Western Digital My Book 6TB
Score: 76/100
Western Digital Elements 5TB
Score: 73/100Rankings
The WD My Book 6TB Desktop delivers 6 TB of secure storage with 256-bit AES encryption in a sturdy metal case. It requires an external power adapter and has HDD-level performance. Targeted at desktop users needing reliable, high-capacity backup.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
6,000 GBbest | 5,000 GB | |
150 MB/s | 625 MB/sbest | |
150 MB/s | 625 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.05 kg | 0.236 kgbest |
2 yearsbest | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 170 mm | 21 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 6000 GB | 5000 GB |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, consoles |
Performance(2) | ||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 150 MB/s | 625 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 150 MB/s | 625 MB/s |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.05 kg | 0.236 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 170 mm | 21 mm |
Form Factor | 3.5 in | 2.5 in |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | external | bus-powered |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the My Book 6TB for its generous capacity, easy plug-and-play setup, and robust 256-bit AES encryption, noting its compact desktop footprint and solid build quality as strong points, while acknowledging that its mechanical HDD nature caps performance compared to SSDs.
Everyday users consistently praise the drive's straightforward installation, large storage space for photos and videos, and built-in encryption for data security, but they commonly express frustration over the required external power adapter, slower HDD speeds, and occasional need to reformat for older operating systems.
“huge 5 TB storage for photos/videos”
“easy plug-and-play on Windows”
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.
