Compare IronWolf Pro and WD Red Pro on Their Data Sheets
Level on paper for current models; the catch is older IronWolf Pro stock
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Current IronWolf Pro and WD Red Pro drives are rated alike by their makers: 550TB of workload a year, up to 2.5 million hours MTBF, any number of bays and a 5-year limited warranty. So for current models the decision is price per terabyte and capacity. Seagate's range goes to 32TB and WD's to 26TB. The catch is on Seagate's side: older IronWolf Pro model numbers in the NE series are rated 300TB a year and 1.2 million hours, and they are still on sale.
IronWolf Pro vs WD Red Pro, from the data sheets
| IronWolf Pro, NT series | IronWolf Pro, NE series | WD Red Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workload rate | 550TB a year | 300TB a year | 550TB a year |
| MTBF | 2.5 million hours (2 million at 10TB and below) | 1.2 million hours | 2.5 million hours |
| Bays supported | Unlimited | Up to 24 bays or Up to 16 bays | Unlimited |
| Limited warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Capacities | 2TB to 32TB | 2TB to 20TB | 2TB to 26TB |
| Spindle speed | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Recording | CMR | CMR | CMR |
| Data recovery service | 3 years of Rescue, where available | 3 years of Rescue, where available | Not in the data sheet |
Where the figures come from
Seagate's IronWolf Pro data sheets, read by model number, and Western Digital's WD Red Pro data sheet, all read on October 12, 2026. The full list of Seagate model numbers and their ratings is on the IronWolf Pro page.
Checked on October 12, 2026. Sources: Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS2129.7-2510; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS2129.4-2311; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS2129.5-2404; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS16.1-2501; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS1914.21-2206; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS1914.6-1708; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS1914.5-1703; Seagate IronWolf Pro data sheet DS1914.7-1807; Western Digital: WD Red Pro NAS hard drive data sheet.
How to choose
Compare an NT-series IronWolf Pro with a Red Pro of the same capacity on price per terabyte and take the cheaper one; on the makers' published ratings there is nothing else between them. Seagate adds three years of its Rescue data recovery service where it is offered, which WD's data sheet does not mention.
Above 26TB only Seagate has a drive in this class. The model number is in the listing title: an IronWolf Pro number containing NT (ST20000NT001) is the 550TB-a-year series, and one containing NE (ST14000NE0008) is the 300TB-a-year series.
Each range in full
The per-model ratings and the live tables for each range are on their own pages.
Seagate IronWolf Pro, by price per TB
WD Red Pro, by price per TB
Renewed, refurbished and used listings
Shown for reference. These are not counted in the best price per TB above, and warranty terms differ from new drives.
Frequently asked questions
Is IronWolf Pro or WD Red Pro rated for more workload?
Current models are rated the same, 550TB a year. Older IronWolf Pro model numbers in the NE series are rated 300TB a year.
Which goes to a larger capacity?
IronWolf Pro, to 32TB in Seagate's current data sheet. WD Red Pro goes to 26TB.
Do both come with data recovery?
Seagate's data sheets list three years of Rescue Data Recovery Services for IronWolf Pro and note it is not available in every country. WD's Red Pro data sheet does not list a recovery service.