which

PlayStation 5 tends to suit you if you

• enjoy cinematic story-driven games and strong first-party titles
• like the unique feel of the controller
• want an easy internal upgrade slot for storage
• are interested in a console VR headset

Xbox Series X tends to suit you if you

• want the highest published graphics power in a console
• like a bigger built-in drive and fast game switching
• also play on a PC, and like a connected ecosystem
• value broad backward compatibility with older Xbox games

Remember that the best console is often the one your friends use, or the one that has the games you care about. For that side of the decision, read our ecosystem and game library guide.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying by the teraflop number. It is one clue, and not a promise of better games.
• Ignoring your TV. A screen without HDMI 2.1 or HDR cannot show what the console can do.
• Forgetting storage. A big library fills the drive quickly.
• Mixing up versions. Series S, digital editions and Pro models are different machines.
• Not checking the region and warranty. Imports can cause trouble.
• Deciding without thinking about friends. Online games work best when you play together.

Common questions

Which console is more powerful?

On published graphics figures, the Xbox Series X is higher. In real games, the difference is small and depends on the game. The PlayStation 5 has a faster drive on paper.

Do both play games in 4K?

Yes, many games run in 4K on both, often with options for higher frame rates. Your screen must support it.

Can I add storage?

Yes. The PlayStation has an internal slot for compatible drives, and the Xbox uses a special expansion card. Both support external drives for older games.

Is it worth waiting for a newer model?

There is always something new on the way. If you want to play now and the games you like are available, buy what suits you today and enjoy it.

Which is better for kids?

Both have good parental controls. Choose by the games your child wants to play, and set up limits on the first day.

Specifications, models and prices change. Check the official pages for the exact version before you buy. If you spot a mistake on this page, please tell us on the contact page, and read how we write on the methodology page.