Western Digital Elements 5TB
Score: 73/100
Seagate Expansion 10TB
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Seagate Expansion 10TB is a desktop 3.5-inch HDD delivering up to 250 MB/s transfer rates and massive 10 TB storage for stationary backup needs. Its size, weight, and requirement for an external power adapter limit portability. Perfect for home offices or media servers needing bulk storage.
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 GB | 10,000 GBbest | |
625 MB/sbest | 250 MB/s | |
625 MB/sbest | 250 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.236 kgbest | 1.176 kg |
2 yearsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 21 mmbest | 77 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 5000 GB | 10000 GB |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS, consoles | Windows, macOS |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 625 MB/s | 250 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 625 MB/s | 250 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.236 kg | 1.176 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 21 mm | 77 mm |
Form Factor | 2.5 in | 3.5-inch |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | bus-powered | external adapter |
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”
“Works seamlessly on laptops/desktops without slowing systems”
Professional editors consistently commend the Seagate Expansion 10TB for its huge capacity, straightforward plug-and-play experience, and the added value of Rescue Data Recovery Services, while noting that its HDD nature and desktop-only design limit speed and portability compared with SSD alternatives.
Everyday users appreciate the reliable, fast transfers and the hassle-free setup on both Windows and macOS, but many express frustration over the unit's size, weight, and the need for an external power adapter, which hampers use in mobile environments.
