WD Elements
Score: 65/100
Samsung T7 1TB
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD delivers blazing 1,050 MB/s read speeds in a feather-light aluminum case with AES-256 encryption and 2 m drop resistance. Its main trade-offs are inconsistent weight reporting and the lack of biometric security, plus speed drops on legacy ports. Ideal for mobile professionals and gamers who need fast, secure storage on the go.
The WD 2TB Elements Portable provides a compact, bus-powered 2 TB HDD with USB 3.0 connectivity and pre-formatted NTFS. Its modest performance and absence of ruggedization make it less ideal for demanding field work. Suited for everyday backup and console storage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.13 kg | 0.058 kgbest |
— | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
— | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 207.46 mmbest | — |
2 years | 3 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 2000 GB | 1000 GB |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB-A | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.13 kg | 0.058 kg |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81.98×14.99×110.49 mm mm | 85x57x8 mm |
Design(1) | ||
Form Factor | portable | SSD |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 3 years |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB cable; quick install guide | USB Type-C to Type-C cable, USB Type-C to Type-A cable |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors consistently commend the WD Elements for its solid build quality, reliable performance, and fast USB 3.0 transfer rates, positioning it as a dependable, budget-friendly portable backup solution. However, they also note the absence of SSD-level speed, limited advanced software features, and a lack of detailed benchmark data.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's plug-and-play ease, quiet operation, and the effective 1.8 TB usable space after formatting, especially for console storage expansions. Common criticisms revolve around the need to reformat for macOS and the inherent speed limitations of a mechanical HDD.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the T7 for its sleek metal chassis, exceptional read/write speeds, robust AES-256 encryption, and effective thermal management that prevents throttling. They also note that the drive's performance hinges on using a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection and point out minor issues such as inconsistent weight reporting and the lack of fingerprint security found on the T7 Touch variant.
Everyday users praise the SSD's rapid 4K video and game file transfers, its pocket-friendly size, and reliable cross-platform operation. Recurring themes include occasional heat under sustained loads, concerns about cable durability, and speed reductions when paired with older USB ports, while most buyers are satisfied with the overall value and build quality.
“fast loading (indistinguishable from internal HDD), ~1.8TB usable after formatting, quiet”
