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Is the Xbox Series X worth it?

The Xbox Series X is recommended with a 8.2/10 consensus score across 20 expert reviews. Experts highlight built-in 4k blu-ray player saves $200-300 vs dedicated unit and full dolby vision and dolby atmos for gaming and movies. The Verge says: "The Swiss Army knife of entertainment devices — gaming, Blu-ray, streaming, and ..." Best for: Gamers who also watch movies, 4K Blu-ray collectors, All-in-one media hub seekers.

Xbox Series X — Recommended per expert consensus
Recommended20 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$449–$499
$449-$499 list4K Blu-ray drive20 expert sources
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Xbox Series X

NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner

Entertainment

Expert consensus

How we score
08.2/1010

20 expert sources · 3 quoted

3 quoted sources with published scores

  • The Verge 8/10
  • Wirecutter 8/10
  • CNET 8.5/10

Expert Consensus across 20 sources

Updated 1 week ago
“The Swiss Army knife of entertainment devices — gaming, Blu-ray, streaming, and media server in one box.”
— The Verge8/10

Key Features

  • ✓ 4K Blu-ray drive
  • ✓ Dolby Vision gaming
  • ✓ Quick Resume
  • ✓ Kodi via Dev Mode
  • ✓ 4K/120fps
  • ✓ Game Pass compatible

Best For

Gamers who also watch movies4K Blu-ray collectorsAll-in-one media hub seekers

What Experts Agree On

What Experts Love

  • ✓ Built-in 4K Blu-ray player saves $200-300 vs dedicated unit
  • ✓ Full Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for gaming and movies
  • ✓ Quick Resume: instant switching between games and streaming apps
  • ✓ Developer mode enables Kodi media center

Common Criticisms

  • ✗ Large physical size — may not fit standard entertainment centers
  • ✗ Gaming controller not ideal for media navigation
  • ✗ Higher power consumption than dedicated streaming devices
  • ✗ Some streaming apps lack feature parity with Apple TV and Roku

What The Experts Say

CN
“If you game and watch movies, the Series X replaces two or three devices.”
CNET8.5/10
WI
“The best value in a 4K Blu-ray player, and it happens to play games too.”
Wirecutter8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xbox Series X worth it?

The Xbox Series X earns a 8.2/10 consensus score across 20 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $449-$499, it is best for Gamers who also watch movies. The Verge is among the named sources behind that consensus.

How much does the Xbox Series X cost?

The Xbox Series X is priced at $449-$499. With a 8.2/10 score from 20 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Entertainment products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.

Who is the Xbox Series X best for?

The Xbox Series X is best for Gamers who also watch movies, 4K Blu-ray collectors, All-in-one media hub seekers. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus across 20 sources.

How does the Xbox Series X compare to other Entertainment options?

Among the Entertainment products we have aggregated, the Xbox Series X ranks above average with a 8.2/10 score. CNET adds: "If you game and watch movies, the Series X replaces two or three devices."

What smart home systems does the Xbox Series X work with?

The Xbox Series X works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.

What are the best alternatives to the Xbox Series X?

If the Xbox Series X ($449-$499, 8.2/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Entertainment are Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.

What are the pros and cons of the Xbox Series X?

The main strengths of the Xbox Series X are built-in 4k blu-ray player saves $200-300 vs dedicated unit and full dolby vision and dolby atmos for gaming and movies. The most-cited downside is large physical size — may not fit standard entertainment centers. Overall, 20 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus score.

Decided on the Xbox Series X?

$449-$499 list4K Blu-ray drive20 expert sources
Check today's price →

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Featured in these buying guides

See how the Xbox Series X ranks against the full field in our Entertainment buying guides.

Sources & Methodology

This review aggregates 3 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.

Expert review sources cited on this page:

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 20 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.

Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Xbox and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Xbox or any other manufacturer named in this article.