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WD My Passport SSD

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,100 MB/s read
  • Password protection with hardware encryption
  • NVMe internal architecture
  • 5-year warranty
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On this page

Is the WD My Passport SSD worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The WD My Passport SSD ranks #3 in our Best Portable SSDs 2026 list (best value). Its biggest strength: best rated read speed in the category on paper. The main caveat: real-world sustained write speeds throttle faster than Samsung T7.

Overview

What the WD My Passport SSD does well

2 Gen 2, up to 1,100 MB/s read and Password protection with hardware encryption. Keep in mind that real-world sustained write speeds throttle faster than Samsung T7.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,100 MB/s read
  • Password protection with hardware encryption
  • NVMe internal architecture
  • 5-year warranty
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Best rated read speed in the category on paper
  • 5-year warranty is longer than Samsung (3 years) and SanDisk (5 years)
  • Slightly lower price than T7 and SanDisk Extreme

Cons

  • Real-world sustained write speeds throttle faster than Samsung T7
  • WD Drive Utilities software is less polished than Samsung Magician
Fit check

Should you buy the WD My Passport SSD?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Real-world sustained write speeds throttle faster than Samsung T7
  • WD Drive Utilities software is less polished than Samsung Magician
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Portable SSDs 2026· Best Value#3 / 6
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the WD My Passport SSD

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: portable ssds

  1. Match drive speed to your ports.
  2. Choose more space than you need now.
  3. Look for drop and water resistance.
  4. Hardware encryption protects data.
  5. Check phone and console support.

Read the full guides

Answers

WD My Passport SSD: common questions

Is the WD My Passport SSD worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The WD My Passport SSD ranks #3 in our Best Portable SSDs 2026 list (best value). Its biggest strength: best rated read speed in the category on paper. The main caveat: real-world sustained write speeds throttle faster than Samsung T7.

Who is the WD My Passport SSD best for?

Based on our research it suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money. It's ranked #3 of 6 in our Best Portable SSDs 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the WD My Passport SSD?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: real-world sustained write speeds throttle faster than Samsung T7; wD Drive Utilities software is less polished than Samsung Magician.

What are the key features of the WD My Passport SSD?

USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,100 MB/s read, Password protection with hardware encryption, NVMe internal architecture and 5-year warranty.

What are the best alternatives to the WD My Passport SSD?

Worth comparing: Samsung T7 Portable SSD, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 and Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the WD My Passport SSD?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

What is the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt for portable SSDs?

USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides 10 Gbps theoretical bandwidth, sufficient for portable SSD speeds up to approximately 1000 MB/s. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 provide 40 Gbps, sufficient for 3000+ MB/s NVMe SSDs. Most portable SSDs use USB 3.2 Gen 2 (1000 MB/s class). Thunderbolt-only portable SSDs (Samsung X5, LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt) are faster but require a Thunderbolt port, not available on most Windows laptops. For a MacBook Pro or a Windows laptop with Thunderbolt: a Thunderbolt SSD achieves 2000-3000 MB/s. For USB-C without Thunderbolt: USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSDs max at 1000 MB/s regardless of the drive's rated speed.

Does a USB-C portable SSD work with USB-A ports using an adapter?

A USB-C to USB-A adapter allows a USB-C portable SSD to connect to a USB-A port. Transfer speeds will be limited by the USB-A port's generation: USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) limits speeds to approximately 400 MB/s read. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) allows full USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD speeds. Check the laptop's USB-A port generation before relying on an adapter for full-speed transfers.

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