Rankings
ADATA's 1TB white portable HDD combines an ultra-slim, lightweight design with 256-bit hardware encryption and fast USB 3.1 performance. It includes built-in shock sensors and broad OS/console compatibility, but relies on software for encryption and lacks USB-C connectivity. Ideal for users needing secure, portable storage without the cost of an SSD.
The WD My Passport Ultra 4 TB (Blue) combines high-capacity storage with USB-C connectivity, 256-bit AES hardware encryption and a suite of backup software, targeting users who need secure, portable backup across Windows and macOS. While performance is solid for a mechanical drive, the plastic chassis, heat buildup and lack of native macOS support are notable drawbacks.
The WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac combines massive storage, a sleek metal case, and native USB-C connectivity, targeting macOS users who need large, encrypted backups.
The WD My Passport 2TB offers solid storage capacity, strong hardware encryption, and a lightweight, bus-powered design, making it a reliable portable backup for Windows users.
The Seagate One Touch 2 TB portable HDD offers strong hardware encryption, a premium aluminum chassis, and solid USB 3.0 performance in a lightweight package. It is best suited for mobile professionals who need secure, cross-platform storage but do not require rugged durability.
The Transcend StoreJet 25M3 1 TB rugged HDD offers military-grade drop protection, built-in 256-bit AES encryption, and a convenient one-touch backup button, making it ideal for field professionals who value durability over raw speed. However, its 5400 RPM mechanical drive and legacy Micro-USB interface limit performance compared with modern SSDs.
The Seagate One Touch 1TB portable HDD provides hardware AES-256 encryption, a sleek aluminum build, and a suite of backup software, all powered via USB without an external adapter.
| Attribute | | | | | | | Seagate One Touch 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2,000 GB | 4,000 GB | 2,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 5,000 GBbest | 1,024 GB | 1,000 GB | |
120 MB/s | 115 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 113 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 140 MB/sbest | 120 MB/s | |
120 MB/sbest | — | 110 MB/s | 114 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 120 MB/sbest | — | |
24 months | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | 3 months | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.148 kg | 0.21 kg | 0.14 kgbest | 0.227 kg | 0.23 kg | 0.19 kg | 0.148 kg |
— | 64 MBbest | — | — | — | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 78 mm | 74.93 mmbest | 74.93 mmbest | 82.3 mm | 81.5 mm | 125.7 mm | 78 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 11.71 mm | 19.05 mm | 13.46 mm | 18.8 mm | 21.1 mm | 10.3 mmbest | 11.7 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | Seagate One Touch 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | |||||||
Interface | USB 3.0 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.0 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Performance(2) | |||||||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 120 MB/s | 115 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 113 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 140 MB/s | 120 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 120 MB/s | — | 110 MB/s | 114 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 120 MB/s | — |
Warranty & Support(1) | |||||||
Warranty Period (months) | 24 months | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | 3 months |
Power & Connectivity(1) | |||||||
Power Source | Bus-powered | bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered (USB) | Bus-powered |
Compatibility(1) | |||||||
Operating System Compatibility | exFAT | Windows, macOS (reformat) | Windows, Mac (reformat) | Windows, macOS, Linux | Mac, Windows (reformat/driver) | Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox | Windows, macOS |
Build & Design(4) | |||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.148 kg | 0.21 kg | 0.14 kg | 0.2268 kg | 0.2296 kg | 0.1898 kg | 0.148 kg |
Width (mm) | 78 mm | 74.93 mm | 74.93 mm | 82.3 mm | 81.5 mm | 125.7 mm | 78 mm |
Height (mm) | 11.71 mm | 19.05 mm | 13.46 mm | 18.8 mm | 21.1 mm | 10.3 mm | 11.7 mm |
Depth (mm) | 114.8 mm | 107.19 mm | 107.19 mm | 129.5 mm | 110.0 mm | 80.5 mm | 114.8 mm |
Storage(2) | |||||||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 2000 GB | 4000 GB | 2000 GB | 1000 GB | 5000 GB | 1024 GB | 1000 GB |
Drive Type | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | Mechanical HDD | HDD |
Accessories(1) | |||||||
Included Cable Type | Micro-B to USB-A | USB-C to USB-A cable | Micro-USB to USB-A | Micro-USB 3.0 to USB Type-A cable | USB-C to USB-C cable | USB 3.1 cable | USB-A to Micro-B |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the One Touch's strong security features and premium aluminum chassis, noting that hardware AES-256 encryption is uncommon at this price. They commend its straightforward plug-and-play experience but point out the lack of USB-C and limited ruggedness as minor shortcomings.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's reliability, fast setup, and built-in encryption, often rating it 5 out of 5. Common complaints revolve around confusing software trial offers, occasional reformatting for Time Machine, and concerns about shock vulnerability.
“Plugged it in, formatted exFAT in about 3-seconds... and it just… worked. No muss, no fuss.”
“Outstanding choice for Mac users - security, speed, and compatibility all in one.”
“Great as a laptop hard drive or PC hard drive, simply plug in via USB 3.0 to back up with a single click.”
Choose Seagate for stronger hardware security and a premium aluminum build; choose WD if you prefer a familiar plastic design and don't need hardware encryption.
Ultra adds native USB-C and sturdier build at higher cost
Professional reviewers praise the My Passport Ultra for its generous 4 TB capacity, built-in 256-bit AES encryption, and user-friendly backup software, noting excellent performance for a mechanical drive and a reassuring 3-year warranty. Criticisms focus on the lack of active cooling, the plastic chassis without shock protection, and the fact that it cannot match SSD speeds for demanding workflows.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's plug-and-play simplicity, strong encryption, and portability, often highlighting successful large-scale backups and the high overall rating, while recurring complaints revolve around heat buildup, the need to reformat for macOS, and the short cable.
Professional reviewers praise its reliability, security features, and value, while noting the misleading USB-C marketing due to the Micro-USB port.
Users rate it highly for dependable performance and ease of use on Windows, but complain about the USB type mismatch and the need to reformat for Mac.
Professional reviewers commend the StoreJet 25M3 for its military-grade durability, effective three-stage shock system, and built-in hardware encryption, while noting the performance limits of a 5400 RPM HDD and the lack of a modern USB-C interface.
Everyday users love the drive's toughness-many report it surviving drops from several feet-and appreciate the single backup button and included software, but frustration centers on slower transfer rates, the outdated Micro-USB connector, and occasional software glitches.
Reviewers rate it highly for capacity, build quality, and encryption, but note the HDD-based speed limits and occasional reliability concerns.
Mac users appreciate the plug-and-play experience and Time Machine support, while some express disappointment over slower speeds and early failures.
Professional reviewers commend ADATA's portable drives for their ultra-slim design, fast USB 3.1 performance, and inclusion of 256-bit AES encryption-features usually reserved for higher-priced competitors.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the drives' sleek look, solid speed, and built-in encryption, especially for travel and media work, while noting the HDDtoGO software's dated interface and occasional cable concerns.
Professional reviewers praise the One Touch for its strong hardware encryption, premium aluminum build, and out-of-the-box exFAT compatibility, positioning it as a secure, budget-friendly portable drive. They criticize the outdated Micro-USB interface and lack of a USB-C cable.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's ease of use, reliable performance, and the peace of mind from password protection, while noting the inconvenience of needing a USB-C adapter and the perceived bloat of bundled software.
