SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD vs Western Digital My Passport 5TB External HDD
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD delivers high‑performance NVMe speeds in a compact, durable case. With up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write, it handles 4K video, large photo libraries, and game files without lag. Its IP55‑rated water‑ and dust‑resistance and shock‑proof design protect your data in harsh environments, making it ideal for travel, field work, and outdoor adventures.
The WD My Passport 5TB external hard drive offers massive storage in a compact, travel‑friendly design. It features USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity for fast data transfers and includes built‑in 256‑bit AES hardware encryption to keep your files secure. Plug‑and‑play compatibility works across Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions, making it ideal for photographers, videographers, and anyone needing reliable on‑the‑go backup. The drive is powered directly from the USB port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter.
- Very high read/write speeds for its class
- Durable, water‑ and dust‑resistant design
- Broad compatibility via USB‑C
- Lightweight and portable
- Large 5 TB capacity in a pocket‑size form factor
- Fast USB 3.2 transfer rates
- Hardware AES‑256 encryption for data security
- Cross‑platform compatibility without extra drivers
- Higher price than basic SATA portable SSDs
- No built‑in hardware encryption key management
- Limited to USB‑C; requires adapter for older ports
- Mechanical HDD, slower than SSDs for random access
- No built‑in USB‑C power delivery for charging devices
- Limited to USB‑A/‑C, no Thunderbolt support
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD
View all →Secure, portable USB 3.0 backup drive with built-in hardware encryption.
Portable 5TB backup drive with password protection and USB 3.0 speed
Alternatives to Western Digital My Passport 5TB External HDD
View all →Secure, portable USB 3.0 backup drive with built-in hardware encryption.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataChoose the SanDisk Extreme SSD for faster, rugged portable performance; choose the WD My Passport HDD for massive cheap storage.
Key differences
- •Speed: SSD up to 1050 MB/s vs HDD limited to USB‑C 5 Gb/s (~625 MB/s theoretical).
- •Capacity: 1 TB SSD vs 5 TB HDD for far more data on a single drive.
- •Durability: SSD has IP55 water/dust rating and 2 m drop resistance; HDD only shock‑resistant shell.
- •Interface: SSD is USB‑C only, SSD uses USB‑C 3.2 Gen 2; HDD offers both USB‑C and USB‑A (USB‑C 3.2 Gen 1).
- •Encryption: HDD includes built‑in 256‑bit AES hardware encryption; SSD only provides password‑protected software encryption.
Performance
SSD delivers up to 1050 MB/s sequential read, far exceeding HDD's USB‑C 5 Gb/s (~625 MB/s) limit.
Build quality
SSD has aluminum enclosure, IP55 rating, and 2 m drop resistance; HDD only shock‑resistant shell.
Connectivity
HDD provides both USB‑C and USB‑A ports, while SSD is USB‑C‑only.
Power & efficiency
SSD is lighter (58 g) and consumes less power than the heavier 210 g HDD.
Compatibility
Both are USB‑powered and work with Windows and macOS; no driver differences noted.
Price & value
Both list MSRP $149; SSD offers speed and durability, HDD offers 5× capacity—value depends on need.
Warranty & support
Both include a 2‑year limited warranty; HDD adds optional data‑recovery service.
Choose SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD if…
Content creators needing fast, rugged, portable storage for large files.
Choose Western Digital My Passport 5TB External HDD if…
Photographers or small businesses needing high capacity backup on a budget.
Common questions
Is the price really the same for both drives?
Both list an MSRP of $149, so the listed price is identical.
Can I use the SSD with older computers that only have USB‑A?
The SSD is USB‑C only; you would need a USB‑C‑to‑USB‑A adapter for older ports.
Which drive offers built‑in hardware encryption?
The WD My Passport HDD includes 256‑bit AES hardware encryption; the SanDisk SSD only provides software password protection.