Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Black
Score: 68/100
Seagate Desktop Drive 8TB
Score: 76/100Rankings
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 Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB is a budget-friendly portable HDD offering solid sequential performance and broad compatibility. Its trade-offs include very slow random access speeds and lack of built-in security features. Best suited for casual users needing affordable backup storage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2,000 GB | 8,000 GBbest | |
117 MB/s | 193 MB/sbest | |
114 MB/s | 195 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.15 kgbest | 1.102 kg |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 14 mmbest | 41 mm |
— | 256 MBbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 2000 GB | 8000 GB |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Version | USB 3.0 | 3.0 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows; macOS; Android | Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS4 |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 117 MB/s | 193 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 114 MB/s | 195 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.15 kg | 1.102 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 14 mm | 41 mm |
Form Factor | 2.5-inch | 3.5" |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | USB-powered | External AC |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers agree that the Canvio Basics 2TB offers solid sequential performance and a rugged build at a very low price, but they caution that its random access speeds, lack of security features, and heat generation make it unsuitable for demanding professional workloads.
Consumers overwhelmingly view the drive as an easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable storage solution, emphasizing its plug-and-play simplicity, quiet operation, and value for money, while only a few report connector quality issues.
“just connect and save”
“crappy connector on the drive side, absolutely terrible connection quality”
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.
