Portable HDDs aren't glamorous, but 5TB in your pocket for under $130 is remarkable. These two are the most widely purchased options. For most people — backing up a photo library, keeping a media archive, storing Time Machine backups — either one will work. The differences come down to software, build quality, and long-term reliability data.
WD My Passport 5TB
The WD My Passport is the safer buy. WD's reliability track record at this capacity is slightly better, and the included WD Backup software is more capable than Seagate's. The Seagate is often $10–$20 cheaper and works fine for simple drag-and-drop backup.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | WD My Passport 5TB | Seagate Backup Plus Portable 5TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5TB | 5TB |
| Interface | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | USB 3.0 (USB-A) |
| Recording Tech | SMR | SMR |
| Sustained Read Speed | ~130 MB/s | ~125 MB/s |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Hardware Encryption | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES |
| Approx. Price | ~$110 | ~$90 |
Performance
Both drives use SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) technology at 5TB, which means sequential reads and writes are fast but random writes — like incremental backups with many small files — can be slow. Expect 100–130 MB/s sustained sequential speed from either drive over USB 3.0.
The SMR limitation matters if you're running Time Machine or incremental backups with many small files — you'll see write speeds drop to 20–40 MB/s during those operations. Neither drive is exempt from this.
Reliability Data
Backblaze's drive reliability reports historically show WD drives in this class with slightly lower annualized failure rates than equivalent Seagates, though both are well within normal ranges for consumer hardware. At 5TB portable, there isn't a lot of long-term fleet data.
Both carry two-year warranties. Neither is designed for daily-use rough handling — these are backup-oriented drives, not portable workhorses.
Software
WD Backup is straightforward and supports scheduled backups, cloud sync, and password protection. The included WD Security app handles hardware encryption clearly. Seagate's Toolkit software has improved but still feels less polished.
Both drives include 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection. WD's implementation is slightly easier to set up.
Format and Compatibility
Both drives ship formatted as exFAT for Windows and macOS compatibility. If you're using Time Machine on a Mac, you'll need to reformat to APFS or Mac OS Extended. WD's included software walks through this; Seagate's is slightly less clear.
USB 3.0 backward compatibility means both drives work in USB 2.0 ports at lower speeds — about 30–40 MB/s. Not a concern for most setups, but worth knowing for older machines.
WD My Passport 5TB Strengths
- WD Backup software is more capable
- Slightly better reliability data historically
- Clean, compact design
- Better software-managed encryption setup
Seagate Backup Plus Portable 5TB Strengths
- Usually $10–$20 cheaper
- Available in matching desktop Drive Hub model
- Widely compatible across Windows and macOS
WD My Passport 5TB Weaknesses
- SMR technology limits random write speed
- Two-year warranty is standard but short for backup drives
- No drop protection beyond basic enclosure
Seagate Backup Plus Portable 5TB Weaknesses
- Seagate Toolkit less polished than WD Backup
- Historical reliability slightly lower in Backblaze data
- Same SMR limitations
Best For
- a: Users who want better software management and slightly more reliable long-term storage
- b: Users who want the lowest price for simple backup storage
FAQ
Is SMR bad for backup drives?
For sequential backups and archive storage, SMR is fine. It's only problematic for workloads with lots of small random writes, like incremental backups with thousands of tiny files.
Can I use these for Time Machine?
Yes, both work with Time Machine. Expect slower incremental backup speeds on subsequent runs due to SMR limitations, but initial backups and restores will be normal.