WD 2TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 2TB mechanical hard drive with USB 3.0 is for basic file backups and long-term storage, not for demanding, frequent access or as a scratch disk.
This 2TB mechanical drive with USB 3.0 is a decent option for basic, infrequent backups and archiving, especially given its 1.1cm slim design and included security features. However, its HDD nature means it won't keep up with demanding tasks.
If you need faster transfer speeds and better durability for active projects, look for an external SSD with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt interface.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- 2TB capacity provides ample space for photos, videos, music, and documents.
- USB 3.0 interface supports transfer rates up to 5Gb/s.
- Includes password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption for data security.
- Comes with WD Backup software for automated file backups.
- Slim design, measuring 1.1cm thick, enhances portability.
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Utilizes a mechanical hard disk drive, which limits its speed compared to SSDs.
- Requires reformatting for full write compatibility with Mac operating systems.
- Included backup software can be slow or problematic for some users.
- Not suitable for use as a scratch disk for active, high-demand projects.
- Some users have reported drive failures within 24 months of use.
Dimension Scores
As a mechanical hard disk, its transfer rates are limited to around 5Gb/s (USB 3.0 theoretical max), and user reports indicate speeds can slow down after the cache fills.
While some users report long-term reliability, others experienced drive failures within 24 months, indicating inconsistent performance.
2TB is a substantial capacity for archiving photos, videos, and documents, fitting many users' backup needs.
It works with Windows out of the box, and with a reformat, it's compatible with Mac, plus it supports gaming consoles.
Best For
- Archiving large collections of photos and videos.
- Performing scheduled automatic backups of important documents.
- Expanding storage for gaming consoles like Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
- Transporting files between different Windows computers.
Not Recommended For
- High-speed video editing or frequent large file transfers.
- Primary storage for operating systems or frequently accessed applications.
- Users who require native Mac compatibility without reformatting.
Watch Out For
- Requires reformatting to exFAT or HFS+ for full write access on Mac, as it ships pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS).
- The included WD Discovery software can sometimes fail to install or prompt for outdated versions.
- Some users report the drive crashing file explorer or freezing applications when faulty.
- The included USB cable is relatively short, approximately 40cm, which may limit placement options.
- Write speeds can slow down significantly after the initial cache fills up during large transfers.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07VTFN6HM |
| Brand | WD |
| Color | Black |
| Series | My Passport External Hard Drive |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Special Feature | Hardware Encryption, Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 2 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Tablet |
| Product Dimensions | 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.44 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.44 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 1 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this 2TB My Passport easy to use right out of the box, appreciating its compact size and the convenience of its plug-and-play nature for basic file storage and backups. The included password protection and hardware encryption are frequently mentioned as valuable security features. However, the mechanical drive type means it's not a speed demon, and some users have reported issues with the included backup software or even drive failures within a couple of years.
“Ugh, it's small and holds my whole photo library, but I swear the backup software is slow and I had to reformat it for my MacBook, which was a pain.”
Common Praise
- Compact size, measuring around 10cm by 7cm, making it easy to carry.
- Plug-and-play functionality with Windows systems.
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption for securing files.
- Automated backup scheduling through the WD Backup software.
- USB 3.0 interface provides faster data transfers than older USB 2.0.
- 3-year limited warranty provides some peace of mind.
Common Complaints
- Requires reformatting for full write access on Mac operating systems.
- Included WD Discovery software can be buggy or fail to install for some users.
- As a mechanical drive, it's not suitable for high-performance tasks like video editing scratch disks.
- Some users experienced drive failures or data loss within a two-year period.
- The included USB cable is relatively short, around 40cm.
Ownership Tips
- The drive can get warm during extended transfer operations.
- The soft matte texture on the 2020 model resists fingerprints better than older glossy versions.
- The activity light is small and can be hard to see depending on how it's positioned.
- It operates quietly during data access, typical for a 2.5-inch HDD.
- The included software isn't strictly necessary for basic drag-and-drop file storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drive compatible with Mac?
Yes, but it requires reformatting to exFAT or HFS+ for full write compatibility, as it comes pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS).
Does it need external power?
No, this portable drive operates solely off USB power from your computer or device.
What kind of USB cable does it use?
It uses a Micro-B USB 3.0 cable, which is compatible with both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.
Can I use this for my Xbox One or PlayStation 4?
Yes, it is compatible with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 for expanding game storage.
Is the backup software mandatory?
No, the included backup software is optional; you can use the drive for drag-and-drop file storage without installing it.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at external hard drives, you need to think about what you're actually going to do with it. This isn't a super-fast drive for editing video directly off of, but it's built for keeping copies of your important stuff safe. If you're just dumping photos or documents, the 2TB capacity is plenty.
Capacity (2TB)
This is how much stuff you can fit on it, like a digital closet. 2TB is enough for hundreds of thousands of photos or hours of video.
Interface (USB 3.0)
This is the connection speed. USB 3.0 is like a highway for your data; it's faster than older USB 2.0 roads, but not as fast as a superhighway (USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt).
Drive Type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
Think of this as a tiny record player inside. It has spinning platters, which means it's cheaper per gigabyte but slower and more fragile than solid-state drives (SSDs).
Alternatives
If you need faster speeds for active projects or more durability for travel, look for external solid-state drives (SSDs) with USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt connectivity.
You Might Also Like
Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 2-Pack - 8TB
$300-$599A 2-pack of 8TB 7200 RPM CMR internal hard drives with 256MB cache, built for 24/7 multi-bay NAS environments.
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
$600+A 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots for businesses needing long-term support.
Seagate Exos 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF - ST28000NM000C (Renewed)
$300-$599This 28TB, 7200 RPM, 3.5-inch CMR SATA 6Gb/s renewed hard drive is for serious data hoarders needing massive capacity at a lower price point.
1TB G-Drive ArmorATD Rugged, Durable Portable External HDD, Up to 130MB/s, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPHE1G-001T
$50-$99A 1TB mechanical hard drive with a 130MB/s read speed and USB-C (5Gbps) connectivity, built for users needing rugged, portable storage for school or creative projects.