Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition vs Microsoft Xbox Series X Console (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition
Custom SSD, DualSense haptics, 4K/60fps, PS5 exclusives. The best exclusive game library in gaming.
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Microsoft Xbox Series X Console
12 TFLOPS, Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Play Anywhere, 4K/120fps. Best value in gaming with Game Pass.
Check Price ↗ Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition | Microsoft Xbox Series X Console | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.8★ (48,000) | 4.8★ (42,000) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Excellent |
| Storage | 825GB custom SSD | 1TB NVMe SSD |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 9.2/10. Custom SSD, DualSense haptics, 4K/60fps, PS5 exclusives. The best exclusive game library in gaming. That said, the Microsoft Xbox Series X Console is worth considering if 12 TFLOPS, Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Play Anywhere, 4K/120fps. Best value in gaming with Game Pass..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition
- Strongest exclusive game library of any console: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon series
- DualSense adaptive triggers and haptics create physical feedback that fundamentally changes game feel
- Custom NVMe SSD eliminates loading screens — genuinely transformative vs PS4
- 3D audio creates spatial sound that makes headphones essential accessories
- PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium adds hundreds of classic PS4/PS5 games
- PlayStation Plus required for online multiplayer ($9.99/month)
- No equivalent to Xbox Game Pass — must buy most PS5 games individually
- Large physical size requires dedicated entertainment unit space
Microsoft Xbox Series X Console
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($14.99/month) includes 300+ games + online multiplayer — unmatched value
- Xbox Play Anywhere: every Xbox first-party game also runs on Windows PC — one purchase, two platforms
- Quick Resume pauses multiple games simultaneously and resumes instantly
- Backward compatibility covers Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games
- Quietest console made — almost inaudible even during demanding games
- Exclusive game library significantly weaker than PS5 — Halo, Forza are the main draws
- No equivalent to DualSense haptics — standard Xbox controller
- Game Pass requires ongoing monthly payment to access the game library
FAQ
Which is better, Sony PlayStation 5 Disc or Microsoft Xbox Series X?
Both are strong choices, but the Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 9.2/10. Custom SSD, DualSense haptics, 4K/60fps, PS5 exclusives. The best exclusive game library in gaming. That said, the Microsoft Xbox Series X Console is worth considering if 12 TFLOPS, Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Play Anywhere, 4K/120fps. Best value in gaming with Game Pass..
Is the Sony PlayStation 5 Disc worth the extra cost?
Yes — Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition scores higher at 9.4/10 vs 9.2/10.
Also Worth Considering
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
PS5 without disc drive, same performance, PS5 exclusives, PlayStation Store only. £100 cheaper than Disc.
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Microsoft Xbox Series S Console
1440p/60fps, all-digital, Game Pass, compact. Best value current-gen console.
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