The Best Consoles For Xbox Fans

  • Dani Rosewater

For many of us, no console will match the Xbox's speed, reliability, and awesome games. But these days, there are numerous options from which to choose, from the Xbox One to the Xbox X. If you're struggling to decide which console to go with, we recommend browsing our reviews to help you find the perfect pick.

What to Look For

Having grown up with games like Halo 3 and Call of Duty Modern Warfare, we’re pretty diehard fans of the Xbox. But to find the best consoles for the modern age, we had to ask some hard-hitting questions: Does it have a disc slot? Does it support backward compatibility? Does it come at a fair price? Does it have reliable and speedy hardware? What game titles is it compatible with? Our favorite comes at a premium price since it’s the latest release from Microsoft. The Xbox Series X is a powerful machine that sports the best specs yet, so our endorsement should come as no surprise. But if the price is too lofty, we suggest checking out its affordable contemporary, the Xbox Series S. For our in-depth reviews, read on.

Xbox Series X

The next generation is now

With backward compatibility and hardware that would make a PC gamer gawk, this console is the latest and the greatest.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

When we saw the specs of the Xbox Series X, it was hard to believe. This thing is a beast, with a 1TB hard drive, 4K graphics capabilities, and a “12 teraflops” of processing power. Better yet, that big hard drive is an SSD with a “Quick Resume” feature, meaning load-up times are wicked-fast. And for those still playing older games, the Xbox Series X is backward compatible with a vast library of titles from the Xbox One. Plus, it can add HDR to boost those older games’ colors and vividness. If you have the funds, the Xbox Series X is an investment that will remain cutting-edge for years to come.

Pros:

  • Gorgeous aesthetics
  • Whisper-quiet operation
  • Disc drive can play Blue-rays
  • HDMI 2.1 output can display 4K images at a competitive 120 frames per second
  • Downloads are fast

Cons:

  • It’s undeniably expensive

Microsoft Xbox Series S Console

Compact and capable

This series has done away with the bulk to offer a console that delivers speed and convenience.
Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

If you can’t afford the Xbox Series X, the Series S is the next best thing. In fact, not only is it an affordable alternative, it’s an excellent console in its own right. Contained within its slim and compact design is a powerful 512GB hard drive, an advanced graphics processor, and all the audio-visual might of its HDMI 2.1 output. Better yet, it supports backward compatibility, so you can redownload many of your pre-owned Xbox One games to consolidate your library.

Pros:

  • Advanced solid-state drive for speedy load-in times
  • Space-saving and stylish
  • The memory is expandable
  • Compatible with most new releases and AAA titles

Cons:

  • No disc drive, so it only works with digital games

Microsoft Xbox One X

A taste of excellence

It may not be the newest model, but this beauty maintains its high standards with modern specs and an accessible price.
Best Xbox One X

Find on Amazon

Years after its original release, the Xbox One X continues to shine as one of the best consoles on the market. At the time, it set the standard for what a console could do. As a matter of fact, the Xbox One X sports specs that are still cutting-edge, such as native 4K imaging and HDR color that pops. Most importantly, the massive library of compatible games only gets bigger with new releases, making the Xbox One X a fresh and worthy competitor in the contemporary arena.

Pros:

  • Includes Xbox One controller, one of the best designs ever
  • Backward compatibility extends as far back as original Xbox games
  • Crisp 4K images with high frame rates

Cons:

  • The hard drive fills up quickly, so you may need to expand

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition

Cross those platforms

If you're open to switching to another console, this competitor is surely the best alternative.
Best Alternative

Find on Amazon

If you’re not an Xbox purist, then the PlayStation 5 is worth a gander. This console has taken the gaming world by storm with advanced hardware that produces lightning-fast load times and smooth, crisp 4K visuals. Even the user interface is impressive, as flipping through apps and settings is intuitive and speedy. As a result, many people use the PS5 as their all-in-one media console since it supports media streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube. And most importantly, the included controller has a chunkier design that feels right at home in the hands of an Xbox fan.

Pros:

  • Excellent controller design with haptic feedback
  • Incredibly immersive 3D sound
  • Great library of titles

Cons:

  • The fan isn’t quite as quiet compared to the newer Xbox consoles’
  • The body of the console is kind of bulky

Xbox Series S – Gilded Hunter Bundle

Ready to game

This bundle comes with access to digital downloads for three renowned games so that you can dive right in.
Best Bundle

Find on Amazon

We’ve already sung the praises of the Xbox Series S, but this bundle just takes its merits to the next level. It comes with virtual currency to help you access three imminent games: Rocket League, Fortnite, and Fall Guys. If you somehow haven’t heard of these games, you’re in for a treat. They make the most of the fast graphics processing power of the Xbox Series S, and they’re accessible to younger gamers, as well. If you’re looking for an excellent gift for someone with a competitive streak, this is your best bet.

Pros:

  • The compact package includes three games
  • Affordable price
  • Capable of reaching 120fps to keep the competitive edge

Cons:

  • Super limited functions without an internet connection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Xbox 360 games on a newer Xbox model?

Many of the newest Xbox models offer backward compatibility, and many can even enhance the visuals of old games with their HDR processing. However, some models are also “digital editions,” meaning they lack a disc tray. Thus, we recommend checking the compatibility of your particular earlier-gen games and your console of choice with a quick web search.

Can I use my Xbox to watch Netflix?

Most newer gaming consoles support streaming support for apps like Netflix and YouTube. This compatibility started with the Xbox 360, though earlier generations of consoles don’t necessarily have HDR or 4K support. Again, we suggest doing a little research to make sure your console of choice meets your streaming expectations.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.