
Seagate Desktop Drive 8TB
Score: 76/100
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB
Score: 82/100Rankings

The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB combines the T7's 1,050 MB/s performance with an IP65-rated rubber exterior for water and dust resistance and 3 m drop protection. The added ruggedness adds weight and the price is higher than non-rugged SSDs. Perfect for photographers and field professionals needing durable, fast storage.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop 8 TB offers huge storage capacity and respectable USB-3.0 speeds, making it ideal for backups and media libraries. Its 5400 RPM drive and modest warranty mean it isn't suited for high-performance or silent-critical environments. Best for home offices and users prioritising capacity over speed.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
8,000 GBbest | 2,000 GB | |
193 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
195 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.102 kg | 0.098 kgbest |
1 years | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 41 mm | 12.5 mmbest |
256 MBbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 8000 GB | 2000 GB |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB Version | 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS4 | Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, Android Lollipop+ |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 193 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 195 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.102 kg | 0.098 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 41 mm | 12.5 mm |
Form Factor | 3.5" | Portable |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | External AC | USB |

Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers commend the Expansion Desktop 8TB for its solid 170-195 MB/s sequential speeds, generous capacity, and stable flat design, noting it offers excellent value under $200. They also point out the 5400 RPM spindle and mechanical noise as drawbacks, especially for gaming or high-performance scenarios, and mention that its price is comparable to WD alternatives.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's plug-and-play simplicity, fast media transfers, and huge capacity, often expressing confidence that it will last. Common complaints focus on audible noise, the drive filling up quickly for heavy media users, and the slower speed relative to SSDs or gaming-focused HDDs.



Professional reviewers commend the T7 Shield for marrying the same high-speed NVMe performance of the standard T7 with a rugged rubber shell, IP65 rating, and Dynamic Thermal Guard, making it a reliable workhorse for on-location shooting and editing. They note the added protection justifies the identical price for the 2 TB model, though the extra weight is a minor trade-off.
Everyday users love the fast transfer rates, compact form factor, and especially the water-resistance for outdoor use. Praise centers on portability and capacity, while the most common complaints involve occasional connectivity hiccups and the higher price compared to non-rugged SSDs.