PS5 vs Xbox Series S: What are the differences?

Nearly five years have passed since the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S first launched in 2020. If you’re looking to upgrade to one of these current-gen consoles, you’ve come to the right place. Stay on this page to learn how the two face off against each other in a PS5 vs Xbox Series S battle. 

When the PS5 first launched, you could choose from the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition. Since then, Sony has replaced these models with the PS5 Slim and PS5 Slim Edition and, more recently, introduced the PS5 Pro.

Microsoft launched the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in 2020, updating the line in 2024 with the Xbox Series X Digital Edition. Previously, the Xbox Series S was the only current-gen Xbox console without a disc drive, but now you have the option to combine this with the Xbox Series X top-end specs and buy the Digital Edition. That said, the Xbox Series S remains the cheapest option when shopping for a 4K console.

We’ve pitted the PS5 and Xbox Series S head-to-head to show you which console comes out on top when it comes to price, design, specs, controllers, features and games. Alternatively, visit our guide to the PS5 vs Xbox Series X to learn more about how the high-end Xbox compares to the PS5.

Price

The original PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition released in 2020 were replaced by the PS5 Slim and PS5 Slim Digital Edition in 2023. Right now, you can pick up the PS5 Slim for $499/£479/€549 and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition for $449/£389/€449. There’s also the 2024 PS5 Pro, which costs $699/£699/€799. 

The PS5 Slim Digital Edition is the closest match to the Xbox Series S in terms of price. Neither console comes with a disc drive, but you can pick Sony’s up later if you change your mind at a cost of $79/£99/€119. 

The Xbox Series S is cheaper than the PS5 Slim Digital Edition, coming in at just $299/£249/€299 with 512GB of storage, or $349/£299/€349 with the same 1TB as the PlayStation. There is no option to add a disc drive later, so if you’re looking to play physical games or watch Blu-rays, you’ll want to opt for a PlayStation or the top-end Xbox Series X.

Design

• The PS5 has a more unique, customisable design 
• The Xbox Series S is smaller and more practical-looking 
• You can add a disc drive to the PS5 Slim Digital Edition later down the road

The PS5 and Xbox Series S have very different looks, with the PS5 opting for a more unique, two-toned design that can be positioned horizontally or vertically with Sony recommending you use a stand. The colour of the console can be customised with different console covers (sold separately) and the PS5 Slim can play physical media with the detachable disc drive, which is sold separately for the Digital Edition. 

The PS5 Slim weighs less than the original PS5 at 3.2kg for the regular Slim and 2.6kg for the Digital Edition. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a storage expansion slot and an Ethernet port. 

The Xbox Series S is a lot smaller and more lightweight at 1.9kg and comes in all black or black and white. Like the PS5, the Series S can be positioned horizontally or vertically, though there’s no need for a stand. The hardback book-like size of this console makes it easier to fit into a TV cabinet or desk than its Sony rival. 

The Series S features two USB ports, an HDMI port, a storable expansion slot and an Ethernet port. 

Winner: PS5

Specs

• The PS5 Slim offers better raw performance
• The Xbox Series S does not support native 4K
• The Xbox Series S comes in two storage configurations, though both consoles offer expandable storage

In terms of power, the PS5 does come out on top. For an in-depth look at how the internals of these consoles differs, check out the specs breakdown below:

If you’re looking for raw power, the PS5 is the way to go. It offers a higher target performance than the Series S, with 4K at 60fps compared to the 1440p at 120fps, since the Series S does not support native 4K.

The Series S starts at just 512GB storage, which will not last long if you’re hoping to play large triple-A titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 or FIFA 23. This can be resolved by purchasing the 1TB model an official memory card.

The PS5 does not support memory cards, but Sony has upgraded the PS5’s firmware with support for additional storage via the NVMe M.2 solid-state drives, meaning that it now has an 8TB maximum capacity.

If you want the most powerful Xbox, you’ll want to opt for the Series X, which carries a similar price to the PS5 Slim. That said, the Series S does still offer features like ray tracing and the NVMe SSD offers speedy loading times. This console is by no means powerless, but it may be better suited to those who do not own a monitor or TV that supports 4K and do not put as much emphasis on high-quality graphics.

Winner: PS5

Controllers

• The PS5 DualSense controller offers haptic feedback
• The DualSense Edge is ultra-customisable
• The Xbox Series S controller will feel familiar to Xbox gamers

The PS5 comes with the latest DualSense controller, which features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive and realistic experience.

For those looking for more customisation, there’s also the DualSense Edge Wireless controller. This controller allows users to remap specific button inputs, replace stick modules with other designs, switch out stick caps and change the back buttons.

The Xbox Series S controller is not as advanced as Sony’s alternative, with no haptic feedback or adaptive triggers present. It offers a serviceable experience but is a more noticeable downgrade if you’re already using the DualSense controller. That said, if you’re upgrading from an older Xbox console, you may still find the layout more comfortable and familiar.

User Interface and features

• The Xbox Series S’ Quick Resume feature lets you skip loading times
• The Xbox Series S can upscale content to 4K
• Ps5 gamers can now add another SSD with an expansion slot

When it comes to the UI, both consoles have received a decent number of software updates since they first launched in 2020.

The user interface on the Series S is the same as the Series X, with few changes overall. Anyone who disliked the Xbox One layout will have the same issues here, though the faster load times and specific sections for Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft Store and My Games do make for a more streamlined experience.

The Quick Resume feature allows players to swap between active states of up to six different games at once, so you can switch in and out of games without needing to wait for the loading screens.

Microsoft has also introduced Xbox Night Mode, which adjusts the brightness to keep the screen dark in a darker environment, as well as improvements to the UI and 4K upscaling when the console is connected to a 4K display.

The PS5 has undergone more even changes in this time; Voice chats are now known as Parties and can be accessed via the new three-pronged Game Base menu, and players can now pin five select games to the screen permanently.

Sony also altered the PS5 firmware to allow users to add another SSD card to the previously dormant expansion slot, increasing the console’s overall storage capabilities.

Winner: Draw

Exclusive games

• The PS5 has more exclusives
• Xbox has Game Pass while the PS5 has PlayStation Plus
• Your choice will come down to personal preference

If you take performance power out of the equation, then one of the biggest deciders between these two consoles is the exclusive titles available on each platform.

Sony has an extremely impressive list of titles, with the standouts perhaps being God of War and its critically acclaimed PS5 sequel, God of War Ragnarök, one of the best games of 2022. The PS5 boasts a plethora of other exclusive titles, including Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and more.

More PS5 exclusives arriving in 2025 include Ghost of Yōtei and Death Stranding 2. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus gives gamers access to a library of titles in return for a subscription fee.

Microsoft definitely falls behind when it comes to exclusives, though big names include Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Starfield and Microsoft Flight Simulator. However, the company is making an effort to catch up with Fable, Avowed and Gears of War: E-Day on the horizon.

All of these titles are available through Game Pass, Xbox’s monthly subscription service and a key selling point for the platform.

Personal preference will have a massive impact on this category, as you may find that you’re more interested in checking out the latest Forza title than catching up with Spider-Man. Both consoles also offer backwards compatibility with previous generation consoles, meaning nostalgia could also play a major part in your choice.

Overall, Sony seems to be more reliable and consistent in its releases, but Xbox is only going to improve in this area following many studio acquisitions.

Winner: PS5

Verdict

Out of the two consoles, the PS5 is the one to go for if performance is a priority for you. It features a more powerful GPU and native 4K support, making it the better option in terms of graphics.

However, the Xbox Series S should not be passed over just because it’s not as powerful. If you don’t own a 4K monitor or TV, then the Series S may be a better and more affordable fit, especially since you can expand the storage using a memory card. The inclusion of Game Pass only boosts this console’s appeal in terms of value for money.

The selection of exclusive games on each platform will play into how alluring each console is, so you will want to consider which upcoming games catch your eye. We think that you can have a blast on either console, just consider how much performance power and affordability mean to you and we’re sure you can figure it out from there.