WD Elements
Score: 65/100
Samsung T7 Shield
Score: 87/100Rankings
The Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD delivers flagship NVMe performance with added IP65 water-dust resistance and 3 m drop protection in a compact yet slightly bulkier case. Trade-offs include a higher price and increased weight compared to the standard T7, and it is not fully waterproof. Ideal for photographers, gamers, and mobile professionals needing durable, high-speed storage in harsh environments.
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 | 0.097 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 | 0.097 kg |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81.98×14.99×110.49 mm mm | 86x57x12.5 mm |
Design(1) | ||
Form Factor | portable | SSD |
General(2) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 3 years |
Operating Temperature (°C) | 5-35 °C | 0-60 °C |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB cable; quick install guide | USB‑C to USB‑A cable, USB‑C to USB‑C 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 such as Shuttermuse and Guru3D commend the T7 Shield for its combination of flagship-class NVMe speeds and rugged IP65 protection, calling it a tough, high-performance solution for photographers and mobile professionals. They note the identical internals to the standard T7 but point out the added weight and the lack of a dedicated USB-C adapter as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently highlight the drive's blazing speed, large capacity options, and reliable performance across gaming, content creation, and on-the-go file transfers. Common praise centers on its portability and durability, while recurring complaints focus on its heavier feel, cable convenience, and occasional perceived flimsy build quality.
“fast loading (indistinguishable from internal HDD), ~1.8TB usable after formatting, quiet”
“tough”
“exceptionally fast”
