WD Elements
Score: 65/100
WD My Passport 5TB
Score: 79/100Rankings
The WD 5TB My Passport combines large capacity with AES-256 hardware encryption and backup software in a portable HDD. Its USB-3.0 Micro-B port and plastic build are less convenient and feel less premium. Great for users needing secure, high-capacity backup on Windows or macOS.
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 GB | 5,000 GBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.13 kgbest | 0.21 kg |
— | 134 MB/sbest | |
— | 126 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 207.46 mm | 201.17 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 | 5000 GB |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB-A | USB Micro-B |
USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.13 kg | 0.21 kg |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81.98×14.99×110.49 mm mm | 74.93×19.05×107.19 mm mm |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 3 years |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB cable; quick install guide | USB cable; backup and security software |
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 WD My Passport 5TB for its reliable high-capacity storage, solid performance up to 138 MB/s read, and strong security features like AES-256 encryption and bundled backup software. They appreciate its compact, bus-powered design and value proposition, though they note the outdated Micro-B USB port, cheap-feeling plastic build, and occasional software stability issues as drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's large capacity, ease of plug-and-play use, portability, and quiet operation, often citing it as a go-to solution for media libraries and game backups. Recurring themes include occasional software glitches, noticeable noise and heat under heavy load, and the inconvenience of the older USB-C port, though these concerns are generally outweighed by the drive's reliability and value.
“fast loading (indistinguishable from internal HDD), ~1.8TB usable after formatting, quiet”
“Large storage, reliability, ease of use, portability, and fast transfers for media/games/backups”
