Western Digital Elements 5TB
Score: 68/100
Samsung T7 Shield Black
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB is a rugged portable SSD delivering up to 1,050 MB/s read speed and IP65 protection. Its added weight and lack of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 bandwidth limit ultra-high-speed use. Ideal for photographers and creators who need durability without sacrificing solid performance.
The WD 5TB Elements Portable offers massive storage in a lightweight, bus-powered HDD with USB 3.0 speeds. Its lack of rugged features and need for macOS reformatting limit its suitability for harsh environments. Best for Windows-centric users seeking high capacity on a budget.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.24 kg | 0.098 kgbest |
— | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
— | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 213.3 mmbest | — |
2 years | 3 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 5000 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) | 0.24 kg | 0.098 kg |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81.98×20.83×110.49 mm mm | 88x59x13 mm |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | bus | Bus Powered |
Design(1) | ||
Form Factor | portable | Portable SSD |
General(2) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 3 years |
Operating Temperature (°C) | 5-35 °C | 0-60 °C |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Drive; SuperSpeed USB-A cable; quick install guide | USB‑C to C and USB‑C to A cables plus Samsung Magician software |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the WD Elements 5 TB for its massive capacity, fast USB 3.0 performance, and bus-powered convenience, noting Western Digital's reputation for reliable build quality. The main criticism centers on the mechanical nature of the drive, which lacks the durability and speed of SSD competitors.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's large storage space, plug-and-play ease, and lightweight portability, while recurring themes of inconvenience around macOS reformatting, audible spin noise, and occasional failures after drops appear in the feedback.
“huge 5 TB storage for photos/videos”
“easy plug-and-play on Windows”
“tough”
Professional reviewers highlight the T7 Shield's toughness and speed, noting its IP65 rating, 3 m drop protection, and thermal management as key advantages for field photographers.
Everyday users appreciate the fast transfer rates, cross-platform compatibility, and compact form factor, but recurring complaints focus on occasional speed throttling with older USB ports and the added weight from the rugged casing.
