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WD Elements vs My Book: What are The Main Differences?

Today we are going to draw a comparison and contrast between WD Elements vs Wd My book. Buyers may get puzzled about selecting one because they are both made by the same company and share similar features.

Here is a quick glimpse of difference between WD Elements vs My Book.

WD Elements upholds its superiority due to its elegant design and portability. WD My book performs extra-ordinarily to protect your data from unwanted access through encryption and password protection.

WD Elements is the perfect for advanced users who intend to shuck the hard disk and reuse it, while My Book allows you the freedom of quick switching.

However, in this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of these drives to make a wise decision based on your needs.

WD Elements vs My book- Which Is For Whom?

The primary purpose of these drives are to store data. However, both hard disks are manufactured with some specific features to popularize these drives among the target group of users.

Choose WD Elements if- 

  •  You are keen to reuse the storage inside
  •  You want super speed transfer

Choose  WD My Book If- 

  •  You want Plug and play feature.
  •  You need encryption and password protection.
WD My Book vs Elements

WD My book vs Elements: Head to Head Comparison

Factor to compare

WD my book

wd Elements

Size

 5.5 x 1.9 x 6.7 inches (4 tb)

4.4 x 3.2 x 0.8 Inches (4tb)

Available Colors

Black

Black

Capacity

1 to 12 TB

1 To 18 TB

Encryption

Comes with built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with WD Security

Not available

Connectivity

USB 3.1

USB 3.0

Warranty

3 years

2 years

OS Compatibility

Mac, Windows

Primarily for Windows. Needs Reformatting For Other Operating Systems.

Software Support

WD Backup, WD Security, WD Discovery

Wd Discovery

Price

Read more about WD Elements:

WD Elements vs Easystore

WD Elements vs My Passport

Read more about WD My Book:

WD My Book vs Easystore

User Experience Overview of WD Elements vs My Book

We have read user reviews on several online platforms. From design to the hard disk grade inside along with shortcomings, we have analyzed each and everything people has to say about WD Elements vs. Mybook. 

WD Elements

  • The most attractive feature of WD Elements is its sleek, curved design with a quality finish on the edges. Users loved this.
  • USB 3.0 and backward compatibility allows the users to go tension-free and hassle less anytime, anywhere. 
  • The advanced level users who have reused the drive inside suggested the drive is not hard to open from the enclosure.
  • On different websites, users have seen very much content with WD Elements. It has been rated 4.6+ stars on all of these platforms. Also, in a survey, 98% of 27802 users would like to recommend it to a friend. These statistics reflect the popularity of Wd Elements among the users.
  • Users using other operating systems frequently may find it annoying to reformat it every time.

WD My Book

  • Users who switch often between Mac OS and Windows love Mybook because it offers Plug & Play option. 
  • Mybook comes with a rugged enclosure which makes sure the drive along with your data is safe from disasters and calamities.This shock-proof enclosure is not military grade but yet they can survive in most of the sceneries. Users are happy with the endurance of WD Mybook. 
  • Mybook, on the other hand, requires an external power supply source. It is irritating for some users.
  • WD Mybook has failed to backup and reformat in some cases, according to a user review on a forum.. Also some users have complained that the drive would stop working without any warning in the majority of situations. Also some of the users claimed it to be noisy, when it gets older.

Common Features of WD My Book vs Elements:

Connectivity & OS Compatibility

A standard USB cord is included in the box. Backward compatibility is available in both of the drives. WD Elements is compatible with 3.0, and My Book is compatible with USB 3.1.

Both Elements and Mybook are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. You can use it on Linux too. However, in the case of WD Elements, you would need to reformat the drive if you want to use it on a platform other than Windows. You are free to connect them with your gaming console too.

Software and Technical Support:

WD Discoveries software is compatible with both of the WD drives. In addition, WD has a well-trained customer care team to assist you over the phone and the internet if necessary.

Warranty:

Standard Warranty services for both drives. Two years for elements and three years for Mybook.

Unique Features of WD Elements vs. Mybook

WD Mybook:

Plug & Play:

As soon as you unbox the WD Mybook, it's ready to use. You may immediately begin transferring files, backing up your Mac, and saving your favorite images. It also does not necessitate reformatting when used on a Mac or Linux system.

Encryption:

The encryption used on the WD Mybook is 256-bit AES. This encryption is impossible to crack, theoretically making it the strongest encryption standard available on the market. You also have an option to use a basic password to safeguard your data. The data can only be accessed if the password is inputted correctly.

WD Elements:

Portability:

Slim and sleek in design. Easy to carry due to its lightweight.

Common Pros & Cons of WD My Book vs Elements

What We Liked

  • Light dimensions along with well-balanced weight and easy to transport.
  • Both of the drives support varieties of operating systems.
  • USB 2.0 backward compatibility
  • WD Backup allows the user to personalize backups
  • Users may customize the drive settings with WD Discovery. (e.g., reformatting, changing LEDs)

What We Didn't Like

  • Get slower and louder with time.
  • Utility software takes up much space on the storage.
  • If files are not accessed for a longer period, they may get corrupted.

Unique Pros & Cons of WD My Book

What We Liked

  • Plug and play on anyplace, on any device.
  • Supports encryption and password protection

    What We Didn't Like

    • An external power source is required.

    Unique Pros & Cons of WD Elements

    What We Liked

    • Eye-catching design
    • Slim and light hence easy to carry
    • Supports Superspeed cable

      What We Didn't Like

      • Limited storage

      Price-Quality Ratio of WD My Book vs Elements

      The price gap between the drives is not very thin to ignore. For day-to-day use, portability WD Elements would do fine. Mybook costs more, but it has its worth of features for this added money.

      However, if you are on a tight budget and do not need this encryption and password protection feature, you should go for WD Elements.

      If you do not have any budget limitations, it would be best to go for the Mybook as it comes with a one-year extended guarantee.

      Mybook also offers WD Security software that encrypts and protects your data with a password. You will enjoy it more when you switch between without any reformatting.

      Parting words

      Both of the products have similarities and a few dissimilarities. 

      In case you want to keep your belongings safe, Mybook is the way to go. It is IMPOSSIBLE (even to some law enforcement teams) to break the 256-bit AES encryption. Also, Mybook has a password protection feature, and you can keep your data safe from unwanted people.

      If you'll be switching from Windows to Mac or Linux and your console frequently, Mybook is the drive you'll love. There is no need to reformat the drive before using it to different operating systems. WD Elements lacks the ability to plug and play.

      Go for Elements if you are planning to shuck your hard drive. Elements is easier to open from the enclosure as per reviews.

      If you move more often, you should choose Elements due to its lightweight.

      Finally, you must thoroughly assess your requirements and choose which one fulfills your requirements. 

      However, if you are still undecided, I would advise you to buy Mybook. Mybook provides a 3-year warranty, one more year than elements. Switching in between is also less of a bother. Moreover, WD Security would act as a safeguard to keep your things safe. 

      Stop worrying. Read carefully and act wisely.

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