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We all need peace of mind when it comes to storing our memories and crucial documents. Whether it’s photos or family videos, work files or movies, music and games, our PCs just don’t have enough storage space without slowing down.
Many have heard of Western Digital and its storage solutions. However, with such a wide range to choose from, it’s hard to know which one is the best for your needs. We are going to compare two sets of external hard drives, the WD My Book vs WD Easystore. Once we have compared all of their specifications, we will add a comparison chart and some pros and cons of each.
Aside from being external hard drives that are easy to use because they are plug and play, there are no other similarities. We will get straight onto how the WD My Book and the WD Easystore differ.
Side by Side Comparison
Let’s recap the features of the WD My Book and the WD Easystore in the comparison chart below.
CompatibilityFormatted for Windows 7, 8 and 10, MacOS Catalina, Mojave or High Sierra, reformatting required for other OS.Formatted NTFS for Windows 8 and 10, reformatting required for other OS.
WD My Book |
WD Easystore |
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Images | ||
Size | 5.48 x 6.72 x 1.93 inches (18TB) | 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.83 inches (3TB-4TB) |
Weight | 35.2oz (18TB) | 8.16oz (4TB-5TB) |
Color | Black | Black |
Storage Capacities | 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, 18TB (WD My Book Duo- up to 28TB) | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB |
USB | 3.0 Type A and 2.0 (WD My Book Duo x2) | 3.0 Type A and 2.0 |
RAID-optimized | Yes (WD My Book Duo) | No |
Plug and Play | Yes | Yes |
WD Software | WD Backup, WD Discovery, WD Security and WD Drive Utilities | WD Backup, WD Discovery |
What’s Included | 3.0 USB cable, quick installation guide, software, AC adapter | 3.0 USB cable, quick installation guide, software |
Warranty | 3 years worldwide | 2 years worldwide |
Price |
WD My Book vs WD Easystore
Appearance
Because of the different storage sizes, there are different dimensions with the hard drives. The differences will determine the portability of the hard drives.
WD My Book
The measurements vary from 5.5 x 6.7 x 1.9 inches to 5.48 x 6.72 x 1.93 inches. The smallest hard drives weigh 34.08 ounces while the largest weighs 35.2 ounces. These hard drives require an external power source, so not quite as easy to use on the go. The AC adapter is included.
WD Easystore
The smallest hard drives are 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.5 inches and weigh 4.64 ounces. The larger external hard drives are 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.83 inches and weigh 8.16 ounces.
The Winner Is- The WD Easystore
Read next – WD Elements vs WD My Book: Which External Portable Drives are Better?
Storage Capacities
One of these sets has a much wider range of storage capacities, although the storage capacity will depend on how much data you wish to save.
WD My Book
Within the WD My Book range, you also have the WD My Book Duo which goes up to 28TB. The WD My book starts at 3TB and also has 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, and 18TB.
WD Easystore
The range looks quite small in comparison with hard drives of 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 5TB.
The Winner Is- The Winner Is- The WD My Book
Read next – WD My Book vs WD My Passport: Which External Portable Drives are Better?
Hard Drive Interface
All of the hard drives include the required USB cables for fast data transfer.
WD My Book
You can connect the hard drive with the 3.0 Type-A USB cable included. They will also work with a 2.0 USB. The My Book Duo has two 3.0 USB slots.
WD Easystore
The connection is the same, but the hard drives only have one port.
The Winner Is- The WD My Book
Compatibility
Although the hard drives can be formatted for any operating system, you should check the out-of-the-box compatibility. The instructions for reformatting are included.
WD My Book
It is out of the box ready for Windows 7, 8, and 10. If you are a Mac user, it is formatted for MacOS Catalina, Mojave, and High Sierra.
WD Easystore
These external hard drives are formatted NTFS for Windows 8 and 10. For all other operating systems, you will need to reformat the drives.
The Winner Is- The WD My Book
RAID-optimized
RAID-optimized hard drives perform better, they generally transfer data faster and are more reliable.
WD My Book
The WD My Book series aren’t RAID-optimized but the WD My Book Duos are with WD Red drives.
WD Easystore
This series isn’t RAID-optimized.
The Winner Is- The WD My Book
WD Software
WD has created different software that will enhance the use of the hard drives.
WD My Book
WD Backup is for automatic backups, so you can set the hard drives to back up your files daily, weekly or monthly. WD Discovery gives you access to your favorite cloud services. WD Security provides password protection and hardware encryption. Finally, WD Drive Utilities lets you monitor your hard drive.
WD Easystore
They come with WD backup and WD Discovery. It’s a shame there isn’t the security software.
The Winner Is- The WD My Book
Read next – WD Easystore vs WD My Passport: Which External Portable Drives are Better?
Value for Money
We looked at the 4TB for price comparison.
WD My Book
Surprisingly, this is the cheaper hard drive with current savings of around $60. There is a 3-year worldwide warranty too.
WD Easystore
As well as being more expensive, the warranty is only for 2 years.
The Winner Is- The WD My Book
Read next – WD Elements vs WD Easystore: Which External Portable Drives are Better?
Pros and Cons
Finally, we have some pros and cons of the WD My Book and the WD Easystore.
WD My Book
Pros:
- Excellent value for money for the storage capacities
- There is no overheating
- They are compatible with Smart TVs
Cons:
- Some people feel they are a little noisy
WD Easystore
- They are good for those who want to use the between work and home
- The reformatting instructions are simple to follow
- It’s very easy to use
Cons:
- For the price, it should include security features
The Final Verdict
We have a clear winner today. The WD My Book has one downfall and that it requires a power source. However, they are still small enough to take with you. On the other hand, you have a greater range of capacities, out of the box ready for more operating systems and more software. And then, it’s cheaper. The WD My Book by far the better buy.