Western Digital
Western Digital WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver (WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN)
Bottom line: The Western Digital WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver ($294.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 5TB capacity handles full Time Machine backups plus photo and video libraries; main trade-off: spinning hard drive, so it is far slower than an SSD of the same capacity.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 5TB capacity handles full Time Machine backups plus photo and video libraries
- ✓ Preformatted for macOS and Time Machine, so no Disk Utility step out of the box
- ✓ 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection built into the drive
- ✓ USB-C connection with USB 3.1 compatibility for older Macs
Cons
- ✗ Spinning hard drive, so it is far slower than an SSD of the same capacity
- ✗ Mac formatting means reformatting before you can write to it from Windows
- ✗ Metal cover shows fingerprints and scratches more than plastic enclosures
- ✗ Mechanical drive is vulnerable to drops and shock while spinning
Manufacturer description
The WD My Passport Ultra for Mac is a 5TB portable hard drive built for macOS users who need real capacity without carrying a desktop enclosure. Western Digital ships it preformatted for macOS and Time Machine, so you can plug in with the included USB-C connection and start a backup instead of running Disk Utility first. The refined metal cover gives it a look that sits comfortably next to a MacBook or iMac, and USB 3.1 compatibility means it still works with older Macs and adapters. Security is the standout here: 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection keeps the drive's…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Western Digital WD 5TB 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
Is this drive ready to use with a Mac right out of the box?
Yes. Western Digital ships the My Passport Ultra for Mac preformatted for macOS and Time Machine compatibility, so you can connect it and begin backing up without reformatting.
Can I use this 5TB drive with a Windows PC?
It is formatted for Mac out of the box, so Windows will not write to it until you reformat the drive. Reformatting erases everything on it, so do it before you store data.
How does the password protection work?
The drive uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption paired with password protection, so the contents stay locked without your password even if someone connects the drive to another machine.
What connection does it use, and will it work with an older Mac?
It uses USB-C and is USB 3.1 compatible, so it connects to modern Macs directly and to older USB-A Macs with an adapter or cable.
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 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | 150 MB/s |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Model Number | WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN |
| Compatibility | Mac |
| Built-In Media | My Passport Ultra for Mac portable storage, Quick Start Guide, USB 3.0 cable |
| Item Type Name | HDD |
| Hard-Drive Size | 5 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | WDBPMV0050BSL-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 |
| Full listing title | WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 - WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN |
Ready to buy?
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 - WDBPMV0050BSL-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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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