PS5 vs Xbox Series X
Choosing between Sony and Microsoft often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the home console class, that pair is the PS5 and the Xbox Series X. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Xbox Series X takes 2 of 2 areas against the PS5, starting with performance. Read on for the spec-by-spec breakdown.
At a glance
- Performance Xbox Series X wins
- Memory & Storage Xbox Series X wins
- Price Xbox Series X wins
- Performance5.3
- Memory & Storage6.2
- Performance8.2
- Memory & Storage7.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Xbox Series X has 18% more GPU compute
Big gap, real consequences. The Xbox Series X’s 12.15 TFLOPS versus the PS5’s 10.28 TFLOPS changes how the two compare in daily use. GPU compute is a headline figure for graphics power, and more of it usually means sharper images or smoother frame rates.
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The Xbox Series X has 175 GB more built-in storage
The PS5 is clearly behind on built-in storage (825 GB against 1,000 GB), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. With the Xbox Series X, you can keep more games ready to play without deleting old favorites.
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The Xbox Series X has 25% more memory bandwidth
On this line of the spec sheet, the Xbox Series X is in a different league: 560 GB/s, next to 448 GB/s for the PS5. Bandwidth works hand in hand with GPU power; one without the other can become a bottleneck.
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The PS5 has
Differences like this cut both ways. The PS5 lists 10.24 in, the Xbox Series X 5.94 in. Depth decides whether the console fits on a shallow shelf with room for cables at the back.
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The Xbox Series X has
More isn’t automatically better here: the Xbox Series X’s 5.94 in and the PS5’s 4.09 in simply suit different preferences. Height matters most if you stand the console upright or need it to fit under a shelf.
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The PS5 has
The Xbox Series X has the lower figure on width (11.85 in), while the PS5 reaches 15.35 in. A wider body can leave room for better cooling; a narrower one is easier to place.
Design & Size
- PS5 15.35 in × 4.09 in × 10.24 in
- Xbox Series X 11.85 in × 5.94 in × 5.94 in
Going by the official dimensions, the Xbox Series X is the larger of the two. The PS5 and the Xbox Series X weigh almost the same.
Design & Size
| Spec | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 15.35 in | 11.85 in |
| Height | 4.09 in | 5.94 in |
| Depth | 10.24 in | 5.94 in |
| Weight | 9.92 lb Heaviest in class | 9.81 lb |
Performance
Xbox Series X leads
The performance comparison is one-sided. The Xbox Series X leads where it counts. The Xbox Series X stands out with 18% more GPU compute. Teraflops don’t capture everything (memory, upscaling and optimization matter too), but they’re a useful yardstick. For anyone who cares most about performance, the Xbox Series X is the safer choice.
GPU compute (FP32)
PS5: 10.28 TFLOPS Xbox Series X: 12.15 TFLOPS The Xbox Series X’s extra compute gives games more room for higher resolutions and richer effects.
CPU max clock
PS5: 3.50 GHz Xbox Series X: 3.80 GHz CPU architectures differ between consoles, so clock speed is one piece of the performance puzzle.
Memory & Storage
Xbox Series X leads
Look at the memory & storage table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series X comes with 175 GB more built-in storage. Modern games are large, so more built-in storage means fewer installs to juggle. Weighing only memory & storage, the Xbox Series X comes out ahead.
Built-in storage
PS5: 825 GB Xbox Series X: 1,000 GB Check the expansion options in the table; extra storage can often be added later, at a cost.
Memory bandwidth
PS5: 448 GB/s Xbox Series X: 560 GB/s The Xbox Series X’s extra bandwidth helps keep its GPU fed in demanding scenes.
Features & Media
The PS5 and the Xbox Series X differ on features & media in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Performance
| Spec | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Zen 2, 8 cores / 16 threads | Custom AMD Zen 2, 8 cores |
| CPU max clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.80 GHz (winner) |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based, up to 2.23 GHz | Custom AMD RDNA 2, 1.825 GHz |
| GPU compute units | 36 | 52 Most GPU compute units |
| GPU compute (FP32)Manufacturer figure | 10.28 TFLOPS | 12.15 TFLOPS (winner) |
| Max output resolution | 8K output; 4K at 120 Hz | 8K output; 4K at up to 120 fps |
| Max frame rate | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Hardware ray tracing | Yes | Yes |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| System memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 560 GB/s (winner) |
| Built-in storage | 825 GB | 1,000 GB (winner) |
| Storage type | Custom NVMe SSD | Custom NVMe SSD |
| Storage expansion | M.2 NVMe SSD slot; USB extended storage | Storage Expansion Card slot; USB 3.1 external drive |
Features & Media
| Spec | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | Ultra HD Blu-ray | 4K UHD Blu-ray |
| Handheld play | No | No |
| Built-in screen | None | None |
| Backward compatibility | Most PS4 games | Xbox One and select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Design & Size
| Spec | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 15.35 in | 11.85 in |
| Height | 4.09 in | 5.94 in |
| Depth | 10.24 in | 5.94 in |
| Weight | 9.92 lb Heaviest in class | 9.81 lb |
Price
| Spec | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $500 | $499 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price is almost a tie, with the Xbox Series X launching $1 below the PS5. Less money, more wins: the Xbox Series X beats the PS5 on value by a clear margin and saves $1.
Based on US launch pricing as of November 2020. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the PS5 if…
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
- you already use other Sony products
Choose the Xbox Series X if…
- you care about graphics horsepower (12.15 TFLOPS vs 10.28 TFLOPS of GPU compute)
- you want more built-in storage (1,000 GB vs 825 GB)
- you want more memory bandwidth (560 GB/s vs 448 GB/s)
- you play CPU-heavy games like big simulations and open worlds (3.80 GHz vs 3.50 GHz)
- you want more value for your money ($1 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the PS5 or the Xbox Series X?
On the specs compared here, the Xbox Series X makes more sense for most buyers; the PS5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which costs less, the PS5 or the Xbox Series X?
The PS5 launched at $1 more than the Xbox Series X, based on prices as of November 2020.
Which is faster, the PS5 or the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X has the edge in performance thanks to 18% more GPU compute and an 8.6% faster CPU clock.
Is the PS5 bigger than the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X is the larger of the two. It measures 11.85 × 5.94 × 5.94 in, compared with 15.35 × 4.09 × 10.24 in for the PS5.
Is the PS5 lighter than the Xbox Series X?
The difference between the PS5 and the Xbox Series X is too small to notice, so call it a tie.
Which has more storage, the PS5 or the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X offers more, with 1,000 GB against 825 GB.
Executive Summary
The PS5 and the Xbox Series X are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. To me, the standout is that the Xbox Series X offers 18% more GPU compute. Stack 175 GB more built-in storage on top of that, and the Xbox Series X’s lead grows.
If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is your thing, the PS5 fits. If performance matters more, the Xbox Series X makes more sense.
My pick: the Xbox Series X.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.