WD 6TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, Backup review
Quick take
The WD 6TB My Passport is a slim, bus-powered 2.5-inch portable HDD for backups and moving large files between devices. Customers frequently describe it as plug-and-play, reliable, and fast enough for typical file transfers. The main buying caveat is that it is a mechanical HDD, so it may not meet “fast storage” expectations for certain game use cases.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 6TB capacity in a compact 2.5-inch drive, convenient for backups and file transport
- Hardware encryption and password protection aimed at keeping personal files more secure
- Included device management and backup software includes defense against ransomware
- Common reports of good reliability and solid plug-and-play behavior on Windows-formatted drives
- Improved design and slightly smaller form compared with an older generation, based on reviewer testing notes
Cons
- As an HDD, it is not positioned as “fast storage” for performance-sensitive tasks
- Performance can be limited for uses that require faster storage than typical portable HDDs
- Security features depend on using the included protection workflow correctly (for example, formatting choices may affect software features)
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is strong for day-to-day usability and reliability. Multiple reviewers describe the drive as easy to set up (often formatted for Windows), quick to mount, and dependable for backups and general file storage. Reviewers who compared generations also mention noticeable improvements in read/write speed versus a prior My Passport model, suggesting performance progression over time. Portability and the smaller physical design are also recurring positives.
On the downside, review evidence is limited beyond a key theme: because it is a mechanical HDD, it may not work well for storage scenarios that require faster drive performance, such as holding certain games for direct playback on consoles.
Design and setup: portable and straightforward
This My Passport uses a compact 2.5-inch form factor that is designed for travel, desk backups, and “plug in and go” storage. It connects through USB (USB 3.2 Gen 2 / USB 3.0 compatible) and is meant to be bus-powered, which keeps the setup simple for everyday use.
Many buyers report that it is ready to use quickly, often behaving like a typical external drive after plugging in. That makes it a practical choice if you want to expand a laptop or desktop’s storage without building a more complex storage setup.
Security and backups: ransomware defense plus hardware protection
Where this drive aims to stand out is in its built-in security story. It includes password protection and hardware encryption to help protect stored files. It also comes with backup and device management software that includes defense against ransomware threats.
If you are building an “important files live here and backups live there” workflow, these features are meant to cover both data safety (encryption and password protection) and backup discipline (included backup software with anti-ransomware focus).
Important practical note: security and software protection typically work best when you use the intended setup workflow. Some buyers also choose to format the drive for cross-device compatibility, which can limit the usefulness of certain bundled software features.
Performance expectations: good for storage, not for “fast” requirements
As a portable mechanical HDD (not an SSD), the My Passport is built for large-capacity storage at a reasonable footprint and price point. It lists performance figures such as up to 110 MB/s read and a reported 80 to 160 MB/s media speed range.
In real buying terms, this generally aligns with what most people want from external HDD storage: transferring photos, videos, documents, and backups reliably. However, one recurring limitation shows up for performance-sensitive entertainment use: certain game storage needs faster access than a portable HDD can deliver for direct play.
Who it is best for
- People who want a compact 6TB portable backup drive for photos, videos, and documents
- Users who value encryption and password protection for personal file safety
- Anyone who wants bundled backup software with ransomware defense to support a backup routine
- Windows-focused buyers who want a quick setup experience (based on common plug-and-play reports)
Who should avoid it
- Gamers or console users needing fast storage for direct playback on the external drive
- Buyers expecting SSD-like responsiveness for performance-critical tasks
- Anyone who won’t set up or use the security and backup workflow (encryption, password protection, and the bundled protection tools only help if you use them correctly)
Verdict
The WD 6TB My Passport is a strong fit for portable backups and general external storage, especially if you want hardware encryption, password protection, and included backup software with ransomware defense. If your primary goal is large-capacity file storage and routine backups, reviewers’ experiences point to a reliable, easy-to-use option. If you need “fast storage” for gameplay or similar performance-sensitive use, you will likely be happier with an SSD-based external drive instead.
FAQ
Is the WD 6TB My Passport compatible with both USB 3.0 and newer USB speeds?
It is designed to work with USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible connections, and it also lists USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility, so it should perform best when connected to a modern USB port.
Does it support password protection and hardware encryption?
Yes. This drive is designed with password protection and hardware encryption to help secure stored files.
What kind of backup protection does the included software offer?
The included device management and backup software includes defense against ransomware, intended to support safer backup workflows.
Will this drive work for game storage on consoles?
It can be used for storing games, but performance needs can vary by title and console requirements. If a game requires fast external storage for direct play, an HDD may not be sufficient.
Is it a good choice for cross-platform use like Linux and Windows?
It can be used across operating systems if you format it appropriately for your needs. Note that changing how the drive is formatted can affect how much you benefit from bundled software features.
Specifications
| Product Title | WD 6TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, Backup Software with Defense Against ransomware, and Password Protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 Compatible - WDBR9S0060BBK-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 | WDBR9S0060BBK-WESN |
| Item Weight | 0.46 Pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 6 TB |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| 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 | Business, Multimedia, Personal |
| Read Speed | 110 Megabytes Per Second |
| Media Speed | 80-160 MB/s |
| Cache Memory Installed Size | 6 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gigabits Per Second |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Hardware Connectivity | USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Hard-Drive Size | 6 TB |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
Available variants
Color
- Red
- Blue
- Black
Capacity
- 5TB
- 6TB
- 2TB
- 4TB
Style
- PC
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