WD 5TB My Passport (Black) portable external hard drive with password protection
Quick take
WD’s My Passport is a slim 5TB portable external drive designed for people who want plenty of offline storage, with hardware encryption and password protection for added file security. It’s generally easy to use day to day, but buyer feedback suggests the included backup software experience may be less smooth than the hardware.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 5TB capacity for photos, videos, documents, and backups in a compact, portable 2.5-inch form
- Hardware encryption plus password protection for more secure file access
- Easy daily use, including “plug in and copy” behavior reported by buyers
- Generally reliable performance and responsiveness for typical file transfers
Cons
- Backup software can be frustrating to install or manage, and some people choose to skip it
- Transfer speeds may feel slower than expectations for large moves (buyers report “decent,” but not turbo-fast)
- Auto backup features may not match everyone’s privacy preferences
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for this drive points to a consistent split between hardware satisfaction and software friction. Many shoppers emphasize that the My Passport is compact enough for travel, convenient for moving files, and straightforward to use for storage and backup. Reliability is also a recurring positive theme, with buyers saying it works as expected across different devices.
On the downside, review feedback is limited but includes recurring concerns about the included backup software being harder than the rest of the experience, including stalled setup for some users. Some buyers also describe the bundled backup approach as less aligned with their privacy expectations, leading them to rely on manual copying instead.
Why choose the WD 5TB my passport?
This model is built for users who want a lot of offline storage without stepping up to a desktop-style external enclosure. With a 5TB capacity in a portable 2.5-inch form factor, it fits common use cases like expanding laptop space, storing media, and creating a dedicated backup drive.
Security is a key part of the pitch. It includes hardware encryption and password protection, which can help when the drive is carried between locations (home, work, and travel).
Key features that matter in real life
Capacity and portability
At 5TB, it’s positioned for large photo and video libraries, bigger document archives, and backup routines that outgrow smaller drives. The reported item weight is 7.4 ounces and the device dimensions are compact enough to tuck into a bag with a laptop.
Security: hardware encryption and password protection
Password protection and hardware encryption are designed to keep files more controlled than a basic external drive that relies only on OS-level access. If you frequently transport the drive, this security layer is one of the main reasons shoppers consider the My Passport line.
Connectivity and compatibility
It uses a USB interface and is described as compatible with desktops and laptops, and it’s also listed as working with Linux and Mac systems when reformatted (and PC by default). If you plan to use it across multiple devices, this flexibility is typically a strong selling point for portable drives.
Backup software: helpful, but not always smooth
WD includes device management software (including protection against ransomware) and it pairs with Acronis True Image for Western Digital. In practice, buyer feedback suggests the hardware is the easy part, while the software can be harder to install or manage. If you prefer manual backups (or you already have a backup workflow), you may still use the drive successfully, just not lean heavily on the bundled automation.
Pros and cons for different buyer types
Best for
- People who want a portable 5TB external drive for media libraries and everyday backups
- Users who care about security features like hardware encryption and password protection
- Buyers who want something simple for storage and file copying, rather than complex setup
Who should think twice
- Shoppers who want the backup software to be painless, quick to install, and consistently smooth
- Anyone expecting extremely fast throughput for very large file transfers (reviews generally describe speeds as decent, not exceptional)
- Privacy-first buyers who do not want any backup approach that could involve online components, even if automated
Price and availability
Pricing can vary, so check the live offer for the exact current cost and any bundle differences. If you want the most accurate value comparison, review the capacity (5TB), security features (encryption and password protection), and whether you will actually use the included backup tools.
Verdict
The WD 5TB My Passport is a strong fit for portable offline storage, especially when you want hardware encryption and password protection in a compact 2.5-inch drive. It generally earns approval for reliability and ease of day-to-day use, but the backup software experience is the main potential sticking point. If you’re comfortable with manual copying or already have a backup routine, this drive can be a practical way to get 5TB of secured storage.
FAQ
Is the WD 5TB My Passport easy to use right out of the box?
Buyers commonly describe it as simple for everyday use, with a plug-in-and-copy workflow that does not require complex setup. The included software may be optional for your day-to-day storage needs.
Does it offer password protection and encryption?
Yes. The drive includes password protection and hardware encryption, which are intended to help secure your files, especially when the drive is carried between devices or locations.
How fast is the WD 5TB My Passport?
Transfer speeds are described as decent in buyer feedback, but some shoppers feel it is slower than expected for big transfers. If your priority is maximum speed, you may want to compare faster external interfaces in the category.
What is the included backup software used for?
It includes device management software and support for ransomware protection, along with Acronis True Image for Western Digital. Some buyers still prefer not to rely on the automation and may use the drive for manual backups instead.
Is the 5TB capacity enough for backups?
5TB is typically a good starting point for large photo and video libraries and for building a dedicated backup drive, but the right choice depends on how much data you store and how often you create backups.
Will it work with Mac or Linux?
Compatibility is listed for Mac and Linux (with Mac requiring reformatting). If you plan to switch between operating systems, factor in that you may need to format the drive appropriately for each OS.
Specifications
| Product Title | WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Data Storage > External Hard Drives |
| Brand | WD |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Model Name | My Passport External Hard Drive |
| Model Number | WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN |
| Item Weight | 7.4 Ounces |
| Color | Black |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 5 TB |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
| Additional Features | Hardware Encryption, Portable |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Tablet |
| Hard Disk Rotational Speed | 1 |
| Specific Uses For Product | personal, gaming, business |
| Cache Memory Installed Size | 5 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1 Megabits Per Second |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Hardware Connectivity | USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Compatible Video Game Console Models | Microsoft Xbox One, Sony PlayStation 4 |
| Hardware Platform | Linux, Mac w/ Reformat, PC |
| Hard-Drive Size | 5 TB |
| Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness | 4.22"L x 2.95"W x 0.75"Th |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
Available variants
Capacity
- 5TB
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