Compare WD Purple and Seagate SkyHawk
Same workload, camera count, MTBF and warranty on paper; three stated differences
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On their makers' data sheets, WD Purple and Seagate SkyHawk are almost the same drive from 4TB to 8TB: both are CMR, both are rated for 180TB a year, up to 64 HD cameras, recorders of up to 16 bays, a one-million-hour MTBF and a three-year warranty. Three differences are stated. SkyHawk lists 600,000 load/unload cycles against WD Purple's 300,000. SkyHawk's sheet includes a three-year data recovery plan, in selected regions. And SkyHawk's 1TB to 3TB models are limited to 8 bays. With the ratings this close on paper, compare the live price per TB below.
The two data sheets, side by side
| WD Purple | Seagate SkyHawk | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacities on the sheet | 4TB, 6TB, 8TB | 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB |
| Model numbers | WD42PURZ, WD43PURZ, WD44PURZ, WD63PURZ, WD64PURZ, WD84PURZ, WD85PURZ | ST1000VX013, ST2000VX017, ST3000VX015, ST4000VX016, ST6000VX009, ST8000VX010 |
| Recording technology | CMR, every model | CMR, every model |
| Workload rating | 180TB a year | 180TB a year |
| Cameras | Up to 64 HD | Up to 64 |
| Drive bays supported | 16 | Up to 16 at 4TB, 6TB and 8TB; up to 8 at 1TB, 2TB and 3TB |
| MTBF | 1,000,000 hours | 1,000,000 hours |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Load/unload cycles | 300,000 | 600,000 |
| Non-recoverable read errors | Fewer than 1 in 10 to the 14th bits read | 1 per 10 to the 14th, maximum |
| Recording firmware | AllFrame | ImagePerfect |
| Data recovery plan | Not stated on the sheet | 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services, offered in selected regions |
What the makers claim, as claims
Western Digital says its AllFrame technology helps reduce frame loss and improve playback. Seagate says its ImagePerfect firmware is designed for seamless capture in 24x7 workloads, and that its RAID RapidRebuild gives volume rebuilds three times faster than traditional RAID rebuilds. Neither claim has been tested here.
Seagate's sheet adds that SkyHawk is designed for always-on workloads of 180TB a year, and points to its enterprise drives for higher transaction workloads.
What these two sheets do not cover
Both sheets stop at 8TB. Larger surveillance drives are sold under other names, WD Purple Pro and SkyHawk AI, with their own data sheets, and those have not been read into this site's record. Nothing on this page should be read across to them.
The listings table below goes beyond 8TB because it lists what is for sale. For a drive above 8TB, read its own data sheet for the workload and camera figures.
Where the figures come from
Western Digital's WD Purple data sheet and Seagate's SkyHawk data sheet DS2118-1-2208, read on October 12, 2026.
Checked on October 12, 2026. Sources: Western Digital: WD Purple surveillance hard drive data sheet; Seagate: SkyHawk 3.5 Hard Drive data sheet DS2118-1-2208.
Surveillance hard drives, by price per TB
Drives sold for recorders, WD Purple and Seagate SkyHawk among them. From 22TB up, a drive is listed only when its maker confirms its recording type.
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
Are WD Purple and Seagate SkyHawk drives CMR?
Yes, for every model on the two data sheets read here: WD Purple at 4TB, 6TB and 8TB, and SkyHawk from 1TB to 8TB.
Which has the higher workload rating, WD Purple or SkyHawk?
Neither. Both data sheets state 180TB a year.
How many cameras do WD Purple and SkyHawk support?
Up to 64 on both data sheets. WD's sheet words it as up to 64 HD cameras.
How many drive bays do SkyHawk drives support?
Up to 16 for the 4TB, 6TB and 8TB models and up to 8 for the 1TB, 2TB and 3TB models, by Seagate's data sheet. WD's sheet gives 16 for every WD Purple model it lists.