WD My Passport 4TB HDD Review: Reliable Portable Storage for Backups

Introduction

The WD My Passport 4TB is one of the most popular portable external hard drives worldwide. It offers 4TB of bus-powered storage in a compact, pocket-friendly design — perfect for backups, media libraries, and file transfers on the go. Priced at ¥589 (~$82) on JD.com.

Specifications

Item	Spec
Capacity	4TB
Interface	USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) via USB-C
Rotational Speed	5,400 RPM
Sequential Read	Up to 140 MB/s
Sequential Write	Up to 130 MB/s
Dimensions	110 × 81.5 × 20mm
Weight	210g
Encryption	AES 256-bit hardware (WD Security)
Backup Software	WD Backup / Time Machine
Included Cable	USB-C to C, USB-A adapter
Warranty	3 years
Price	¥589 (~$82)

Design and Build

The My Passport features a two-tone textured top surface available in black, blue, red, white, and silver. The USB-C port sits on one short edge. The plastic enclosure is solid with no creaking. At 210g and 20mm thick, it’s pocketable.

JD review: “Been using WD Passport drives for years. This 4TB model is just as reliable. The USB-C port is a welcome upgrade from micro-USB.” ★4.3 💡 Reliable, well-built portable HDD from a trusted brand.

Performance

Sequential speeds of 130-140 MB/s are typical for 5,400 RPM portable HDDs. Real-world large file transfers average about 110 MB/s sustained. The drive is quiet in operation, with occasional seek noise during heavy use.

JD review: “Transferred my 500GB Steam library in about 2 hours. Speeds are consistent. No issues with bus power on my MacBook.” ★4.3 💡 Solid transfer speeds for a portable HDD.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
4TB in compact form factor	5,400 RPM = slower than SSDs
USB-C with adapter	Plastic build, not rugged
AES 256-bit encryption	Backup software is Windows-only
Good price per GB	No IP rating

Verdict

Rating: 4.3/5 — The WD My Passport 4TB is a reliable, well-priced portable HDD. It’s not fast by SSD standards, but for mass storage, backups, and media archives, the value is hard to beat. A solid A- for the category.

FAQ

Q: Does it work with PS5/Xbox? A: Yes, for game storage (not PS5 native game play). Works with Xbox One/Series for game storage and play.

Q: Can I use it with iPhone/iPad? A: Yes, via USB-C connection. Some iPad apps support external storage access.

Q: Is it shock-proof? A: No. It’s a standard portable HDD with no drop protection. Handle with care.