Yes, external SSDs usually cost more per gigabyte and often top out at lower capacities. If your priority is inexpensive space for backups, photos, video or a game library, the 5TB WD Elements and WD My Passport portable hard drives reported on Amazon are the better capacity-per-dollar choice: Wccftech listed the Elements at $219 and the My Passport at $228.90, each about 20% below its stated list price. Check the live US Amazon checkout total, seller and stock before paying because those deal terms can change.
What the reported 5TB deal includes
The deal coverage identifies two portable, mechanical 5TB hard drives. Wccftech reported the WD Elements Portable at $219.00, reduced from a stated $274.99 list price, and the WD My Passport 5TB at $228.90, reduced from $284.99. The article described both discounts as 20%.
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Those are reported deal prices rather than guaranteed current prices. The fetched product evidence came from an Amazon.ie page, so US shoppers should confirm that the listing is on Amazon.com, that the seller and return policy are acceptable, and that the SKU matches the 5TB model before ordering.
WD Elements Portable 5TB
- Model identified by Western Digital: WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) interface with USB 2.0 compatibility.
- Supports Windows 10 and later; other operating systems may require reformatting.
- Two-year worldwide warranty.
WD My Passport 5TB
- Western Digital’s product sheet lists 5TB portable HDD SKUs in the WDBPKJ0050BBK family.
- The deal listing describes a portable mechanical hard drive with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility.
Neither drive should be treated as an SSD-speed replacement. Both are conventional spinning-disk products intended primarily to provide capacity at a lower price.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why a 5TB HDD can make more sense than an external SSD
| Consideration | 5TB portable HDD | Portable SSD example |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity at the reported deal | 5TB for $219 (Elements) or $228.90 (My Passport), subject to live pricing | Tom’s Guide listed the WD My Passport SSD in 500GB–2TB capacities |
| Price efficiency | More storage for backups, media and archives at the reported sale prices | Tom’s Guide reported $0.19 per gigabyte for its 1TB model and called it expensive |
| Measured transfer performance | Mechanical HDD; the supplied deal evidence does not state a benchmark | Tom’s Guide measured 855.9 MBps read and 855.3 MBps write in Blackmagic Disk Speed Test |
| Best fit | Large backup sets, photo and video libraries, and files accessed occasionally | Frequent large-file editing, fast scratch-disk work and applications that benefit from low latency |
| Shock and vibration | Moving parts require more care while operating | Solid-state storage has no spinning platters |
The SSD’s speed advantage matters when you repeatedly move large projects or use the drive as active working storage. For a backup or archive that spends most of its time idle, capacity can matter more than peak throughput. A 5TB HDD also avoids paying SSD prices for space you may only fill gradually.
Compatibility and setup
Windows computers
Plug the drive into a USB 3.x port, allow Windows to detect it, and create a clearly named folder structure before copying data. The Elements specification explicitly supports Windows 10 or later. USB 2.0 compatibility means it can connect to older ports, but transfers will be limited by that slower interface.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
macOS and other systems
Western Digital notes that the Elements may need reformatting for operating systems other than the stated Windows configuration. Reformatting erases existing data, so perform it before storing files and choose a file system that matches your computers and sharing needs. Confirm the My Passport listing’s supplied format and software for your operating system as well.
Phones, tablets and consoles
USB compatibility alone does not guarantee that a phone, tablet or game console can power or format the drive. Check the host device’s storage requirements, connector adapter and supported file systems before buying; the supplied product evidence does not establish universal support for these devices.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to use the drive safely for backups
- Verify the purchase. Match the 5TB capacity and model number on the package with the listing, and inspect the return window and warranty terms.
- Format deliberately. If your computer asks to initialize or format the disk, stop and choose the file system required by your operating systems. Formatting destroys existing contents.
- Use a repeatable folder plan. Separate documents, photos, video and system images so you can restore individual categories without searching one giant folder.
- Keep the drive disconnected when not backing up. This reduces exposure to accidental deletion, ransomware and electrical incidents.
- Maintain a second copy. An external drive is one copy, not a complete backup strategy. Keep another copy on a separate drive or in another location.
- Protect moving hardware. Do not move a spinning HDD while it is active, and store it in a padded case when traveling.
Who should buy which option?
Choose the reported 5TB HDD deal when
- You need several terabytes for the lowest practical upfront cost.
- Your files are backups, archives, media or games rather than active editing projects.
- USB 3.x performance is adequate and you can handle a larger, vibration-sensitive device.
Pay more for an SSD when
- You regularly edit large video, audio or photo projects directly from the external drive.
- Fast application loads and near-silent, shock-resistant storage justify the higher price per gigabyte.
- You can work within the commonly listed 500GB–2TB capacity range or afford a larger SSD.
What to check before ordering
- Confirm the Amazon country site: the cited fetched page was Amazon.ie, while the reported deal is framed for US buyers.
- Check the current checkout price rather than relying on a cached 20% badge.
- Verify that the listing says 5TB and identifies the intended Elements or My Passport family.
- Review seller, delivery date, returns and warranty coverage.
- Plan a second backup copy before moving irreplaceable data.
The practical verdict is straightforward: external SSDs deliver substantially faster transfers and more compact, solid-state storage, but their higher cost per gigabyte makes them poor value when your main requirement is several terabytes. At the reported prices, a 5TB WD portable HDD offers the stronger capacity bargain, provided you accept mechanical-drive speeds and maintain another backup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
