160GB Portable External Hard Drive, USB3.1 Gen 1 Type C Ultra Slim 2.5'' HDD Storage Compatible for PC, Desktop, Laptop, Mac, Xbox One (Silver)
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 is a 160 GB 2.5-inch HDD with USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C connectivity, suitable for basic file backup if you need minimal storage on a tight budget.
Regret Score™
Very High 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
- Features USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C for modern connectivity, offering theoretical speeds up to 5Gbps (though an HDD won't reach this).
- Plug and Play functionality means no external power or software installation is needed.
- Ultra-slim and lightweight 2.5-inch form factor for portability.
- Compatible with a wide range of systems including Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and Xbox One consoles.
- Some users report transfer speeds up to 90MB/s for large files, though inconsistently.
Cons
- Actual storage capacity may be less than advertised; one user reported an 80GB drive showing 74.5GB.
- Transfer speeds are inconsistent and significantly lower than the advertised 10Gbps, which is unrealistic for an HDD.
- Some units may not work out of the box, with one user experiencing a drive that was not recognized.
- The 160GB capacity is very small for modern storage needs, limiting its utility for extensive backups or large media files.
- Durability concerns exist for budget HDDs, especially with potential for old or used drives in new enclosures.
Dimension Scores
Advertised 10Gbps is unrealistic; real-world speeds for an HDD are around 90MB/s and are often inconsistent.
One user reported a HWAYO drive not working out of the box and another showing incorrect capacity, indicating potential quality control issues.
160GB is a very small capacity for modern external storage, severely limiting its utility for most users' needs.
It offers broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and Xbox One, making it usable across many platforms.
Best For
- Storing small documents or photos that don't require frequent access.
- Occasional backup of very small file sets from a single device.
- Expanding storage for older gaming consoles like Xbox One for game installs, where speed isn't critical.
- Users needing a bare-bones, low-cost portable storage solution for minimal data.
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing fast data transfer for large files or frequent backups.
- Primary storage for critical data due to potential reliability issues.
- Users requiring significant storage capacity for media libraries or extensive software.
- Bootable drives or demanding applications that require consistent performance.
Watch Out For
- The advertised 'up to 10Gbps transfer speed' is misleading; actual HDD speeds are typically around 90MB/s (0.72Gbps) and can be inconsistent.
- Some HWAYO drives have been reported to not function upon arrival or display incorrect capacities, such as an 80GB drive showing 74.5GB.
- The small 160GB capacity fills up quickly, making it impractical for modern file sizes like 4K videos or large game installations.
- As a budget HDD, there's a risk of receiving a unit with an older or less reliable internal drive.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08DY6QCQS |
| Brand | HWAYO |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | HWHD3.1-4COL730 |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB usb 3 |
| Item Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | HWAYO |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 160 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC, Mac |
| Installation Type | Plug In |
| Item model number | HWHD3.1-4COL730 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.5 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | usb 3 |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.5 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 160 GB |
What Buyers Say
The most concerning feedback for HWAYO drives is the potential for units to be dead on arrival or to report incorrect storage capacities, like an 80GB drive showing only 74.5GB. While some users find the drive easy to use for basic tasks like transferring old photos, the transfer speeds, even over USB 3.0, are often inconsistent, with reported peaks around 90MB/s. The small 160GB capacity is a frequent point of frustration, quickly becoming insufficient for even moderate file sizes. There's also a general sentiment that budget HDDs from lesser-known brands might contain older, less dependable components.
“Honestly, I plugged this thing in and my computer didn't even see it, what a waste of time, thought I was getting a deal but nope.”
Common Praise
- Easy to use for simple file transfers like old pictures and documents.
- The cable feels sturdy and doesn't slip out easily.
- Works without needing an external power supply.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
- Compatible with Amazon Fire TV for media storage.
Common Complaints
- Some units are not recognized by computers or fail to work upon plugging in.
- Reported capacity can be less than advertised; an 80GB drive showed 74.5GB.
- Transfer speeds are inconsistent and much slower than advertised, peaking around 90MB/s.
- The 160GB capacity is too small for most modern storage requirements.
- Concerns about the longevity and internal components of budget-brand HDDs.
Ownership Tips
- You might need to reformat the drive to exFAT for it to work seamlessly between Mac and Windows.
- The actual usable capacity will be slightly less than 160GB due to formatting overhead.
- Expect transfer speeds to fluctuate significantly, especially with many small files.
- The drive can get warm during prolonged transfers, which is typical for HDDs.
- The 'ultra-slim' design is standard for 2.5-inch portable HDDs, not particularly unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual transfer speed of this drive?
While it supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps theoretical), a spinning hard drive like this typically achieves real-world transfer speeds around 90MB/s (0.72Gbps), and these speeds can be inconsistent.
Is this drive compatible with Mac and Windows?
Yes, it is compatible with Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Mac, Android, Chromebook, and Linux. You might need to format it to exFAT for seamless use across both Mac and Windows.
Does it require an external power supply?
No, it's a plug-and-play device that draws power directly from the USB connection, so no external power supply is needed.
Can I use this for my Xbox One?
Yes, it is compatible with Xbox One series consoles for storing games and other media, though the 160GB capacity will fill up very quickly with modern game sizes.
What does 'USB3.1 Gen 1 Type C' mean for performance?
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (also known as USB 3.0) offers a theoretical maximum speed of 5Gbps. The Type-C connector is just the physical shape. An HDD cannot reach these speeds; the bottleneck will be the drive itself, not the USB interface.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at external hard drives, you need to think about how much stuff you actually have and how quickly you want to move it around. This isn't like buying a new phone; the numbers really matter here. Don't get sucked into huge 'up to' speed numbers, especially with HDDs, because they rarely reflect what you'll actually experience. For budget drives, always check user feedback on reliability and actual capacity.
Capacity (160 GB)
Interface (USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C)
Drive Type (HDD)
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't cut it, look for external SSDs with at least 500GB capacity for faster, more durable storage, or larger capacity HDDs (1TB+) from established brands if raw storage volume is your priority over speed and ruggedness.
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.