WD Elements
Score: 65/100
SanDisk Extreme
Score: 80/100Rankings
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB provides fast 1050 MB/s reads in a lightweight, IP65-rated package. Its performance trails newer ultra-fast SSDs and it lacks some premium durability features. Suited for creators needing a portable, water-resistant drive at a reasonable price.
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 | 0.052 kgbest |
— | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
— | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 207.46 mmbest | — |
2 years | 5 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 | 0.052 kg |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81.98×14.99×110.49 mm mm | 100.8x52.1x9.6 mm |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | bus | Bus-powered |
Design(1) | ||
Form Factor | portable | Portable SSD |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 5 years |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB cable; quick install guide | USB‑C to USB‑C cable; USB‑C to USB‑A adapter |
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 commend the Extreme Portable SSD 1TB for its high sequential read speed, noting it delivers smoother playback when editing video files. They also appreciate its lightweight, bus-powered design and the inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A adapters, which together make it a solid choice for creators on the move.
Everyday users have limited publicly documented feedback, but the available comments emphasize appreciation for the drive's speed, portability, and cross-platform compatibility. The lack of extensive user reviews makes broader sentiment harder to gauge.
“fast loading (indistinguishable from internal HDD), ~1.8TB usable after formatting, quiet”
“the speed of this SSD mainly when reading files will provide smoother playback”
