Search Results
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

BEST XBOX CONSOLES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Microsoft Xbox Series X
Microsoft
Xbox Series X
Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s most powerful console, delivering lightning-fast load times, stunning 4K visuals, and seamless gameplay. It’s designed for serious gamers who want the best performance and future-proof hardware.
Check Price
Check price at Amazon
Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Exceptional performance and graphics
  • Extensive backward compatibility
  • Fast load times
  • Quiet and efficient cooling
CONS
  • Large and heavy design
  • Limited storage expansion options
  • No bundled games
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Microsoft Xbox Series S
Microsoft
Xbox Series S
Affordable Next-Gen Entry
The Xbox Series S is a compact, all-digital console that brings next-generation gaming to a wider audience. It’s perfect for those who want high performance at a more accessible price point.
Check Price
Check price at Amazon
Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Fast load times
  • Access to next-gen features
CONS
  • Limited storage capacity
  • No physical disc support
  • Lower native resolution than Series X
Microsoft Xbox One S
Microsoft
Xbox One S
Classic Gaming Experience
The Xbox One S is a reliable console for those who want to enjoy a vast library of games, streaming, and entertainment in 4K. It’s a great entry point for casual gamers and families.
Check Price
Check price at Amazon
Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable and reliable
  • Great for streaming and media
  • Backward compatibility
  • Sleek, compact design
CONS
  • Lower gaming performance
  • Slower load times
  • Limited to last-gen games
Microsoft Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
Microsoft
Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
Premium All-Digital Console
The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is a disc-free console for those who prefer digital downloads and streaming. It’s a budget-friendly way to access a wide range of games and entertainment.
Check Price
Check price at Amazon
Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Lower price point
  • No need for discs
  • Great for digital libraries
  • Supports 4K streaming
CONS
  • No physical media support
  • Limited to last-gen performance
  • Requires reliable internet
Microsoft Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle
Microsoft
Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle
Elite Gaming Bundle
The Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle combines the power of the Series X with the highly anticipated Diablo IV game, offering an immersive experience for fans of action RPGs and next-gen gaming.
Check Price
Check price at Amazon
Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Includes a top new game
  • Outstanding performance
  • Exclusive content for fans
  • Fast load times
CONS
  • Higher price than standalone console
  • Large physical footprint
  • Limited edition availability
BEST OF THE BEST
Microsoft Xbox Series X
Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse
Processor: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.8 GHz
Graphics: 12 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA 2
RAM: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
Resolution: Up to 8K HDR
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 3.1

The Xbox Series X stands as the flagship console in Microsoft’s lineup, engineered for those who demand the highest level of gaming performance. With its custom-designed processor leveraging AMD’s latest Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, the Series X brings true 4K gaming and up to 120 frames per second, ensuring smooth and immersive experiences.

The console’s 1TB NVMe SSD drastically reduces load times, allowing players to jump between games with Quick Resume. Its backward compatibility supports thousands of titles across four generations of Xbox, making it a great choice for both new and returning players.

The Series X also features advanced ray tracing, spatial audio, and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, elevating both visuals and sound.Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a casual player, the Xbox Series X offers a premium experience with its robust hardware, extensive game library, and integration with Xbox Game Pass.

PROS
  • Exceptional performance and graphics
  • Extensive backward compatibility
  • Fast load times
  • Quiet and efficient cooling
CONS
  • Large and heavy design
  • Limited storage expansion options
  • No bundled games
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Microsoft Xbox Series S
Affordable Next-Gen Entry
Processor: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.6 GHz
Graphics: 4 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA 2
RAM: 10GB GDDR6
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Optical Drive: None (Digital Only)
Resolution: 1440p up to 120 FPS
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 3.1

The Xbox Series S offers next-gen gaming in a small, sleek package. Designed for digital-first gamers, it omits a disc drive and focuses on delivering high-quality visuals and fast performance at a lower cost.

The Series S supports up to 1440p resolution with upscaling to 4K, and features the same custom SSD technology as the Series X for rapid load times.Despite its smaller size, the Series S is capable of running the latest games with impressive graphical fidelity and supports ray tracing, variable rate shading, and high frame rates.

Its integration with Xbox Game Pass makes it an excellent choice for gamers who prefer digital libraries and want access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee.The Xbox Series S is ideal for those who want to experience next-gen features without breaking the bank, or as a secondary console for another room.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Fast load times
  • Access to next-gen features
CONS
  • Limited storage capacity
  • No physical disc support
  • Lower native resolution than Series X
Microsoft Xbox One S
Classic Gaming Experience
Processor: 8-core AMD Jaguar, 1.75 GHz
Graphics: 1.4 TFLOPS, AMD GCN
RAM: 8GB DDR3
Storage: 1TB HDD
Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
Resolution: Up to 4K (video)
Ports: HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 3.0

The Xbox One S remains a popular choice for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. With its sleek design and built-in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the One S is not just a gaming console but also a comprehensive entertainment hub.

It supports HDR for enhanced visuals and offers access to a huge catalog of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games through backward compatibility. The One S is also a strong contender for media streaming, supporting popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu in 4K resolution.

While it doesn’t offer the raw power of the Series X or S, the Xbox One S is perfect for those who want a dependable console for gaming, movies, and streaming at an affordable price.

PROS
  • Affordable and reliable
  • Great for streaming and media
  • Backward compatibility
  • Sleek, compact design
CONS
  • Lower gaming performance
  • Slower load times
  • Limited to last-gen games
Microsoft Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
Premium All-Digital Console
Processor: 8-core AMD Jaguar, 1.75 GHz
Graphics: 1.4 TFLOPS, AMD GCN
RAM: 8GB DDR3
Storage: 1TB HDD
Optical Drive: None (Digital Only)
Resolution: Up to 4K (video)
Ports: HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 3.0

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is designed for gamers who have fully embraced the digital age. By removing the disc drive, Microsoft offers a more affordable console that focuses on digital downloads, cloud saves, and streaming services.

This model comes with a 1TB hard drive, providing ample space for downloaded games, apps, and media. It supports 4K video streaming and HDR, making it a solid choice for both gaming and entertainment. The console is also compatible with Xbox Game Pass, giving users access to a vast library of games for a monthly subscription.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is perfect for those who don’t need physical media and want a streamlined, cost-effective gaming and entertainment solution.

PROS
  • Lower price point
  • No need for discs
  • Great for digital libraries
  • Supports 4K streaming
CONS
  • No physical media support
  • Limited to last-gen performance
  • Requires reliable internet
Microsoft Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle
Elite Gaming Bundle
Processor: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.8 GHz
Graphics: 12 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA 2
RAM: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
Resolution: Up to 8K HDR
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 3.1

The Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle is a premium package for gamers who want to dive straight into one of the most exciting action RPGs available. This bundle includes the powerful Xbox Series X console and a digital copy of Diablo IV, ensuring you can experience the game’s dark, detailed world in stunning 4K resolution.

With the Series X’s advanced hardware, Diablo IV runs smoothly with fast load times, high frame rates, and breathtaking visuals. The bundle also provides access to exclusive in-game content, making it a great value for both new and returning players.

It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the latest games with top-tier performance right out of the box.Whether you’re a longtime Diablo fan or new to the series, this bundle delivers a complete next-gen gaming experience with one of the most anticipated titles of the year.

PROS
  • Includes a top new game
  • Outstanding performance
  • Exclusive content for fans
  • Fast load times
CONS
  • Higher price than standalone console
  • Large physical footprint
  • Limited edition availability

How our picks compare

SpecificationMicrosoft Xbox Series XMicrosoft Xbox Series SMicrosoft Xbox One SMicrosoft Xbox One S All-Digital EditionMicrosoft Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle
Processor8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.8 GHz8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.6 GHz8-core AMD Jaguar, 1.75 GHz8-core AMD Jaguar, 1.75 GHz8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.8 GHz
Graphics12 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA 24 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA 21.4 TFLOPS, AMD GCN1.4 TFLOPS, AMD GCN12 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA 2
RAM16GB GDDR610GB GDDR68GB DDR38GB DDR316GB GDDR6
Storage1TB NVMe SSD512GB NVMe SSD1TB HDD1TB HDD1TB NVMe SSD
Optical Drive4K UHD Blu-rayNone (Digital Only)4K UHD Blu-rayNone (Digital Only)4K UHD Blu-ray
ResolutionUp to 8K HDR1440p up to 120 FPSUp to 4K (video)Up to 4K (video)Up to 8K HDR
PortsHDMI 2.1, 3x USB 3.1HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 3.1HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 3.0HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 3.0HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 3.1

Choosing the right Xbox console can feel overwhelming, especially with several generations and models available. To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider your gaming preferences, budget, and the features that matter most to you.

Start by understanding the current lineup. Microsoft’s latest consoles are the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The Series X is the flagship model, offering powerful hardware capable of native 4K gaming, fast load times thanks to its SSD, and a disc drive for physical games and movies. The Series S, on the other hand, is a more affordable, all-digital option. It’s smaller, less powerful, and targets 1440p resolution, but still benefits from the same fast storage and next-generation features as its bigger sibling.

If you’re considering older models, the Xbox One family is still widely available, often at lower prices. The Xbox One X was the most powerful of its generation, supporting 4K gaming and enhanced visuals, while the Xbox One S offered a balance of performance and affordability. However, keep in mind that as time goes on, support for these older systems will wane, and new games may not be compatible.

When deciding which console is best for you, think about the types of games you want to play. If you’re interested in the latest releases and want to future-proof your setup, the Series X is the best choice. It’s designed to handle demanding games for years to come. If you’re more of a casual gamer or don’t mind lower resolutions, the Series S provides a modern experience at a lower cost.

Another important factor is your existing library. If you have a collection of physical Xbox One games or movies, the Series X’s disc drive will be essential, as the Series S cannot play discs. Both new consoles support backward compatibility, allowing you to play many Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even some original Xbox games.

Consider storage needs as well. Modern games can be quite large, and while both Series X and Series S use fast SSDs, the Series S comes with less storage space. You may need to invest in an expansion card or external drive if you plan to install many games at once.

Online services are another aspect to weigh. Xbox Game Pass offers access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee, and both new consoles are designed to take full advantage of this service. If you’re interested in online multiplayer or streaming, ensure you have a reliable internet connection.

Lastly, think about your budget. The Series S is the most affordable entry point into the new generation, while the Series X commands a premium for its top-tier performance. Refurbished or pre-owned consoles can also offer savings, but be sure to buy from reputable sources to avoid issues with warranty or hardware reliability.

In summary, finding the best Xbox console comes down to balancing performance, price, and your personal gaming habits. Take the time to assess what features are most important to you, and you’ll be able to select a console that delivers a satisfying gaming experience for years to come.