Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver (WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN)
Bottom line: The Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver: Formatted for macOS out of the box, Time Machine ready; main trade-off: mechanical hard drive, not SSD, so transfers are slower.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Formatted for macOS out of the box, Time Machine ready
- ✓ 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection
- ✓ USB-C native, also compatible with USB 3.1 ports
- ✓ 2TB capacity in a pocket-sized portable enclosure
Cons
- ✗ Mechanical hard drive, not SSD, so transfers are slower
- ✗ Mac-formatted, needs reformatting for Windows-only use
- ✗ Moving platters make it vulnerable to drops in transit
- ✗ Bundled backup software is Mac-oriented, not cross-platform
Manufacturer description
Expand your Mac's storage with the Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac, a 2TB portable hard drive built specifically for macOS users. It ships formatted for macOS and works with Time Machine out of the box, so you can start your first backup without reformatting or hunting for drivers. The refined metal cover gives it a look that sits comfortably next to a MacBook or iMac, and the USB-C connection (with USB 3.1 compatibility) means it plugs straight into modern Macs. Security is handled at the hardware level: 256-bit AES encryption with password protection keeps the contents of the…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver 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
Does this drive work with Time Machine?
Yes. The My Passport Ultra for Mac ships formatted for macOS and is Time Machine compatible out of the box, so no reformatting is required before your first backup.
Will it plug into my MacBook without an adapter?
It uses USB-C, so it connects directly to USB-C Macs. It is also USB 3.1 compatible, so older ports work with the appropriate cable or adapter.
How secure is the data on this drive?
It uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection, so files stay locked if the drive is lost or stolen. The included software also adds ransomware defense.
Can I use this with a Windows PC?
The drive arrives formatted for macOS. Using it with Windows requires reformatting, which erases existing data, so plan the switch before you load files onto it.
What do buyers actually think of it?
Buyers frequently cite the Mac-ready formatting and metal build as the primary reasons for choosing it.
Key Features
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Mac
Full Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Model Name | My Passport Ultra for Mac |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | up to 130 MB/s |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Model Number | WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN |
| Compatibility | Mac |
| Built-In Media | My Passport Ultra for Mac portable storage, Quick Start Guide, USB 3.0 cable |
| Item Type Name | WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3-C - WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN |
| Hard-Drive Size | 2 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Hardware Encryption, Portable |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | MAC |
| Data Transfer Rate | 2.5 megabytes_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Additional Features | Hardware Encryption, Portable |
| Full listing title | WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable Hard Drive, includes backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible - WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN |
Ready to buy?
WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable Hard Drive, includes backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible - WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN 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.
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