Looking Beyond the Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive

The Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive offers 6TB more storage than the Exos X22, making it the highest-capacity option on this list. It retains the same 7200 RPM rotational speed and 3.5-inch form factor, ensuring compatibility with existing enterprise enclosures. The inclusion of CMR recording technology guarantees consistent write performance without the slowdowns associated with SMR drives. Its 512MB cache is larger than the standard caching found in many base models, aiding in data throughput. You should choose this drive if your primary goal is maximizing petabytes per rack. It sacrifices the specific 20TB model number for greater raw density while maintaining the helium-sealed reliability typical of the Exos line.

Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive

The Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive provides 2TB less capacity than the Exos X22 but emphasizes workload tolerance over sheer volume. It features a substantial 512MB cache, which helps manage large data transfers more efficiently than drives with smaller buffers. The drive maintains the 7200 RPM speed and SATA interface, ensuring it fits standard 3.5-inch bays. Its gold color coding and enterprise-grade build signal high durability for continuous operation. You should pick this alternative if you prioritize stability and speed in a multi-drive array. It is ideal for users who find 20TB excessive and prefer a slightly lighter, highly reliable drive with robust caching for frequent read/write cycles.

Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD

The Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD matches the Exos X22 in rotational speed and form factor but targets NAS environments specifically. It offers 2TB less capacity but includes 256MB of cache and CMR recording technology for reliable performance. Unlike the enterprise-focused Exos, the IronWolf line often includes features tailored for network-attached storage, such as AgileArray technology for vibration management. You should choose this drive if you are building a dedicated NAS rather than a server rack. It fits users who need strong health monitoring and balanced performance. The trade-off is lower total capacity, but the design is optimized for the specific thermal and vibration conditions of multi-bay NAS enclosures.

Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro

The Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro provides 2TB more capacity than the Exos X22, making it the largest NAS-specific drive on this list. It features a 512MB cache and CMR technology, ensuring high performance and reliability for heavy workloads. The drive maintains the 7200 RPM speed and 3.5-inch form factor, fitting standard NAS bays easily. Its red color coding identifies it as a premium NAS drive built for 24/7 operation. You should select this alternative if you need maximum storage density specifically for NAS use. It offers enterprise-grade specs in a format designed for network storage, balancing high capacity with the workload ratings necessary for frequent data access and sharing.

Western Digital WD Red Pro 18TB CMR NAS HDD

The Western Digital WD Red Pro 18TB CMR NAS HDD offers 2TB less capacity than the Exos X22 but focuses on NAS reliability. It uses CMR recording technology and maintains 7200 RPM speeds for consistent performance. While the cache size is not explicitly listed in the provided data, the drive is built for high workload tolerance in NAS environments. It fits the same 3.5-inch form factor and uses a SATA interface. You should choose this drive if you prioritize long-term reliability and warranty coverage over maximum capacity. It is suitable for users who want a dedicated NAS drive with proven CMR technology, accepting slightly lower storage volume for specialized network storage optimization.

Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB offers significantly less capacity than the Exos X22, providing 8TB less storage. It retains the 7200 RPM rotational speed and 3.5-inch form factor, ensuring physical compatibility. The drive uses CMR technology and a SATA interface, similar to the Exos X22. Its lower capacity makes it a cost-effective option for users who do not need 20TB. You should pick this alternative if your storage requirements are smaller and you want enterprise-grade reliability. It fits high-workload enterprise environments where space or budget constraints make 20TB drives unnecessary. It sacrifices density for a more modest storage footprint while maintaining robust performance standards.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed HDD

Best for: Maximum capacity in a single 3.5-inch drive

Storage Capacity

20TB

Form Factor

3.5-inch

Hardware Interface

SATA 6Gb/s

Rotational Speed

7200RPM

Weight

1.83 pounds

View on Amazon: Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed HDD Affiliate link

This renewed Seagate Exos X22 delivers 20TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It spins at 7200 RPM and connects via SATA 6Gb/s. The drive uses helium side-sealing weld technology to maintain reliability. It is designed for hyperscale environments with large data transfers. You get a 2-year reseller warranty for peace of mind. This unit suits users needing high capacity and proven enterprise performance.

Pros

• 20TB storage capacity for maximum petabytes per rack
• 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast data access
• Helium side-sealing weld technology for reliability
• SATA 6Gb/s interface for broad compatibility
• 2-year reseller warranty included

Cons

• Renewed condition means it is not brand new
• Heavier at 1.83 pounds compared to lighter drives
• Enterprise focus may be overkill for light home use

Good fit if

• You need the highest possible capacity in a single drive
• You run a server or NAS with heavy data loads
• You want enterprise-grade reliability at a lower cost

Skip if

• You require a brand new drive with full manufacturer warranty
• You have limited space and need a smaller 2.5-inch drive
• You only store small files and need less than 10TB

Verdict: Seagate Exos X22 20TB Enterprise HDD fits users who need maximum storage density and enterprise reliability in a single drive. It is ideal for servers handling large data transfers where capacity is the top priority.

2 Also great

Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive

Best for: large-scale enterprise storage systems

Storage Capacity

26TB

Form Factor

3.5 in

Hardware Interface

SATA 6Gb/s

Rotational Speed

7200 RPM

Cache Size

512MB

Recording Technology

CMR

View on Amazon: Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive Affiliate link

This Seagate Exos drive offers 26TB of storage using CMR technology and a SATA 6Gb/s interface. It spins at 7200 RPM and includes a 512MB cache for handling large-scale data. The 3.5-inch form factor fits standard enterprise enclosures. You should consider this if you need high capacity and sustained performance for continuous operation in demanding environments.

Pros

• 26TB storage capacity
• CMR recording technology
• 7200 RPM rotational speed
• 512MB cache size

Cons

• SATA interface limits transfer speeds compared to SAS
• 3.5-inch form factor requires large drive bays
• No mention of vibration sensors for multi-drive arrays

Good fit if

• You need maximum storage density per drive
• You run continuous enterprise workloads
• You require CMR reliability for large datasets

Skip if

• You need compact 2.5-inch drive sizes
• You require SAS connectivity for higher throughput
• You prioritize quiet operation in a home office

Verdict: Seagate Exos 26TB Enterprise HDD is a high-capacity solution for users who need reliable, sustained performance for large-scale storage systems.

3 Also great

Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive

Best for: Enterprise NAS users needing high workload tolerance

Storage Capacity

18TB

Form Factor

3.5"

Hardware Interface

SATA 6 Gb/s

Rotational Speed

7200 RPM Class

Cache Size

512 MB

Recording Technology

EAMR

View on Amazon: Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive Affiliate link

This 18TB WD Gold drive targets enterprise and high-end NAS environments. It features 7200 RPM rotation, a 512 MB cache, and SATA 6 Gb/s interface. The drive supports workloads up to 550TB per year and uses HelioSeal technology for efficiency. It includes vibration protection and Energy-assisted magnetic recording for stability. This unit suits users needing heavy-duty performance and large capacity in a 3.5-inch form factor.

Pros

• High 512 MB cache for improved data handling
• Supports up to 550TB annual workload rate
• 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast access
• HelioSeal technology reduces power consumption
• Includes vibration protection technology

Cons

• 18TB capacity is smaller than the 20TB and 26TB options on this list
• Enterprise class drives typically run louder than consumer NAS drives
• Heavier at 1.5 pounds compared to lighter consumer alternatives

Good fit if

• You require an enterprise-grade drive for heavy workloads
• You need a large 18TB capacity with high cache
• You want vibration protection for multi-bay NAS systems

Skip if

• You need the maximum 20TB or 26TB capacity available
• You prefer lower power consumption from smaller capacity drives
• You are looking for a budget-friendly consumer-grade option

Verdict: Western Digital WD Gold 18TB Enterprise HDD delivers robust enterprise performance with a 512 MB cache and high workload rating, making it ideal for users prioritizing stability and speed over maximum capacity.

4 Also great

Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD

Best for: NAS users prioritizing cache and health monitoring

Storage Capacity

18TB

Form Factor

3.5 Inch

Hardware Interface

SATA 6Gb/s

Rotational Speed

7200 RPM

Cache Size

256MB

Recording Technology

CMR

View on Amazon: Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD Affiliate link

This Seagate IronWolf drive offers 18TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It uses CMR technology and spins at 7200 RPM with a 256MB cache. Designed for NAS enclosures, it supports up to 8-bay systems. The drive targets multi-user environments with high performance and reliability. You get integrated health management and a three-year warranty.

Pros

• 18TB storage capacity
• 256MB cache size
• 7200 RPM rotational speed
• CMR recording technology
• Supports up to 8-bay NAS systems

Cons

• 18TB capacity is lower than the 20TB and 26TB options on this list
• Three-year warranty is shorter than typical enterprise five-year coverage
• Heavier and bulkier than smaller capacity drives

Good fit if

• You need a drive optimized for NAS environments
• You want a large cache for faster data access
• You are building an 8-bay NAS system

Skip if

• You require more than 18TB of storage
• You prefer a smaller form factor drive
• You need enterprise-grade long-term warranty coverage

Verdict: Seagate IronWolf 18TB NAS HDD is a solid choice for users prioritizing cache size and NAS-specific features over maximum capacity. It fits well in multi-bay enclosures where performance and health monitoring matter more than raw storage volume.

5 Best premium

Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro

Best for: Maximum NAS capacity and high workload

Storage Capacity

22TB

Form Factor

3.5-inch

Hardware Interface

SATA 6 Gb/s

Rotational Speed

7200 RPM

Cache Size

512 MB

Recording Technology

CMR

View on Amazon: Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro Affiliate link

This Western Digital drive offers 22TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It uses CMR technology and runs at 7200 RPM with a 512 MB cache. The SATA 6 Gb/s interface supports RAID-optimized NAS systems. It is rated for a 550TB/yr workload, making it suitable for high-intensity 24x7 multi-user environments. You should consider this drive if you need maximum capacity and enterprise-grade reliability for your NAS setup.

Pros

• 22TB capacity for large storage needs
• 7200 RPM rotational speed for performance
• CMR recording technology for reliability
• 512 MB cache buffer
• 550TB/yr workload rate rating

Cons

• Heavier at 1.48 pounds
• Higher power consumption typical of 7200 RPM drives
• No mention of vibration sensors in data

Good fit if

• You need the highest capacity in this list
• You run a high-intensity 24x7 NAS
• You prefer CMR over SMR

Skip if

• You prioritize low power consumption
• You need a quieter 5400 RPM drive
• You want a smaller 18TB form factor

Verdict: Western Digital WD Red Pro 22TB provides the largest capacity on this list with enterprise-grade specs. It fits users who need maximum storage and high workload ratings for their NAS.

6 Best budget

Western Digital WD Red Pro 18TB CMR NAS HDD

Best for: NAS users needing CMR reliability and a 5-year warranty

Storage Capacity

18 TB

Form Factor

3.5 inch

Hardware Interface

SATA

Rotational Speed

7200 RPM

Cache Size

512MB

Recording Technology

CMR

View on Amazon: Western Digital WD Red Pro 18TB CMR NAS HDD Affiliate link

The Western Digital WD Red Pro 18TB is a 3.5-inch internal hard drive designed for NAS environments. It uses CMR technology and spins at 7200 RPM, providing consistent performance for heavy workloads. The drive includes 512MB of cache to handle data buffering efficiently. It comes with a 5-year warranty, offering longer coverage than many competitors. This drive suits users needing reliable enterprise-class features in a NAS setup.

Pros

• CMR recording technology for reliable sequential writes
• 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast data access
• 512MB cache size reduces latency
• 5-year warranty coverage
• 18TB storage capacity

Cons

• Lower capacity than the 20TB and 26TB options on this list
• Heavier build due to enterprise-grade components
• No mention of vibration sensors for multi-drive enclosures

Good fit if

• You need CMR reliability for frequent writes
• You want a 5-year warranty for peace of mind
• You prefer 7200 RPM performance over energy-saving speeds

Skip if

• You need the maximum possible capacity per drive
• You are building a quiet home office NAS
• You prefer lower power consumption drives

Verdict: Western Digital WD Red Pro 18TB delivers strong NAS performance with CMR and a 5-year warranty. It fits users who prioritize reliability and speed over maximum storage density.

7

Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB

Best for: high workload enterprise storage needs

Storage Capacity

12TB

Form Factor

3.5-inch

Hardware Interface

SATA

Rotational Speed

7200 RPM

Cache Size

256MB

Recording Technology

CMR

View on Amazon: Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB Affiliate link

This Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC520 is a 12TB enterprise hard drive built for constant operation. It features CMR recording technology and a 7200 RPM rotational speed to ensure smooth data processing. With a 256MB cache and SATA interface, it handles high-capacity workloads efficiently. The drive is rated for up to 550 TB per year, making it a durable option for heavy-duty environments.

Pros

• CMR recording technology for reliable performance
• 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast access
• 256MB cache for smooth data processing
• Rated for up to 550 TB/year workload

Cons

• 12TB capacity is lower than the 18TB and 20TB alternatives on this list
• Amazon.co.jp exclusive packaging limits regional availability
• Warranty depends on specific Amazon.co.jp distributor history

Good fit if

• You need enterprise-grade reliability with CMR technology
• You require a drive rated for high annual workloads
• You are sourcing from Amazon.co.jp distributors

Skip if

• You need higher capacity than 12TB
• You require a standard international warranty
• You prefer drives with larger caches

Verdict: WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB Enterprise HDD offers solid enterprise specs for users who prioritize workload ratings and CMR reliability over maximum capacity.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

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• pelican argo 100x exo alternatives