ReviewFinder External Hard Drives

WD Elements

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Storage capacity
Compatibility
Speed
Durability
Connectivity
Design
Warranty
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14 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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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
80
Large, affordable and versatile
The WD Elements is a low-cost, high-capacity portable drive that is easy to use and works well with both computers and game consoles. While it may not have added features like security and backup software, it is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable way to carry and store data.
+ pros
  • Low cost: The WD Elements is one of the cheapest portable drives on the market.
  • Versatile: The drive works well with both computers and game consoles as either storage expansion or a backup drive.
  • Easy to use: The drive is preformatted for Windows and will work right away when you plug it in.
  • Good performance: The drive did quite well in testing, registering a sustained real-world copy speed of more than 95MBps for writing and more than 100MBps for reading.
- cons
  • Short warranty: The drive carries a short 1-year warranty.
  • No added value: The drive has no other added value such as security, and includes only a 30-day trial version of the WD SmartWare Pro backup software.
  • Slower performance: The drive's performance wasn't as fast as its intended rival, the slightly more expensive Seagate Expansion.
  • Lack of features: The drive doesn't support encryption for security, meaning you shouldn't put sensitive data on it.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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