Western Digital Elements 5TB
Score: 73/100
SanDisk Extreme
Score: 80/100Rankings
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB offers fast 1050 MB/s reads in a lightweight, IP65-rated case with hardware encryption. Its speed is modest compared with newer ultra-fast SSDs and the build is less premium than metal alternatives. Best for creators needing rugged, portable storage at a reasonable price.
The WD Elements Portable 5TB is a lightweight, bus-powered external HDD offering 5 TB of storage with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds. Its mechanical nature limits durability and it lacks hardware encryption. Ideal for users needing high capacity on the go at a budget.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | |
625 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
625 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.236 kg | 0.052 kgbest |
2 years | 5 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 21 mm | 9.7 mmbest |
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 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB Version | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 5 years |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS, consoles | iOS 13+, Android 11+, macOS 11+, Windows 10+ |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 625 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 625 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.236 kg | 0.052 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 21 mm | 9.7 mm |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | bus-powered | Bus-powered |
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”
“the speed of this SSD mainly when reading files will provide smoother playback”
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.
