Seagate Desktop Drive 8TB
Score: 76/100
Western Digital Elements 5TB
Score: 73/100Rankings
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.
The WD Elements Portable 5TB is a lightweight, bus-powered external HDD offering 5 TB of storage with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds. Its mechanical nature limits durability and it lacks hardware encryption. Ideal for users needing high capacity on the go at a budget.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8,000 GBbest | 5,000 GB | |
193 MB/s | 625 MB/sbest | |
195 MB/s | 625 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.102 kg | 0.236 kgbest |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 41 mm | 21 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(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
USB Version | 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS4 | Windows, macOS, consoles |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 193 MB/s | 625 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 195 MB/s | 625 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.102 kg | 0.236 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 41 mm | 21 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.
“huge 5 TB storage for photos/videos”
“easy plug-and-play on Windows”
Professional reviewers commend the WD Elements 5 TB for its massive capacity, fast USB 3.0 performance, and bus-powered convenience, noting Western Digital's reputation for reliable build quality. The main criticism centers on the mechanical nature of the drive, which lacks the durability and speed of SSD competitors.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's large storage space, plug-and-play ease, and lightweight portability, while recurring themes of inconvenience around macOS reformatting, audible spin noise, and occasional failures after drops appear in the feedback.
