Seagate Desktop Drive 8TB
Score: 76/100
WD My Passport 5TB
Score: 83/100Rankings
The WD My Passport 5TB combines 5 TB of portable storage with AES-256 hardware encryption and bundled backup software. Its older Micro-B connector and occasional software issues are drawbacks. Best for users prioritizing security and portability.
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 | 5,000 GB | |
193 MB/sbest | 134 MB/s | |
195 MB/sbest | 126 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.102 kg | 0.21 kgbest |
1 years | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 41 mm | 19.05 mmbest |
256 MBbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 8000 GB | 5000 GB |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Version | 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS4 | Windows, macOS |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 193 MB/s | 134 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 195 MB/s | 126 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.102 kg | 0.21 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 41 mm | 19.05 mm |
Form Factor | 3.5" | 2.5 in |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | External AC | bus-powered |
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.
“Large storage, reliability, ease of use, portability, and fast transfers for media/games/backups”
Professional reviewers commend the WD My Passport 5TB for its reliable high-capacity storage, solid performance up to 138 MB/s read, and strong security features like AES-256 encryption and bundled backup software. They appreciate its compact, bus-powered design and value proposition, though they note the outdated Micro-B USB port, cheap-feeling plastic build, and occasional software stability issues as drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's large capacity, ease of plug-and-play use, portability, and quiet operation, often citing it as a go-to solution for media libraries and game backups. Recurring themes include occasional software glitches, noticeable noise and heat under heavy load, and the inconvenience of the older USB-C port, though these concerns are generally outweighed by the drive's reliability and value.
