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If you’re in the market for a current-generation video game console, then you’ll need to decide between the PS5 vs Xbox Series X. Both systems have been available now for four years, with Sony and Microsoft constantly vying for market share with powerful hardware and compelling software. We are comparing both machines based on their specs, game library, online, cloud streaming, and more to give you the encompassing answer.
Choosing between either machine has been made a little trickier thanks to the recent release of the PS5 Pro, the most powerful home console on the market. Sony’s mid-generation upgrade features enhanced ray tracing capabilities, a much larger GPU, and powerful AI-upscaling tech for the best picture quality. However, its high price tag means it won’t be ideal for everyone. We’re comparing the PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X below.
For more, you can read up on how the best PS5 games compare against the best Xbox Series X games. After all, having powerful hardware is only as good as the exclusive software. We’ve even deep-dived into the PS5 Pro vs PS5, too.
Key Takeaways
- There are many differences between the PS5 vs Xbox Series X to be aware of in 2025.
- Both systems support 4K gaming with up to 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience. The PS5 Pro now supports 8K, however, thanks to its PSSR AI-upscaling.
- The PlayStation 5 has more exclusives than the Xbox Series X, with titles such as The Last of Us Part 1, Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man 2, Returnal, and Astro Bot.
- The PS5 is the better-selling ninth-generation console, with approximately 56 million units sold compared to the Xbox Series X’s approximately 28 million units shipped.
- You also have the option of either a PS5 Digital Edition or an Xbox Series S, which are cheaper alternatives that play the same games.
- Show Full Guide
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Price
In terms of PS5 vs Xbox Series X price, both systems are almost evenly matched in their full-fat iterations. The PlayStation 5 retails for $479.99 for the disc version and $449.99 for the Digital Edition. With Microsoft’s systems, you can expect to pay $499 for the Xbox Series X, with the Xbox Series S (limited to 1440p and without a disc drive) costing $299.
However, it should be said there have been PS5 price cuts and Xbox Series X discounts to be aware of. With both machines nearly four years old, it’s common to find them discounted substantially. Additionally, certain variants, such as the Xbox Series S 1TB ($349) and Xbox Series X 2TB ($599), are more. If you want extra storage, then that’s the way to go.
With that said, the launch of the recent PS5 Pro has tipped the scales in Microsoft’s favor. Sony’s mid-generation console revision costs a staggering $699.99, which is a full $100 more than the 2TB variant of the Xbox Series X. You are getting a more powerful system, sure, but you’re paying for the premium.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Specs
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Graphics Comparison
While we’ve outlined the general PS5 specs and Xbox Series X hardware above, the real nuances come down to how the two systems use very similar power. The two machines are both powered by AMD RDNA 2 architecture, built on a 7nm TSMC process. Speaking technically, the Xbox Series X is the most powerful with its 3,328 GPU cores, a 320-bit memory bus, and 560GB/sec bandwidth from its “Scarlett” graphics processor, but it is limited to 10GB memory.
In contrast, the PS5 features 16GB total memory (an increase of 6GB) but has 2,304 GPU cores, a smaller 256-bit memory bus, and a slower bandwidth of 448GB/sec. Ultimately, the two systems are near-identical when it comes to seeing the game side-by-side; console parity and the limits of RDNA 2 are factors. “Oberon” has its strengths and weaknesses over “Scarlett” but the two are different despite their many similarities.
That brings us to the PS5 Pro specs and its graphics capabilities, which are leagues stronger than what’s possible with the Xbox Series X. The PS5 Pro GPU, codenamed “Viola” is comprised of 3,840 GPU cores (a 67% increase) for vastly improved computing power. The bandwidth and bus width remain the same, however, but you’re still getting the definitive experience with this machine.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Performance
The biggest difference in performance players will notice in the Xbox Series X vs PS5 is loading times. The PS5’s special SSD really is a difference maker here, with games loading in seconds (sometimes almost instantly), while the Xbox console, in the worst cases, can take up to a minute to get you into the game.
Game performance is similar on both platforms. Depending on the game, both will run at a very similar frame rate and resolution.
While there isn’t much separating the base PS5 and Xbox Series X in terms of performance, the gap is widened when factoring in the PS5 Pro into the mix. The mid-generation upgrade has vastly superior ray tracing to both consoles and is able to run games in 4K (and even 8K) with improved and more consistent framerates. If you want the best gaming performance possible from a video game console, this one delivers, provided you can justify the MSRP.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Features
Each current-generation console has a couple of unique features that might sway you one way or the other. The Xbox Series X has Quick Resume, for example. This option lets you pick up your game, even after putting the console to sleep or switch to a different game instantly without needing to boot it up from scratch. Smart Delivery is another standout feature that always plays the most current version of a game on your console.
The PS5’s features are more varied, starting with VR support. Game Help and Activities are other little nice ways to get some help while playing without resorting to picking up your phone or going to a computer.
The PS5’s features extend to its DualSense controller, which is far more advanced than the tried-and-true Xbox Wireless gamepad. For a start, there’s the haptic feedback (HD rumble) and the adaptive triggers combined with a newly redesigned ergonomic feel. The Xbox controller hasn’t changed in over a decade but nor should it. While it lacks Sony’s bells and whistles, it is vastly superior in terms of battery life, so it’s a double-edged sword of whether you want to game more immersively or enjoy longer play sessions.
Unique to the PS5 Pro is PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) which is a form of AI-powered upscaling which makes 4K60 and 8K resolutions possible on the platform. It’s the system seller, particularly for people with large gaming-focused TVs with the framerates to justify the tech. Again, you’re paying more for this than on Xbox, though.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Games
Arguably, the biggest deciding factor in PS5 vs. Xbox Series X comes down to the games and game subscription services available, which have been rolling in over the last four years. In addition to buying games digitally or on disc, you can download (or stream) on demand with PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, respectively.
Speaking generally, the PS5 has more exclusive games than the Xbox Series X, including the likes of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon Forbidden West, The Last of Us Part 1, Until Dawn, Rise of the Ronin, Astro Bot, and the list goes on. In contrast, the Xbox Series X has Forza Motorsport (2023), Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Starfield, Gears 5, and Psychonauts 2.
There’s no accounting for taste, however, so if you’re primarily into shooters and racing games, the Xbox Series X could be the better choice. However, if you prefer story-driven open world games, the PS5 may have more of what you’re looking for.
In terms of the services each system provides, our full feature on PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass goes over things in detail, but the cliff notes are as follows. There are three main tiers for each (Essential, Extra, and Premium for the former and Core, Standard, and Ultimate for the latter). In essence, you pay a variable monthly fee to download/stream hundreds of games to your console of choice.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Sales
Based on the latest data we have, the PS5 is crushing the Series X in sales.
Current estimates put the total sales of the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X at 56 million to 28 million, respectively. That puts the number of PS5s sold almost 29 million above the Series X.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Cloud Gaming
Both consoles offer cloud gaming, but the Xbox Series X has a more robust system with XCloud. Not all games can be played via the cloud, but a huge number of Xbox, 360, Xbox One, and Series X games are available to stream to your console, PC, or mobile device.
PS5’s streaming is more limited to certain PS3, PS4, and PS5 games. You can stream to your console or PC, but not mobile devices.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Backwards Compatibility
The PS5 is natively backwards compatible with PS4 games, but you can also download or stream select titles from the PS1, PSP, PS2, and PS3 via PlayStation Plus Premium.
The Xbox Series X will run many Xbox games you have the disc for, plus it offers most of its past library on the Xbox store and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Which Console is Better: Xbox Series X or PS5?
If you want to have access to as many games as possible, we can’t recommend the PS5 highly enough. You will have all the PlayStation exclusives, equal or better performance, plenty of classic titles to go back to, and even a growing list of Xbox games.
The Xbox Series X can hold its own in terms of power but lacks the same level of enticing content as the PS5. Its low sales may also point to a troubling future for the Xbox brand. Microsoft’s console is slightly more powerful than the base PS5, and Xbox Game Pass will sell units, even if its exclusives aren’t quite as strong.
Throwing a wrench into the mix is the PS5 Pro, which is the most powerful home console ever made. It achieves framerates and resolutions not possible through either base system at a much higher price. If you’re a console gamer wanting the best of the best, then that’s the way to go, but it won’t be for everyone.
| Attribute | Winner |
|---|---|
| Price | Xbox Series X |
| Specs | Xbox Series X |
| Graphics | PS5 |
| Performance | PS5 |
| Features | PS5 |
| Games | PS5 |
| Sales | PS5 |
| Cloud Gaming | Xbox Series X |
| Backwards Compatibility | Xbox Series X |
| Final Scores | PS5: 5; Xbox Series X: 4 |
The Bottom Line
We are only halfway through the console generation, but the PS5 has taken such a strong lead that the Xbox Series X cannot hope to catch up. Which does not make it a bad console.
If you are looking for a next-gen console at this point, our recommendation is the PS5, largely for the games library. Either way, both platforms will bring you plenty of pleasure. The PS5 Pro will give you the best experience of the lot, but you’ll need to pay for the premium.
