WD My Passport Ultra 1 TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Auto Backup, Black
Bottom line: The WD My Passport Ultra 1 TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive ($150.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): USB 3.0 interface, backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports; main trade-off: listed as an older model, so newer revisions may offer better specs.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ USB 3.0 interface, backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports
- ✓ Hardware encryption plus password protection on the drive itself
- ✓ Automatic scheduled backup and cloud backup included
- ✓ 1 TB capacity in a pocket-sized bus-powered enclosure
Cons
- ✗ Listed as an older model, so newer revisions may offer better specs
- ✗ Spec sheet cites Windows 8 compatibility, not current Windows releases
- ✗ Spinning platter drive, so slower than an SSD of the same capacity
- ✗ Mechanical drives are more vulnerable to drops than solid state
Manufacturer description
My Passport Ultra – Ultra-compact, local and cloud backup to go.My Passport Ultra portable hard drive features WD SmartWare Pro backup software that lets you back up to the drive itself or use Dropbox to back up to the cloud. Move files quickly with the blazing speed of USB 3.0 connectivity. Keep your data private with password protection and hardware encryption.Automatic & cloud backup.Safeguard your memories with WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software. Back up directly to this drive or back up to the cloud using Dropbox.High-capacity, compact, storage to go.Offering up to 2 TB in a…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored WD My Passport Ultra 1 TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Western Digital's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a 1 TB WD My Passport Ultra actually hold?
It is a 1 TB drive, roughly 931 GB of usable formatted space, enough for a large photo library plus a full system backup image.
Will this work with my computer if it only has USB 2.0?
Yes. The drive uses USB 3.0 connectivity, which is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, though transfer speeds drop to USB 2.0 rates.
Can I password protect the files on this drive?
Yes. The My Passport Ultra includes password protection with hardware encryption, so the volume stays locked without your password.
Does it back up automatically or do I have to copy files myself?
It supports automatic backup on a schedule you configure, plus cloud backup, so you are not dragging folders over manually.
Is this the current version of the My Passport Ultra?
No, this listing is flagged as an older model and cites Windows 8 compatibility. Check the product listing for current OS support and warranty terms.
Key Features
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Automatic and cloud backup
- Password protection and hardware encryption
- Works great with Windows 8
Full Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | My Passport Ultra |
| Read Speed | 625 megabytes_per_second |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Media Speed | megabytes_per_second |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | WDBZFP0010BBK-NESN |
| Built-In Media | Portable hard drive, USB cable, WD SmartWare Pro software, Quick Install Guide |
| Hard-Drive Size | 1 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | WDBZFP0010BBK-NESN |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Password Protection and Hardware Encryption |
| Hardware Platform | PC;Mac |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5000 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Additional Features | Password Protection and Hardware Encryption |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
Ready to buy?
(Old Model) WD My Passport Ultra 1 TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Auto Backup, Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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