Gaming Consoles & PCs How to Pick the Best Xbox One Console For You Choose between Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X by Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Jeremy Laukkonen is tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Jeremy Laukkonen Updated on December 03, 2020 Tweet Share Email 43 43 people found this article helpful Xbox Buyer's Guide Xbox Buyer's Guide Xbox Basics Best Xbox 360 Console For You Xbox Basics The Original Xbox One Xbox Family Settings What Is Xbox Live? How Much Does Xbox Live Cost? What is Xbox Live Gold? Buying Xbox Live Gold Xbox One Console Bundles Xbox One Exclusives Best Xbox One Games The Best Xbox One Games The Best Xbox One X Games Best Multiplayer Xbox One Games Best First-Person Shooter Games Best Xbox One RPGs Best Xbox One War Games Best Xbox One Kids Games Best Xbox One Sports Games Best Split-Screen Xbox One Games Best Xbox One Fantasy Games Best Co-Op Games on Xbox One Best Xbox One Racing Games Best Xbox One Zombie Games Best Open-World Xbox One Games Best Xbox One Strategy Games Best Xbox One Puzzle Games Best Xbox 360 Games Best Xbox 360 Games By Genre Best Xbox 360 Kinect Games Best Xbox 360 Games Best Xbox 360 Local Multiplayer Games Best Xbox 360 RPGs Best Xbox 360 First-Person Shooters Best Xbox 360 Fighting Games Best Kids Xbox 360 & Kinect Games Xbox Essentials Best Xbox One Accessories Best Xbox One Headsets Best Xbox Controllers Best Xbox One Apps Xbox Reviews Xbox One Elite Controller Review Xbox One Energizer Charging System Review Xbox One S Controller Review Xbox One X Review Xbox One Chatpad Review If you want to buy an Xbox One console, you can choose between the original model, the Xbox One S, and the Xbox One X. We tested each system to help you choose the best Xbox One model for you. Overall Findings The Xbox One X is the most recent revision of the Xbox One console. So, if you want to game on the latest and greatest system available, your choice is easy. However, the older models can be found used for cheaper and provide most of the same features. All three Xbox consoles play the same games, including backward-compatible Xbox 360 games. Still, there some significant technical differences between the systems. Every version of the Xbox One plays regular Blu-ray movies, but not all can handle ultra high-definition (UHD) Blu-ray or true 4K resolution. Model 4K Resolution Regular Blu-ray UHD Blu-ray Xbox One No, doesn't play Blu-ray or games in 4K. Yes, plays regular Blu-ray movies. No, doesn't play UHD Blu-ray. Xbox One S Yes, but games are upscaled to 4K. Yes, plays regular Blu-ray movies. Yes, plays UHD Blu-ray in 4K. Xbox One X Yes, plays games in 4K when available. Yes, plays regular Blu-ray movies. Yes, plays UHD Blu-ray in 4K. Graphics and Performance: Only the Xbox One X Plays Games in 4K With Graphical Enhancements Model Plays Enhanced Games Frame Rate Refresh Rate Xbox One Yes, but without enhancements. 60 FPS 60 Hz Xbox One S Yes, but without enhancements. 60 FPS 120 Hz Xbox One X Yes, with full enhancements. 60 FPS 120 Hz The Xbox One X is technically an Xbox One, and it plays the entire library of Xbox One games. However, the hardware inside the case is more powerful than either the Xbox One or the Xbox One S. The biggest difference between the Xbox One X and its predecessors is that it can output Blu-ray movies and games in true 4K. That said, you'll need a 4K TV that supports high dynamic range (HDR) to take advantage of these features. Buy the Xbox One X if you want the best graphics, flawless frame rates, and improved game performance. Hardware and Accessories: Xbox One S Sacrifices the Kinect Port for a Slimmer Design Model Controller Kinect Port Dimensions Xbox One Xbox One controller Yes 13.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches Xbox One S Xbox One S controller No 11.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 inches Xbox One X Xbox One S controller No 11.8 x 9.4 x 2.4 inches The Xbox One S was released almost three years after the original Xbox One, and it includes several improvements. The bulky external power supply was removed, the overall size of the console was reduced, and support for 4K video output was included. The major downside of the Xbox One S compared to the Xbox One X is that it doesn't support true 4K gaming. While it supports all original Xbox One accessories, Microsoft removed the Kinect port from the Xbox One S. You'll need an adapter to play Kinect games. This version of the hardware is also smaller than the original, so it's good if you have limited space. Price and Availability: The Original Xbox One Is Cheap if You Can Find It Model Availability Price Xbox One No longer being made. About $200 used or refurbished. Xbox One S Still being made in 2021. About $300 new. Xbox One X No longer being made. About $369 used or refurbished. The main benefit of the original Xbox One over its newer models is that it's cheaper. If you have a tight budget, and you want to play the entire Xbox One library of games (including Xbox Game Pass), the original model is perfect. The original Xbox One is tough to find these days if you're looking for a new unit. However, finding a used or refurbished one is easier. Final Verdict: Get the Xbox One X if You Can Afford It Since the Xbox One X is four times more powerful than the original Xbox One, it's the preferred choice. It plays the same games while offering improved graphics and gameplay for select titles (look for games with 4K Ultra HD, HDR, or Xbox One X Enhanced badges). Even some Xbox 360 games, including Halo 3 and Fallout 3, receive graphical enhancements when played on an Xbox One X. An Xbox Kinect port isn't included, so you need an adapter to play Kinect games. The Xbox One S is less expensive than the Xbox One X, but the visual upgrades are worth the extra cost, providing your TV can support them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit