Head-to-Head · Internal Hard Drives

Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017) vs WD Purple 8TB Surveillance HDD (WD84PURZ)

Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017)
$117.56 84 reviews analyzed
WD Purple 8TB Surveillance HDD (WD84PURZ)
$429.95 58 reviews analyzed
Scored Dimensions
5.5 Reliability & Endurance 6.5
6.0 Transfer Speed 6.0
7.0 Noise & Heat 5.5
8.5 Value per TB 6.8
5.8 Packaging & Arrival 5.5
2.9 Warranty & Support 5.3
Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017)

The Good

  • Installation is consistently reported as easy and straightforward, often a drop-in replacement for existing systems.
  • Exhibits strong compatibility with a wide range of security camera DVR and NVR systems, including Zosi, Swann, Eufy, and Hikvision.
  • Many owners find it offers good value for money, especially when upgrading capacity from older drives.
  • Frequently described as quiet during operation, with minimal or unnoticeable noise.
  • Provides ample storage capacity, with some users reporting weeks of continuous 4K recording.

The Bad

  • A notable number of owners report premature drive failures, some within months or a couple of years of use.
  • Several users express significant frustration with Seagate's warranty and replacement process, citing costs for shipping defective units.
  • Some owners found the drive's transfer speeds to be slow or glitchy, particularly with higher camera counts.
  • Occasional reports of the drive being noisier than expected or making creaking sounds.
  • Packaging during arrival sometimes received criticism for not being adequately protective.
WD Purple 8TB Surveillance HDD (WD84PURZ)

The Good

  • Excellent compatibility and purpose-fit for surveillance systems
  • Straightforward and easy installation and setup
  • Many owners report long-term, dependable operation
  • Offers substantial storage capacity for continuous recording

The Bad

  • Frequent reports of drives arriving defective or failing prematurely
  • Inconsistent and inadequate packaging leading to shipping damage
  • Challenges with warranty claims and returns for defective units
The Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017) Verdict

This Seagate Skyhawk 2TB drive is a solid option for those seeking an easy-to-install and highly compatible storage solution for their video surveillance systems, offering good capacity for the price. However, potential buyers should be aware of reported reliability concerns and a less-than-ideal warranty experience if issues arise.

Read the full Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017) consensus →
The WD Purple 8TB Surveillance HDD (WD84PURZ) Verdict

This internal hard drive is a solid choice for dedicated surveillance systems due to its specialized design and ease of integration, provided buyers are prepared for potential initial reliability issues and inconsistent packaging quality.

Read the full WD Purple 8TB Surveillance HDD (WD84PURZ) consensus →
The Bottom Line

Our pick: Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017) · 6.8/10

It's close. The Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017) edges it, 6.8/10 to 6.6/10, on the strength of Value per TB and Noise & Heat.

Seagate Skyhawk 2TB (ST2000VXZ17/017)
$117.56 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
WD Purple 8TB Surveillance HDD (WD84PURZ)
$429.95 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →

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How ORA built this: We read recent reviews, remove suspected bot or incentivized entries, off-topic complaints, and reviews describing the buyer's own setup problems rather than the product, then synthesize the remainder into a single unbiased verdict. Read our full methodology →