Table of Contents
Summary
Expert Consensus
Storage capacity
Compatibility
Speed
Durability
Connectivity
Design
Expert Reviews
Good Alternatives
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WD My Passport

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8 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [8]

84
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 3
Highest score by tweaktown.com
94
Average score based on 8 reviews
84
Lowest score by PCMag
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The WD My Passport external hard drive is a reliable and versatile option for those in need of ample storage capacity for various use cases, with a range of storage capacities, high compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and average read and write speeds.

The WD My Passport external hard drive is a reliable and versatile option for those in need of ample storage capacity for various use cases. It offers a range of storage capacities, including 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB, making it an excellent choice for juggling multiple video projects at once or creating a media server or backup games.

The drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and can be reformatted to exFAT to use with both systems. It has an average read speed of around 135. 8 MB/s and an average write speed of around 122. 1 MB/s, making it a reliable option for transferring files on the go. The My Passport SSD offers faster read and write speeds of up to 1050 MB/s.

The drive is suitable for regular use but not recommended for harsh conditions or rough treatment. It is a good option for those who need a portable hard drive for everyday use and do not require ruggedized features. The WD My Passport external hard drive has a compact and slim design with a glossy upper and textured bottom, available in a range of colors.

It is suitable for professionals and students who need to store and transport large amounts of data and gamers who need to store and transfer large game files.

Storage capacity

The WD My Passport external hard drive offers a range of storage capacities up to 5TB, making it a reliable and versatile option for storing large amounts of data.

The WD My Passport external hard drive offers a range of storage capacities, including 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB. The higher capacity options provide additional space for storing larger amounts of data, making it an excellent choice for juggling multiple video projects at once or creating a media server or backup games.

The 5TB version of the WD My Passport has sustained copy speeds of around 120 MB/s for both writing and reading when used with a USB 3. 2 Gen 1 port. Overall, the WD My Passport is a reliable and versatile external hard drive that offers ample storage capacity for various use cases.

What is the maximum storage capacity offered by the WD My Passport?

The WD My Passport is available in capacities of 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB.
Based on 11 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The WD My Passport external hard drive is available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB capacities.
Based on 13 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The WD My Passport external hard drive is available in four different storage capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB. According to information from ReviewFinder's database, as of the time of this response, the list prices for the Windows version of the drive are $59.99 for the 1TB drive, $79.99 for the 2TB drive, $119.99 for the 4TB drive, and $149.99 for the 5TB drive. However, current street prices may be lower.
Based on 11 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The higher storage capacity options of WD My Passport external hard drive provide additional space for storing larger amounts of data, including photos, videos, music, and documents. According to the product reviews on ReviewFinder, the 5TB version of WD My Passport provides users with even more space to store their ever-growing library of photos and high-definition videos, making it an excellent choice for juggling multiple video projects at once or creating a media server or backup games. Additionally, the higher capacity options of WD My Passport come with the same features and benefits as the lower capacity options, such as fast performance, hardware encryption, useful software bundle, and compatibility with both Windows 10 and macOS Mojave.
Based on 9 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

There is no specific information on the read and write speeds of WD My Passport at its maximum storage capacity, as the speed varies depending on the model and capacity. However, according to the review on dongknows.com, the 5TB version of the WD My Passport has sustained copy speeds of around 120 MB/s for both writing and reading when used with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
Based on 10 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The WD My Passport external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, can be reformatted to exFAT, does not require specific software or drivers, and can store any type of file without limitations on file types or sizes, while also being usable with gaming consoles.

The WD My Passport external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, as it comes formatted in NTFS for Windows and HFS+ for Mac. However, it can be reformatted to exFAT to use with both systems. The drive does not require any specific software or drivers for compatibility, but optional software is available for download for password protection and backup.

The drive can store any type of file without limitations on file types or sizes, as long as the total amount of data stored does not exceed the capacity of the drive. Additionally, the WD My Passport can be used with gaming consoles such as PlayStation 4 or Xbox One to increase internal storage.

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

Yes, the WD My Passport is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. The Windows version comes formatted in the NTFS file system, while the Mac version comes in HFS+. However, you can reformat either version with the other file system or with exFAT if you want to use the drive with both Windows and Mac. Just be sure to back up any files on the drive first so you can copy them back when you're done.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

No, the WD My Passport does not require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility. According to Camera Jabber, "no drivers are required so you can just connect the My Passport SSD to your computer, Mac or PC, and start using it without reformatting." However, optional software is available for download and installation from the drive if you want to set up password protection or use it as a backup.
Based on 10 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

WD My Passport is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and can store any type of file, including documents, photos, videos, music, and more. There are no specific limitations on file types or sizes that can be stored on the drive, as long as the total amount of data stored does not exceed the capacity of the drive, which is 1TB in this case.

Can the WD My Passport be used with gaming consoles or devices?

Yes, according to the product review on Lifewire, the WD My Passport is the perfect companion to a modern games console if you’re looking to bolster the internal storage of a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Speed

The WD My Passport external hard drive offers reliable read and write speeds, with the My Passport SSD offering even faster speeds, making it a good choice for portable file transfers.

The WD My Passport external hard drive has an average read speed of around 135. 8 MB/s and an average write speed of around 122. 1 MB/s, making it a reliable option for transferring files on the go. The My Passport SSD offers faster read and write speeds of up to 1050 MB/s.

The file size and type may affect transfer speeds, but the My Passport should be able to handle a variety of files without significant slowdowns. The drive features 256-bit AES hardware encryption, which may affect speed, but it does not have any caching features that would affect its speed.

The My Passport works well on both Windows 10 and macOS Mojave and should not have a noticeable difference in speed when used on different devices or operating systems. Overall, the WD My Passport is a solid choice for those in need of a portable external hard drive for file transfers.

What is the maximum read and write speed of the WD My Passport?

According to various product reviews, the maximum read and write speed of the WD My Passport varies depending on the model and the type of test being performed. However, in general, the My Passport external HDD utilizes a Micro-USB Type-B connector that runs USB 3.2 Gen1 data protocols. This connection is capable of a maximum bandwidth of 500MB/s, though the HDD itself is incapable of transferring data at this speed. The My Passport SSD, on the other hand, can offer read and write speeds of up to 1050 MB/s (according to Camera Jabber).
Based on 11 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

According to reviews in our database, the read and write speeds of the WD My Passport external hard drive vary slightly depending on the review and the specific model being tested. However, the average read speed is around 135.8 MB/s, while the average write speed is around 122.1 MB/s. These speeds are considered average for portable hard drives and should provide reliable performance for transferring files when you're on the go. In terms of factors that may affect these speeds, the file size and type may have some impact. Larger files may take longer to transfer, while certain file types that are more complex or require more processing power may also slow down the transfer speeds. However, in general, the WD My Passport should be able to handle a variety of file sizes and types without significant slowdowns.
Based on 9 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The WD My Passport features 256-bit AES hardware encryption, which can potentially affect the drive's speed. However, according to a product review on dongknows.com, the drive has sustained copy speeds of around 120 MB/s for both writing and reading when used with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. Additionally, the drive does not have any caching features that would affect its speed.
Based on 10 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

According to a review on storagereview.com, the My Passport is ready to go with either Windows 10 or macOS Mojave depending on which model is bought. In another review on dongknows.com, the My Passport worked well when plugged into a USB 2.0 port and had no issues with it. Based on these reviews, there shouldn't be a noticeable difference in speed when using the My Passport on different devices or operating systems.
Based on 14 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The WD My Passport external hard drive is a portable option for everyday use, but is not designed for harsh conditions or rough treatment.

The WD My Passport external hard drive is made of plastic and aluminum, with a glossy upper and textured bottom. It is not designed to be shock-resistant and cannot withstand substantial drops, water damage, or excessive dust. However, it does have four tiny grips on the bottom to keep it stuck to a desk or surface.

The drive comes with a three-year limited warranty and customer support is available for assistance. Overall, the WD My Passport is suitable for regular use but not recommended for harsh conditions or rough treatment. It is a good option for those who need a portable hard drive for everyday use and do not require ruggedized features.

What materials are used in the construction of the WD My Passport?

According to the product review on tweaktown.com, the My Passport SSD enclosure is made of plastic and aluminum. The glossy upper and textured bottom of the drive, as described in the product review on Lifewire, also support this.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

According to the product review on Lifewire, the WD My Passport is not rugged enough to survive substantial drops. However, the review on PCMag states that if you don't need a ruggedized drive to stand up to rough treatment, the WD My Passport checks off all the right boxes for an external portable hard drive.
Based on 9 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

According to a product review on Lifewire, the WD My Passport is not rugged enough to survive water damage or excessive dust. However, it does have four tiny grips on the bottom to keep it stuck to your desk or surface if it’s going to be a static drive rather than a portable one.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any reported issues with the durability of WD My Passport?

According to the product review on Lifewire, the WD My Passport is not rugged enough to survive water damage, excessive dust or a substantial drop. However, it does come with a three-year limited warranty. So, if you're not planning on exposing it to harsh conditions, the WD My Passport should be durable enough to withstand regular use.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

According to a product review on Lifewire, the WD My Passport comes with a three-year limited warranty, which means that if the drive fails due to a manufacturing defect or normal wear and tear within the warranty period, Western Digital will replace or repair the drive at no cost to you. However, the same review notes that while the My Passport has a professional design, it is not rugged enough to survive water damage, excessive dust, or substantial drops. If you encounter any issues with your drive, you can contact Western Digital's customer support for assistance.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The WD My Passport External Hard Drive has a micro-B port that supports USB 3.0 and is backward compatible with USB 2.0, but does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity, making it suitable for users who need a reliable and fast external hard drive for data storage and backup.

The WD My Passport External Hard Drive comes with a micro-B port that supports USB 3. 0 and is backward compatible with USB 2. 0. It does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity. The transfer speeds for the Micro-USB Type-B connector are up to 500MB/s, but when plugged into a USB 2.

0 port, the transfer speeds will be slower at around 40 MB/s. This product is suitable for users who need a reliable and fast external hard drive for data storage and backup, but do not require USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity. It is also ideal for users who frequently transfer large files and need fast transfer speeds.

What types of ports are supported by the WD My Passport?

The WD My Passport External Hard Drive comes with a micro-B port with a USB 3.0 cable in the box. According to the product reviews on Lifewire and Dong Knows Tech, it has no USB-C support. It also works with a USB 2.0 port.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the WD My Passport compatible with USB 3.0?

Yes, the WD My Passport comes with a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (5Gbps) which is also backward compatible with USB 2.0.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD My Passport support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity?

According to the product review on dongknows.com and Lifewire, the WD My Passport External Hard Drive does not support USB-C connectivity. It comes with a regular micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 port and a standard USB cable. It does not support Thunderbolt connectivity either.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The WD My Passport comes with a Micro-USB Type-B connector that runs USB 3.2 Gen1 data protocols. This connection is capable of a maximum bandwidth of 500MB/s. The drive is also backward compatible with USB 2.0, but transfer speeds will be slower. According to a review on dongknows.com, when plugged into a USB 2.0 port, the WD My Passport worked well, too, with around 40 MB/s.
Based on 10 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Design

The WD My Passport external hard drive has a compact and stylish design, fast read and write speeds, and is ideal for professionals, students, and gamers.

The WD My Passport external hard drive has a compact and slim design with a glossy upper and textured bottom, available in a range of colors. Its slightly rounded edges and ripples over part of the surface provide a tactile-friendly feel and prevent slipping. The drive does not require screws to hold the case together and has no sharp edges to catch on clothing or bags.

It offers USB-C connectivity with fast read and write speeds of up to 1050 MB/s, but an adapter or cable may be needed for devices without a USB-C port. The My Passport is a standout among other portable hard drives, making it ideal for professionals and students who need to store and transport large amounts of data.

It is also suitable for gamers who need to store and transfer large game files.

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

According to the reviews in our database, the dimensions of the WD My Passport external hard drive vary depending on the capacity. The 4TB and 5TB drives are 0.75 inches thick and measure 4.2 by 3 inches in footprint, while the 1TB and 2TB versions are a slimmer 0.44 inches thick and also measure 4.2 by 3 inches in footprint. The device is just over four inches long and just under three inches wide. The WD My Passport weighs just 6 ounces (for the 1TB and 2TB versions) and 7.4 ounces (for the 4TB and 5TB versions), making it a light and easily portable device.
Based on 9 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The WD My Passport external hard drive has a professional and stylish design with a glossy upper and a textured bottom. The drive comes in a range of color options, including black, red, and blue, depending on the capacity you choose. The design features slightly rounded edges and ripples over part of the surface, which not only gives it a tactile-friendly feel but also helps keep the drive from slipping out of your hand easily. Overall, the My Passport drive looks attractive and modern, making it a clear standout among other portable hard drives.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

According to various product reviews in ReviewFinder's database, the WD My Passport's design features that set it apart from other external hard drives include its compact and slim design, choice of colors, slightly rounded edges, ripples over part of the surface for a tactile-friendly feel, partially rippled surface to keep the drive from slipping out of your hand easily, no screws needed to hold the case together and no sharp edges to catch on clothing or a bag, glossy upper and textured bottom, and an understated WD logo. Additionally, the My Passport comes with a range of capacities from 1TB to 5TB, making it the slimmest portable 5TB hard drive in Western Digital's portfolio.
Based on 17 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

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

The WD My Passport offers USB-C connectivity with a background in USB 3.2 Gen 2. This means that it can deliver fast read and write speeds of up to 1050 MB/s. The USB-C port is reversible, which makes it more convenient to use. However, if your computer or gaming console doesn't have a USB-C port, you'll need to use an adapter or cable to connect the drive. This doesn't impact the design of the drive significantly, but it does mean that you'll need to carry an adapter or cable with you if you want to use it with devices that don't have a USB-C port.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

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