WD Elements
Score: 65/100
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Black
Score: 61/100Rankings
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.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB offers affordable high-capacity storage with solid sequential speeds and easy USB-3.0 plug-and-play operation. Its drawbacks include poor random-file performance and lack of security features. Ideal for casual users needing budget-friendly backup or media storage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2,000 GBbest | 2,000 GBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.13 kgbest | 0.151 kg |
— | 119.5 MB/sbest | |
— | 118.3 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 207.46 mmbest | — |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB-A | USB 3.0 |
USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.13 kg | 0.151 kg |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81.98×14.99×110.49 mm mm | 14x79x109 mm |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | bus | USB |
Design(1) | ||
Form Factor | portable | Portable HDD |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 1 years |
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.
“fast loading (indistinguishable from internal HDD), ~1.8TB usable after formatting, quiet”
“Lots of storage space for minimal amount”
“Very easy setup”
Both are solid HDD choices; select Toshiba for marginal price savings, WD for trusted reliability.
Professional reviewers commend the Canvio Basics for its unbeatable price-per-gigabyte, solid sequential throughput and error-free operation, labeling it a reliable workhorse for everyday storage. However, they consistently point out its poor random-file write performance, noticeable heat during long transfers, and the lack of any backup or encryption utilities, which limits its appeal for power users.
Consumers overwhelmingly value the drive's plug-and-play simplicity, large 2TB capacity, and portability, often highlighting how easy it is to set up and use with PCs, consoles and TVs. Complaints are relatively few but focus on occasional disconnections, heat buildup, and the missing security features.
