The Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB is the objective winner, securing victories in six out of seven measured specifications. Its most significant advantage is a sequential read speed that is 189% better than the alternative. This substantial performance lead establishes it as the superior option for users prioritizing raw data throughput and high-capacity storage needs. The Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 2TB remains competitive only in its cost-efficiency, holding an 85% advantage in MSRP.

Choose the Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB if you require maximum storage capacity and the fastest possible read speeds for demanding workloads. Conversely, the Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 2TB is the logical selection for budget-conscious users who prioritize a lower MSRP over the performance gains offered by the higher-tier model. Select based on whether your primary requirement is the significant speed advantage of the former or the cost-effective nature of the latter.