The Crucial MX500 4TB is the objective winner of this comparison, securing more category victories than its competitor. Its most significant technical advantage is a sequential read speed that is 195% better than the alternative. This substantial performance lead makes it the superior choice for users prioritizing data access efficiency and overall drive responsiveness. By outperforming the Seagate Barracuda 4TB in the majority of measured specifications, it establishes itself as the more capable hardware solution.

Users who require high-speed data retrieval should select the Crucial MX500 4TB to leverage its primary performance advantage. Conversely, the Seagate Barracuda 4TB is the logical choice for budget-conscious buyers, as it holds a 53% advantage in MSRP. Those who prioritize lower acquisition costs over the superior read speeds offered by the Crucial drive will find the Seagate option more suitable for their specific financial requirements.