The cost and capacity advantages of mechanical drives make them an excellent choice for storing data outside your PC. Backups, media files, and other large datasets – often requiring terabytes of space – are best stored externally for added safety. For the most reliable external storage, consider placing one of our recommended internal drives inside an external enclosure with a power connector. This approach ensures you won’t lose access to your data due to a broken external connector.
But if you prefer the convenience of a plug-and-play solution, WD’s My Book stands out above the competition by offering lots of reliable storage space on the cheap. Models range between 4TB and 18TB. Currently, some of the better options are the 4TB drive for $105, the 8TB model for $175, and the 12TB version for $225.
The My Book comes pre-formatted with the exFAT file system and includes WD’s Backup software for Windows and macOS. It is also compatible with Apple’s Time Machine. However, with a slow-spinning mechanical disk and a USB 3.0 interface, this drive isn’t built for speed. Its sequential read and write speeds of 170 – 180MB/s are mediocre, with even slower random transfer and I/O performance. While these speeds would be unacceptable for a boot drive, they are sufficient for the My Book’s primary purpose – cost-effective, reliable storage for infrequently accessed data.
There are a few minor drawbacks to consider. The My Book uses a Micro-B USB 3.0 to USB-A connector instead of the more common USB-A/USB-C interfaces. Additionally, it lacks an activity light and requires a separate 12V power adapter (included), making it better suited for fixed workspaces. On the plus side, it comes with password-protected 256-bit hardware encryption and a three-year warranty, which is longer than its Seagate rival. Overall, the WD My Book is the best budget-friendly external storage option available today.
A Compact Alternative: WD My Passport Ultra
For those seeking portable storage on a budget, WD’s My Passport Ultra hits the middle ground in terms of capacity, performance, portability, and price.
With a sleek, pocket-friendly design, the 5TB model currently offers the best value at $140, while the 6TB version provides the highest capacity. Smaller 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options are also available at lower prices. This model features a modern USB-C port (with a USB-A adapter included) and additional perks such as an activity light, onboard hardware encryption, useful software utilities, and a class-leading 3-year warranty.
Performance-wise, the My Passport Ultra isn’t groundbreaking, but its ~130MB/s read and write speeds are on par with the competition. Given its affordability, feature set, and ease of use, these speeds are more than acceptable for everyday storage needs.
