ReviewFinder External Hard Drives

WD Elements

TLDR: The WD Elements external hard drive is a reliable and versatile storage device with varying storage capacities, drop-resistant design, USB 3.0 connectivity, and sleek and compact design, suitable for personal and professional use.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
WD Elements rank #5 out of 38. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.6
Amazing

The product receives amazing reviews on average (consumer score 9.6). This is slightly above the median external hard drive score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for WD Elements is $64, available here. This is below the median external hard drive price of $105.74.
  • Lowest price: $49.99
  • Median price: $105.74
  • Highest price: $239.99
  • WD Elements price: $64
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The WD Elements external hard drive is a reliable and versatile storage device with varying storage capacities, drop-resistant design, USB 3.0 connectivity, and sleek and compact design, suitable for personal and professional use.

The WD Elements external hard drive is a reliable and versatile storage device suitable for both personal and professional use. It offers a range of storage capacities from 500GB to 5TB, with the 2TB model being recommended for its balance of price and performance. The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, but may require formatting before use with Mac systems.

It has varying read and write speeds depending on the file size, operating system, and test method used, but on average, it has a sequential read speed of 120-130 MB per second and a sequential write speed of 80-110 MB per second. The drive is designed to be drop-resistant up to 2 meters and has a decent build quality, but it is not advertised as super-durable.

It supports USB 3.0 connectivity, which delivers maximum performance and super-fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for users who need to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, especially those who work with video or audio files. The drive has a sleek and compact design with a solid build quality and a protected enclosure that is stylish and attractive, making it a great option for those who prioritize portability and simplicity in their external hard drive.

Overall, the WD Elements external hard drive is suitable for individuals or businesses that require additional storage space for their files, music, videos, and photos, as well as for those who need to transfer large files quickly between devices or back up important data.

Storage capacity

The WD Elements external hard drive offers a range of storage capacities from 500GB to 5TB, with the 2TB model being recommended for its balance of price and performance, making it suitable for individuals or businesses that require additional storage space for their files, music, videos, and photos.

The WD Elements external hard drive offers a range of storage capacities from 500GB to 5TB, with the 2TB model being recommended for its balance of price and performance. The available storage capacity options range from 1TB to 5TB, with larger capacities being slower when filled with data.

The prices for the different storage capacity options vary, with the 1TB model costing just under 5 cents per gigabyte and the 2TB model costing $85. Higher storage capacity options allow for more storage of files, music, videos, and photos without worrying about running out of space. However, it is worth noting that the drives spin at 5,400 rpm, so larger capacities will be noticeably slower.

The read and write speeds of the WD Elements external hard drive vary depending on the capacity and the software or hardware used for testing, but it has an average sequential read speed of 122 MB per second and an average random data read speed of 0.5 MB per second on Mac OS. The WD Elements external hard drive is suitable for individuals or businesses that require additional storage space for their files, music, videos, and photos. It is also ideal for those who need to transfer large files quickly between devices.

What is the maximum storage capacity offered by the WD Elements?

The WD Elements external hard drive comes in a range of storage capacities, from 500GB to 5TB. According to Gadget Review, the 2TB model offers the best balance of price and performance.
Based on 13 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the available storage capacity options for the WD Elements external hard drive?

According to Cloudwards and TechGearLab, the WD Elements external hard drive has storage capacity options ranging from 1TB to 5TB. However, it's worth noting that according to Cloudwards, larger capacities will be slower, especially when filled with data.
Based on 13 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the different storage capacity options and prices available for the WD Elements external hard drive?

The WD Elements external hard drive comes in various storage capacity options, including 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, and 5TB. According to Cloudwards, the 1TB model costs just under 5 cents per gigabyte, and the 2TB model costs $85. The 500GB model costs $50. Please note that prices may vary depending on the retailer and location.
Based on 13 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What additional features or benefits come with the higher storage capacity options for WD Elements?

According to Cloudwards, the WD Elements Portable Hard Drive offers four storage capacity options: 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, and 4TB. However, Western Digital also advertises 250GB, 500GB, and 1.5TB options on its website, which were not available at the time of Cloudwards' review. Higher storage capacity options allow you to store more files, music, videos, and photos without having to worry about running out of space. However, it is worth noting that according to Cloudwards, the drives spin at 5,400 rpm, so larger capacities will be noticeably slower, especially when filled with data.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the read and write speeds of WD Elements at its maximum storage capacity?

There is no universal answer to this question because the read and write speeds of the WD Elements external hard drive vary depending on the capacity and the software or hardware used for testing. However, according to TechGearLab, the WD Elements had an average sequential read speed of 122 MB per second and an average random data read speed of 0.5 MB per second on Mac OS. On Windows, the average random data read speed slowed to 0.4 MB per second, and the average sequential read speed fell to 120 MB per second. These results were obtained using the CrystalDiskMark test software. According to Top New Review, they measured the transfer rate of a 1GB file at 101MB per second for writing and 135MB per second for reading.
Based on 12 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The WD Elements External Hard Drive is a versatile and reliable storage solution that is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and can be used with gaming consoles, routers, and media network players.

The WD Elements External Hard Drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, but may require formatting before use with Mac systems. It is plug-and-play and does not require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility. The drive has no limitations on file types and can store files of any size as long as the total capacity of the drive is not exceeded.

It can also be used with gaming consoles, routers, and media network players. Overall, the WD Elements is a versatile and reliable external hard drive that can meet the needs of both personal and professional users.

Is the WD Elements compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems?

Yes, the WD Elements External Hard Drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. However, according to TechGearLab, the drive comes formatted for Windows and requires formatting before use with any Mac systems. According to Forbes, the WD Elements SE arrived pre-formatted as exFAT, so it is Windows and macOS-compatible out of the box.
Based on 10 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD Elements require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility?

No, the WD Elements external hard drive is plug-and-play, meaning it doesn't require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility. The necessary drivers to run the drive are included with your operating system. According to Cloudwards, out of the box, the drives are set to work with Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. It'll work with macOS, too, but you'll need to reformat the drive.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any limitations on the file types or sizes that can be stored on the WD Elements external hard drive?

There are no limitations on the file types that can be stored on the WD Elements external hard drive. As for file size limitations, it can store files of any size as long as the total capacity of the drive is not exceeded.

Can the WD Elements be used with gaming consoles or devices?

Yes, the WD Elements works well with gaming consoles and other types of USB-enabled hosts. According to CNET, it can be used as either storage expansion or a backup drive for gaming consoles such as Xbox One, and it also works well with routers and media network media players.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Speed

The WD Elements external hard drive has varying read and write speeds depending on the file size, operating system, and test method used, but it is a basic, no-frills storage device that is ideal for inexpensive, portable storage for everyday use.

The WD Elements external hard drive has varying read and write speeds depending on the file size, operating system, and test method used. On average, it has a sequential read speed of 120-130 MB per second and a sequential write speed of 80-110 MB per second, with slower random read and write speeds at around 0.4-0.9 MB per second.

The lack of additional features such as caching or encryption allows for easy use on any device without requiring additional software or drivers. There are slight differences in speed when using the drive on Windows and Mac OS, but they are not significant. The WD Elements is a basic, no-frills storage device that is ideal for inexpensive, portable storage for everyday use.

It is suitable for storing large files such as photos, videos, and music, as well as for backing up important data.

What is the maximum read and write speed of the WD Elements?

According to various sources in the ReviewFinder database, the maximum read and write speed of the WD Elements external hard drive ranges from 105 MB/s to 444.75MB/s, depending on the test method and the file size being transferred. However, the average read and write speeds are around 120 MB/s for sequential reads and 0.5 MB/s for random data reads. Keep in mind that the speed may vary depending on the size of the transferred files, the computer's hardware, and the test method used.
Based on 11 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the read and write speeds of the WD Elements external hard drive and are there any factors that may affect these speeds, such as file size or type?

According to various sources, the read and write speeds of the WD Elements external hard drive vary depending on the file size, operating system, and the software used to test the performance. In general, the drive has an average sequential read speed of 120-130 MB per second and an average sequential write speed of 80-110 MB per second. However, the random read and write speeds are slower at around 0.4-0.9 MB per second. Factors such as the size and type of files being transferred, the computer's hardware and operating system, and the type of USB port being used (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0) can affect the drive's speed. It's important to note that the drive may perform differently depending on the specific use case and hardware configuration.
Based on 12 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD Elements have any additional features that may affect its speed, such as caching or encryption?

According to HDDMAG and Cloudwards, the WD Elements external hard drive does not have any additional features that may affect its speed, such as caching or encryption. It is a basic, no-frills storage device meant for inexpensive, portable storage. However, it is worth noting that the lack of features can be a good thing, as it allows the drive to work anywhere without requiring any additional software or drivers.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any differences in speed when using the WD Elements on different devices or operating systems?

According to TechGearLab, there were slight differences in read and write speeds when using the WD Elements on Windows and Mac OS. The average random data read speed on Windows slowed to 0.4 MB per second, and the average sequential read speed fell to 120 MB per second. On Mac OS, the average sequential read speed was 122 MB per second, and the average random data read speed was slightly slower at 0.5 MB per second. However, the differences were very slight and may not be noticeable in everyday use.
Based on 11 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The WD Elements external hard drive is drop-resistant up to 2 meters and has a decent build quality, but is not advertised as super-durable and is not waterproof or dustproof.

The WD Elements external hard drive is designed to be drop-resistant up to 2 meters and has a decent build quality, but it is not advertised as super-durable. The outer body is made entirely of plastic, which makes it less susceptible to damage. The product is not waterproof or dustproof, but it is designed internally for long-lasting durability, shock resistance, and maximum reliability.

The warranty for the WD Elements external hard drive is two years from the date of purchase, and damage inflicted on the drive is not covered. The product is suitable for users who need a reliable and durable external hard drive for everyday use, but it is important to handle the drive with care to avoid any damage.

What materials are used in the construction of the WD Elements?

According to Gizbot, the outer body of the WD Elements External Hard Drive is made entirely of plastic.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the WD Elements external hard drive designed to be shock-resistant and able to withstand drops?

According to sources in ReviewFinder database, the WD Elements external hard drive is designed to be drop-resistant up to 2 meters. The entire outer body of the WD Elements SE SSD is made using plastic, which also makes this product less susceptible to damage and is rated for 2-meter drop resistance. The case, while not advertised as super-durable, is still holding up very well, even after a few accidental drops and bumps. However, it is important to note that although it is drop-resistant, it is not tamper-proof.
Based on 8 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD Elements have any additional features that contribute to its durability, such as water resistance or dust protection?

According to TechGearLab, the WD Elements portable hard drive was not designed to be waterproof or dustproof. However, according to GM Drives, the WD Elements is designed internally for long-lasting durability, shock resistance, and maximum reliability, and its external enclosure is protected and stylish. It is also rated for a 2-meter drop resistance, which makes the product less susceptible to damage and should survive accidental falls without any issue, as there are no moving parts involved.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any reported issues with the durability of WD Elements?

According to the reviews in our database, the WD Elements external hard drive has a decent build quality, but it is not advertised as super-durable. The case is holding up well even after a few accidental drops and bumps, as reported by one user. However, it is not shock-proof or tamper-proof, so it can be damaged if dropped from a fair height or distance, according to another user's experience. It's worth noting that any spinning drive will eventually fail, so it's important to handle the drive with care.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the warranty and customer support offered for the WD Elements in regards to durability?

The warranty for the WD Elements external hard drive is two years from the date of purchase, according to Cloudwards. However, damage inflicted on the drive is not covered. According to akshatblog.com, the WD Elements 1 TB hard disk comes with a 3-year onsite warranty. You can check the warranty information on the Western Digital website by entering your hard drive serial number. Regarding customer support, there is no specific information available about customer support for durability issues.
Based on 13 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The WD Elements External Hard Drive supports USB 3.0 connectivity for fast transfer speeds, but does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity.

The WD Elements External Hard Drive supports USB 3.0 connectivity, which delivers maximum performance and super-fast transfer speeds. It is also compatible with USB 2.0 ports, but at much slower speeds. The drive does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity, but an adapter or plug can be used to connect it to a USB-C port.

The average sequential read speed is 122 MB per second, and the average random data read speed is 0.5 MB per second. This product is ideal for users who need to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, especially those who work with video or audio files.

It is also a good option for users who need to back up their data regularly. However, it may not be suitable for users who require faster transfer speeds or more advanced connectivity options.

What types of ports are supported by the WD Elements?

The WD Elements External Hard Drive can transfer data at maximum speed with USB 3.0 and is also USB 2.0 compatible. According to GM Drives, it connects with a USB 3.0 port of your computer and is formatted for the Windows operating system. It also works with USB 2.0 but at much slower speeds. So, you can use it with either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports on your computer.
Based on 7 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the WD Elements compatible with USB 3.0?

Yes, the WD Elements external hard drive is compatible with USB 3.0. According to GM Drives, the Elements drive connects with a USB 3.0 port of your computer and is formatted for Windows operating system. It delivers maximum performance and super fast transfer speed while connected with USB 3.0 port. It works great with USB 3.0 port and also capable to be connected with USB 2.0 port.
Based on 16 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD Elements support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity?

No, the WD Elements External Hard Drive does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity. It only has a USB 3.0 port that uses a micro B connector. However, you can use an adapter or plug to connect it to a USB-C port on your computer, as mentioned by MacTakeAwayData.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the supported ports for the WD Elements and what are the transfer speeds for each port?

The WD Elements supports USB 3.0, which is the recommended port for the best performance. According to sources, when connected to a USB 3.0 port, the WD Elements delivers maximum performance and super-fast transfer speed. The average sequential read speed is 122 MB per second, and the average random data read speed is 0.5 MB per second. For manual tests, the average write speed is 110 MB per second when running Windows. When connected to a USB 2.0 port, the transfer speeds are much slower, at around 30MBps for both writing and reading.
Based on 11 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Design

The WD Elements external hard drive has a sleek and compact design, is easy to use, and is ideal for users who prioritize portability and simplicity in their external hard drive.

The WD Elements external hard drive has a sleek and compact design with a solid build quality and a protected enclosure that is stylish and attractive. Its simple design enables it to work well with both computers and gaming consoles as either storage expansion or a backup drive. The drive's all-black body with rounded edges and a smoothly finished surface gives it a functional and smart aesthetic.

It connects to your computer or gaming console via USB 3.0 or USB 2.0, and its focus on portability means it is stripped away from bulky enclosures and power supplies of desktop hard drives, favoring a slim form factor. While it lacks some software features, such as password protection/encryption software, it is a great option for those who prioritize portability and simplicity in their external hard drive.

It is ideal for users who need to store and transfer large amounts of data between devices, whether for work or personal use.

What are the dimensions and weight of the WD Elements external hard drive?

According to TechGearLab, the WD Elements external hard drive measures 4.3" x 3.3" x 0.6" and weighs about a quarter of a pound (4.66 ounces) as per Gadget Review.
Based on 10 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the color scheme and design aesthetic of the WD Elements external hard drive?

The WD Elements External Hard Drive comes in an all-black body with a subtle WD branding at the top left corner. The design is functional and smart with rounded edges and a smoothly finished surface. The drive is clad in a thin slab of matte black plastic with slightly darker round chamfered edges. According to some reviewers, it's not the most glamorous looking of external hard drives, but it has a protected enclosure which is really stylish and attractive.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the design features or elements that make WD Elements unique compared to other external hard drives?

According to various sources in ReviewFinder's database, WD Elements external hard drive is a sleek and compact model. It has a solid build quality and comes in a protected enclosure that is stylish and attractive. The drive's simple design enables it to work well with both computers and game consoles as either storage expansion or a backup drive. The Elements looks similar to higher-end portable drives from WD, with rounded corners and a smoothly finished surface. It is small enough for you to easily tuck it away in your pocket. Compared to the Seagate Expansion, it's slightly shorter and thicker, but overall it's better looking. However, the Elements lacks some software features, such as password protection/encryption software, that other drives might have.
Based on 17 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of connectivity options does the WD Elements offer for connecting to a computer or gaming console, and how does this impact its design?

The WD Elements external hard drive connects to your computer or gaming console via USB 3.0 or USB 2.0. The drive works best when connected to a high-speed USB 3.0 port, which will give you the highest read and write speeds. However, it is also capable of being connected to a USB 2.0 port. The simple design of the WD Elements enables it to work well with both computers and gaming consoles as either storage expansion or a backup drive. Its focus on portability means it is stripped away from bulky enclosures and power supplies of desktop hard drives, favoring a slim form factor.
Based on 13 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 14 expert reviews of WD Elements.

Expert reviews [14]

80
Total expert reviews: 14
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 9
Highest score by CNET
80
Average score based on 14 reviews
80
Lowest score by gizbot.com
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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The WD Elements external hard drive is a reliable and versatile storage device with varying storage capacities, drop-resistant design, USB 3.0 connectivity, and sleek and compact design, suitable for personal and professional use.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.