WD Elements 4TB
Score: 73/100
WD My Passport 2TB
Score: 74/100Rankings
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 WD Elements 4 TB Portable HDD provides ample storage and decent USB 3.0 speeds in a lightweight, bus-powered package, but its plastic case, lack of encryption, and older Micro-USB connector limit its appeal for rugged or security-focused users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4 GB | 2,000 GBbest | |
103 MB/s | 110 MB/sbest | |
— | 110 MB/sbest | |
24 months | 36 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.236 kg | 0.14 kgbest |
| ↓ lower better | 81 mm | 74.93 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 21 mm | 13.46 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 112 mm | 107.19 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface | Micro-USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Performance(1) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 103 MB/s | 110 MB/s |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 24 months | 36 months |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | false | true |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Mac (reformat) |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.236 kg | 0.14 kg |
Width (mm) | 81 mm | 74.93 mm |
Height (mm) | 21 mm | 13.46 mm |
Depth (mm) | 112 mm | 107.19 mm |
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 4 GB | 2000 GB |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Cable Type | Micro-USB 3.0 to USB Type-A | Micro-USB to USB-A |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the Elements line's dependable WD engineering, noting solid shock tolerance and consistent USB 3.0 performance. They praise the capacity-to-price ratio and plug-and-play design, while pointing out the lack of encryption, outdated Micro-USB connector, and a plastic case that feels less rugged than metal alternatives.
Everyday users appreciate the instant usability, lightweight form factor, and reliable long-term storage, but complain about the fragile plastic housing, need to reformat for macOS, and cable wear.
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.
“Just works out of the box on Windows and is great for backups.”
“The plastic case feels cheap and the cable frays quickly.”
“Quiet enough for my home office and fast enough for large file transfers.”
