WD Elements 6TB Portable Hard Drive: full spec sheet and buying guide

Updated September 29, 2026 · Category: Computing · Content based on official specifications and public Amazon buyer ratings, not a hands-on test.

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The WD Elements 6TB is, according to WD, the world's first 6TB 2.5-inch portable hard drive: a lot of storage in a drive that doesn't need a power adapter. At the time of writing it holds a 4.7/5 average from more than 165,401 Amazon ratings.

★ 4.7/5 on Amazon

6 TB of portable storage in a 2.5-inch drive, plug-and-play expansion and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connectivity.

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Capacity

WD lists capacities up to 6 TB in a portable 2.5-inch format, enough space for large photo and video libraries, game installs or full computer backups. Portable 2.5-inch drives are powered by the USB cable, so there's no separate power brick.

Connection and formatting

It connects over SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) with plug-and-play setup. This model is formatted for Windows; Mac users can reformat it, which erases the drive, so do it before copying files.

Strengths based on its spec sheet

Huge 6 TB capacity in a portable size
USB powered, no adapter
Plug and play
Very high 4.7 rating with 165,000+ reviews

What to consider before buying

Formatted for Windows (reformat for Mac)
Hard drive speeds, slower than SSD
Few extra features or software

Want to compare this product with other computing options? Check out our computing buying guide.

Who is it ideal for?

People with large photo, video or game libraries who need a lot of backup space.

Who is it NOT the best option for?

If you only need a small, fast drive for daily file transfers, a portable SSD is a better choice; see our computing buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does the WD Elements need a power adapter?

No, as a 2.5-inch portable drive it's powered through USB.

Does it work with Mac?

It's formatted for Windows; you can reformat it for Mac, which erases it.

What connection does it use?

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps).

Is the WD Elements 6TB Portable Hard Drive the right fit for you?

See current price on Amazon