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Elements is plain; My Passport adds software.
This guide is built from Amazon product listings and maker specs, not our own testing, so confirm compatibility, capacity and current price on each product page.
Prices are approximate and were shown on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026; check the current price.
Last updated: November 1, 2026.
Quick Picks
| Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WD My Passport 5TB Portable External Hard Drive | Portable HDD with backup software | WD drives |
| WD Elements Desktop 12TB External Hard Drive | Desktop HDD, USB 3.0 | WD drives |
| WD Elements 6TB Portable External Hard Drive | Portable HDD, USB 3.2 Gen 1 | WD drives |
| WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Hard Drive | Portable HDD with backup software | WD drives |
| WD My Book 12TB Desktop External Hard Drive | Desktop HDD with password protection | WD drives |
| WD Elements 5TB Portable External Hard Drive | Portable HDD, USB 3.2 Gen 1 | WD drives |
| WD Elements 2TB Portable External Hard Drive | Portable HDD, USB 3.2 Gen 1 | WD drives |
Our Picks
1. WD My Passport 5TB Portable External Hard Drive
A WD My Passport 5TB Portable External Hard Drive (portable hdd with backup software), per the listing. It showed at about $226 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: Software is optional.
2. WD Elements Desktop 12TB External Hard Drive
A WD Elements Desktop 12TB External Hard Drive (desktop hdd, usb 3.0), per the listing. It showed at about $550 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: High price.
3. WD Elements 6TB Portable External Hard Drive
A WD Elements 6TB Portable External Hard Drive (portable hdd, usb 3.2 gen 1), per the listing. It showed at about $278 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: Higher price.
4. WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Hard Drive
A WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Hard Drive (portable hdd with backup software), per the listing. It showed at about $193 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: Software is optional.
5. WD My Book 12TB Desktop External Hard Drive
A WD My Book 12TB Desktop External Hard Drive (desktop hdd with password protection), per the listing. It showed at about $525 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: High price.
6. WD Elements 5TB Portable External Hard Drive
A WD Elements 5TB Portable External Hard Drive (portable hdd, usb 3.2 gen 1), per the listing. It showed at about $218 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: Formatted for Windows.
7. WD Elements 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
A WD Elements 2TB Portable External Hard Drive (portable hdd, usb 3.2 gen 1), per the listing. It showed at about $131 on Amazon.com on November 1, 2026.
Good for: WD drives. Watch out: Formatted for Windows.
How to Choose
HDD vs SSD
Hard drives cost less per terabyte; SSDs are faster and tougher.
Capacity
Pick 2TB to 5TB for backups and media.
Format
Windows drives may need reformatting for Mac. Back up before reformatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hard drives last?
Often several years; replace and back up regularly.
Do I need external power?
Portable drives use USB power; desktop drives need an adapter.
Is one backup enough?
No. Keep another copy.
Bottom Line
WD Elements for value, My Passport for software, My Book for desktops.
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