Back to Portable media storage devices

WD Elements SE (HDD 4TB) review

Hard drive

CHOICE Expert Rating

Rating available to members only
What is the CHOICE Expert Rating?
Pros

Pros

Member only content

The product's best features and benefits

Cons

Cons

Member only content

Drawbacks or issues you need to know about

CHOICE Tester
Unlock

Unlock our expert review and more

Check Reviews you can trust
Check Easy side-by-side comparison
Check Recommended products at a glance
Join CHOICE

Recommended products Members only Results for paid members only

Recommended
Members only

Test results Members only Results for paid members only

CHOICE Expert Rating
Members only
Performance score
Members only
Ease of use score
Members only
Software versatility score
Members only
Average write speed (MBps)
Members only
Average read speed (MBps)
Members only

Related products

Availability
Tested model

Specifications Members only Results for paid members only

Capacity (GB)
4000
Cloud storage
None
Size DxWxH (mm)
110 x 82 x 21
Weight (g)
Members only
Connector type
USB-A
USB Type-C cable included
USB Type A cable included
1
USB Type-A 3.0 or 3.1 port (5Gbps)
1
USB Type-C 3.2 Gen-1 port (5Gbps)
USB Type-C 3.2 Gen-2 (10Gbps) port
Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port (40Gbps)
Full model name and number
Elements SE (WDBJRT0040BBK-0A)
Default file format
NTFS
Warranty (yrs)
2

Cost

Price
$159.00
Drive type
Hard drive
Cost per GB
$0.04

Features

Power management software
None
Hardware encryption
Software encryption
File backup software
Image backup software
Needs reformatting for Mac

More products in this test

LaCie 4TB Rugged USB-C (HDD 4TB)
Rating available to members only

LaCie 4TB Rugged USB-C (HDD 4TB)

$239
WD Elements SE (HDD 5TB)
Rating available to members only

WD Elements SE (HDD 5TB)

$229
Samsung Portable SSD T7 (2TB)
Rating available to members only
Recommended

Samsung Portable SSD T7 (2TB)

$569
Get full access to all our tests and reviews Join CHOICE or Log in
elias plastiras
Elias Plastiras

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices. Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices. Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.